Dubai’s tourism sector continues to grow, attracting high-end travellers and investors from around the world. The city’s latest landmark, InterContinental Dubai – The Heart of Europe, will be the first InterContinental resort on the World Islands.
Developed by Kleindienst Group in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, the 466-key resort is scheduled to open in winter 2027, marking a significant step in the revitalisation of the archipelago.
After more than a decade of limited progress, the World Islands are now experiencing renewed investment and construction. InterContinental Dubai – The Heart of Europe is set to establish the islands as a premier destination for luxury and family-oriented tourism, creating a unique blend of leisure, comfort, and sophistication.
The resort’s architectural redesign, led by New York-based HWKN Architecture, features a Teflon-coated fibreglass mesh curtain that moves naturally with the wind, forming a striking “living façade.” The exterior combines cream limestone-inspired finishes with contemporary materials, reflecting traditional Italian coastal architecture while embracing a modern aesthetic.
Inside, the resort will offer nine restaurants and lounges, three accommodation wings, and branded residences managed by InterContinental. Family-focused facilities will include a children’s club, a ladies’ spa, and a 700-metre private beach, making the property the first large-scale family-oriented hospitality hub on the World Islands.
HWKN founder Matthias Hollwich highlighted the use of AI-driven design tools to merge European architectural sensibilities with Dubai’s modern hospitality style, delivering a refined and innovative guest experience.
InterContinental Dubai – The Heart of Europe is part of Kleindienst’s broader $6 billion Heart of Europe development, which encompasses 20 themed hotels and over 5,000 rooms scheduled for completion by 2027. This project signals the return of investment to the World Islands after years of stalled development following the 2008 financial crisis.
The road ahead
Once operational, the resort will strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for luxury tourism and offer significant opportunities for international investment in high-end offshore developments.
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