Jordan sets a course for new Star Trek theme park

(Rubicon Group Holding)

A huge new Star Trek-themed attraction in Jordan has come one step closer this week.

Funding worth $1.5bn has been secured for the Red Sea Astrarium, reported Abu Dhabi daily The National August 1, meaning the 184-acre pet project of King Abdullah of Jordan is set to go ahead.

The park will be located in the coastal town of Aqaba and is intended to be a family destination, mixing cultural discovery areas with high-profile attractions themed around the popular Star Trek franchise.

King Abdullah is known to be a fan of Star Trek, having once featured as an extra in an episode of the television show Star Trek: Voyager.

He's unlikely, then, to be disappointed with the Red Sea Astrarium's main attraction - a "state of the art space flight adventure" which developers promise will raise "real-time immersive entertainment experiences to bold new heights."

For those looking for a more cultural day out, up to 17 separate attractions will feature Jordan's Nabatean, Babylonian, British and Roman influences, along with theatrical productions, night-time shows, restaurants, shops and four hotels.

Construction is expected to begin next year, according to the developers, with the opening scheduled for 2014.

Jordan isn't the only Middle Eastern country that has set its sights big this week, however.

It's also emerged that Saudi Arabia is planning to built the world's tallest tower, some 173 meters taller than the current record holder the Burj Dubai, in the city of Jeddah.

Rising over 1,000 meters into the air, Kingdom Tower will cost around $1.2 billion to construct and will feature a Four Seasons hotel and the world's highest observatory.