The Jumeirah International Group has announced the development of Madinat Jumeirah, a new world-class, multi-facility resort on about 200,000 square metres of beachfront acreage in Dubai.

Situated adjacent to the Burj Al Arab and The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah resort will encompass and promote the rich heritage and traditions of Arabia.

A 300-room hotel will open in the summer of 2003 and will offer a total of 900 rooms at the end of construction in 2004.

The resort will have a main hotel designed in the style of a summer palace surrounded by villas set in lush, landscaped gardens.

The resort will feature a waterway that flows through the entire area allowing guests to access various facilities using traditional abras.

It will also feature the largest and most versatile spa in the Middle East.

The conference and convention centre will reflect in its architecture the Arabic heritage of the region.

A traditional souq and cultural village featuring traditional society will complete the experience for the resort's guests.