Iran resort hopes relaxed rules will attract tourists

Kish, Iran

IRANIAN investors are pouring money into Kish island in the Gulf, hoping its white sand beaches, coral reefs and more relaxed Islamic rules could make it a major tourism destination.

From the pristine beaches of Kish, it is only 200 kilometres across the water to Dubai - and it is the booming city-state's tens of thousands of wealthy expats that the investors are hoping to lure.