Real Madrid to build $1billion artificial island resort

Executives unveiled plans for the “Real Madrid Resort Island”, featuring an oceanside stadium and hi-tech club museum in the northern Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, on the doorstep of the lucrative football-mad Asian market.

“Real Madrid Resort Island will be a major tourist and sporting centre of great dimensions and the highest level,” club president Florentino Perez said.

“This is a decisive and strategic step which contributes to strengthening our institution in the Middle East and Asia,” Perez said. “Real Madrid will be present permanently in a key region of the world.”

The complex, with $1 billion of investment and backed by the government of the Emirate, is scheduled to open in January 2015, the club and executives said.

It will include a five-star hotel, beachside bungalows and an amusement park with a rollercoaster and hologram show recreating Real Madrid’s goals.

Sports facilities will include training pitches and swimming pools plus a marina for yachting, as well as the 10,000-seat football stadium open on one side to a view of the sea.