Dubai-based wasl Hospitality and Leisure, a subsidiary of wasl Asset Management Group has selected MGM Hospitality to advise on the development of a premier destination resort in Dubai and to operate the resort when completed. MGM Hospitality, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, has signed a definitive management agreement with wasl Hospitality.
The 26-acre prime beachfront development, which will feature an MGM Hotel, MGM Residences and a Bellagio Hotel, will mark the debut of the iconic MGM and Bellagio brand names in the Middle East region. A luxurious setting on Jumeirah Beach set apart from the bustle of Dubai, the integrated resort will be an entertainment destination for the future, featuring a wide spectrum of activities for all ages.
“We are excited and honored by the opportunity to introduce our incredible brands in one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations. This marks the first time we will offer multiple MGM luxury brands at a prime beachfront location,” said Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts. “This agreement, which makes us the development advisor and operator, reflects our commitment to remaining disciplined and focused in our investments while continuing to advance our brand of entertainment resorts in markets around the world.”
The project was presented to His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, by officials from both MGM Resorts and wasl Asset Management Group.
Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group commented: “wasl is proud to be working in partnership with such an internationally acclaimed hotel and resort operator; it is a major milestone and we are very excited to be bringing MGM Resorts on our journey to making Dubai the world’s best city to visit, work and live in. The collaboration also fulfils wasl’s mandate to attract global hospitality players to Dubai, where we are constantly striving to raise the bar in the city by offering tourists, residents and visitors ever more sensational hospitality and entertainment experiences.”
The project will be a major attraction for tourists and those with a passion for seeking out new destinations and adventures, as it debuts a range of fresh entertainment and leisure concepts that have never been seen before in the region. One of the main attractions will be ‘Dubai Sphere’ – a 110-metre-high entertainment tower located in the center of the complex and offering 3D light and sound effect shows for up to 300 guests at a time. ‘Dubai Sphere’ visitors are also promised an exciting vertical travel experience that culminates at the top of the tower, where the dome roof will open to reveal magnificent panoramic views overlooking the entire project and some of Dubai’s most beautiful sites.
‘Dubai Sphere’ will be surrounded by three structural towers resembling waterfalls, linking it to several floors with event and exhibition spaces as well as retail stores, restaurants and cafés. The project will also be home to an 81,000-square-foot theatre with an 800 guest capacity; it will stage custom-made shows presented by MGM and also host conferences and other events. The theatre will be linked to the beach club, creating an immersive and seamless leisure and entertainment experience.
Children’s entertainment has also been taken into consideration as the project will include a 124,000-square-foot ‘Explorers Cavern’, where younger guests can enjoy hours of entertainment via exciting adventure experiences and both indoor and outdoor sports, as well as nourishing meals at family restaurants with kid-friendly menus.
The project also features a beach club where guests can enjoy a range of activities and luxurious facilities spread over a 33,000 square foot space. The club extends into an idyllic lagoon area covering 89,000 square feet, where guests will find a full range of restaurants and cafés as well as entertaining aquatic shows in the evening.
The experience on the island continues with the Promenade, which extends for 1.2 kilometres and will be home to 40,000 square feet of commercial stores and 75,000 square feet of restaurants, cafés and other dining outlets.
Dubai has grown into a global city and international business hub by launching major enterprises and conglomerates in a relatively short period of time. In 2015, Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution ranked Dubai the world’s fastest growing metropolitan area relative to the national growth rate.
MGM Hospitality focuses on the design, development and management of luxury non-gaming hotels, resorts and residential offerings.
wasl Hospitality and Leisure, a subsidiary of wasl Asset Management Group which was established by the Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC), manages a significant portfolio of hotels in Dubai totaling more than 5,500 rooms and hotel-apartments.
