That's what you call a houseboat!

29.05.2020 09:48

They might look like something out of a James Bond movie but these luxury underwater houses - the first of their kind in the world - are set to be built in Dubai.

The 'Floating Seahorse' villas - technically boats without propulsion - will feature three luxurious levels including one that is completely underwater.

Technically boats without propulsion, the homes can even be moved making them perfect for privacy-seeking celebrities or the super-rich.

Kleindienst Group have just been given the green light for 42 villas, the price of which is yet to be determined, that will each have their own plot in the Arabian Gulf as part of the World Islands Project.

The developers also plan to create an artificial coral reef beneath them which will protect the project's namesake - the endangered seahorse - and give residents incredible underwater views.

The idea was first floated at the Dubai International Boat Show in March, with confirmation for the build project finally announced on Monday.

Since the announcement the company claim to have already received interest from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Caribbean, Sweden, Portugal and a host of other countries.

The floating villas will feature three decks with both the master bedroom and bathroom to be completely submerged, allowing residents to be surrounded by sea life as they relax.

The sea level will feature an open-plan living area, kitchen and dining area, while the deck features a mini-bar and glass-bottom Jacuzzi.

Josef Kleindienst, CEO of Kleindienst Group, estimates the completion date for The Floating Seahorse to be the end of 2016.

He said: 'Many months of research, design and planning have gone into The Floating Seahorse and we are excited to be able to officially launch and build it in Dubai.

'We're confident it will set a new benchmark in the luxury lifestyle market worldwide for outstanding innovation, contemporary design and underwater living at its best.

'Since launching The Floating Seahorse we have been inundated with local, regional and international enquiries.

'We're excited to not just offer people a once in a lifetime investment opportunity in Dubai but on a global scale.

'The Floating Seahorse is not restricted to Dubai waters and can be designed and fabricated in Dubai for other resorts and destinations worldwide.'

The chief executive added that the project would also help protect seahorses and create an environment where they and other creatures could live and breed.

Mr Kleindienst said: 'The seahorse is an endangered species and we will create an artificial coral reef beneath the luxury retreats which will be a protected area in which seahorses can safely live and breed.'

(dailymail.co.uk)