Dubai plans resort project in tourism drive

Dubai - The United Arab Emirates plans to develop a 6.3 billion dirham ($1.7 billion) tourist resort on two man-made islands it will build either side of the Burj Al Arab, its luxury sail-shaped hotel.

It is the latest development planned by the emirate as it aims to attract 20 million visitors a year by 2020 when Dubai hosts the World Expo 2020 exhibition.

Spanning 371,600 square meters, Marsa Al Arab will be made up of two islands, one dedicated to entertainment and family tourism and the other featuring luxury villas and a private marina, state news agency WAM reported on Monday.