In pics: World’s first ‘luxury underwater vessel resort’ launched in Dubai

Property developer Kleindienst Group has launched The Floating Venice – what it claims is the world’s first underwater luxury vessel resort – during the Cityscape exhibition in Dubai.

Valued at Dhs2.5bn ($680m), The Floating Venice will be located in The World islands, 4km offshore from Dubai.

The resort, which will have the capacity for up to 3,000 guests daily, will have accommodation, restaurants and recreation split over four decks – one of which will be underwater.

It will feature 414 bespoke cabins, 12 restaurants and bars – of which three will be underwater and 12 floating beaches, a statement said.

It will also have traditional artisanal shops, a floating underwater spa and 24 pools – some of which will have acrylic bases offering views of the coral reefs below.

Over 400,000 sq ft of corals will be planted around The Floating Venice from an own on-site coral nursery.

Those staying at the resort can arrive by boat, seaplane or helicopter to the main Piazza San Marco where they can check-in at the underwater lobby.

They can opt to go to their cabins through gondolas – reportedly imported from Venice – or using the walkways and bridges.

The Floating Venice will also host festivals such as Carnivale di Venezia, Binnale di Venezia and Festa del Rendentore throughout the year, the statement added.

It will be constructed using a mixture of concrete for the underwater sections and marine lightweight materials for the upper decks.

Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2018 with completion by Q4 2020.

The Floating Venice is designed to have a lifespan of at least 100 years, according to the developer.

“Our aim is to enhance the landscape of real estate and hospitality and deliver a new iconic experience,” said Josef Kleindienst, chairman of Kleindienst Group.

Kleindienst is the developer behind The Heart of Europe islands and The Floating Seahorse – the world’s first underwater houses – at The World Islands.

Also read: Contractors appointed for The World Islands Heart of Europe project