Jimmy Buffett is expanding his business empire once again, though this time on a much grander scale. According to Gulf News, Buffett’s Margaritaville Enterprises will build a mega resort on an artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf just off the coast of Dubai:

United States-based Margaritaville Enterprises announced today plans to build a resort and casino on an artificial chain of islands off the coast of Dubai, similar to the Palm Islands.

“We are very excited to bring the Margaritaville experience to the Middle East,” said Tom Rosenbaum, director of operations for Margaritaville Enterprises. “It’s a big step for us, going from the U.S. and the Caribbean to halfway around the world. But we feel the Margaritaville brand will enjoy strong success in the tourist haven of Dubai. It’s really the perfect next step for us.”

The $1.5 billion dollar project will feature one main island and 23 separate, smaller islands. From the air, the archipelago will resemble a margarita glass. The main island will feature a 200,000 sq. ft. casino, a three-story Margaritaville Cafe, and number of shopping and entertainment centers. A four-lane road will connect the main island to the mainland, but the individual islands will only be reachable by boat or underwater, clear tunnels connected to the main island. The 23 islands will have a range of lodging options, from small cottages to large villas.

The islands will be built with sand dredged from the Persian Gulf in the same manner as the Palm Islands. The earth work is scheduled to begin late this year and is expected to take four years to complete. Once the islands are “built,” construction on the resort itself will begin. Final completion for the project is 2016.

This won’t be Buffett’s first foray into casinos. A Margaritaville Casino & Resort is being built in Biloxi, Mississippi, though construction is currently stalled due to the poor economy.

Update – What day is it today?

Jimmy Buffett made a surprise stop at his Margaritaville Cafe in Panama City, Florida on Wednesday night and played a few tunes with Mac McAnally and the Barry Fish Band.

(photos from Pier Park)

Walmart has listed Jimmy Buffett’s upcoming live album “Encores”. According to the site, it contains 2 CD’s, is exclusive to Walmart (though it will likely also be sold at Mailboat Records), and will be released on Tuesday, April 20th.

The album is available for pre-order now at Walmart.com for $12.00.

Track List:

Disc 1

1. Come Monday
2. Tin Cup Chalice
3. Growing Older But Not Up
4. Coast Of Carolina
5. Paradise
6. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
7. Nautical Wheelers
8. Trying To Reason With Hurricane Season
9. Banana Republics
10. He Went To Paris
11. Last Mango In Paris

Disc 2

1. L’air De La Louisiane
2. Reggabilly Hill
3. Coast Of Marseilles
4. Lovely Cruise
5. Oysters And Pearls
6. Wildflowers
7. Defying Gravity
8. Big Old Goofy World
9. Death Of An Unpopular Poet
10. Blowin’ In The Wind
11. A Pirate Looks At Forty

Humble and gracious as always, Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally accepted the Arthur Alexander songwriter’s award from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame on Thursday:

Red Bay native Mac McAnnally still can’t believe he’s doing what he’s doing — and has been doing it for so many years.

The award-winning songwriter-musician appeared before a group of reporters today before the Alabama Music Hall of Fame’s ceremony. He said he has always seen himself as a person who was just turned out on stage and that he has never really belonged in the field — but he is certainly grateful for everything.

According to SportsByBrooks, Jimmy Buffett is on the short list of acts being considered for the 2011 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Other acts on the list include Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, and Brooks & Dunn. Chesney has publicly stated that he’d like to do the show.

The 2011 Super Bowl will be held at the new Cowboys Stadium in Dallas on Sunday, February 6th.

Would you like to see Jimmy do the Half Time Show?