Dubai developer Wasl Asset Management has chosen China State Construction Engineering Corporation to build “The Island”, a 10.5ha resort on reclaimed land off the coast of Jumeirah beach, MEED reports.

The $1.2bn project, first announced in 2017, will have hotels from MGM, Aria and Bellagio, and a marina. The project is located off the coast of Umm Suqeim, near the Jumeirah public beach next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Marsa al-Arab. It is expected to feature 1,400 hotel rooms and apartments, in addition to retail, food and beverage and entertainment options.

Land reclamation has been done and foundations have been installed.

Among the consultants with a role on the scheme are Dutch architect UNStudio, UK designer Brewer Smith Brewer Group and Buro Kling Architectural Engineering Consultants from Germany.

The local APCC is the earthworks contractor. Germany’s Buro Kling Architectural Engineering Consultants is the main consultant and structural consultant. Consultant HSS is also working on the project.

MGM Resorts is a casino operator in Las Vegas and other American cities. There has been speculation that it will open a casino on The Island if the UAE changes its laws on gambling.

Such a change is on the cards. In September, the emirates set up a General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority with a view to create a regulatory framework for a national lottery and commercial gaming.

This will “facilitate unlocking the economic potential of commercial gaming responsibly”, according to Emirati state media WAM.