Semi-submerged resort plans for the Qatar coast

Plans have been revealed for an extravagant semi-submerged resort on the Qatar coast.

The Amphibious 1000, which will be built in the middle of a marine reserve, is designed by the Italian firm Giancarlo Zema Design Group.

The $500 million project will feature both land and sea developments including four giant hotels with underwater rooms that resemble super-yachts.

There will also be 80 'jellyfish' self-contained floating suites, with each having four floors and an underwater 'aquarium lounge'.

Hydrogen-powered 20 metre aluminium yachts with underwater viewing areas will transport guests around the resort which will extend horizontally for one kilometer.

Overall, the development, designed to be 'in harmony with nature', has a marked resemblance to Dubai's man-made Palm Islands.

Giancarlo Zema explained that the development "is like a big aquatic animal stretching out from the land into the sea and extends horizontally for one kilometre thanks to two long wide arms."

On land the development will feature a museum, floating walkways, a restaurant with panoramic views, exhibitions, aquariums and a glass tunnel that will lead to the underwater observatory in the centre of the marine park.