At a reported cost of $1 billion (US), Spanish soccer team Real Madrid is expanding its brand and creating the Real Madrid Resort Island in the United Arab Emirates, making it the first recreational tourism complex built under the Real Madrid trademark.

The resort island will have a theme park, the first stadium open to the sea, a Real Madrid museum, numerous sports facilities, a sport port, a residential area, and luxury hotels.

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez:

When the Real Madrid Resort Island opens its gates, visitors will become part of the legend o this club, which strives to be eternal and universal. We adhere our name and potential to a unique location, a strategic meeting place and a project of unprecedented dimension located less than four hours away by flight of 2,000 million people.

“Santiago Bernabeu gave Real Madrid the unique capacity to go beyond this country’s frontiers and those of us who administer this legacy are aware of the challenge that comes with handling what gave this club a mythical and legendary status. Real Madrid Resort Island will be a sports touristic complex of the highest level, covering 50 hectares in which tourism and sport will seduce millions of people in search of a quality leisurely activities.”

“This is a decisive and strategic step that will enhance the strength of this institution in the Middle East and Asia, a key region in which the passion for this club has been apparent. Our collaboration grows increasingly stronger and we are proud of it. Real Madrid and the Government of Ras Al Khaimah want to transmit the passion of Real Madrid and what it means throughout the world.