New Atlantis Hotel in Dubai has Environmentalists up in Protest

Update on Atlantis Opening

The $1.5 billion Atlantic Resort on Dubai’s Palm Island is set to open on Wednesday 24 September amid cries of protest.

Journalists see this opening as another round in the rivalry between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for architectural supremacy and oil-powered opulence.

In keeping with Dubai excess the 113 acre resort built on an artificial island boasts a $25,000 per night suite and an ocean-themed family entertainment.

The resort has a giant tank with 65,000 fish, stingrays and a dolphinarium with two dozen dolphins flown in from the Solomon Islands.

Environmental groups are critical of the relocation of the dolphins from their South Seas' marine home and for exposing them to the 30 hour flight from the Pacific Ocean to the Persian Gulf.

To read more and to see the photographic gallery follow this link:
Adam Schreck and Barbara Surk, 'Dubai Ups Ante with $1.5B Hotel on Palm Island', Huffington Post, 22 September 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: In with the carpet for the new hotel. Aquarium in the backround (courtesy of Kamran Jebreili AP from the gallery at the above link).