In the early 2000s , Crescent transitioned from a traditional hedge-fund management firm to a focus on venture investments , initially in homeland security technologies after the September 11 attacks . Ijaz formed and listed Crescent Technology Ventures PLC on London 's AIM Stock Exchange to raise venture capital for his projects , but changes in AIM Rules for small-cap investment companies forced the start-up to de-list a year later . In the 2000s , Ijaz also launched an effort to finance and build what would have been the world 's first underwater hotel , Hydropolis . Construction of this Dubai resort was projected to cost US$ 500 million in 2007 , but was shelved by local authorities after the financial crisis of 2008 . Crescent Hydropolis Holdings LLC continues operations today under private ownership
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Mansoor Ijaz