What’s better than staying at the world’s only seven-star hotel? Chilling out at its world-first leisure island.

That’s right the world’s most opulent all-suite hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, is expanding its outdoor space creating a luxury leisure concept, called North Deck.

The extravagant island is being shipped all the way from Finland, over 8,000 nautical miles away.  The structure left Finland on January 9 and is and is set to arrive at Burj Al Arab in mid-February. Transported in six sections, they will be lifted by crane and lowered onto a grid of 90 steel piles, stretching from the hotel out into the Arabian Gulf.

Burj Al Arab's North Deck by day

Burj Al Arab’s North Deck by day

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The new area is tipped to be a perfect example of creative marine design, ingenious engineering and guest-friendly planning.

The North Deck, which is due to open to guests in the second quarter of 2016, is being developed using state-of-the-art marine technology, design and manufacturing expertise, with a strong focus on environmental benefits.

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The 10,000 sqm private luxury deck will fan 100 metres out into the Arabian Gulf and will host 32 cabanas, 400 sun loungers, one fresh water pool measuring 612 sqm and one salt water pool measuring 828 sqm, one restaurant and a bar.

Burj Al Arab's North Deck by night

Burj Al Arab’s North Deck by night

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The announcement of North Deck will come as a shock to many. It was only recent that news was revealed that Mall Of The World – the world’s largest mall set to open in Dubai – was downsizing due to changes in the economical climate.

While the cost of the new ‘leisure island’ hasn’t been disclosed we’re sure shipping over a state-of-the-art mini island isn’t cheap.

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab, before the North Deck expansion

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Robert Swade, Jumeirah Group Chief Operating Officer said: “Dubai is renowned for providing exceptional experiences. This is the first time a structure of this nature and size has been built in one country and then transported to another country to be assembled and operated. We are really pushing the boundaries of innovation and demonstrating how committed we are to positioning Dubai as the most exciting destination in the world and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah as the finest provider of luxury experiences.”

The arrival of a world-first masterpiece @BurjAlArab #NorthDeck #Innovation #Dubai

A video posted by Burj Al Arab (@burjalarab) on

Images: Supplied