The $1.5 billion ocean theme resort of Atlantis is advancing at a rapid pace off the Arabian Gulf on the sands of the Palm Jumeirah. Currently in the first phase of development, construction on the project, based on the legend of the lost city of Atlantis, is reportedly 14 percent complete, after only seven months of development.
The site of construction has sixteen tower cranes presently, while during peak construction time, nearly 6,500 labourers will be at work on the site, according
to Gulf News. Some 2,000 piles and associated foundation works have been completed and the concrete superstructure of the main Royal Tower Hotel and
Entertainment Village is beginning to appear.
Additionally, the concrete structure for the massive Ambassador Tank lagoon has also been constructed "What is really coming to light now is that the structure is taking shape and visibly rising," said Jim Boocher, president of project developer Kerzner Development. "When we open, visitors will be awed by what they see."
The development is the second Atlantis project launched by the Kerzner firm in a 50:50 joint venture with Istithmar PJSC. The project follows the 2,317-room-hotel and water-park built on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. Upon completion of the first phase of the Dubai resort at some point in 2008, an estimated 65,000 marine animals and 1,539 hotel guests will be accommodated on the site, which will feature an underwater maze, 42 acres of water parks and a series of luxury shops and convention facilities.
