The Hindu Business Line : Dubai to build underwater hotel

FORGET about the huge township in Kevin Costner's Waterworld. Dubai will have the world's first underwater luxury hotel off the Jumeirah coast by 2006.

Christened Hydropolis Hotel, the upcoming project would add to the tourism menu of Dubai, according to Mr Saleh Al Geziry, Executive (Overseas Promotions) of Dubai's Department Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Mr Saleh, who is leading a DTCM team to top Indian cities showcasing Dubai tourism, said Hydropolis Hotel was among some interesting projects being taken up by the Government of Dubai.

He said two man-made, palm-shaped islands each comprising hotels, residential villas, cinemas and shopping malls would be coming up off the Dubai coastline.

The World, a cluster of more than 200 man-made islands, would be erected in the shape of world map by 2008. Expatriates could invest in this project

Apart from these, Dubai would also have six theme zones, which include sports and entertainment.

Mr Carl Vaz, Country Manager (Dubai Representative Office in India), said India figured among one of the top five countries that contributed to tourism inflows into Dubai.

Last year, 3.25 lakh Indians visited Dubai, forming 6.5 per cent of the total inflows. "The number grew by 8 per cent year on year. This year, we are looking at 20 per cent growth from tourism arrivals from India," he said.

South India contributed 35 per cent to the outflows from India.

Justifying the target, Mr Vaz said Dubai could bet on the feel-good factor. "This will reflect in more outbound traffic. We are here to showcase the tourism products keeping in mind the summer market," he said.

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