INVESTMENT Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and Kerzner International Holdings, a leading developer and operator of destination resorts and luxury hotels, will develop The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences at a cost of $1.4 billion in Dubai.

Located on the crescent of The Palm and next to the iconic Atlantis resort, this new generation of distinctive luxury will offer a sophisticated lifestyle experience, with infinite ocean views, accented with lush green spaces, and encapsulated in dramatic architecture.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspected the design of the project and ordered its completion by 2018.

“This next phase of Atlantis, including the luxury residences of The Royal Atlantis, will continue to drive the growth of Dubai forward,” commented Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, executive director and CEO of ICD and chairman of Kerzner International.

He also reiterated the importance of this investment for Dubai and its strengthening hotel and tourism industry as the emirate prepares to host the Expo World Fair in 2020.

The new project will involve a total investment of $1.4 billion in the resort expansion and amenities and feature nearly 800 new guest rooms and lavish suites with spectacular architecture from Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) and interior design by GA Design.

The 250 luxury residences, meanwhile, aims to redefine the leisure residential experience in Dubai, designed by Sybille de Margerie Design, providing exclusive doorstep access to exciting restaurants and entertainment, as well as unsurpassed resort experiences with definitive signature service.

The Royal Atlantis Resort will stand 46 storeys tall and feature spectacular ocean and Palm views, allowing guests to feel that they are literally floating between the sky and sea while a chic Sky Pool will soar almost 90 m above The Palm, offering the ultimate ‘ultra-pool’ experience with Dubai city views.

Guests and residents will be able to enjoy a variety of unique amenities, from soaring private gardens and private infinity pools overlooking the ocean and The Palm, to the Sky Pool, the ‘ultra-pool’ with a variety of cutting-edge experiences and the beach club.

Kerzner International will unveil new world-class restaurants with award-winning celebrity chefs, as well as new entertainment experiences. Luxury retail boutiques will be curated to offer a wide selection for shopping pleasure. The destination will also house a spa offering traditional and holistic practices fused with modern spa therapies, as well as a fitness centre.

Younger guests will experience their own adventures, from discovering exotic marine life, to culinary lessons, to the latest in gaming. In addition, event space will be available for both large and small gatherings, whether for business or for pleasure.