You can soon explore the moon by simply heading to Dubai

Dubai has a reputation for bringing the most unexpected and amazing experiences, attractions and activities to life in the most unusual of settings. Snow skiing in the desert, anyone?

But now, its ambitions are truly sky high – indeed, out of this world – with the latest development proposed for the futuristic Gulf metropolis. 

Canadian developer Moon World Resorts plans to construct an enormous sphere resembling the lunar surface atop a new retail and residential development. If approved, it would cost an astronomical US$5 billion.

Towering 225 metres above the ground, the lunar superstructure is slated to become a haven of tourism-related enterprises, which developers claim could cater for up to 10 million visitors each year.

A spaceship-like nightclub is bound to draw visitors from galaxies near and far.

Among its features are an expansive beach club overlooking a lagoon and amphitheatre, a convention centre, a host of restaurants, jazz and piano club, spa and wellness centre, and even a nightclub resembling an alien spaceship.

On top, there’s also a “moon shuttle” alllowing visitors to experience what it’s like to walk on the lunar surface.

While early plans curiously don’t include a hotel, there will also be up to 300 ‘Sky Villa’ residences, many of which will undoubtedly find their way onto short-term rental platforms to be made available by the night.

Villa owners will also gain access to a private members club with exclusive privileges.

The sophisticated Piano Club channels a '2001: A Space Odyssey' vibe.

“Moon Dubai will significantly impact every aspect of the emirate’s economy including tourism, transportation, commercial and residential real estate, infrastructure, financial services, aviation and space, energy, MICE, agriculture, technology and of course education,” said Moon World Resorts Co-Founder, Michael Henderson.

Dubai’s effort to establish its own space agency and launch satellites into orbit will also be put to good use at Moon Resort Dubai, which will feature training facilities for astronauts.

Once approved, Moon Resort Dubai is expected to be built and operational within four years.