Heads up! Dubai’s Burj Al Arab (that’s the one that’s 7 stars and looks like a sail) is getting a new neighbour, and it’s very fancy. Jumeriah Marsa Al Arab, the latest resort to be added to the extensive Jumeirah collection, is due to open very soon, and we thought we’d give you a sneak peek to see what it looks like and answer some of your burning questions.

Come on, let’s have a gander.

Set to open as the crown jewel of the Jumeirah resort collection, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab isn’t just a hotel; it’s a superyacht-shaped sanctuary of indulgence, sitting right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab. Expect extravagant suites, a marina for actual yachts, and a collection of seriously high-end restaurants.

Joining a resort collection that also just happens to include the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, to name just a few, means it’s got some pretty tough competition. But when it came to designing Marsa Al Arab, competition wasn’t even on the architect’s minds – chief architect Shaun Killa was under strict instructions to design a hotel that wouldn’t try to compete with the Burj Al Arab (it sits just 1500 feet away, and is still the world’s only so-called 7 star hotel), but complement it instead.

Instead of rising into the air like the iconic Burj Al Arab, Marsa Al Arab would instead reaches length-wise in curved, flowing lines to mimic the movement of a yacht sailing out of the marina.

Choosing a room here is less about finding a place to sleep and more about curating your own personal brand of luxury. There’s a pretty expansive collection of rooms, suites, and residences to snoop at, too.

A stylish Deluxe Room comes with stunning marina or ocean views, whilst a Terrace Room lets you step straight into paradise. Families can opt for spacious Family Rooms, while couples and solo travelers can bask in floor-to-ceiling windows, plush furnishings, and private terraces that make morning coffee a moment of pure indulgence. The Suites take things up a notch, offering separate living areas, panoramic vistas, and even plunge pools in the ultra-exclusive Presidential and Royal Suites.

For those who believe more is more, interconnecting Family Suites provide extra space, ensuring everyone enjoys the high life. And if you really want to live like royalty, the Five-Bedroom Royal Suite comes with a private terrace, a bar and gaming area, and a treatment room – because if you’re staying here, let’s be honest, you’re not settling for less.

Relax horizontally in opulence, soak up jaw-dropping views, or just remind yourself why you do that 9 to 5 – there’s a room here that fits the bill. Lavishly, of course.

Drawing inspiration from the Greek islands, Iliana is all about beachfront dining, Mediterranean-style. Get stuck into authentic Greek dishes crafted with local ingredients – all with panoramic sea views. Head to Venice next, because Rialto combines vintage charm with a bit of theatrical flare – think opulence adorned with chandeliers and luxurious fabrics, and a menu rich in classic Italian cuisine –  la cena è pronta!

By day, The Fore serves as a serene spot for breakfast, offering freshly brewed coffee and light bites. But as evening approaches, it transforms into a multifaceted dining venue, promising diverse culinary experiences. Bombay Club, meanwhile, puts you straight into the centre of Old India, with aromatic dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region.

In the mood for the east? Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab excels in this arena. Inspired by Japanese izakayas, Umi Kei offers a relaxed atmosphere where you slowly savour some traditional Japanese classics – an ideal spot for those in no big rush.

Or try Madame Li, a sophisticated Pan-Asian restaurant bringing diverse Asian flavours into a proper refined dining experience, all set within a charming and timeless ambiance. Kinugawa, on the other hand, seamlessly blends the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine with French refinement. Kira is where Japanese elegance meets Mediterranean flair with a dash of the upscale about it – it’s got a stylish bar and lounge, as well as a picturesque terrace to boot.

Mirabelle brings the South of France to Dubai, with a brasserie focusing on simplicity and the finer things in life – very French. Expect to see fresh, seasonal ingredients on the menu, inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Orizonta champions healthy, balanced living – Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, but with a focus on fresh ingredients that nourish the body.

But if you just want a good old hunk of steak (who doesn’t?), then The Cullinan is for you – a gourmet steakhouse providing the finest cuts of beef, complemented by an exceptional wine list curated by top sommeliers, all within a classic and refined atmosphere.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has four pools to play with, all with different vibes, from the expansive Resort Pool to the exclusive Illiana Pool Club and chilled out Kinugawa Adult Pool, plus the serene indoor pool to be found at the Talise Spa. There’s a dedicated Kids Pool area too.

There’s a private beach here to enjoy, and because they weren’t content with just having a resort that looked like a yacht, they’ve got a marina with actual yachts too – a whooping 82 berths! Stroll on the boardwalk, have a coffee at one of the cafes, or browse the boutique shops along the waterfront.

And if the dining options already weren’t enough, the marina provides six additional spots – Feels Café, Meat the Fish, Public, CutFish, Salt, and Heaf.

Spanning three floors and 3,500 square meters, Talise Spa provides a holistic approach to well-being. You’ll enjoy a 20-meter indoor pool, bathed in natural light and with gorgeous views, plus treatment suites that come with private terraces, and a dedicated female-only floor, ensuring personalized relaxation and rejuvenation.

There’s a state-of-the-art fitness centre here too, with curated fitness programs, advanced equipment, tailored work-outs, and even one to one sessions guided by highly qualified trainers.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is available to be booked right this very second – lucky you.

To give you an idea, check out this stay we priced up (flights included!)

Get your calendars out – the grand opening for Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is set for the 14th of March 2025.

The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab sits at the tip of Jumeirah Beach, the most exclusive private beach in Dubai – and just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport.