All bets are off as Caesars Palace resort set to open in Dubai

There will be no casino, but could a hotel renowned for legendary title fights herald a new era of boxing in the Middle East?

An artist's impression of the new Bluewater Island off Dubai Marina. Courtesy: Meraas

Caesars Palace is world famous for hosting some of the biggest boxing bouts in history and one of the most popular casinos on the Las Vegas strip.

And now the company behind that glamour and success is bringing a taste of the big time to Dubai, as a second Caesars Palace is planned for the Bluewaters Island development off Jumeirah Beach Residence.

A partnership between Meraas and Caesars Entertainment will bring two luxury hotels, a conference centre and beach club to the resort later this year.

Details of the décor and design of the Dubai hotel remains tightly wrapped, but in line with the UAE's laws on gambling, the Dubai facility won’t be taking any bets.

The exclusive 178-key Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, will be the world’s second Caesars Palace, featuring one indoor and two outdoor swimming pools, a 630 square-metre spa and a health centre with stunning views of Ain Dubai and six restaurants.

The property will also include a dedicated event hall, meeting room and a business centre.

Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, the second hotel, will have 301 rooms, two outdoor swimming pools, three 'world-class' restaurants, three meeting rooms equipped to provide business services, and an 850 square-metre event hall.

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Both hotels will have an array of amenities and services and offer guests direct access to a 450-metre private beach.

“Through our collaboration with Meraas, we anticipate Bluewaters Island will evolve into the region’s top hospitality, dining and entertainment destination,” said Mark Frissora, president and chief executive officer of Caesars Entertainment.

“This project represents Caesars ability to focus on our strengths in hospitality as well as reinforce our commitment and capacity to establish brands in new global markets.”

The Nevada hotel has become one of the best known landmarks in Las Vegas. Inspired from the surroundings of ancient Rome, the hotel’s outdoor arena has fittingly hosted several memorable world title fights.

Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Roberto Duran, Wladimir Klitschko and most famously Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler have all boxed at the venue, but details on the potential of Dubai Caesar’s Palace to host similar international events have not been confirmed.

Bluewaters is an Dh8 billion man-made island built off the coast of JBR. It is expected to become a world-renowned tourism hotspot in line with the Dubai Tourism Vision 2020.

More than 1,500 local and international firms are working on the project with main developer Meraas. Centrepiece of the project will by Ain Dubai, at 210 metres – the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel offering a 360-degree view of the city.

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It will also feature a 150-metre-high rope climbing platform, and 10 apartment buildings with 700 residences.

Caesars Bluewaters Dubai is due to open in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“Meraas is dedicated to implementing the vision of our wise leadership and consolidating Dubai’s status as a global tourist destination in line with the Dubai Tourism Vision 2020,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas.

“We are creating unique experiences and leveraging strategic partnerships to showcase the best of what Dubai can offer to its visitors.

“The landmark arrangement with Caesars Entertainment, which aims to establish Bluewaters as a world-class tourist attraction with exclusive international entertainment opportunities, is a significant achievement for the emirate’s thriving hospitality and entertainment sectors.”