Moon World Resorts identifies Abu Dhabi as the only viable UAE location for its ambitious $5 billion Moon resort, contingent on government support and land availability.
Doha, Qatar Jul 13, 2026 ALN: Dubai: Abu Dhabi may be the only viable location in the UAE for the proposed $5 billion Moon resort, according to its founders, who say the development requires 556 acres and cannot move forward without direct government support.
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, and requires a sufficiently large land parcel, which would narrow down the list of possible locations.
“It appears Abu Dhabi may have more suitable land for Moon UAE; therefore, this may be our only UAE location option,” the founders said in a written interview. This assertion highlights the strategic importance of land availability in the realization of large-scale developments, particularly in a region where land management and urban planning are tightly controlled by government entities.
The comments provide a fresh update on a project that has repeatedly generated speculation on social media, despite having no confirmed site, government agreement or regional licensee. The Moon resort concept has captured the imagination of many, appealing to the growing interest in space tourism and unique travel experiences. However, the lack of concrete developments raises questions about the feasibility and timelines associated with such ambitious projects.
Moon World Resorts plans to grant up to 10 regional licences covering markets including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East. This global approach indicates the founders' vision of establishing a brand that transcends geographical boundaries, aiming to create a network of interconnected resorts that capitalize on the allure of lunar-inspired experiences.
The founders said the proposed UAE development would require a site measuring 1,500 metres by 1,500 metres, equal to 2.25 million square metres or 556 acres. This substantial land requirement emphasizes the scale of the project and the extensive facilities planned for the resort, which include hotels, restaurants, wellness attractions, and a simulated lunar surface.
Moon World Resorts said it had contacted Aldar and other large development groups but had yet to secure a local partner or government backing. The involvement of established local developers would be crucial in navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring that the project aligns with national development goals.
The founders also said they would no longer work with intermediaries claiming they could facilitate government introductions. “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.” This statement underscores the challenges faced by foreign investors in establishing relationships with local authorities and the importance of direct engagement in the UAE's business environment.
The company operates as a design studio and intellectual property licensor, meaning regional licensees would fund and deliver each development. This model allows Moon World Resorts to leverage local expertise and resources while minimizing its own financial exposure. However, it also places significant emphasis on securing government support to facilitate the establishment of a viable project framework.
Henderson and Matthews said attracting investors was not the principal obstacle. Any licence process would first require confirmation that the relevant government supported the project and that suitable land was available at a workable price. This highlights a common challenge in large-scale developments in the region, where government endorsement is often seen as a prerequisite for success.
“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 issue is one cannot offer specific regions unless the regional government is fully on board and the land is available.” This statement reflects the founders' confidence in the project's potential profitability, while also acknowledging the intricate relationship between government policy and private investment.
The founders said they were currently concentrating on a European showcase centre, where prospective regional licensees would be invited to review the concept. Groups from the Gulf would be among those invited. This strategic approach may serve to generate interest and build momentum for the project, as potential investors can gain insights into the vision and operational framework of the Moon resorts.
Moon World Resorts estimates that a UAE development could attract 10 million visitors each year and contribute $60 billion annually to the country’s gross domestic product. This projection, while ambitious, highlights the potential economic impact of such a large-scale tourism project in a region that has increasingly focused on diversifying its economy away from oil dependency.
The figures are company projections and have not been independently verified. While the estimated visitor numbers and economic contributions may seem optimistic, they reflect a growing trend in the UAE towards innovative tourism offerings that leverage the country's unique attributes.
“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 annual contribution as a “transformational economic contribution” for the UAE, underscoring the potential for the resort to play a pivotal role in the region's tourism landscape.
The development could also support 60,000 jobs, according to the company’s estimates. This would comprise 30,000 direct positions, 18,000 indirect jobs and 12,000 induced roles. These job creation figures highlight the potential for the project to contribute to local employment and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding areas.
Moon is designed as a large smart-city development built around a spherical resort structure containing hotels, restaurants, event facilities, wellness attractions and a simulated lunar surface and base. The wider plan includes a lagoon, parkland and 10,000 branded residences. This multifaceted approach aims to create a holistic experience for visitors, combining leisure, wellness, and entertainment in a unique setting.
The company is also exploring potential projects in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Poland, Spain, Thailand and the US. This international interest indicates a growing appetite for innovative resort concepts that offer unique experiences, particularly in light of the increasing popularity of space tourism and themed attractions.
“We are currently in exploratory talks with various groups representing various countries,” the founders said. They expect the first Moon development to begin construction in 2027 and open in 2032, although they did not identify which country is most likely to proceed first. The timeline suggests a long-term vision for the project, with careful planning and execution needed to meet ambitious deadlines.
“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.” This statement reflects the scalability of the project, allowing for simultaneous developments in different regions, which could enhance brand recognition and operational efficiency.
No construction date has been set for a UAE project, and its future will depend on government approval and land availability. The success of the Moon resort concept in the UAE will ultimately hinge on the ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, secure necessary partnerships, and align with national development strategies that prioritize tourism and economic diversification.
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