According to their 2005 Annual Report, the company is still negotiating with Dubai to build the world's first 'shallow water' Hydropolis hotel. However, right now they're working on the world's first 'deep water' hotel in Qingdao, China, on the Yellow Sea coastline. Apparently they want this finished by 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
I guess that's how things go in Dubai, construction-wise. The first press conference for this project was August of 2003. Construction was to start in July of 2004. Guests would arrive fall of 2006.
Wait, isn't it fall of 2006 right now?
Yep.
Now everything I can find that even has a completion date says "2009".
It's interesting it's not on the map, though, considering other projects that are on the map are still three years off.
Still, it sounds pretty amazing:
Constructed from a combination of concrete, steel and clear Plexiglas, Hydropolis will be the world's first underwater luxury hotel. It will offer 220 suites, all sitting on the Gulf floor 66 feet (20 meters) below the surface.
The property will house a cinema, cosmetic surgery clinic, marine institute, museum, library and a prayer room. Furthermore, the guest will be able to rise to the surface and take advantage of a sandy beach complete with snorkeling over the hotel suites. Oh, and if you are worried about burning in the hot desert sun, don't, Hydropolis will be manufacturing clouds to protect the guests from the powerful Gulf sun.
So if you want to come visit Dubai in 2009 (or so, Insha'Allah), and you have $5,500 for a day's lodging, check out the Hydropolis.
