Sailing Into the Future of Luxury: Inside Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

As Dubai continues to shape the future of global hospitality, the unveiling of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab marks a transformative chapter for the Jumeirah Group. Nestled between the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this superyacht-inspired resort redefines luxury living through innovative design, immersive experiences, and a deep sense of place. We sat down with Mr. Harun Dursun, Managing Director of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, to discuss the vision, philosophy, and passion behind this landmark opening–and what it means for the evolution of mindful luxury.

Mr. Harun, congratulations on the much-anticipated opening of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab – an exciting addition to Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene. Could you share your vision for this new destination and what it means for Jumeirah as a brand?

It’s been a tremendous journey bringing Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab to life. From the outset, our vision was to create a destination that not only honours the Jumeirah legacy but boldly reimagines the future of luxury hospitality. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab represents the next chapter in our story: a resort that fuses contemporary elegance with cultural resonance, creating experiences that are deeply personal, emotionally engaging, and truly world-class.

This property reflects a shift in how luxury is being defined–prioritising wellness, space, creativity, and meaningful moments. It’s more than a place to stay; it’s a lifestyle destination, one that sets the tone for the evolution of Jumeirah globally. It signals that Jumeirah is not only leading, but also shaping the conversation around modern, mindful luxury.

Positioned alongside the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this resort completes what you call the “nautical trilogy.” How does Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab complement its legendary neighbours?

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab completes a visionary ensemble of landmark properties that together define the coastline as a symbol of Dubai’s luxury hospitality leadership. Positioned alongside the sail-like silhouette of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and the wave-inspired form of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the resort introduces a new architectural expression—its superyacht-inspired design adding a refined, contemporary layer to the existing narrative.

While each property carries its own distinct identity, they are united by a shared legacy of excellence and innovation. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab was designed to contribute to this legacy, offering a more modern interpretation of lifestyle luxury – one that integrates elevated design, advanced wellness, and world-class gastronomy in a singular destination.

What inspired the resort’s superyacht-style design and golden-hour interiors, and how do they reflect the brand’s spirit?

The design narrative was inspired by the aerodynamic form and elegance of a superyacht – symbolic of fluidity, refinement, and discovery. World-renowned architect Shaun Killa translated this concept into a striking architectural statement that both stands out and integrates effortlessly into its surroundings.

Internally, the resort embraces a golden-hour palette – warm, diffused tones that evoke tranquillity and timelessness. This approach reflects Jumeirah’s philosophy of delivering beauty with purpose: spaces that are not only visually compelling but also emotionally intuitive. The design speaks to a modern, globally minded traveller who values both sophistication and soul.

Culinary experiences seem to be at the heart of the resort. The Fore offers a dynamic, all-day transformative dining journey. Can you tell us more about the concept behind The Fore and how it enhances the resort’s positioning as a lifestyle destination?

The Fore is a signature culinary destination that redefines resort dining through a dynamic and multi-concept approach. Rather than a single venue, The Fore comprises four distinct restaurants – Umi Kei, Madame Li, Mirabelle, and The Bombay Club – each with its own unique identity, atmosphere, and culinary focus.

This transformation throughout the day ensures that guests can enjoy a diverse range of cuisines and experiences within a single, thoughtfully curated environment. The Fore was conceptualised to reflect the energy and vibrancy of a cosmopolitan harbour—a place where cultures meet, flavours merge, and storytelling is woven into every dish.

With venues like Umi Kei, Madame Li, Rialto, and The Cullinan, there’s a truly international and elevated culinary presence at the resort. How important is it to deliver distinct, storytelling-driven concepts?

Distinctive, storytelling-led concepts are fundamental to the resort’s culinary philosophy. Today’s discerning travellers seek more than exceptional food – they seek narrative, context, and a sense of place.

Each of the resort’s dining venues has been designed with that in mind, offering immersive experiences that engage all the senses. Whether it’s the Venetian elegance of Rialto, the refined opulence of The Cullinan, or the bold cross-cultural flavours of Umi Kei, every concept is deeply considered and executed to world-class standards.

Wellness is another pillar of the resort, particularly with the Talise Spa's forward-thinking approach. Can you share how this wellness sanctuary is redefining holistic well-being for your guests?

The Talise Spa at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab sets a new standard for holistic wellness in the region. Spanning three levels, it delivers a fully integrated, 360-degree wellness experience–balancing innovation with restoration.

At the heart of the spa is the Remedy Suite, a first-of-its-kind concept in Dubai offering advanced treatments like Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, ChromoSpace light therapy, and iDome Infra-Red Detox. These are complemented by traditional hammam rituals, mindfulness programmes, personalised nutrition, and high-performance fitness.

With a female-only floor, private terraces, and a 20-metre indoor pool, the spa becomes a sanctuary where science, serenity, and service come together in harmony.

The resort has been designed as a destination for families, creatives, and global travellers alike. How do you balance exclusivity with accessibility, ensuring a meaningful experience for every type of guest?

Balancing exclusivity with accessibility was a central focus in developing Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. The resort has been designed to welcome a wide spectrum of guests–families, couples, solo travellers, and creatives–without compromising on sophistication or privacy.

Through thoughtful spatial planning, flexible accommodation, and curated programming, every element has been crafted to offer both comfort and distinctiveness. From interconnecting suites to cultural collaborations, the goal was to create an inclusive luxury experience–one that is elevated, yet welcoming.

Now that the resort has officially opened, how has the guest response been so far? And for you personally, what experience or moment has been the most meaningful since welcoming your first guests?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the vision that guided every phase of development. Guests have praised the resort’s design, panoramic sea views, and the immersive experiences we offer.

The Fore has already become a culinary landmark, and the Talise Spa has garnered attention for its innovative wellness offerings.

But what’s resonated most deeply is the emotional feedback from guests—their sense of being seen, valued, and at home. That human connection is the truest validation of our purpose and the most meaningful part of this journey.

Lastly, what does it mean to you, both professionally and personally, to lead such a landmark opening in one of the most competitive luxury markets in the world?

This opening represents a milestone not just for the property but for the Jumeirah brand as a whole. In a city that continuously redefines luxury, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a statement of progress, imagination, and purpose.

Professionally, it is the culmination of a shared effort by an exceptional team. Personally, it is a privilege to be part of a project that reflects the future of hospitality–where design, wellness, and cultural richness converge to create something truly meaningful.