Dubai, known for its awe-inspiring skyline and iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, has once again captured global attention with claims of a $5 billion moon-shaped resort.
The buzz began on February 3, 2024, when Facebook user Ezra Franklin shared an image of a glowing, moon-like building in the group Facts 4 Genius. The accompanying caption read, “Dubai is building a $5 billion moon-shaped resort which will let you experience outer space on Earth.” The post went viral, gathering over 25,000 reactions, 382 comments, and 1,500 reshares.
Reactions to the claim were mixed. While some praised the ambitious design, others questioned the necessity of such a project, suggesting the funds could be better used to address global issues like poverty.
An investigation into the claim revealed that the project was conceptualized by Canadian entrepreneur Michael Henderson, co-founder of Moon World Resorts Inc., which is the primary funder. Reports from CNN (2022) and the Associated Press (2023) outlined plans for the resort to include a 4,000-room luxury hotel, a 10,000-capacity arena, and a “lunar colony” that simulates moonwalking.
Henderson discussed the project during the 2023 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, revealing it as part of a vision for four similar resorts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Europe, North America, and Asia.
However, the project remains in its early stages, with no construction underway as of November 2023. Consultants, designers, and contractors have yet to be confirmed, and the viral images are artistic renderings commissioned by Moon World Resorts Inc.
While the concept aligns with Dubai’s reputation for innovation, the claim that the city is funding or constructing the project is misleading. For now, the moon-shaped resort remains a proposal, its future hinging on further developments.
