Austrian developer Josef Kleindienst’s US$5bn mega-resort project, The Heart of Europe, in Dubai is on track to complete phase one of construction, despite COVID-19.

The Heart of Europe is claimed to feature the world’s first floating underwater spa as well as 16 unique hotels and resorts spread across six islands designed to showcase European culture, heritage and lifestyle experiences through architecture, events and new technology, such as the world’s first climate-controlled rainy street and snow plaza.

The project was announced in 2014 by The Kleindienst Group and has been under construction ever since.

Even when COVID-19 halted other projects’ progress on mainland Dubai, the developer reported that construction is in ‘full swing’, with phase one of the project set to be complete in 2020 Q4 which involves the completion of four hotels.

Each of Kleindienst’s hotels will be themed on an individual European country and feature appropriate leisure opportunities, for example, Germany island will feature Bauhaus-inspired accommodation, celebrate traditional German carnivals, host Christmas markets, parades and Oktoberfest celebrations as well as offering guests authentic German cuisine.

Accommodation options will include three-level floating seahorse villas, Germany island, Sweden Island, Switzerland Island, Cote D’Azur Resort (with four hotels), Portofino Hotel, Honeymoon Island and The Floating Venice island – the resort home to the underwater spa.

The Portofino Hotel will also double up as a wellness hub and feature a dedicated ladies-only wellness centre – named La Donna – inspired by Italian luxury.

The Heart of Europe is part of a larger giga-project called The World – a man-made archipelago located four-kilometres off the coast of Dubai featuring 300 islands constructed into the shape of six continents on a world map which can be seen from space – a project overseen by Dubai development company Nakheel.

“Our aim is to enhance the landscape of real estate and hospitality and deliver a new iconic experience," said Kleindienst.

"As a developer our vision supports and aligns with Dubai's ambition to be a leading global destination and home of innovation as the world's most forward-thinking city.”

The development will operate with sustainable practices and be powered solely by renewable energy, have a zero microplastics policy, be car-free and feature 100,000 coral reefs spread across 500,000sq m as part of a coral reef programme called The Coral Institute.

In a recent statement, Kleindienst Group explained: “This crisis has reinforced our belief in our vision and determination to protect the environment around us and to deliver the ultimate experiential hospitality.

“Sustainability and the protection of marine life are pivotal in the development of The Heart Of Europe and our company."