Property

‘Mini Ibiza’ island in UAE to stick to the law as it woos party-goers

By Gavin Davids

Posted on March 3, 2015

Ras Al Khaimah property developer says $4.87 billion party island will seek proper licenses to operate

PHOTO: One of the four man-made Al Marjan Islands off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah will be developed as a 'mini Ibiza'. Credit: Supplied

The developer behind a planned party island in Ras Al Khaimah has insisted that the project can go ahead despite the considerable challenges of building a “mini Ibiza” in the Muslim world.

Al Marjan Islands LLC, the RAK-based development firm, has announced plans to build a destination that imitates the Spanish island of Ibiza on one of the four man-made Al Marjan Islands off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah.

The 24-hour Dream Island project aims to attract clubs and hotels to the island, said George Saad, director of sales and marketing at Al Marjan Islands.

“It will be something similar to Ibiza… There will be clubs and hotels serving alcohol, but they will be licensed to do that – just like any hotel in Dubai. There are no restrictions in serving alcohol if you have a license,” Saad said in an interview with 7DAYS, a local newspaper.

The 370,000sqm island is currently looking for $4.87 billion in investment as it seeks to attract international clubs, hotels and restaurants. The entire land area will be dedicated to nightclubs, hotels and restaurants, with no residential development planned.

Saad was quick to clarify that despite being based on Ibiza, the project will not take on the Spanish island’s less appealing aspects.

“This is a Muslim country,” he said. “Everything will be according to law. The concept of the hotels is as a luxurious getaway for visitors and for party people to enjoy.”