An icon, unveiled: In conversation with Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab's Harun Dursun
The resort is one of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025, what makes it unique?
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is more than a hotel. It's a transformative lifestyle destination that completes our iconic nautical trilogy alongside Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Situated on one of Dubai's most exclusive private peninsulas, it blends the sleek elegance of superyacht-inspired design with the warmth of Arabian hospitality. A key differentiator is how the resort integrates three dimensions: hotel, residences, and marina into a unified experience.
As a place where hospitality, wellness, dining, and cultural connection converge, it's been thoughtfully designed as a modern global majlis – a meeting point for meaningful experiences.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to immersive and personalised experiences, whether it's our intuitive butler service, wellness journeys at the next-generation Talise Spa, or cultural programming with regional artists. Every element has been carefully considered to deliver not just luxury but meaningful moments of discovery. Why is Dubai the right city for a hotel of this calibre?
Dubai is a city that celebrates ambition, innovation, and cultural exchange. It's a global hub that attracts discerning travellers who expect more than luxury, they seek experiences that are both enriching and extraordinary. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab responds to that call.
We're building on a legacy that began with the Burj Al Arab over 25 years ago, redefining what luxury hospitality means in this part of the world. As a homegrown brand, Jumeirah has grown alongside Dubai, helping to shape its global identity as a destination for world-class hospitality and bold, visionary design. How does Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab reflect the requirements of the new traveller in terms of wellness, personal service and immersive experiences?
Today's luxury traveller doesn't just look for opulence, they seek meaningful, transformative experiences. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab reflects this shift with a 360-degree approach to well-being, personalisation and cultural immersion.
Our Talise Spa is a next-generation wellness destination spread across three floors, thoughtfully designed to support holistic well-being. At its core is Dubai's first Remedy Suite, which offers a curated menu of advanced treatments including Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, ChromoSpace light therapies, and the iDome Infra-Red Triple Detox Treatment. These cutting-edge experiences are complemented by a 360-degree approach to wellness, integrating mindfulness, nutrition, and performance-driven fitness. Tell us a bit about one of your favourite places within the hotel?
My favourite areas are the lobby lounges, which are intimate pockets framed by traditional mashrabiyas to evoke a sense of cultural richness and warmth. These spaces create small majlises for meaningful conversations, where guests feel as though they're in the comfort of their own home. This element exemplifies the spirit of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, blending innovation with local tradition and creating an atmosphere of familiarity and effortless elegance. What do you hope Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab brings to the luxury hotel scene that isn't already here?
We've created a destination that redefines what luxury hospitality can be in this region. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab brings together space, privacy, and storytelling in a way that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in heritage.
It's not just about aesthetics or service, it's about creating a place where people from all walks of life come together to connect, share, and celebrate. Through our unique architecture, culinary innovation, and cultural collaborations, we're offering something dynamic and ever evolving. It's a place that sets a new benchmark—not by being louder, but by being more thoughtful. This is the discovery issue, what's one thing you hope people discover at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab?
I hope people discover a sense of connection, whether it's to themselves through our wellness offerings, to others through our communal spaces and cultural moments, or to the surroundings through the immersive design that brings the beauty of the sea indoors.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is full of quiet surprises. Every corner invites exploration, from the superyacht-inspired lines of the Royal Suite to the curated art in our public spaces. But more than anything, I hope guests discover how luxury today is about feeling present, seen and cared for—an experience we're proud to offer.
@jumeirahmarsaalarab
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