Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab was envisionednot as a standalone development, but as the concluding chapter in a trilogy of architectural icons along Dubai’s coastline. Following the wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the sail silhouette of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the project presented a rare opportunity to complete the composition with a form that embodies Dubai’s continued evolution. Anchored on a private peninsula, the resort redefines ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle, offering 386 guestrooms and suites, four signature super penthouses, and 82 branded residences with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Complementing its land-based offerings, the project also integrates a 82-berth marina, designed to accommodate yachts of up to 61 metres, making it one of the most exclusive seafaring destinations in the region.
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Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Mixed-Use Architecture (Built)
Firm
Killa Design
Architect/Designer
Shaun Killa
Design Team
Shaun Killa
Location
United Arab Emirates
Country
United Arab Emirates
Photographer/Copyright
©Killa Design ©Jumeirah Group
Social Media Handles:
Website
https://www.killadesign.com/
When we began the design process, one of the key objectives was to create a building that would complement, rather than compete with, the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The ambition was to complete the trilogy of Jumeirah’s landmark hotels while establishing a new benchmark for the future of design. To achieve this, we first developed a narrative that connected Marsa Al Arab to the wider Jumeirah resort portfolio. Beginning with the traditional Arabic architecture of Jumeirah Al Qasr and Mina Al Salam, moving through the transitional design of Al Naseem, and culminating in the modernist statements of Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the story finds its resolution at Marsa Al Arab. Here, architecture steps into the future, expressed through a sinuous, sculptural form that speaks of innovation and fluidity.
The design focuses on the guest journey, creating a seamless flow of experiences that blend exclusivity, immersion, and beauty. One of the most striking features is the steel arch that frames the hotel’s drop-off. Unlike conventional hotels, where the arrival is hidden at the rear, guests at Marsa Al Arab arrive beneath a dramatic 36-metre arch that frames the Burj Al Arab in the distance. By day it is a monumental gateway; by night, the fluted soffit glows with gentle light, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.
Inside, the architecture continues the narrative of a journey across the sea. The lobby flows forward like the bow of a yacht, extending through lounges, restaurants, and bars that each offer distinct moods and sensory atmospheres. Landscaped gardens, serene walking paths, and lively dining terraces allow guests to choose between tranquillity and vibrancy. Infinity pools and oceanfront terraces provide 270-degree views of the Arabian Gulf, immersing visitors in the sensation of being surrounded by the sea. This connection to the water defines the resort, ensuring every moment feels rooted in nature and the coastal setting.
Delivering the vision came with immense technical challenges. Engineering the 36-metre steel arch required unprecedented structural precision, balancing nine floors above while maintaining a sense of visual lightness. The design of cantilevered quay wall villas, suspended over the rock revetment, demanded similarly innovative solutions. These feats exemplify the ambition of the project: pushing structural and architectural boundaries to achieve seamless beauty. More than a hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a dialogue between past, present, and future design. It completes the architectural trilogy of Jumeirah’s beachfront icons, while establishing a bold new vision for luxury hospitality in Dubai.
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