The first phase of Aqua Dunya, the $1.8 billion water-themed family entertainment destination in Dubailand, broke ground in Dubai recently.

The project is developed by Dubai-based Aqua Dunya and Al Sharq Investment is the sponsor investor.
Themed as the largest cruise ship in the world anchored at its desert oasis, the project will create a new landmark for Dubai’s growing tourism market when it opens in January 2010.
Aqua Dunya aims to become one of the largest theme park resorts in the Middle East, attracting over three million visitors annually.
“The arrival of the bulldozers on site marks another major milestone in the realisation of our vision for Aqua Dunya”, says Ali Al Shehri, chairman of Al Sharq Investment.
Aqua Dunya Resort and Residences will be developed in three phases to address the growing demand as tourist arrivals increase to Dubai.
The first phase comprises the Aqua Dunya Theme Park, Jumeirah Desert Pearl Hotel and Port District, 170 timeshare apartments, and 1,000 freehold residences.
“What’s unique about Aqua Dunya is the combination of wet and dry rides in the same park,” says Steve Tight, CEO of Aqua Dunya. “Unlike traditional water parks, our guests can enjoy Aqua Dunya while dressed in a swim suit or in street clothes to encourage the whole family to experience the excitement together.”
The theme park comprises three islands, each themed around the tales of Rakaan and his adventures on the high seas, and a number of rides inside the ship itself.
The first phase theme park will have 35 rides and shows initially, which will be expanded to 55 at build-out, and will appeal to all demographic segments from young children to adults.
Jumeirah, the operator of landmark luxury hotels in Dubai and throughout the world and the renowned ‘Wild Wadi’ water park in Dubai, will be operating the first phase of the resort.
The five-star Jumeirah Desert Pearl Hotel in the stern of the authentic turn-of-the-century cruise ship will offer 400 luxurious staterooms and suites with views to the surrounding oasis, innovative themed restaurants, a top quality spa, and a variety of recreational facilities.
The Port District offers unique merchandise from around the world in a traditional Arabian suq setting and exotic international dining overlooking the massive 330-m-long cruise ship which forms the backdrop for world-class nightly entertainment.
Aqua Dunya also includes a family-oriented timeshare development with themed one to four-bedroom vacation apartments bordering the theme park and canal. The first phase of the residential community sits at the end of the canal with freehold apartments and townhouses fronting an esplanade of waterfront shops and restaurants.
At build-out, Aqua Dunya will include two world class theme parks, three themed hotels, a retail and dining district, a 1,400 seat waterfront theatre, a nine-hole golf course, 755 timeshare apartments, and an adjacent residential community with over 2,600 freehold residences.