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Newly opened in April 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is a 5-star beachfront resort located in north of the renowned Dubai International Marina Club. The project is an extension to the existing Le Meridien hotel. With an unrivalled beachfront location, the new Aedas-designed hotel tower is Dubai’s newest luxury hotel destination, promising to stun with its eclectic design.
Aedas Global Design Principal Ignacio Gomez, led the team in dreaming up and executing the exciting concept. The design pays homage to Al Khous (weaving palm fronds), one of the oldest professions still practiced in coastal regions of the United Arab Emirates. With a rich seafaring history of pearling, fishing, and boat-building, the design seeks to honor the city’s love of the ocean in a reimagined lavish retreat.
Ignacio described the concept, “The hotel is perfectly secluded in a traditionally friendly, welcoming, and low-key destination for travelers in Dubai. It is embraced by bars, clubs and beaches all in its vicinity. The concept is inspired by the city’s strong relationship with the sea, and by local craftsmanship of boat-building fused with biomimicry. A way of production, inspired by nature, could redefine the notion of place-making in a tourist area that includes the heritage and luxury future in an architectural manifestation.”
The tower places guests close to various highlights of the city, including Dubai Marina and JBR Walk. It rises 31 storeys high and houses 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and a presidential suite. A pool, gym and dining options are complemented. It is noteworthy that a tree has been planted at the entrance, which is a symbol of UAE’s trading relationship with the rest of the world, how the traders have brought in a diversity of “seeds” – both figuratively and literally, that has allowed Dubai to blossom and thrive.
Although the tower is an extension of Le Meridien hotel, it is a stand-alone development with its independent access and drop-off area. The glittering glass architecture towers over the city below, offering unobstructed views from each of the guest rooms and suites over the Arabian Gulf and the world’s highest observation wheel Ain Dubai . The tower features a sunset destination experience by overlooking the Mina Seyahi bay and a signature dining venue commanding views of Palm Jumeirah Island from the rooftop.
The design extrapolates each guest room corner as weaving crest, extending the spatial experience of the building. The roof of the tower takes the form of two inverted canoe boats, reinforcing the nautical theme. The steel and aluminum façade shimmers gold in the Dubai sun, creating a mirage-like effect.
“The W Dubai – Mina Seyahi encapsulates the pulsating energy of Dubai. With a bold and dynamic design, it is a versatile destination that caters to glamorous indulgences and guests looking for a serene retreat.” said Ignacio.
Status: Built
Location: Dubai, AE
Firm Role: Design and Project Architect
Additional Credits: Design Directors: Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal
Photography: Aedas and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
