Construction work at Dubai’s ‘Atlantis’ resort in Palm Jumeira is set to peak next February with an estimated 6,800 workers on site. Currently, approximately two thirds of the project’s peak staffing total is working to complete the $1.5 billion first phase of the project by the end of 2008.
Construction cost of the two main components, which include a hotel and water park, is estimated at around $650 million, according to Gulf News. Design works and management fees total more than $200 million.
The Atlantis resort is a 50-50 joint venture between Dubai investment house Istithmar and Kerzner International, which is headed by Sol Kerzner, a South African-born hotel and gambling tycoon.
Only several key contracts remain to be awarded for the project, including landscaping, furnishings and supplies, according to Jim Boocher, president of Atlantis Kerzner International Development.
Last week a fit-out contract worth $3 million for seven suites was given to LCL Interiors and Mice Kraftwork LLC. A $25 million fit-out contract was also awarded to the firm in August.
Several other firms have been short listed for furniture and other hotel supply contacts estimated to total an impressive $80 million. "There is discussion going on about those. It is a pretty big process," stated Boocher.
