Dubai may be on track to have a futuristic and innovative structure by 2030: an impressive spherical complex, reminiscent of the Moon's shape, with an estimated cost of 5 billion dollars
In the coming years, the three million residents of Dubai could witness the emergence of a spherical structure, several hundred meters in diameter and height. This structure would house a hotel, private residences, a spa, and an event hall simulating the characteristics of the lunar surface. The central element of this seemingly grand project would be a realistic reproduction of the lunar surface, with reduced gravity for visitors.
The realization of this miniature replica of the Moon in Dubai would require a $5 billion investment, but the founders of Moon World Resorts Inc., Michael R. Henderson and Sandra G. Matthews, appear confident in their project. Ultimately, this colossal sphere would reach a height of 224 meters. Inside, visitors could explore a faithful reproduction of lunar landscapes, offering a much more comfortable experience than that of Apollo astronauts, as reported by Futura-Sciences.
The designers of Moon World Resorts Inc. plan to incorporate 4.000 private apartments in the lower floors. The sphere would be surrounded by a layer of screens to give the building the appearance of the Moon, similar to the sphere at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Some compare this project to the Spaceship Earth attraction, a geodesic sphere located at Disney World in Florida. However, technical details about how the lunar surface will function and its features remain a mystery.
The Moon project, initiated in 2000, is still surrounded by many uncertainties, especially regarding financing and design. While 3D images and interviews have been shared on social media, few specific details are available. According to some sources, the establishment is expected to be operational by 2027, but the overall project remains unclear.
In the end, Moon World Resorts Inc. aims to expand globally, making Moon an alternative to traveling to the Moon and a potential training location for future astronauts. However, this project highlights concerns about light pollution and energy consumption associated with such structures, at a time when environmental issues are becoming increasingly critical. In 2022, the United Arab Emirates ranked among the highest per capita CO2 emitters, raising questions about the environmental impact of such a project.
