They might look like something out of a James Bond movie but these luxury underwater houses – the first of their kind in the world – are set to be built in Dubai.

The ‘Floating Seahorse’ villas – technically boats without propulsion – will feature three luxurious levels including one that is completely underwater. 

Kleindienst Group have just been given the green light for 42 villas, the price of which is yet to be determined, that will each have their own plot in the Arabian Gulf as part of the World Islands Project.

The developers also plan to create an artificial coral reef beneath them which will protect the project’s namesake – the endangered seahorse – and give residents incredible underwater views.

Since the announcement the company claim to have already received interest from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Caribbean, Sweden, Portugal and a host of other countries. 

The ‘Floating Seahorse’ villas have three levels – one of which is underwater, one at sea level and an upper deck – with the master bedroom and bathroom completely submerged

The floating villas will feature three decks with both the master bedroom and bathroom to be completely submerged, allowing residents to be surrounded by sea life as they relax.

The sea level will feature an open-plan living area, kitchen and dining area, while the deck features a mini-bar and glass-bottom Jacuzzi.

Josef Kleindienst, CEO of Kleindienst Group, estimates the complettion date for The Floating Seahorse to be the end of 2016.

He said: ‘Many months of research, design and planning have gone into The Floating Seahorse and we are excited to be able to officially launch and build it in Dubai.

‘We’re confident it will set a new benchmark in the luxury lifestyle market worldwide for outstanding innovation, contemporary design and underwater living at its best.

The homes, which were launched by developer The Kleindienst Group,  also feature a kitchen, dining area, and a glass-bottomed Jacuzzi

As part of the scheme, the developer will create an artificial coral reef beneath the luxury retreats which will be a protected area in which the villas namesake – seahorses – can safely live and breed

‘Since launching The Floating Seahorse we have been inundated with local, regional and international enquiries.

‘The Floating Seahorse is not restricted to Dubai waters and can be designed and fabricated in Dubai for other resorts and destinations worldwide.’

The chief executive added that the project would also help protect seahorses and create an environment where they and other creatures could live and breed.

Mr Kleindienst said: ‘The seahorse is an endangered species and we will create an artificial coral reef beneath the luxury retreats which will be a protected area in which seahorses can safely live and breed.’