At the heart of the design is a shared philosophy – an embrace of nature’s quiet poetry, the imperfect beauty of handcraft, and the balance between minimalism and richness.“Our vision was to design spaces that resonate emotionally. KIRA isn’t just visually striking – they’re crafted to evoke a feeling from the moment you step inside,” says Neydine Bak, Co-founder of Verhaal Studios. “We wanted guests to not just see the beauty, but to feel it – to move through spaces that spark connection and discovery.”

Drawing inspiration from the Lunaria plant – known for its translucent silver leaves that shimmer in the light – KIRA’s interiors unfold as a serene, light-filled sanctuary. Here, a palette of soft neutrals and buttery gold leaf accents evoke the inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, where beauty is celebrated in imperfection and repair.Heritage craftsmanship is interwoven throughout: Japanese embroidery, Italian mosaics, and hand-painted blue ceramics form delicate layers of texture and artistry. At the heart of the lounge, a golden chandelier recalls sunlight filtering through Lunaria leaves, casting dappled shadows that shift throughout the day. Organic sculptural seating invites pause, while earthy terracotta tones anchor the airy luminosity.

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The project was conceptualised as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Jumeirah Group and Killa, which began with the design of the Burj Al Arab. Marsa Al Arab’s form and orientation have been deliberately crafted to balance and enhance the existing narrative of Jumeirah’s beachfront evolution – from the traditional Arabic forms of Madinat Jumeirah, through the modernist iconography of the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, to the futuristic architecture of this new resort. “The story reaches its conclusion at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, where we explore the future of design through its futuristic, yet sinuous architecture,” shares Killa.

One of the many unique aspects of this project is the striking arch under the hotel, which redefines the entire guest drop-off experience. Unlike traditional hotels where guests are dropped off behind the building or enter without an immediate sense of place, the design of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab ensures that when guests arrive, they are greeted with a breath-taking view, as the arch frames the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. This creates an immediate sense of awe, signalling the beginning of a remarkable design journey. The fluted soffit beneath the arch is gently lit in the evening, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that adds to the drama of the architecture while highlighting the elegance of the space. 

Inside, the resort continues with its maritime metaphor. Upon entering the lobby, the journey continues with a seamless flow that evokes the sensation of moving toward the bow of a yacht. This undulating path from the lobby extends through multiple bars and restaurants, each offering distinct atmospheres and designed to immerse guests in a variety of sensual and visual experiences. The resort’s landscape has been thoughtfully curated to provide diverse settings, creating opportunities for guests to engage with different environments, from serene garden walks to vibrant dining terraces. The interiors are crafted by HBA, AvroKO and LTW Designworks, who have blended contemporary elegance with timeless luxury. Every one of the 386 rooms and suites features expansive terraces with views of the Arabian Gulf, designed to dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. At the pinnacle of the offering are exclusive suites such as the Royal Suite and Pearl Suite that are both designed with large terraces, making them ideal for entertaining and secluded leisure. The Ocean Grand Terrace Suites deliver wraparound vistas and immediate proximity to the sea.

One of the design challenges was engineering the grand steel arch, which spans 36 metres and supports nine floors, while ensuring it maintained a visual lightness. Another challenge was designing the cantilevered quay wall villas, which hover over the rock revetment. “These challenges pushed us to redefine possibilities in both structure and design, resulting in solutions that are as bold as they are seamless,” shares Killa. 

Behind the beauty lies impressive engineering. Continuous balconies provide natural shading, reducing cooling loads by up to 40 per cent. Low-energy recovery systems and LED lighting minimise energy consumption, while greywater recycling supports irrigation. Additionally, landscaped roofs reduce the heat island effect and enhance the resort’s connection to its natural surroundings. “These measures reflect our commitment to creating architecture that is environmentally conscious without compromising luxury,” shares Killa.

Photography by Rupert Peace

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