Brad Pitt to help design Dubai resort

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 2 (UPI) -- Zabeel Properties announced Monday that U.S. actor Brad Pitt is part of a team of design consultants working on its new hotel and resort in Dubai.

The Dubai-based luxury developer confirmed the appointment of the Los Angeles-based architecture firm, GRAFT, whose team of design consultants for the project will include Pitt.

At the center of the project is to be an 800-room, five-star U.S.-themed hotel.

"Our master plan and design concept will be world-leading and we're delighted to be collaborating with Brad Pitt and the team at GRAFT, which is recognized for its innovative building design," Robert Norton, CEO of Zabeel Properties, said in a statement. "This project will display our uncompromising focus and commitment for developing high quality and environmentally-sustainable real estate in this region."

"Whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion. Selecting this development as my first major construction project has been a simple decision. It will underpin not only my values for environmentally friendly architecture, but also embrace my career in entertainment," Pitt added. "We will be unveiling precise plans in the next few months, but you can expect something that is not only stunning to look at, but will also be an incredible attraction to visit or stay at."