Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, UNStudio and Werner Sobek

Mandarin Oriental is poised to elevate Dubai’s hospitality landscape with the introduction of its second location in the UAE, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, as part of the Wasl Tower development, scheduled for completion in Q3 2024. This new venture will see the luxury brand occupying floors 16 to 38 within the 64-level Wasl Tower, situated on the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road. The tower, a mixed-use marvel, will feature a total built-up area of 1.8 million sq ft, encompassing 229 residential units, 258 hotel rooms, extensive office space totalling 185,345 sq ft, and 11 levels of parking, complemented by a helipad on its summit.

Wasl Tower, distinguished by its 302-meter height and featuring the region’s tallest ceramic façade, is designed to emulate dynamic motion through its twisting, asymmetrical form. This architectural achievement by Amsterdam-based UN Studio is dedicated to sustainable urban planning, with its design optimizing shade to significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, a critical feature given Dubai’s climatic conditions. The tower’s orientation and form, reminiscent of the classic ‘contrapposto’ movement, allow it to face multiple directions, efficiently adapting to the local temperatures through innovative cooling techniques.

Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai aims to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Emirati culture while infusing the elegance and serenity characteristic of Mandarin Oriental’s Asian roots. The hotel will offer elegantly designed guestrooms, suites, and serviced apartments, boasting magnificent views over Downtown Dubai and iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa. Additionally, the hotel will feature luxurious residences on its upper floors, offering some of the city’s most opulent private homes with exclusive amenities and services.

The dining experience at Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai will be unparalleled, featuring award-winning restaurants led by world-renowned chefs, a rooftop sky lounge offering sweeping views of the city, a poolside restaurant, and the signature Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop. The hotel’s unique double-level sky lobby will provide breathtaking vistas of both the beach and Sheikh Zayed Road, further enhancing the guest experience with a club lounge, a lifestyle lounge, and a tea lounge located on floor 35, while an all-day dining area gracing floor 36.

Meetings and relaxation spaces will be abundant, with extensive banqueting and meeting facilities designed to host both social and business gatherings. A highlight will be the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, set to introduce the most comprehensive range of spa, beauty, and wellness services in Dubai. The spa will span two stories, featuring 12 private treatment rooms, a full-fledged fitness centre, vitality pools, heat and water therapies, and an outdoor swimming pool set within a landscaped garden terrace.

Wasl Tower’s design also prioritizes sustainability, aiming to become one of Dubai’s most sustainable buildings through reduced energy consumption, solar-powered hot water access, and an innovative façade that aids in cooling. The project’s integration of outdoor landscaping, vegetation, and passive systems is expected to create a comfortable microclimate around the tower.

Designed with the concept of cultural sustainability, health, and innovation at its core, Wasl Tower and Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai are set to redefine luxury living and hospitality in Dubai, making a significant contribution to the city’s reputation as a burgeoning long-stay destination with world-class infrastructure.

For further information, visit mandarinoriental.com