The Red Sea Astrarium Explained

The Red Sea Astrarium (TRSA) was a planned integrated resort destination on the shores of the Red Sea. It would have been the first themed entertainment attraction at the coastal city of Aqaba, Jordan. It was announced in 2011, for a projected 2014 opening.^[1] Construction stopped on this theme park in early 2015, and the park was never completed or opened.^[2]

The key attractions were to include dining, retail, nightlife, rides, shows, museum exhibits, theme parks, water parks, interactive walk-throughs, and a 'Star Trek Experience'^{[3] [4]} based upon the new Star Trek franchise.

In 2013, a signing ceremony was held at the Jordanian-American Business Forum under the patronage of King Abdullah II of Jordan. King Abdullah had suggested Star Trek be included in The Red Sea Astrarium, being a big Star Trek fan who had an uncredited cameo (as background Starfleet crewman) on an episode of Star Trek: Voyager in 1996.^{[5] [6]}

According to Themeparx.com, construction was officially halted by March 2015 after having been started and postponed twice.^[7]

The $1.5 billion (USD) resort was designed by Rubicon Group Holding (RGH).^{[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]}

Planned layout

The Red Sea Astrarium was planned to occupy 184-acre (70 hectares) of land. The resort's design featured three major zones of entertainment: The Summit, The Old Waterfront, and The New Waterfront. The resort was planned to feature four luxury hotels, botanical gardens, a collection of entertainment, dining areas, 4D cinema, 16 attractions and retail stores.

Attractions

Planned attractions included:

• A time travel-themed flight simulator to the Wonders of the World
• A fountain and media nighttime show
• A 3D dome show
• A themed dining show featuring stage magic and illusion
• The Star Trek Experience^{[14] [15]}
• A 600-seat theatre intended to house major touring or in-house productions
• VIP Cinemas

Notes and References

1. News: Robb . David . February 25, 2015 . Jordan-Based RGH Entertainment Vows To Stay Open Amid L.A. Layoffs . Deadline . 14 June 2020.
2. News: Joplin . Ty . July 10, 1999 . Dreamscapes and Drug Towns: Jordan's Aqaba Is the Future of Segregation . Albawaba . 14 June 2020.
3. Web site: Star Trek Star Trek Beaming Into Jordan . 2014-04-06 . startrek.com.
4. Web site: Aqaba to have Star Trek park - Emirates 24/7 . 2014-04-06 . emirates247.com.
5. Web site: Star Trek Attraction To Be Part Of 2014 Red Sea Resort In Jordan . 2014-04-06 . trekmovie.com.
6. Web site: Cover/Boldly going into Jordan . 2014-04-06 . ttnworldwide.com.
7. Web site: Red Sea Astrarium Jordan (Star Trek) .
8. Web site: ヨルダンでスタートレック遊園地 国王肝いり、総工費１５億ドル超 - 47NEWS（よんななニュース） . 2014-04-06 . 47news.jp.
9. Web site: $1bn resort planned for Jordan The National . 2014-04-06 . thenational.ae.
10. Web site: Construct Red Sea Astrarium. - Free Online Library . 2014-04-06 . thefreelibrary.com.
11. Web site: Rubicon to lead development of $1bn Jordan resort Construction News The Construction Index . 2014-04-06 . theconstructionindex.co.uk.
12. Web site: Attractions Management - Star Trek theme park planned for Jordan... . 2014-04-06 . attractionsmanagement.com.
13. Web site: RGH Rubicon Group Holding . 2014-04-06 . rubiconholding.com.
14. Web site: Jordan's entertainment park has Star Trek theme Design Middle East . 2014-04-06 . designmena.com.
15. Web site: CW Staff . Star Trek attraction for $1bn resort in Jordan ConstructionWeekOnline.com . 2014-04-06 . constructionweekonline.com.