Latest news with #HarunDursun
Emirates Woman
24-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
An icon, unveiled: In conversation with Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab's Harun Dursun
It's an architectural marvel of contemporary design, envisioned to look like a superyacht sailing serenely along the Arabian Gulf. But Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the hotly anticipated Dubai resort that has commanded the attention of luxury travellers worldwide, is about much more than just striking aesthetics. With culture, meaning, thought and attention carved into each of its experiences, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab's wellness, culinary and leisure offering is here to create a league of its own. Managing director Harun Dursun talks us through the resort's visionary approach to luxury hospitality. 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
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
New 7-star hotel in Dubai? Marsa Al Arab 'beyond conventional classifications'
Dubai's iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is popularly known as the only 7-star hotel in the world. Its recently opened neighbour, the yacht-inspired 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 Marsa Al Arab Hotel next to sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and wave-inspired Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the final chapter in Jumeirah Group'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 Burj Al Arab in 1999 — the iconic symbol of Dubai. Completing this nautical trilogy on Dubai's most exclusive beachfront, 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, greywater 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.
