Man-made Dubai island becomes pricey beach club

Man-made Dubai island becomes pricey beach club
Jonathan ChancellorFebruary 12, 2012

The Royal Island Beach Club on The World's Lebanon island, in Dubai, is set to open any day now after its completion by the Indian entrepreneur Wakil Ahmed Azmi.

It’s part of the many islands built as part of The World project, which epitomised Nakeel Dubai's boom-time ambition. Construction on most of the offshore projects ground to a virtual standstill in the wake of the economic downturn.

Indian entrepreneur Wakil Ahmed Azmi bought the island in 2008. The Dubai-based entrepreneur moved to the emirates 35 years ago and his main business is the re-export of electronic goods.

Wakil Ahmed Azmi has spent around AED68 million ($17.3 million) on buying and developing the island, according to the Arabian Business website.

 

The beach club includes a 100-seat restaurant, cabanas, a lounge area and entertainment facilities.

Guests will pay a set fee of AED200 ($51) to visit the island, and Saturdays will cost about AED700 ($178) with an all-inclusive brunch.

The Arabian Business website gives the first look at the tropical island beach club.

The Royal Island Beach Club will be accessible via a 25-minute journey on a private yacht or RTA water taxi.

Nakheel launched a cruise ship service to ferry tourists around the Palm Jumeirah last month.

Nakheel has advised 70% of the 300 man-made islands were sold and that building work remained the responsibility of the buyers.

A number of island buyers are in default.

 

Jonathan Chancellor

Jonathan Chancellor is one of Australia's most respected property journalists, having been at the top of the game since the early 1980s. Jonathan co-founded the property industry website Property Observer and has written for national and international publications.

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