“Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the subtle intervention of beauty that doesn’t shout or try to be something that it is not,” explains renowned architect Shaun Killa, the visionary behind the building’s evocative design. 

“To fit into Dubai’s architecture scene, we ensured that it would remain timeless by not being overly articulated in form but rather subtle, simple, and elegant – allowing it to be discovered and admired.”

The United Arab Emirates has long been synonymous with architectural wonder. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, completing a nautical trilogy with Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, is a masterpiece - both visually stunning and deeply immersive.

Appointed for his exceptional ability to create architectural statements with notable works including the Museum of the Future, Dubai Opera, and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Killa’s brief emphasised design with intent, focused on enhancing the guest experience and creating a sense of intimate connection.

Innovative architecture

Drawing inspiration from the elegance and dynamic movement of superyachts, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab features a sinuous exterior with fluid lines capturing the graceful movement of a yacht gliding through the ocean. Killa’s groundbreaking design showcases the power of technology, with advanced software used to create complex, double-curved forms that would have been unachievable just a few years ago.

“We had to first decide what story we wanted to tell through our design, so we examined the properties along the beachfront to make sure that our narrative fitted in seamlessly with the existing properties. This is where we conceptualised our design story, one that would originate at Madinat Jumeirah and end at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab,” he explained. “Inspired by the world’s ultra-yachts, we aimed to evoke the sensation of being on water through the building’s curvatures, much like a yacht setting sail,” explains Killa. “With the advanced software and technology available today, we are able to create that fluidity in design and create double-curved forms. The residence building slopes in one direction while the other side curves back on itself, creating a sense of dynamic movement. Though stationary, the design gives the impression of the building moving in a direction.”

From the moment the car door swings open, the design invites guests into a new chapter of hospitality. One of the most striking features of the hotel is its arch entrance, an elegant structure weighing around 3,000 tonnes that perfectly frames the iconic view of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, shimmering in the golden hues of sunset. It conjures a cinematic image of James Bond, stepping out of a sleek Aston Martin, silhouetted against the entrance – a scene of timeless elegance that the architect hopes will one day come to life. 

Design with a conscience

“This project is all about giving back to the guests so that they leave with lasting memories that can be shared with their loved ones,” explains Killa.

Sustainability was a key consideration during the design process. Killa and his team implemented a range of eco-friendly features, including balcony shading to reduce the building's energy consumption by up to 40%. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is evident in every detail, from its energy-efficient systems to its careful consideration of the local environment.

In conceiving the design for Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, we were mindful of the iconic status of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. To preserve the breathtaking vistas for guests and visitors alike, we carefully positioned the hotel and residences at a distance that ensures unobstructed views. Countless hours were dedicated to capturing the perfect vantage points from various angles, ensuring that every guest experiences the full majesty of this architectural marvel. 

A nautical sanctuary

At the marina, a serene sanctuary emerges from the waterfront. The hotel’s design evokes the image of a luxury yacht embarking on a tranquil journey, with extensive landscaping on either side. As a longtime admirer of the sea, Killa envisioned a harmonious integration of the marina’s space, resulting in a series of nine exquisite villas. To create these elevated havens, the marina’s infrastructure was carefully reconfigured, extending the waterfront experience by 6 metres and offering a unique perspective of the surrounding waters.

Like the ebb and flow of the tide, each visit to Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab leaves an indelible impression, a memory that beckons one to return.