Home to the Largest Water-Themed Attraction in the Middle East
Atlantis, The Palm is a 1,539-room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the center of the crescent of the man-made Palm Island in Dubai. This US$1.5 billion joint venture project was developed with Dubai government- owned Istithmar. Opened in September 2008, the resort utilizes the 46-hectares site, with 17 hectares of water- themed amusement at AQUAVENTURE, extensive fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open-aired marine habitat, a seemingly endless stretch of beach, and a collection of renowned restaurants, including Nobu, Ronda Locatelli, Ossiano and Rostang, The French Brasserie.
The innovative development offers an unprecedented entertainment center, an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops, and extensive meeting and convention facilities. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays that include The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through “ancient Atlantis.”
The first resort to open its doors on Dubai’s island, The Palm was created by Kerzner International Holdings Limited, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts. The Palm reflects Chairman and CEO Sol Kerzner’s vision to transport guests into a dazzling, imaginative world.
“Out of a vision that married the wonders of marine life with stunning elegance and sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf alongside the most exciting water playground in this part of the world, we have developed an experience within Atlantis that is truly different than the existing pleasures of Dubai. We’re very proud,” said Kerzner.
Water adventures, salt and fresh water attractions, and an open-air marine habitat are the focal point of Atlantis for both guests and visitors. Rising from the Arabian Gulf, the AQUAVENTURE waterscape contains 18 million liters of fresh water used to power seven thrilling waterslides, a 2.3 kilometer river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. AQUAVENTURE also features a Mesopotamian-styled Ziggurat temple that reaches over 30 meters high and includes seven heart-pumping water slides — two of which catapult riders through shark-filled lagoons.
“It is simply not enough for us to deliver new water rides. Our goal is to redefine the concept of a water park,” Kerzner said. Using the latest technology, AQUAVENTURE is capable of using over 750,000 liters per minute to create water surges and waves with swells reaching almost 1 meter high. Guests are propelled through the lushly landscaped waterscape, never having to leave their inner tubes as innovative water escalators carry participants up slide towers and down through rapids.
• The Ambassador Lagoon includes an 11-million-liter marine habitat and underwater exhibit that is home to several hundred species of marine life, with a viewing panel looking right into the mystical ruins of Atlantis.
• The Lost Chambers brings the myth of Atlantis to life through a maze of underground tunnels offering underwater views into the boulevards of the ruins of Atlantis.
• Dolphin Bay, a 4.5-hectare, state-of-the-art dolphin education and conservation center, allows guests the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the world’s