Both hotels will be built on a huge new island which will also feature a beach club, 80,000 square foot theatre and a ‘Cave of Wonders’…

If you’ve passed by the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Umm Suqeim, you’ve probably noticed activity happening on the circular island (called The Island) north of Umm Suqeim Park.

So if you’ve been wondering what was happening there, it turns out that’s the chosen location for a new, 3.5 million square metre MGM-operated hotel and entertainment district.

And yes, that is the same MGM that operates Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel – and there will be both a Bellagio Hotel and MGM hotel on The Island.

In total, The Island will be home to an impressive 1,400 hotel rooms and apartments and 10 villas.

ALSO READ: Dubai is getting a sky-high observation deck called The View

Another highlight on the new island will be a sprawling theatre that will occupy an area of 80,000 square feet and have seating for up to 800. MGM is also set to organise regular shows here, and if there one’s in Las Vegas are anything to go by, we can expect some pretty stellar performances.

There’s also set to be a beach club offering maritime leisure activities, water shows, water fountains, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and plenty of shops and restaurants.

According to the latest information on Protenders, 124,000 square feet of space will be dedicated to a new ‘Cave of Wonders’ attraction, that will provide entertainment for children and families through an array of sports and games. Sounds interesting.

In June 2019, architecture firm Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) confirmed that marine and enabling works have now started on The Island.

When the project was first announced in March 2017, the exact location was not revealed, although master developer Wasl did announce it would open sometime in 2021.

Wasl hospitality portfolio already includes luxury hotels such as Westin Mina Seyahi, Park Hyatt and the recently opened Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai.

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Images: Protenders