Dubai to build underwater hotel … again?

by | May 7, 2012 | Advanced Aquarist | 0 comments


Dubai to build underwater hotel ... again?


The planned Water Discus Underwater Hotel, Dubai.

waterdiscus6.jpg

Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) has announced plans to build the Water Discus: a futuristic, Jetsons-esque , multi-disked underwater hotel.

The 11,000 square feet (1,000 square meters) underwater disk will house 21 two-guest rooms, bar, and dive center (complete with air locks and a decompression chamber), all located ten meters below the waves. Each guest room will be equipped with miniature remotely-operated underwater vehicles to allow guests to explore adjacent reef life through macro photography.

The upper disk will rest 5-7 meters above sea level and include the lobby, restaurant, spa, swimming pool, garden, and (of course) a helipad.

DOT has contracted Dubai’s shipyard, Drydocks World, to construct the hotel as a modular structure, meaning hotel operators can disassemble Water Discus and change locations.

The Water Discus is Dubai’s second attempt at an underwater hotel.  The even more extravagant, $300 million Hydropolis Hotel was announced in 2006 but failed to get past the blueprint stage.

waterdiscus7.jpg

As literal a translation of “reef-side bar” as you can get.

 

waterdiscus8.jpg

21 underwater bedrooms will have expansive views of neighboring coral reefs.

 

waterdiscus9.jpg

In the comfort of their own beds, guests can explore the underwater world using remotely operated mini-submersibles.

 

waterdiscus2.jpg

waterdiscus3.jpg

Day and night artist renditions of Water Discus’ topside.

waterdiscus5.jpg

Three support columns allow the lower disk to rise and descend.  The center column connects guests to the underwater world; This column slides up and down through the center hole of the top disk.  This will allow hotel operators to situate the lower disk at the ideal depth as well as safely evacuate the entire lower disk above sea level in case of an emergency.

As if having the world’s tallest building and a ski park in the middle of the dessert isn’t enough, Dubai may just yet find another way to top itself.

  • Leonard Ho

    I'm a passionate aquarist of over 30 years, a coral reef lover, and the blog editor for Advanced Aquarist. While aquarium gadgets interest me, it's really livestock (especially fish), artistry of aquariums, and "method behind the madness" processes that captivate my attention.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Upcoming Events