Dubai unveils first floating islands project amid COVID-19

Despite that, the tourism industry around the globe is suffering from the crisis of coronavirus, Dubai administration is committed to providing full support to enhance tourism in emirates.

In what appears to be a new marvel of engineering, a series of floating islands will be built in Dubai as part of a new beach development project announced by the emirate’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

Sunset Promenade will be connected to Jumeirah Beach near the Dubai Water Canal and cover a total area of 190,000 square meters, according to a promotional video tweeted by the RTA.

Sunset Promenade, a new beach destination in #Dubai that will feature unique models of a group of floating islands. Watch to discover more.#RTA pic.twitter.com/ZGxG3gg8qd

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— RTA (@rta_dubai) June 21, 2020

The video showed what appeared to be three islands close to the shoreline. It said the promenade would be a family destination and that 1,410 square meters would be occupied by commercial shops.

The announcement did not say when construction would begin or how much it would cost. Dubai’s government media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It is the first major state project announced in Dubai since the United Arab Emirates started enforcing restrictions in March to combat the spread of the new coronavirus.

Many of those restrictions have since been eased, although the country continues to ban the entry of non-residents and non-nationals.

Tourism is a major contributor to Dubai’s economy.

Dubai relaxes travel plans

Dubai administration said it will allow foreign visitors to enter from July 7,  in a further easing of its coronavirus lockdown.

It also said that international health insurance, COVID-19 tests and a completed health declaration form were compulsory for tourists visiting Dubai.

Citizens and residents would be permitted to travel abroad from Tuesday June 23, it added.

Last week, the UAE allowed citizens and residents to travel to countries deemed low-risk for catching the coronavirus. Dubai’s economy, which heavily relies on retail, tourism and hospitality, has suffered from the lockdown and travel restrictions as the coronavirus outbreak spread.