Abu Dhabi in frame for Jackson-themed five-star resort

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island could be getting a Jackson family-themed hotel and resort dedicated to the legendary family's musical history.

Jermaine Jackson performs at Morocco's Mawazine Festival. Talks are under way with potential investors on building Jermajesty, a five-star resort dedicated to the legendary family's musical history.

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island could be getting a Jackson family-themed hotel and resort. Jermaine Jackson, speaking exclusively to

The National

from Morocco's Mawazine Festival, said talks are under way with potential investors on building Jermajesty, a five-star resort dedicated to the legendary family's musical history.

The 58-year-old elder brother to the late pop icon Michael said scouting for locations had already begun, with land near Ferrari World being considered. "We are very early in the process," said Jackson. "Talks are going on and it is progressing well. A good area we found is near Ferrari World, so we are looking at that."

Named after Jermaine's 12-year-old son, Jermajesty Hotel and Resorts is to be filled with memorabilia showcasing The Jackson family's near five-decade career. Jackson said the family would soon begin discussing how to deck out the hotel. "I feel very honoured and blessed to have the opportunity to do this," he said. "The main aim is to make it have the whole family's history and legacy. I hope that we just keep moving forward on it."

China is another possibility for a second location, Jackson said, but the focus now is on getting the Abu Dhabi project off the ground. Jackson said the Middle East took on deeper resonance to him after he converted to Islam in 1989. He said The Jacksons' Abu Dhabi show at Yas Island last November was a personal tour highlight. "I always feel very welcome when I am over there, and the people are kind and gracious," he said. "Also my wife is Afghan and she has been a Muslim all her life. She speaks fluent Arabic and she has supported me in understanding and strengthening my beliefs. So when I come to this part of the world I feel like I did come full circle."

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