UAE firm to build exclusive tourist zone at Sonadia

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) investment group has expressed interest in building an exclusive tourist zone only for foreigners at Sonadia Island in Cox's Bazar, as world's longest unbroken sea beach in the district holds huge untapped tourism prospects.
Investment Authority of Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, has set its sights on the panoramic site on the beach of the Bay of Bengal.
Following the proposal from the investment group of the oil-rich Gulf state, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is now conducting a feasibility study.
“Few days back, a representative of Ras Al Khaimah authority made a visit to Sonadia Island. They want to build an exclusive tourist zone at the Island. After that, the Tourism Ministry has asked the Parjatan Corporation to conduct a feasibility study,” Syed Mohammad Zobaer, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, told UNB.
Sonadia Island is about seven kilometers off Cox's Bazar and about nine-square-kilometer in area in the embrace of the Bay. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of windowpane oysters.
During winter, fishermen set up temporary camps on the island and dry their catches of sea fish.
The secretary said the Ras Al Khaimah group has a plan to develop the tourist zone with all modern facilities and arrangements maintaining global standards.
Asked about the feasibility of the proposed Sonadia Exclusive Tourist Zone, he said in terms of natural beauty, the island is very much full of prospects. But the main concern is the environmental aspect of the island.