Dubai  plans to develop a AED 6.3 bn (USD 1.7 bn) tourist resort on two man-made islands it will build either side of the Burj Al Arab, its luxury sail-shaped hotel, Invest-Gate reports.

Spanning 4 mn square feet, Marsa Al Arab will be made up of two islands, one dedicated to entertainment and family tourism and the other featuring luxury villas and a private marina, state news agency WAM reported.

Around 4.6 mn tourists visited Dubai during the first quarter, up by 11% y-o-y compared to the same period of last year, according to Dubai Tourism Authority data.