Founders Say the Project Will Require 556 Acres and Could Create 60,000 Jobs in the UAE.
Dubai: Abu Dhabi could be the only feasible location in the UAE for the proposed $5 billion Moon resort, according to its founders, who say the project requires 556 acres and depends on direct government backing to proceed.
Michael R. Henderson and Sandra G. Matthews, co-founders of Moon World Resorts Inc., told Gulf News that the UAE remains their preferred Middle East market, but the project’s requirement for a large land parcel limits the number of potential locations.
“Abu Dhabi appears to have more suitable land for Moon UAE, making it potentially our only viable location option in the country,” the founders said in a written interview.
The remarks offer a new update on a project that has attracted widespread speculation on social media, although no site has been confirmed and no government agreement or regional licensee has been announced.
Project requires 2.25 million square metres
Moon World Resorts plans to issue up to 10 regional licences across key markets, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East.
The founders said the proposed UAE resort would need a land area measuring 1,500 metres by 1,500 metres — equivalent to 2.25 million square metres, or about 556 acres.
Moon World Resorts said it has approached Aldar and other major development groups but has not yet secured a local partner or obtained government backing for the proposed project.
The founders added that they would no longer engage with intermediaries claiming they could arrange introductions to government officials.
“We have been approached by several ‘intermediaries’ stating they can directly connect with these leaders; however, to date all have proven entirely inept. We no longer accept any inquiries from any intermediaries,” the founders said.
Government support remains key
Moon World Resorts operates as a design studio and intellectual property licensor, meaning regional partners would be responsible for financing, developing and delivering each resort project.
Henderson and Matthews said securing investors was not the main challenge facing the project. They explained that any licensing process would first depend on government support for the development and the availability of suitable land at a commercially viable price.
“Finding regional licensees who will fully fund Moon in all 10 regions is not an issue. Moon is the most profitable smart city masterplan ever conceived,” they said.
“The challenge is that specific regions cannot be offered unless the regional government is fully supportive and the required land is available.”
The founders said they are currently focused on developing a European showcase centre, where potential regional licensees will be invited to explore the concept. They added that groups from the Gulf region would also be among those invited.
$60 billion projected annual economic contribution
Moon World Resorts estimates that a UAE development could welcome 10 million visitors annually and contribute $60 billion a year to the country’s gross domestic product.
The figures are based on company projections and have not been independently verified.
“Based on our most recent evaluation estimates, Moon UAE will be the most visited touristic destination resort development within the entire Middle East region,” the founders said.
They described the projected $60 billion yearly contribution as a “transformational economic contribution” for the UAE.
The development could also create around 60,000 jobs, according to company estimates. This includes 30,000 direct positions, 18,000 indirect jobs and 12,000 induced roles.
Moon is planned as a large-scale smart city development centred around a spherical resort structure featuring hotels, restaurants, event venues, wellness facilities and a simulated lunar landscape and base. The broader masterplan also includes a lagoon, landscaped areas and 12,000 luxury branded residences.
First project could begin construction in 2027
Beyond the UAE, Moon World Resorts is exploring potential developments in countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Poland, Spain, Thailand and the United States.
“We are currently in exploratory talks with various groups representing various countries,” the founders said.
The company expects the first Moon development to begin construction in 2027 and open to visitors in 2032, although it has not revealed which country is most likely to host the first project.
“We are not limited to building one Moon development at a time. All Moon developments are near duplicates; therefore, we can comfortably build multiple developments concurrently,” the founders said.
No construction timeline has been confirmed for a UAE-based Moon project. Its progress will depend on securing government approval and identifying suitable land for the development.
