Dubai based Amusement Whitewater, the award-winning themed construction company , has been commissioned to create the external theming works of 'Atlantis The Palm' resort hotel, which is expected to become one of the biggest leisure attractions in the region.
The USD 25 million (approx. AED 92 million) contract is the largest of its kind ever awarded in the Middle East.
Amusement Whitewater will look to recreate the history and myth of Atlantis at the world-class resort using their award-winning expertise in themed construction and rockworks. The resort will feature an extensive water theme park, set to be the largest in the region, alongside one of the world's largest marine habitats with over 65000 fascinating specimens of marine life. A further prime attraction at the resort will be 'The Dig'; an Atlantis themed 'archaeological' experience that comes alive through its imaginatively themed environment.
The contract covers all the major themed elements of the resort: the focal point will be the huge Ziggurat Tower where all the rides start, leading to the tube river and the retail complex. The main Hotel, The Dig and the Ambassador Tank will all be themed to create the perfect illusion of the Lost City of Atlantis. Detailed artefacts and elaborate mural frescos will be an important part of the astonishing project. Whitewater West of Canada, an associate company of Amusement Whitewater, has been entrusted with the task of designing and supplying all the rides for the waterpark.
The project is scheduled to be completed within a year, and work is rapidly progressing on site with a 350-strong team working round the clock.
Duarte Marques, Chief Executive Officer of AWW is sure of meeting the deadline. 'This is one of the largest projects ever to be undertaken in the region, and we have set up a dedicated team of project management experts and skilled artists, who will together recreate the complete illusion of the lost city of Atlantis. Soon, the guests and visitors at the resort will be able to enjoy this unique and marvellous experience.'
Since its establishment in 1993, Amusement Whitewater has been involved in creating amazing projects like the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall and remarkable leisure destinations like the Wild Wadi and Ski Dubai. The company has recently won an award at the prestigious Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) International Awards in California for its dramatic internal theming of Ski Dubai.
Situated at the external crescent on Palm Island, Atlantis The Palm will be the flagship property, the jewel in the crown, of this enormous development. Atlantis The Palm is a joint venture between Kerzner International and Dubai based company Istithmar and will replicate the momentous success of 'Atlantis, Paradise Island' in the Bahamas, often thought as an entertainment destination in the league of Disney. The 1st phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2008.