Next Dubai Hotel Trend: Underwater Hotels?

If your clients think they've seen every kind of hotel, they'll want to check this out: Hotelier Middle East is reporting that the shipbuilding arm of Dubai World is looking to build a series of underwater hotels in the emirate.

Drydocks World said it has signed an agreement with a Swiss contractor to develop the World Discus Hotel, which is partly submerged under the sea. According to Drydocks World, BIG InvestConsult will provide the required technological expertise for the unusual concept.

Drydocks World did not provide any details on the cost of the project or a potential completion date, but they did say that in addition to leisure facilities, the development will also include a laboratory for ocean environment protection and research.

Dubai has a history of building unique tourism projects, such as the man-made Palm Jumeirah and The World islands development.