Six years after construction started, Dubai’s Jumeirah group has officially announced the opening date for its new flagship hotel, Marsa Al Arab.
Set to complete the nautical-themed trio at the edge of Jumeirah Beach, the hotel will begin welcoming guests from 14 March.
By Sophie Prideaux, Condé Nast | January 2025
Designed by award-winning architect Shaun Killa, who also designed Dubai’s Museum of the Future, the curved facade resembles the shape of a superyacht, joining wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Inside, interiors take inspiration from the luxury of yachts, finished with marble-clad surfaces, organic wood, soft-edged seating, handcrafted silk carpets, hand-blown crystal lights and textured fabrics.
Marsa Al Arab will have 386 rooms and suites and 82 residences. There will be five swimming pools and a tranquil strip of private beach, as well as a yacht club and marina with an 82-berth superyacht marina.
It’s also set to become a dining destination in itself, with 11 restaurants and four bars, including a new concept for the city – The Fore – which will have four restaurants in one, all connected by four alfresco terraces and a show-stopping central bar, reminiscent of a floating pearl.
There will also be a big focus on wellness with Jumeirah’s signature Talise Spa in residency. Spanning over three floors, it’s set to feature a 20-metre indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness studio, gym, and female-only spaces, as well as 13 treatment suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
The opening of the hotel marks a significant moment for Jumeirah, says the group’s chief operating officer and interim CEO, Thomas Meier. “With this launch, we are not only introducing a new global landmark, but also a vibrant lifestyle destination in Dubai. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab offers guests an extraordinary experience that seamlessly blends the rich heritage of the region with an innovative approach to service and style.”
