Dubai: Have you ever set foot on the much-talked about World Islands (or The World)? If not, here’s your chance to do so.
For just Dh475 per person, you can take a ride up to the Royal Island Beach Club (RIBC) on Lebanon Island and enjoy a day out, right in the heart of Dubai’s iconic World Islands.
“This is a comprehensive package that includes transportation to and from the island, a pre-set beach-style buffet lunch, the use of all the facilities in the club, free kayak rides around the island,” says Mark Brown, General Manager, RIBC.
The club also offers another package for Dh250 per person – but that only includes transportation and island access costs. “People will have to pay additionally for kayak rides and food,” says Brown.
The beach club currently has two 18-seater boats ferrying visitors to the island. “We have a speed boat and a yacht that leave every 30 minutes from the Fishing Harbour Jumeirah 1 between 10.30am and 7pm for visitors to take a ride to the island.”
For larger events, the club hires Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) ferries from Dubai Marina to take guests to the island. “There is no separate cost for the ferry and this is included in the pre-set package,” said Brown.
World Islands is an artificial archipelago constructed in the shape of the world map and is located six kilometres off the coast of Dubai. The Royal Island Beach Club – spanning 38,941 square metres – is at the centre of the World Islands on the Lebanon Island.
No visitor can come to the island without securing prior permission from the club. “Visitors have to take one of our packages to come into the island. Even the RTA taxis and ferries cannot be hired for a trip if there is no prior consent from the club. Private visitors coming in their own boats will have to fill out a form giving details of their boat and the number of people visiting the island. Every private boat is charged Dh1,000 to gain access to World Islands. Additionally, every visitor in the boat will have to pay Dh150 to enter the island,” said Brown.
The club itself comprises beaches, a restaurant with a seating capacity for 150 people, indoor and outdoor dining, a swimming pool, a stage and events area. The club has played host to many events including weddings, product launches, fashion shows, award ceremonies and office team-building exercises. “The resort can take up to around 500 guests at any given time,” says Brown.
Eight chalets – private air-conditioned changing rooms – are also available to rent for Dh1,000 a day. “No one is allowed to stay overnight on the island. The chalets can be leased only for the day for people wishing to relax in an air-conditioned room.” Cut-off time to leave the island is 3am after which the resort is closed.
Presently, the club is gearing up for a new look and will commence renovation during the summer. “We are planning to build a large swimming pool at the centre of the island. The chalets too will be revamped with French windows on all four sides overlooking the entire island,” said Brown. The newly revamped resort will re-open in September–October.
