Real Madrid fantasy island comes to UAE

2012-03-23 | Published 19:42

The project may be seen as unusual for a football club but if successful it may set a trend across the industry as clubs try to find new ways to make money.

Real Madrid, two time UEFA champion, has unveiled its plans to establish a luxury island resort in the United Arab Emirates; including a stadium grand enough to accommodate 10,000 fans.
The Real Madrid Island Resort has yet to be given an official name or title, but it does possess a targeted opening in January 2015. As per media speculation, the name may reflect or bring forth the love of the sport to Asia and the Middle East.

Along with the provided support of the Ras Al Khaimah government, the club will be expected to build a 430,000 square meter resort under the Real Madrid brand; so in result the club would be ‘lending’ its brand name to the 40 year old country.
It will feature a Real Madrid museum, a theme park and an array of sports facilities including the world’s only stadium that looks out to the sea; and as a cherry on top it will all be built on an artificial island. This project will add yet another notch in the island catalogue of the UAE.
“Santiago Bernabeu gave Real Madrid the unique capacity to go beyond this country’s frontiers and those of us who administer this legacy are aware of the challenge that comes with handling what gave this club a mythical and legendary status,” Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said at a news conference at Estadio Bernabeu, where players including Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Iker Casillas were on hand.
“This is a decisive and strategic step that will enhance the strength of this institution in the Middle East and Asia, a key region in which the passion for this club has been apparent. Our collaboration grows increasingly stronger and we are proud of it. Real Madrid and the Government of Ras Al Khaimah want to transmit the passion of Real Madrid and what it means throughout the world.”
Furthermore, it will also include a five star hotel, beachside bungalows and hologram shows that replay some of the club’s most historically remembered feats.
The project may be seen as unusual for a football club but if successful it may set a trend across the industry as clubs try to find new ways to make money.
"We adhere our name and potential to a unique location, a strategic meeting place and a project of unprecedented dimension located less than four hours away by flight of 2,000 million people," Mr Perez added.