Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab of Dubai and his famous neighbor, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
Jumeirah
Since construction news broke, Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has ranked high on the list of the most anticipated hotel openings in the world. Now, when the resort debuted, we spoke with architect Sean Kira to dive into what sets Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab apart in a city known for pushing boundaries of design, detail and luxury.
Kira chose a silhouette inspired by a refined yacht and a general focus on quiet luxury. This is a significant departure from Dubai’s signature skyscrapers, and is often a bold, high-energy interpretation of luxury.
Jumeirah, the state-run hospitality company in Dubai, has a track record of redefine hospitality rules. The outstanding properties, like the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, in the shape of a gorgeous sail, put Dubai on the map when it opened 25 years ago. To this day, it goes by its moniker as “the only 7-star hotel in the world”.
A quarter century later, the group aims to make the new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab the next icon in hospitality, describing it as a pioneering “a new era.”
Two Jumeirah hotels are nearby. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is its own private peninsula of the sea, with only 1,500 feet across from Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
The interior design uses natural colors to create a quiet, luxurious feel.
Rupert Peace
“When I was asked to design Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the briefs were clear,” Kira explains in a video call. “It had to complement the Jumeirah Burj Al Arabs, rather than compete with it.”
The Jumeirah Burj Al Arabs rise into the sky with sharp edges, and the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab curves flow like yachts leaving the port.
Once inside, guests find something where Kira describes “a deeper sense of luxury.” It focuses on a vast dining lineup with 386 rooms designed as a private retreat with a balcony, 13 treatment suites with a three-storey wellness area and private terrace, nearly 40,000 square feet, as well as a vast dining lineup with four bars and an incredible 11 restaurants.
11 different restaurants and 4 bars await hotel guests.
Rupert Peace
The outdoors come with 82 marinas, a waterfront promenade, four pools, two sandy beaches, nine ocean view private villas and 82 serviced residences.
The elongated hotel building is the central stage of the peninsula with an asymmetrical design, defined by double-dressed lines, gentle convex and concave shapes, and smooth contours that taper at each end. These flowing shapes create an impression of movement, like a ship glides through water.
The hotel building can reach a height of up to 16 stories. An unusual choice in an era where developers prioritize heights to optimize land use. This is common in Dubai, home to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
“I wanted to design both elegant and timeless. This is a structure that complements the surroundings, rather than competing with them,” explains Kira.
The 120-foot arch of the Marsa Al Arab marks the entrance to the hotel and assembles an iconic landmark in the distance.
Rupert Peace
Instead of reaching vertically, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab of Kira has a variety of ways to create a memorable experience upon arrival. As soon as guests pass the entrance gate, the driver navigates a twisting path towards the lobby.
The lush jungle-like greenery veils the building’s potential views. “As you walk through the entrance, you realize you are standing under this magnificent arch until the scenery suddenly begins, and you feel like you are waiting for it.”
This four-storey curved Portico spans an astounding 120 feet without one support line. Despite its weight of 3,000 tons, the arch appears to float comfortably while the remaining 12 floors are placed above it.
The big emotional impact of arrival
“We designed it to have emotional impact. This is a true sense of arrival that makes people feel something the moment they arrive.”
But it’s not just about scale. In addition to its huge and incredible size, the open cutouts of the building serve as a larger than life framework for the deep blue sea behind it.
“We try to perfectly align the arch with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arabs and the sunsets beyond, creating picturesque moments where architecture and settings come together seamlessly,” explains Kira.
The indoor infinity pool at Talise Spa is a great place to watch the sunset.
Rupert Peace
“For decades, visitors have come to Dubai to capture the Jumeirah Burj Al Arabs,” he continues. There is no doubt that this arch is where most of the photos are taken. ”
People arriving in the evening are welcomed by another version of the lesser approach. The façade emits a gentle, distinctive shade of warm white light. There is no multi-color display or light show effect. It has a subtle, warm white glow.
“I prefer lighting that enhances the shape of the building, rather than overwhelm it,” the architect says. “It’s the same philosophy we used at the Museum of Future. I love how the existence of a building is defined by this kind of delicateness.”
Small and elegant space instead of a large lobby
This philosophy extends to interiors where Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab emphasizes personal moments more than grand gestures. Instead of a large lobby, Kira’s long yacht-like layout guides guests through a small, intricately crafted space with restaurants, bars, hidden corners and alcoves.
Shaun Kira Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is about to celebrate the opening day.
Jumeirah
“You’re on your own journey of progressive discovery. As you move through it, the experience unfolds and reveals new moments and hidden details every turn. I think people will like it because they don’t do this well,” he says.
Five designers shaped the interior and created a unique mood using a warm, sophisticated colour palette. The design evokes the feeling of being invited to a private home or a gorgeous yacht, says Kira.
With the grand opening day of Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arabs turning the corner, how are the architects planning to celebrate the arrival of their first visitors?
“I’d like to sit quietly somewhere and observe how our guests interact with the space we designed,” Kira says. “Do they attract naturally? What details are stopped and taken photos? These moments are the greatest reward as an architect when people experience the space the way you imagine it. ”
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