Kerzner eyes more projects like Atlantis

The CEO of Dubai's landmark Atlantis hotel yesterday outlined plans for global expansion of the world-famous brand.

Sol Kerzner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kerzner International, said he expected more projects in the future like the $1.5 billion (Dh5.5bn) resort at the head of The Palm Jumeirah.

Visiting Atlantis yesterday ahead of its official opening in September, Kerzner told Emirates Business: "There could be another one or two. But there aren't going to be ten in the next five years. It's a very special brand and not the sort of thing I could see as a multiple-brands project."

Atlantis was unveiled for the first time to the world's media this week. For South African-born Kerzner – whose mantra is to "blow the customer away" – it was a chance to wow with his latest mega-development.

Spread across 46 hectares, the 1,539-room resort is a joint venture between Nakheel and Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts.

It is the second Atlantis – taking inspiration from Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,900 room ocean-themed destination resort in Nassau, Bahamas, and scheduled to open on September 24.

Kerzner, 72, who has a 25 per cent stake in Kerzner International, said: "Atlantis are enormous projects. We want them to stay unique. Dubai is a sensational place and we feel hugely confident it will be a huge success."

But Kerzner, who also manages ultra-luxury resorts under the One&Only brand in destinations such as Mauritius, Maldives and Dubai's One&Only Royal Mirage, declined to confirm whether the brand' expansion plans include the Gulf.

He said: "The Gulf is a very important and expanding market but I have no specifics as to what we plan to do there. But we are putting another One&Only on The World and expanding the Royal Mirage so there is another part of it on the crescent of The Palm."

Billed as "the new gateway" to the region, Atlantis The Palm will feature Aquaventure, a 17-hectare water amusement park – the region's largest – a dolphinarium and entertainment, culinary and retail opportunities.

Kerzner hired a team of renowned architects, designers and landscapers to ensure his vision met his exacting standards.

He said: "I challenged these designers to come up with something that captured the essence of Atlantis – the wonder, the water and the sense of discovery – yet with distinct Arabian elements."

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