Underwater luxury hotel becomes Dubai reality

Dubai government-owned shipbuilder

Drydocks World has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with

Big InvestConsult AG on behalf of

Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) as the sole construction contractor of a luxury underwater hotel in the Middle Eastern emirate.

The Water Discus Underwater Hotel will comprise 21 hotel rooms up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea and target wealthy tourists and marine enthusiasts.

The patent-protected design features disc-shaped structures that are both above and below the water surface.

According to DOT’s website, the modules work as an independent structure, with the possibility of joining other modules to create a larger resort complex.

Each module consists of two discs, one disc is submerged ten-meters underwater and the other floats five to seven-meters above the sea’s surface. Both parts are connected by three structural “legs” and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway.

Glass framed window walls provide uninterrupted underwater views of coral reefs to each of the private rooms with a special integrated lighting system allowing visitors to illuminate the water world around them. Miniature underwater vehicles also allow visitors to view microscopic underwater creatures using macro photography.

The hotel also features an above-water restaurant, spa, swimming pool, rooftop garden and helipad.

According to the designers, the Water Discus complex is designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

“The structure sits up on three sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas. The sturdiness of the construction and technical solutions employed ensure that the underwater disc automatically surfaces at once in the event of any danger.”