KILLA DESIGN COMPLETES JUMEIRAH MARSA AL ARAB

By Ravail Khan | March 2025

Completing a trilogy of nautical hotels, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab opens its doors along Dubai’s shoreline. The new resort by Killa Design is positioned between the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and the wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel, drawing inspiration from the sleek contours of superyachts to continue this symbolic narrative. Its futuristic and sculptural form is defined by sweeping curves, from its sinuous silhouette to its wraparound terraces, that together evoke a sense of rhythm and movement that engages with the fluidity of the Arabian Gulf.

Led by Shaun Killa, the architect behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future, one of the resort’s defining architectural features is its grand, 36-meter-wide steel arch which frames views of the Burj Al Arab and sets the tone for the experiential journey. The circulation flows like the deck of a floating vessel, leading through a series of lounges, bars, and dining venues, ahead to the 386 rooms and 82 serviced residences that each speak to the timeless aesthetics of 1960s Riva yachts. Key sustainability initiatives are also integrated throughout, taking into consideration the structure’s environmental impact and the living experience. Self-shading terraces are utilized to reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, while a graywater recycling system effectively supports irrigation and landscaping. Meanwhile over 3,100 palms and 260,000 shrubs have been planted throughout the exterior spaces, maintaining a connection with nature.

THE NAUTICAL-INSPIRED RESORT LOOKS TO THE FLUIDITY OF 1960S YACHTS

With interiors completed in collaboration with HBA, AvroKO, and LTW Designworks, each guest room of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab features a private terrace of at least 22 square meters, extending the living space into the landscape. The resort’s Presidential, Royal, and Pearl Suites feature layouts designed to feel like curated private residences rather than traditional hotel accommodations, with the Royal Suite appearing to float above the water. Its expansive 310-square-meter terrace and plunge pool offer uninterrupted ocean views, while the Pear Suite includes a wraparound terrace and a private kitchen that can host up to 80 guests.

The private residences, ranging in size from 79 to 229 square meters, each also enjoy access to exclusive pools, fitness facilities, and spa services. Dubai-based studio Killa Design has designed these units as fully serviced homes, blending contemporary and bespoke artisanal details, particularly highlighted by a central atrium installation in the public space featuring over 1,500 hand-blown shell-shaped crystals from the Czech Republic’s crystal valley.

The resort’s gastronomic offerings include eleven dining venues, including a first-of-its-kind restaurant concept that transforms throughout the day, and a patisserie by celebrated pastry chef Pierre Hermé. Further elevating the ultra-luxury hospitality experience with opportunities for rejuvenation and retreat, Killa Design weaves natural light, panoramic Gulf views, and private terraces through the three floors of the TALISE Spa. The space’s design follows three guiding principles — Performance, Intention, and Empowerment — translated into therapies fusing advanced technology with holistic treatments. A 20-meter indoor pool, a dedicated women’s gym, and suites complete the spa’s immersive healing environment.

IN DIALOGUE WITH THE WATERFRONT LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE

The resort’s design reflects a broader architectural narrative that has continued to take shape along Dubai’s coastline over the years. ‘The site played a pivotal role in shaping the vision. We wanted to create a resort that responds not just to its immediate surroundings but the entire evolution of Jumeirah beachfront hospitality offerings,’ share the architects.

Marking a progression through time, this begins with tracing the traditional aesthetics of the neighboring Madinat Jumeirah’s Al Qasr and Mina Al Salam — together shaped like an Arabian citadel — transitioning through the contemporary expressions of Jumeirah Al Naseem which dot the shoreline. Killa Design envisions the final chapter as a futuristic form, establishing Marsa Al Arab resort as both a counterpoint and a complement to its neighbors, as well as a visual extension to the architectural symbolism of Burj Al Arab and the waters that tie the hotels together.

The long-awaited Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the final piece in Jumeirah’s nautical trilogy, joining the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on the city’s most desirable stretch of beach.

By Selina Denman | March 2025

Why book?

This is the newest place to see and be seen in Dubai. Emerging from the ocean like a futuristic superyacht coming into dock, the long-awaited Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the final piece in Jumeirah’s nautical trilogy, joining the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on the city’s most desirable stretch of beach.

Set the scene

Marsa Al Arab extends 470 metres out to sea, on reclaimed land that runs alongside the famed Burj Al Arab, offering a new sidelong perspective on Dubai’s most famous landmark. While Burj Al Arab is all rigid lines and uncompromising verticality, Marsa Al Arab is feminine, sinuous and full of surprises.

Architect Shaun Killa was involved in the original design of the Burj more than 25 years ago, and is responsible for a number of other landmark projects in the region, including Dubai’s Museum of the Future and the new Shebara at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea. For Marsa Al Arab, Killa took his cues from the world’s most luxurious yachts, creating a striking silhouette of sweeping curves and dramatic drop-offs.

My Marsa experience starts at my front door, where I am picked up in a dark green, custom-designed Bentley Flying Spur. For those hoping to skip the traffic altogether, yacht transfers from Dubai International Airport are available to guests in certain room categories. This is a property that aims to wow from the offset: we pull up alongside a dancing fountain under a sweeping arch that frames the Burj Al Arab (a scene Killa says he would love to one day see in a James Bond film). In the hotel’s entrance, a dynamic aerial glass sculpture mimics the movement of a sea breeze; a deep blue 3D-printed ceramic wall nods to the ocean; and 3D-printed wood panels capture the sandy hues of the desert behind discreetly positioned check-in desks.

In spite of the property’s size – 300 rooms, 86 suites and 82 serviced residences – there’s been a concerted effort to make it feel intimate and exclusive. The lobby is divided into pockets, half hidden by mashrabiya screens, centred around a charming viennoiserie by renowned chef Pierre Hermé, where the rows of pretty pastries look almost too good to eat. A custom-created scent lingers in the air – top notes of black pepper and clove; undertones of cedar, sea salt, patchouli and marine steam. The expansive grounds have a Bali-inspired vibe: thousands of trees and plants – oil palms, ficuses, Japanese saigon, olive and lemongrass – hug meandering paths, thoughtfully appointed terraces and the resort’s four outdoor swimming pools, which include an adults-only pool at Kinugawa and one reserved for suite guests at Iliana Pool Club.

There are seamless nods to contemporary Emirati and Arab culture, from lobby lounge menus designed by multidisciplinary artist Andre Mcheileh to custom-made tableware by Lebanese jewellery designer Nadine Kanso. As part of the hotel’s cultural immersion program, I spend a morning learning how to paint with famed Emirati fashion designer and artist Feryal Al Bastaki, an experience that proves almost as good for my soul as my morning in the spa.

The backstory

Homegrown hospitality brand Jumeirah operates some of the UAE’s most iconic properties, including Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Jumeirah Mina A Salam, as well as landmark hotels around the world, from London and Capri to the Maldives and Mallorca. It recently made its debut in Africa, with the launch of Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari.

The rooms

Rooms at Marsa Al Arab are inspired by Italy’s vintage Riva boats, with understated nautical themes and terraces that look out either over Burj Al Arab, or the hotel’s marina and the sweeping curve of Kite Beach beyond. Amenities are by Votary and celebrity hair stylist Rossano Ferretti, and all rooms are equipped with Dyson hairdryers.

I stay in the royal suite, an enormous space on the hotel’s 12th floor that offers some of the best views in Dubai from its 310-square-metre terrace, dominated by a raised plunge pool that looks out to sea. The Jacuzzi in my marble-clad bathroom is almost as big, facing floor-to-ceiling windows that offer dramatic headlong views of the Burj. There’s a private gym, spa treatment room, dining table for 10, fully-stocked bar and living area lined with plush sofas. If I could move in, I would.

Food and drink

On opening night, Marsa’s 15 restaurants and bars are already buzzing, a sign of the pent-up anticipation this opening has generated. This is a city that offers endless choice when it comes to dining, but there’s plenty here to make Marsa a firm favourite.

The hotel has, thankfully, sounded the death knell for the soulless all-day dining restaurant and instead serves up The Fore, dubbed Dubai’s first “transformative dining space”. Four distinct restaurants – the Japanese Umi Kei, inspired by the art of kintsugi; the Asian fusion Madame Li; Mirabelle, a delightful Mediterranean brasserie; and The Bombay Club, curated by famed Indian chef Manav Tuli – are, come morning, transformed through nifty panels and hidden walls into a cohesive venue that serves one of the best breakfasts in Dubai. An a la carte menu offers specialties such as black truffle scrambled eggs, lobster Benedict, Turkish-inspired menemen and a goat’s cheese phyllo pie, but I find myself drawn repeatedly to the feuillette station, where delicate puff pastries are stuffed with fillings ranging from veal to heirloom tomatoes and avocado. There’s a room dedicated to healthier fare, including fresh fruits, granolas and six variations of ice tea, and counters offering a curated selection of dishes from each of The Fore’s restaurants, from a dosa station at Bombay Club to sushi and maki rolls at Umi Kei.

Elsewhere, Rialto offers Italian classics done just right and the Mykonos-inspired Iliana serves up Greek fare on a sun-kissed terrace by the edge of the sea.

The spa

Jumeirah’s signature spa offering, Talise, has been honed to perfection here – set across three floors, with a women’s only section, 13 treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor pool and a remedy suite that offers an iDome, hyperbaric oxygen chamber and cryotherapy, among other facilities. The spa has exclusive partnerships with EviDenS de Beauté, Swissline and Ground Wellbeing for its skincare treatments, and relaxation rooms come with cosy terraces and a selection of books covering everything from menopause to daily mantras.

I start my morning with 25 minutes in the iDome, basking in far infrared rays for a full body detox, before a 90-minute sleep massage that begins with me picking out a crystal and an affirmation card encouraging me to “embrace the soothing power of silence”. From mini cactus bowls placed under massage beds to rose quartz eye masks, it’s all the thoughtful little details that really set this spa apart.

The area

Marsa Al Arab’s setting in Jumeirah, midway between old and new Dubai, makes it the perfect jumping off point for exploring the city. It sits on a prime stretch of beach that serves a number of Jumeirah’s other properties, and Marsa guests are free to roam the bay at will. In the opposite direction, there’s a 14-kilometre walking and running track that hugs the coastline and is perfect for sunset strolls. One side of the hotel is flanked by the new D Marin Marsa Al Arab Marina, a pedestrian strip of homegrown restaurants and cafes that look out over the superyachts docked at Marsa’s marina.

The service

Flawless, from start to finish. Staff at the hotel hail from 99 different countries, a fitting reflection of what makes Dubai so unique as a destination. You can expect vociferous Italian waiters at Rialto, exuberant Indian chefs at The Bombay Club and a burly Greek sommelier at Iliana.

All suites come with a dedicated butler; mine is the unendingly charming and efficient Zahra. Marsa’s butlers are trained by the British Butler Academy, but there’s no stuffiness here. Every night I return to my room to find handwritten, often hilarious, notes left by Zahra, alongside thoughtful gifts, from a Marsa-branded toiletries bag with my initials on it, to a printout of Jeanne Coulon’s short story, Bahri and the Pearl. That’s in addition to a bathrobe, slippers and pillow cases with my initials on them.

For families

Kids will have a ball exploring Marsa’s sprawling grounds, but for more contained adventures, there’s the dedicated Family Club for guests aged three to 10.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has launched on Jumeirah Beach, featuring a design inspired by superyachts, eleven diverse dining experiences and a high-tech spa.

By Olivia Palamountain | March 2025

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a superyacht-inspired property that completes the luxury brand’s nautical trilogy (alongside the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the iconic sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab).

Designed by architect Shaun Killa, the property draws inspiration from “the majesty of the world’s finest yachts,” featuring 386 elegantly designed rooms and suites, 82 serviced residences and an 82-berth superyacht marina.

The interiors are inspired by the hue of golden hour, incorporating marble-clad surfaces, organic wood, soft-edged seating, handcrafted silk carpets, hand-blown crystal lights and textured fabrics.

Expansive windows throughout the property offer views of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding landscapes, which include four outdoor pools.

The resort presents what it describes as “an extraordinary gastronomic journey” with 11 curated dining experiences and four destination bars. Among them is The Fore, a new-to-Dubai concept that transforms throughout the day, featuring four destination restaurants and a central bar.

Other culinary highlights include Iliana, a Greek Mediterranean pool club and rooftop bar; Kinugawa, which combines Japanese and French cuisine; and The Bombay Club, a celebration of Indian cuisine curated by Michelin-starred Chef Manav Tuli.

Wellness is central to the resort’s offering, with the state-of-the-art TALISE Spa spanning three floors. The spa is guided by three foundational pillars: Performance, Intention and Empower.

Advanced treatments are available in the Remedy Suite, featuring four technology-driven therapies including cryotherapy, ChromoSpace light treatments, iDome infra-red triple detox and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

Bespoke treatments and holistic therapies are offered in 13 treatment suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the Gulf. Facilities include a 20-metre indoor pool and fully equipped fitness studio.

Families are catered for with a dedicated Family Club for guests aged 3 to ten, designed around connection and discovery. The club applies the techniques of “Jumeirah Circle”, described as “a fun educational concept for a meaningful family experience.”

The resort also emphasises cultural connections through a curated programme of exclusive activities. Partnerships with local and international artists, galleries, and museums celebrate Dubai’s cultural narrative, while an artist in residence programme provides platforms for chefs and creatives.

Beyond the hotel itself, the Marsa Al Arab Marina and Promenade offers a waterfront social hub featuring “serene vistas, homegrown dining concepts, exclusive retail stores and sophisticated suites” for both locals and visitors.

The opening of the luxury hotel next to sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the final chapter in the brand’s nautical trilogy

By Waheed Abbas | March 2025

Dubai’s iconic sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is popularly known as the only 7-star hotel in the world. Its recently opened neighbour, the yacht-inspired Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, however, “goes beyond conventional classification”, its managing director told Khaleej Times.

In an interview, Harun Dursun, said: “Rather than focusing on star ratings, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a luxury lifestyle destination that goes beyond conventional classifications. The hotel embodies the pinnacle of service, design, and curated experiences, offering an unmatched level of hospitality, personalisation, wellness, and culinary innovation.”

Dubai is witnessing a good supply of uber luxury hotels. In 2024, according to Cavendish Maxwell, almost 70 per cent of room supply fell in the high-end category. Of the upcoming supply for 2025, nearly 70 per cent will be in the luxury and upper upscale segment.

The opening of this new hotel next to sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the final chapter in the brand’s nautical trilogy, adding a new mark to Dubai’s hospitality market.

“Jumeirah is building on its strong legacy in luxury hospitality, which began with Jumeirah Beach Hotel in 1997, followed by Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in 1999 — the iconic symbol of Dubai. Completing this nautical trilogy on Dubai’s most exclusive beachfront, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab further enhances our portfolio,” he added.

The hotel, he said, plays “a key role in our strategy to create vibrant communities by seamlessly integrating residences, hospitality, and retail spaces”.

The property features 386 rooms and suites, including the Royal Suite, each with a private terrace.

Since opening on March 14, he added, it has been met with incredible enthusiasm.

Designed by Shaun Killa, the architect behind the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Opera, the hotel’s design maximises light, space, and indoor-outdoor living.

The hotel has partnered with UAE-based artists — Feryal Al Bastaki, Alreem Al Mansoori, and Nadine Kanso — to bring local artistry to life within the resort.

In terms of sustainability, the property has been designed with self-shading terraces to reduce energy consumption, grey-water recycling for irrigation, and energy-efficient lighting.

Spanning an exclusive private peninsula, the resort has a dedicated marina, a collection of luxurious residences and retail.

F&B options

Guests have access to 11 curated dining experiences and four destination bars.

“A standout concept is The Fore, a multi-restaurant venue that transforms throughout the day, featuring four distinct dining experiences — Umi Kei, Madame Li, Mirabelle and Michelin star chef-led, The Bombay Club — as well as a sophisticated central bar,” said Dursun.

Other highlights include Rialto, an Italian restaurant celebrating the glamour of Italy’s Golden Age in the 1950s, Iliana, a Myconian-inspired beachside retreat, contemporary Japanese Kinugawa, Commodore Club, Orizonta, The Cullinan, Kira, in addition to the Marsa Al Arab Marina Promenade, which features six casual dining restaurants and bars.

Spanning three floors, The Talise Spa features a female-only floor, 13 treatment suites with private terraces, a 20-metre indoor pool, and a fitness studio.

“What I think truly sets us apart is the integration of cutting-edge technology with wellness. Our Remedy Suite, for instance, features four technology-driven therapies such as Cryotherapy, ChromoSpace light treatments, the iDome Infra-Red Triple Detox Treatment, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber,” he said.

Dursun added that each guest’s stay is made memorable through personalised experiences. “Our dedicated butler service allows guests to customise their stay in Dubai based on their interests, reflecting our deep commitment to Arabian hospitality.”

“Dubai is a city that thrives on reinvention, and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is perfectly positioned to lead that charge in the hospitality scene. The journey has only just begun, and I am excited to see how we continue to shape and challenge extraordinary guest experiences that set new benchmarks in luxury for those seeking the finer things in life,” he concluded.

A 10 from every angle…

By  Miles Buckeridge | March 2025

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel first opened its doors in 1997, it was joined by the iconic ‘seven-star’ Burj Al Arab in 1999 – but ‘the nautical trilogy’ had to wait another 26 years before receiving its third act.

Now, with the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab this month, the gleaming white wave and sail ensemble is complete.

Talking about the concept behind his design for the hotel, visionary architect Shaun Killa (one of the minds behind the Museum of the Future, Dubai Opera, and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab) describes the engineering marvel as being “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”.

It’s reflective of that sort of effortless aesthetic – fluid lines, and soothing arches – that requires inhuman effort in the design phases, “Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the subtle intervention of beauty that doesn’t shout or try to be something that it is not” Killa says, “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.”

It was designed to enhance the visual allure of the two legacy hotels next door, to frame, to blend, to embrace and contrast.

But just because it looks like a piece of art doesn’t mean that any commitment to the science of sustainability was overlooked in its construction. The building’s balconies, for example, have been designed to create shade cover that reduces energy consumption by up to 40 per cent.

Amid a flurry of high-profile openings in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea development, homegrown Saudi project Shebara Resort stands out with its futuristic design.

March 2025

But then, the future is something architect Shaun Killa, founder of the Dubai-based firm Killa Design, contemplates often: he was the mastermind behind Dubai’s landmark Museum of the Future. At Shebara Resort, overwater villas clad in polished stainless steel with sinuous mirrored silhouettes resemble a string of pearls skimming above the waves. “We wanted to reflect the sky and the lagoon and the coral below—whether it’s sunrise or a cloudy day or an orange sky, they’re constantly changing,” Killa says. “They blend into nature although they’re highly futuristic.” While it’s no rustic beach retreat, it’s very much an eco-sensitive escape: all 73 villas were constructed in Sharjah, UAE, and shipped over so as not to disrupt the delicate ecosystem of mangroves and coral reefs with building activity, and the island is entirely powered by a solar park, with more than 1 million square feet of solar panels that guests are invited to bike through. “We want people to get excited about the fact they are on an island that’s 100% powered from the sun,” Killa says. His latest project, Dubai’s long-awaited Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, sees him coming full circle: he first arrived in Dubai more than 25 years ago to work on Jumeirah’s iconic, sail-inspired Burj Al Arab. The new 386-room hotel, with a façade modeled after a yacht, joins that and the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotelto complete the hospitality brand’s trio of maritime properties.

Today marks the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the new lifestyle destination situated at the tip of a peninsula on Dubai’s most exclusive beach.

March 2025

Today marks the opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the new lifestyle destination situated at the tip of a peninsula on Dubai’s most exclusive beach.

Seamlessly blending the rich heritage of the region with an innovative approach to service and style, the superyacht-inspired property completes the brand’s nautical trilogy, alongside the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the iconic sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

A Timeless Design for a Futuristic Vision

Designed by acclaimed architect, Shaun Killa, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s design draws on the majesty of the world’s finest yachts, with 386 elegantly designed rooms and suites, 82 serviced residences and an 82-berth superyacht marina. Interiors are inspired by the hue of golden hour, with marble clad surfaces, organic wood, soft-edged seating, handcrafted silk carpets, hand-blown crystal lights and textured fabrics. Expansive windows offer views of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the Arabian Gulf, and the lush surrounding landscapes, featuring four outdoor pools.

A Culinary Voyage

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab presents an extraordinary gastronomic journey, offering 11 curated dining experiences and four destination bars. Among them is an exciting new-to-Dubai concept, The Fore, a transformative venue that evolves throughout the day, featuring four destination restaurants and a central bar. Highlights of the resort’s restaurant collection include the Greek Mediterranean pool club and rooftop bar, Iliana, Japanese meets French cuisine at Kinugawa, and The Bombay Club, a celebration of Indian cuisine curated by Michelin-starred Chef Manav Tuli.

Intentional Wellness at TALISE Spa

Spanning three floors, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s state-of-the-art TALISE Spa is guided by the three foundational pillars of Performance, Intention and Empower. Advanced treatments are available in the Remedy Suite, featuring four technology driven therapies including cryotherapy, ChromoSpace light treatments, iDome infra-red triple detox and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Bespoke treatments and holistic therapies are offered in 13 treatment suites, each with a private terrace and stunning vistas over the Gulf, while facilities include a 20-metre indoor pool and fully equipped fitness studio.

A Haven for Families

The dedicated Family Club at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, offers an enriching space for young guests aged 3 to 10, built around connection and discovery. Conveniently located near the Resort Pool, this thoughtfully designed haven fosters creativity, learning, and meaningful connections through engaging activities and interactive experiences involving all family members applying the new techniques of ‘Jumeirah Circle’, a fun educational concept for a meaningful family experience.

Community and Connections

At Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, creating lasting relationships and unforgettable moments comes to the forefront. The resort’s curated program of exclusive, culturally connected activities fosters deep bonds among guests who share a passion for art and culture. Partnerships with local and international artists, galleries, and museums celebrate Dubai’s rich cultural narrative. Initiatives including an artist in residence programme provide platforms for chefs and creatives to inspire guests.

The Sleek Marsa Al Arab Marina and Promenade

The Marsa Al Arab Marina and Promenade is more than a picturesque waterfront and vibrant social hub. Featuring serene vistas, homegrown dining concepts, exclusive retail stores and sophisticated suites, it invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the sea while exploring a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. This unique destination seamlessly blends relaxation, shopping, and refined hospitality, creating a space that fosters meaningful connections and memorable encounters.

Rising from the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, the gleaming orbs of Shebara Resort appear weightless, radiating an ethereal glow.

By Aneesha Rai| March 2025

Designed by Killa Design – the visionary firm behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future – this retreat seamlessly blends cutting-edge engineering with the organic beauty of its surroundings. At the heart of Shebara’s design lies an inspired architectural concept: a series of shimmering, stainless steel orbs that house the resort’s 73 villas. The overwater properties, linked in a graceful chain, appear as if floating on the sea, evoking a string of pearls. The beach villas reflect the golden sands, mirroring the shifting hues of the sky. “They’re almost like bubbles that come up from the ocean floor, reflecting everything that’s above them,” says Shaun Killa, founder and design director of Killa Design. “When you look at Shebara, it reveals itself from the water.”

Suspended above the waves, the resort’s overwater villas offer a connection to the marine ecosystem. Set 50 metres from the natural coral reef, the villas rest on minimal structural supports, reducing their environmental impact. “Each overwater villa is like an observation platform for guests to witness the fish, birds and turtles that thrive in this area,” says Killa.

Shebara’s sustainable ethos extends beyond its architectural footprint. Constructed off-site and assembled with a modular ‘plug-in’ approach, the villas integrate seamlessly into a solar-powered, zero-energy infrastructure. “The offshore construction methodology was implemented to preserve the natural environment of the island, minimising any potential impact to coral and wildlife,” adds Killa. Surrounded by Sheybarah Island’s pristine mangroves and coral reefs, the resort operates entirely off-grid. A state-of-the-art solar farm provides 100% of the resort’s energy needs, powering desalination, cooling, lighting and transportation. The solar installation itself is an architectural statement, arranged in a circular pattern that complements the resort’s flowing design. Walking and biking paths guide guests through this innovative energy landscape, turning sustainability into an immersive experience. “The entire infrastructural backbone of the project forms part of a visitor experience where guests can be exposed to, and learn about, the approach that has made the project a truly self-sustained development,” says Killa.

Designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari, Shebara’s interiors embrace a philosophy of ‘Natural Futurism,’ straddling futurism and timelessness. Drawing inspiration from the protective shell of a sea urchin, Ferrari’s team crafted interiors that contrast the orbs’ sleek exteriors with soft, cocooning spaces. The studio leaned into aerodynamics and movement to create soft and tailored interiors. With the sea’s vibrant blues outside, the studio embraced a restrained interior palette, allowing nature to take centre stage. “Our idea is to frame the water, and to let nature be the real focus,” shares Paolo Ferrari, the studio’s founder. Echoing the precision of yacht and aviation design, Shebara’s interiors are meticulously crafted. Curved surfaces necessitated advanced 3D modelling techniques to optimise space and ensure the seamless integration of furnishings. “How we maximise space in a villa like this is similar to how you design a private jet or yacht, where you have to maximise every square inch,” says Ferrari. 

Material selection was driven by a desire to harmonise with the natural surroundings. Soft leather, warm wood and hand-crafted details enhance the villas’ intimate, human-centred atmosphere. “The result is a space that feels both futuristic and timeless,” shares Ferrari. By merging avant-garde design with ecological sensitivity, Shebara offers an unparalleled experience where architecture and nature exist in perfect symbiosis.

In an exclusive interview, architect Shaun Killa reveals what guests can expect from Dubai’s superyacht-shaped luxury hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

By Katharina Kotrba, Contributor | March 2025

Ever since news of its construction broke, Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has ranked high on the list of the world’s most anticipated hotel openings. Now, as the resort nears its debut, we spoke with architect Shaun Killa to dive into the design, the details, and what makes Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab stand out in a city known for pushing the boundaries of luxury.

Killa chose a sleek, yacht-inspired silhouette and an overall focus on quiet luxury—prioritizing quality over quantity and understated elegance over extravagance. This is a marked departure from Dubai’s signature skyscrapers and often bolder, high-energy interpretation of luxury.

Jumeirah, Dubai’s state-owned hospitality company, has a track record of redefining the rules of hospitality. Standout properties, like the opulent, sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab put Dubai on the map when it opened 25 years ago. To this day, it goes by its moniker as the ‘world’s only 7-star hotel.’

A quarter of a century later, the group aims to make the new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab the next icon in hospitality, describing it as ushering in ‘a new epoch’.

The two Jumeirah hotels are in close proximity; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab sits just 1,500 feet across from the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on its own purpose-built peninsula in the ocean.

“When we were asked to design Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the brief was clear,” Killa explains via video call. “It had to complement the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, not compete with it.”

Where Jumeirah Burj Al Arab rises skyward with sharp edges, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab curves and flows like a yacht moving out of the harbor.

Once inside, guests will find what Killa describes a “deeper sense of luxury”: 386 rooms designed as private retreats with balconies, a big focus on well-being with a three-story wellness area spanning nearly 40,000 square feet and 13 treatment suites with private terraces, and an expansive dining lineup with four bars and a staggering eleven different restaurants.

The outdoors come with an 82-berth marina, a waterfront promenade, four pools, two sandy beaches, nine ocean-view private villas and 82 serviced residences.

The elongated hotel building takes center stage on the peninsula with its asymmetrical design, defined by double-curved lines, gentle convex and concave forms, and a smooth contour that tapers at both ends. These flowing forms create the impression of movement—like a ship gliding through the water.

The hotel building reaches a maximum height of 16 stories. An unusual choice in an era where developers prioritize height to optimize land use, which is often the case in Dubai, home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and soon home to the second tallest also, once construction of the new 131-story Burj Azizi is completed.

“I wanted to design something both elegant and timeless—a structure that complements its surroundings rather than competes with them,” Killa explains.

Instead of vertical reach, Killa’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has different methods to create memorable experiences, starting at arrival: As soon as guests pass through the entrance gates, the driver navigates a road that curves and twists toward the lobby.

Lush, jungle-like greenery obscures potential views of the building. “There’s a sense of anticipation as you wind through the entrance, until suddenly, the view opens up, and you find yourself standing beneath this grand arch.”

This curved portico, four stories high, spans a remarkable 120 feet without a single supporting column. Despite its weight of 3,000 tons, the arch appears to float effortlessly while carrying the remaining 12 floors above it.

Big Emotional Impact Upon Arrival

“We designed it to have an emotional impact, a true sense of arrival that makes people feel something the moment they arrive.”

But it isn’t just about the scale: In addition to its enormous and surprising size, the open cutout in the building serves as a larger-than-life framework for the deep blue ocean behind it—as well the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

”We’ve positioned the arch to be perfectly aligned with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and the sunset beyond, to create a picture-perfect moment where architecture and setting come together seamlessly,” Killa explains.

”For decades, visitors have come to Dubai to capture the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab,” he continues, ”and we wanted to honor that legacy. I have no doubt that this arch is where the most photos will be taken.”

Those arriving at night are welcomed by a different version of Killa’s less-is-more approach: the façade emits a gentle, singular shade of warm, soft white light. No multicolor displays or light show effects—just a subtle, warm white glow.

“I prefer lighting that enhances a building’s form rather than overwhelms it,” the architect says. “It’s the same philosophy we used with the Museum of the Future. I love when a building’s presence is defined by this kind of subtlety.”

Small, elegant spaces instead of a large lobby

This philosophy extends to the interiors, where Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab emphasizes personal moments over grand gestures. Instead of a large lobby, Killa’s long, yacht-like layout guides guests through intricately crafted, smaller spaces with restaurants, bars, hidden nooks and alcoves.

“You’re on your own progressive journey of discovery. The experience unfolds as you move through it, revealing new moments and hidden details at every turn. I think people will love it because it’s rarely done this well,” he says.

Five designers shaped the interiors, creating distinct moods using warm, refined color palettes. The design evokes the feeling of being invited into a private home or aboard a luxurious yacht, says Killa, paying homage to Dubai’s heritage and the Bedouin tradition of hospitality—where guests are welcomed with food, drink and kindness.

With Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s grand opening day around the corner, how does the architect plan to celebrate the arrival of the first visitors?

“I’d like to sit somewhere quietly and observe how guests interact with the spaces we’ve designed,” Killa says. ”Where will they naturally gravitate? What details make them stop and take a photo? Those moments, when people experience a space in the way you imagined, are the greatest reward as an architect.”

The city’s newest hotspots are calling.

By Veronica Van Belle | February 2025

The final piece of Dubai’s ocean-inspired trilogy is finally here. Marsa Al Arab, designed by Shaun Killa—the architect behind the Museum of the Future—officially opens its doors on March 14, completing the skyline alongside Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab. With a superyacht-inspired look (minus the motion sickness) and 386 rooms and suites overlooking the Gulf, it’s set to become everyone’s new (stay/va)cation favorite.

But even if you’re not staying overnight, Marsa Al Arab’s coastline is calling. A new waterfront district has taken shape right in front of the hotel, blending local favorites with exciting new arrivals, serving up sun-drenched terraces, a front-row seat to drifting yachts, and a sea breeze that instantly puts you in out-of-office mode. From early-morning coffee runs to long, late-night dinners, these are the places we’ve been longing for.