The massive moon-inspired hotel that could rise in Dubai

Whether it's a trip into suborbital space or a stay among the stars, space tourism innovators believe that someday, we'll all be choosing vacations that are truly out of this world.

The team behind Moon World Resorts believes that too – well, sort of.

They aim to construct a series of enormous, dome-shaped hotels that resemble the moon, right here on Earth. More specifically, in Dubai.

Each spherical hotel will be a massive, 360-degree recreation of the moon, complete with lifelike craters and textures. These moon replicas could soar 735 feet (224 meters) high and have a 2,042-foot circumference, depending on location and planning approvals.

Michael R. Henderson, a Canada-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Moon World Resorts, shares with Dinogo Travel that the heart of the project lies in the moon being a 'universal and recognizable brand.'

'Seven and a half billion people are familiar with it, and everyone adores it,' he adds.

Expanding worldwide

Henderson explains that each Moon World Resort will be 'an incredibly luxurious and modern, fully integrated destination, featuring familiar elements such as a convention center, restaurants, and spa – all with a lunar-inspired twist.'

Artist renderings depict interiors reminiscent of spaceships and themed entertainment – with the highlight being an experience that simulates walking on the moon, as envisioned by Henderson.

'We will offer you the chance, in your lifetime, to experience what it feels like to walk on the lunar surface,' Henderson promises.

Moon World Resorts has been under development for two decades, a timeline that Henderson, who previously founded a medical services company, believes aligns with the generally slow pace of space tourism.

The project presents 'immense technical challenges,' explains Henderson. However, he and co-founder Sandra G. Matthews are collaborating with a global network of engineers and architects to bring the vision to life.

'We essentially have a range of experts from around the world, who we bring in as needed. Once construction begins, however, they’ll be based in specific regions,' he shares.

The ultimate ambition is to establish four Moon World Resorts: one in North America, one in Europe, another in the Middle East and North Africa, and a final one in Asia. As a licensing entity, Henderson plans to partner with investors who have the resources to fund each resort.

Dubai, in the UAE, has been identified as a 'front runner' for the debut of the first Moon World Resort. Henderson attributes this to the UAE's status as a popular tourist destination and its ongoing infrastructure developments.

Henderson also hints at the emergence of 'other options,' though he’s not ready to reveal more just yet.

Moon Adventure

While cost can often be a barrier for ambitious projects like Moon World Resorts, Henderson points out that their licensing approach makes the concept financially feasible.

Henderson clarifies, 'It’s not about raising capital. As a licensor, our aim is to secure the right licensee. Once that’s in place, the funding for the projects is already secured – we’re not talking about small businesses, but large, international corporations.'

Henderson envisions each Moon World Resort as a destination in itself, where visitors might not just stay or enjoy its futuristic amenities, but also visit simply to marvel at its design.

He cites iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as key sources of inspiration for the resorts.

'People will be amazed not just by the internal renderings, but also by the sight of the world’s largest sphere towering above,' Henderson says, calling it a visual spectacle.