Atlantis The Palm opens in Dubai

[September 24th 2008]

The largest water themed tourist attraction in the Middle East – Atlantis, the Palm – has opened today in Dubai.

Atlantis is the flagship resort on the new man made Palm Jumeirah. With a water playground called Aquaventure, a dolphin education and conservation centre and an underwater attraction based on the myth of Atlantis, this new holiday attraction is set to compete with some of the Disney resorts in Florida.

“Atlantis, The Palm is an entertainment destination that is truly different than anything that currently exists in the resort category in the region,” says Alan Leibman, president/managing director of Kerzner International, the international developer and operator of resorts, casinos and luxury hotels.

“When you combine 1,539 rooms of grand proportion, high design from talents like Jeffrey Beers, David Rockwell, Adam Tihany and Wilson Associates, an incredible water adventure at Aquaventure, a marine habitat of 65,000 marine animals, a beautiful stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, and numerous dining experiences with celebrity chef restaurants, we know we are giving people unparalleled experiences new to the Middle East,” continues Leibman.

Water based attractions are all around at Atlantis, The Palm. The water playground Aquaventure has seven heart-pumping water slides, including two which catapult the brave riders through shark-filled lagoons.

The Lost Chambers aims to bring the myth of the lost city of Atlantis to life through a maze of underground tunnels giving views into the boulevards of the ruins of Atlantis.

There are also plenty of opportunities to view marine animals. The Ambassador Lagoon is an open air marine habitat and underwater exhibit with hundreds of species of marine life plus further views of Atlantis.

Dolphin lovers will also be in their element. Dolphin Bay is a 4.5 hectare dolphin education and conservation centre where visitors can swim with dolphins and find out more about these fascinating creatures.

Away from the water, Atlantis, The Palm also offers a luxury spa and fitness centre, over two dozen shops in The Avenues including Tiffany, Cartier, Lacoste and Roberto Cavalli, and a choice of 17 restaurants, bars and lounges to suit every palate.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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