Atlantis party to put Palm Jumeirah residents under 'house arrest'

Dubai: Palm Jumeirah residents have been told to return home by 4pm on Thursday, because of the official launch party of Atlantis.

Residents are fuming at the notices instructing them to 'aim to reach' home before 4pm, to 'avoid congestion and possible diversion', which also detail that a valid sales or tenancy contract or specially-issued passes have to be shown for access.

More than 2,000 hand-picked guests are expected to attend the Atlantis party, which will feature an hour-long private concert by Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, a dance performance by Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and a set by Hollywood DJ Samantha Ronson. Dozens of celebrities and royals are also rumoured to attend.

The special passes are apparently to be distributed to residents 48 hours ahead of the event.

Access from the Shaikh Zayed Road flyover will be restricted from 2pm and there will be only one exit lane from the Palm.

At 2pm, only event performers, party guests and Atlantis staff will be allowed to use this access road. Access from Sufouh Road to the Palm will also be closed, and all access roads are set to reopen after 11.30pm.

Access will also be restricted on Tuesday from 8pm to 10pm because of a fireworks demonstration.

Residents of the Palm Jumeirah Shoreline Apartments have been given the notices.

One resident said he was planning to work at home that day if permission from his employers was given, in case he was denied access to his apartment. Another said she would leave work at midday, just in case she could not reach home in time, or was denied access.

Atlantis was not immediately available for comment.