The luxury hotel will occupy the lower floors of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

The hotel is the first of a series of Armani Hotels opening as part of a joint venture between Giorgio Armani and Dubai’s Emaar Properties.

The venture between Emaar Retail and the SEGA Corporation offers 9 major rides plus over 150 amusement games.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail, said, ‘The much anticipated launch of the SEGA Republic indoor theme park marks yet another milestone for Emaar Retail. SEGA Republic is the first of its kind in the Middle East and it delivers an unmatched, distinctive leisure experience for all visitors. The theme park complements the myriad of other leisure attractions within the mall and provides quality entertainment for all visitors.’

The world’s tallest tower is situated at Emaar’s Downtown Burj Dubai development. The company had previously stated that it would open in September, coinciding with the launch of the Dubai Metro’s Red Line.

From May 9 divers can come face-to-face with resident sharks, stingrays, giant groupers and over 33,000 other creatures in one of the world’s largest aquariums.

3 dives are offered each day in conjunction with Al Boom Diving, one of the leading dive centres in Dubai.

Certified divers can take part immediately. Others must take a short course with Al Boom Diving.

Mr Arif Amiri, Senior Director, Emaar Properties PJSC, said, ‘Visitors to Dubai Aquarium have been fascinated by the sight of our staff divers, who dive underwater to feed our sharks and fishes every day. Now, with the launch of Shark Dives, we are offering the opportunity for all to have an incredible diving experience in an aquarium environment. Apart from having trained staff members from Al Boom Diving to assist the public, Shark Diving is being undertaken to the highest safety standards. All appropriate training and equipment are provided and this opportunity is available to certified and non-certified divers as well.’

Advance bookings are required and can be made by calling 04-342-2993.

Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group said, ‘We are proud to have received such a prestigious accolade barely five months since the opening of our first Address property. It is a reiteration of our excellence in the hospitality sector, and a tribute to all our associates who strive everyday to provide a personalized, significant experience for our guests.’

The Raffles International School Nurseries are located in Downtown Burj Dubai and Emirates Hills (The Springs).

The schools will have an international team of teachers and non-teaching staff to reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

All places at the nursery in Emirates Hills have been filled. Emaar Education is, however, currently accepting registrations for the next academic year.

In a statement on their website they say, ‘The Dubai Mall was prepared to open as planned for October 30. However, the additional days will ensure the final touches are in place to allow our visitors to fully appreciate and enjoy The Dubai Mall experience.’

The mall was originally scheduled to open in August.

The 5-star hotel on the Old Town Island in Downtown Burj Dubai was previously operated by Sofitel.

Address Hotels and Resorts is a hotel brand of the Emaar Hospitality Group.

It will be complemented by a visual effects system consisting of more than 6,000 lights and 50 colour projectors. The total cost of the lake and fountain is budgeted at AED 800 million.