World’s tallest hotel, Ciel, to debut in Dubai Marina
Set at 1,197?ft over 82 floors, the hotel will eclipse the current tallest and include a sky garden, infinity pool and observation deck.
A New Record for Dubai
As Dubai continues its relentless pursuit of architectural and experiential landmarks, the Ciel Tower emerges as its latest superlative: the world’s tallest hotel. Standing at an impressive 365 meters (1,197 ft) and rising 82 floors, this new icon will surpass the existing record-holder—Gevora Hotel, also in Dubai.
From Concept to Construction
Developed by The First Group in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts' Vignette Collection, the skyscraper is a bold articulation of modernity and cultural narrative. Designed by London firm NORR Group, led by architect Yahya Jan, Ciel incorporates a flowing, sculptural form featuring elegant tapering contours and a signature glass observation deck at the top.
More than sheer height, Ciel is a technical and aesthetic marvel:
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Foundations: Built with approximately 11,800–12,000 cubic meters of concrete and over 3,000 tonnes of steel, the structure ensures resilience against Dubai’s frequent high coastal winds.
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Architectural Depth: The building houses a 300-meter vertical atrium, accented with naturally ventilated sky gardens that span multiple levels—blending communal space with ecological design.
Rooms & Suites
Ciel will feature over 1,000 guest rooms, including approximately 150 suites—each with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offering sweeping views of Dubai Marina, the Arabian Gulf, and Palm Jumeirah.
Signature Experiences
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A world-first infinity pool perched on the 76th floor delivers an ethereal swim experience nearly 1,000 ft above ground.
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Fine dining unfolds across remarkable heights: from the Tattu restaurant on the 74th floor to a plush sky restaurant at 1,158 ft and a sky lounge and observation deck on the 81st floor.
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Within the heart of the tower, guests can unwind at a spa and health club on the 55th/61st floor, depending on report, along with other immersive wellness and fitness facilities.
The hotel also earns accolades: It has already garnered International Property Awards for Best International Hotel Architecture, Best Hotel Architecture Arabia, and Best High-rise Architecture Arabia.
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The 12-level atrium gardens and the expansive open-air terraces offer serene escapes within the vertical formality of the skyscraper.
Strategic Location & Infrastructure
Situated in Dubai Marina, the world’s largest man-made marina, Ciel taps into a bustling urban core dotted with JBR Beach, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina Mall, and the Cayan Tower. Its position offers seamless access to major routes like Sheikh Zayed Road and public transit options including Dubai Metro.
This placement isn’t just convenient—it’s strategic: Ciel will be both a destination and a vantage point within Dubai’s pulsating lifestyle and tourism ecosystem.
Completion, Opening & Timeline
Originally targeted for 2023, the timeline has shifted—now aiming for late 2025. Recent construction updates (as of mid-2025) indicate:
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Lobby finishing is 65% complete
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Guest room furniture installation around 45%
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Leisure and dining areas at 40–50% progress
Design, Sustainability & Innovation
Beyond opulence, Ciel integrates sustainable practices:
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Energy-efficient glazing, prefabricated façade panels, and wastewater recycling systems minimize environmental impact.
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Its Wabi-Sabi-inspired interiors underscore a design philosophy that values imperfection, organic textures, and cultural grounding.
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The construction employed advanced methods like Building Information Modeling (BIM), high-speed observation elevators, and structural innovations for high-rise resilience.
Symbolism and Impact
Ciel Tower is more than statistics—it’s a statement.
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For Dubai, it symbolizes continuous architectural ambition and the city’s capability to consistently reset luxury benchmarks.
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For hospitality, it exemplifies experience economy: the building is its own spectacle, not just accommodation.
Socially, the tower will create thousands of jobs across hospitality, F&B, wellness, and operations.
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Globally, it reinforces Dubai’s competitive edge in luxury tourism and urban hospitality innovation.
Looking Toward the Opening
When Ciel opens its doors, it will be more than a new landmark—it will rewire expectations about what a luxury hotel can offer:
Experiential Living, Elevated — from sky-high infinity pools to elevated dining, every moment is tied to altitude and aesthetics.
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Melding Form with Function — design elegance is grounded with sustainability and resilience.
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Community at Heights — atria and gardens tether human connection in vertical space.
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Tourism’s Next Chapter — Ciel joins Dubai’s constellation of drawcards, reinforcing a future-first yet luxury-rooted identity.
Conclusion
The Ciel Tower is an embodiment of Dubai’s ethos — ambitious, boundary-pushing, and immersive. Its unveiling in 2025 will mark more than just a title in the record books; it will spotlight a convergence of architecture, luxury hospitality, sustainability, and urban narrative, all soaring above one of the world’s most dynamic waterfronts.
