Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah is set to open the UAE’s largest hotel event space, with construction works due to complete in October.

The resort is currently undertaking an expansion of its Fort Island outdoor venue, which will triple in size when work on it is complete, Jumeirah Group said in a statement. Set over 1,750sqm, the space will be able to host a range of events, including banquets, exhibitions and concerts.

“We are delighted to be unveiling the new Fort Island at Madinat Jumeirah,” said Margaret Paul, resort general manager. “The new venue has been rebuilt to accommodate large marquees and will provide versatile space for every type of event.”

Fort Island’s capacities have increased from 425 people to 1400 people in a cocktail event set-up and from 250 people to 1100 people in a banquet style set-up, the statement said.

Located in the heart of the Madinat Jumeirah resort, the venue will preserve the traditional look and feel of a fort. It was originally inspired by the Al Fahidi Fort located in the oldest existing part of the Dubai Creek.

Fort Island will be connected to the resort by four bridges. Guests will also be able to access the venue by traditional wooden abra boats when staying in one of Madinat Jumeirah’s three hotels. The new island will be an addition to Madinat Jumeirah’s Conference Centre, increasing the centre’s overall capacity to 9,000 people over 10,000sqm.