The resort is scheduled to open on 24 September, but the blaze in the hotel’s lobby may delay the opening of the hotel part of the resort to allow time for the necessary repairs to be made.

In a statement issued after the fire, Atlantis says it remains committed to the 24 September opening date.

The local/UK Al-Naboodah Laing O'Rourke is construction manager on the project and was awarded the AED283m ($77m) concrete structure package in early 2006.

A joint venture of Bahamas-based Kerzner International and the local Istithmar is the client (MEED 31:3:06).