< Previous10 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab AN ICON11 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab How Shaun Killa shaped Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab with yacht-inspired curves and crafted detail By Misbaah Mansuri With its sculptural curves and superyacht- inspired silhouette, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab of cially opened on March 14 2025, marking the nal jewel in Jumeirah’s nautical crown. Designed by Shaun Killa, the resort joins the legendary Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel to complete a trilogy of ocean-facing marvels. Set on one of Dubai’s most coveted private beaches, the property pairs uid, aerodynamic architecture with rich, tactile interiors – think veined marble, warm- toned woods, and hand-blown crystal lighting. Every detail nods to movement and harmony, echoing the rhythm of the sea and the golden glow of Dubai’s coastal light. Shaped by movement and uidity Killa’s concept anchors the resort within its coastal setting while capturing the aerodynamic ow of yacht design. Its sculptural silhouette rises from the coastline with subtle curves and a dramatic archway entrance that gradually reveals the building’s presence as guests approach. Inside, golden hour tones set the palette. Marble- clad surfaces, organic wood accents, and textured fabrics create a layered, tactile environment. Hand-blown crystal lighting xtures, inspired by seashells and ocean spray, hang alongside soft- edged seating and handcrafted silk carpets that evoke quiet elegance.12 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab The guestrooms take cues from Italy’s Riva boats, with streamlined shapes and mid-century touches balanced by neutral colours and expansive terraces. Suites adopt a bolder yacht-inspired look, featuring sportier lines and vivid accents, while the Royal Suite includes a 310 sq m terrace with a private plunge pool overlooking the Gulf. Craft and detail at every scale A chandelier of over 1,500 hand-blown seashell- shaped crystals, sourced from Czech artisans, anchors the lobby, while over 300 curated artworks and 29 bespoke sculptures add layers of cultural storytelling throughout the property. The development includes 82 one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced residences, each with expansive terraces and interiors that balance natural textures with minimal detailing. Views across the marina and Burj Al Arab ensure a strong connection to the coastal setting. Dining concepts with distinct design narratives The resort’s 11 restaurants each carry their own material and design identities. Umi Kei incorporates metallic accents and layered lighting inspired by Japanese kintsugi techniques, while Mirabelle blends French Mediterranean in uences with warm wood panelling and marble nishes. The Bombay Club pairs rich jewel tones with brass detailing to create an intimate, elegant dining atmosphere. Talise Spa spans three oors, combining timber, stone and muted lighting to shape quiet, restorative spaces. The Remedy Suite includes advanced therapies such as cryotherapy and ChromoSpace light treatments, with all 13 treatment rooms featuring private terraces overlooking the Gulf. Sustainability, culture, and craft The design incorporates dual water systems for irrigation, terrace structures that reduce solar gain by up to 40 percent and hydro perlite in landscaping to optimise water usage. NORDAQ bottling systems eliminate single-use plastics, while advanced weather-controlled irrigation enhances operational ef ciency. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab positions itself as a cultural hub as much as a hospitality destination. Artist residencies, curated exhibitions, and intimate gathering spaces like the Pearl Suite support this vision, ensuring the design serves as both a place to stay and a platform for cultural exchange.13 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab14 commercialinteriordesign.comNew RecruitAugust 2025 our cultural heritage and life experiences. In a city as visionary as Dubai, we merge world- class design thinking with a human-centred approach where empathy, community and resourcefulness guide us. We are attuned not just to client briefs but to the unspoken needs of the users. Our backgrounds often forged in environments with limited resources sharpen our problem- solving abilities and foster innovative yet practical solutions. We also have a deep sensitivity to context, ensuring our work honours local culture, climate and social dynamics. In Dubai, that mindset is invaluable. We don’t just design for spectacle, we design with meaning. How does UAP navigate the balance between preserving Filipino architectural identity and adapting to the Gulf’s design ethos? At UAP Dubai, we see ourselves as cultural bridge-builders. We honour our Filipino architectural roots while adapting to the Gulf’s distinct design language. Filipino architecture is grounded in community, sustainability and environmental sensitivity, values that evolve within Dubai’s bold, global context. Through knowledge-sharing and collaboration, we champion designs that are both contextually appropriate and unmistakably Filipino, whether through spatial planning that celebrates hospitality or solutions rooted in resilience. It’s not about compromise, it’s a dialogue, and within that dialogue lies true design integrity. How has the region shaped your understanding of scale, innovation and sustainability? Nearly 20 years in Dubai have been transformative. The scale here is unlike anything I could have imagined, rede ning not just skylines but the very ambition behind architecture. Innovation here is relentless, pushing me to stay curious, question convention and embrace emerging technologies. Also, sustainability here isn’t a just checklist, it’s a mindset. Designing responsibly in one of the world’s harshest climates has reshaped my thinking, reconnecting me with the resourceful, climate-conscious design wisdom from the Philippines but at an ampli ed scale. With over 500 licensed Filipino architects in the UAE, how does UAP in uence the future built environment of the region? We are a powerhouse, over 500 PRC-licensed Filipino architects embedded in 486 rms across the UAE. We’re not just participants, we are shapers of the region’s built environment. Our strength lies in diversity, from boutique studios to mega developments. Christian Romulo Vasquez THE FILIPINO DESIGN COMMUNITY in the UAE is a force to be reckoned with, over 500 licensed architects are shaping the skylines and interiors of the region, yet their in uence often goes unspoken. But with the appointment of Christian Romulo Vasquez as the new President of the United Architects of the Philippines – Dubai Chapter (UAP 124), their voice is set to be heard. Representing the largest network of Filipino architects in the Middle East, Vasquez is leading a movement to amplify the community’s visibility, foster leadership and assert the Philippines’ unique architectural sensibilities on a global stage, starting with Dubai. Here, we nd out more about his plans. What unique perspectives do Filipino architects bring to a city like Dubai? Filipino architects bring adaptability, creativity and resilience, traits shaped by NEW RECRUIT:15 commercialinteriordesign.comNew RecruitAugust 2025 UAP Dubai harnesses this energy through idea-sharing, mentorship and continuous learning, ensuring Filipino architects don’t just contribute but lead with creativity and insight. We are collaborators in progress, striving for innovation, inclusivity and meaningful impact across the region. What are your priorities for your new term as Chapter President? My vision is clear: to empower Filipino architects to grow, lead and leave a lasting mark on the cities we shape. One of my priorities is to initiate executive roundtables that connect our members with developers and decision-makers, bridging gaps between design talent and those shaping urban growth. I also aim to introduce masterclasses that equip architects with essential business acumen because today, being a great designer also means being a strategic thinker. Mentorship is also close to my heart. Many of us learned things the hard way when we rst arrived in the UAE, and now it’s time to guide the next generation and show them what is possible. Lastly, I plan to establish global collaborations with organisations like AIA Middle East, RIBA Gulf and the CTBUH. The future of architecture is borderless, and Filipino architects are ready to lead in that global dialogue. We are not just here to participate. We are here to in uence Dubai’s ever-evolving cityscape. What’s one design lesson you’ve learned in Dubai that you wish you knew when you started your career? That architecture is as much about people as it is about form. Early on, I chased visual statements. But in Dubai, I learned that the most lasting designs are human-centred. It’s about asking not just “What does it look like?” but “How will it feel? How will it serve?” That perspective shapes every project I approach today. When you’re not immersed in architecture, what keeps your creativity alive? Travel and nature. Travel broadens my cultural and creative lens, while nature offers clarity and insight. Whether walking quietly or hiking, nature teaches me how spaces should breathe and connect with their environment. These experiences remind me that creativity is not just about producing. It’s about engaging fully with the world. “Many Filipinos learned the hard way when landing in Dubai”ETEREO IN THE STUDIO WITH... Etereo (adjective, Italian) Relating to the concept of “ether,” the hypothetical, invisible substance believed to ll space, connecting the physical with the divine18 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025In The Studio “A space that feels alive where materials take centre stage” ETEREO is a design and interior design studio founded in Dubai in 2017 by Stefania Digregorio and Mirko Sala Tenna. It was born from the meeting of re ned Italian architecture and design with the allure of Middle Eastern in uences. The name itself – meaning Ethereal – re ects an aspiration to create sensory experiences that transcend materiality, blending aesthetic beauty with inner well-being. The rm’s approach fuses Italian artistic heritage with the contemporary urban landscape of Dubai, a balance between opposites that gives rise to something new and extraordinary. Here, we speak to the founders about their workspace and practices. How did you design your studio? Mirko Sala Tenna: Our studio was designed to re ect our design philosophy: an authentic, material-focused space. It’s a place that speaks through materials: wood, with its natural grain and warmth, interacts with cement tiles, creating a timeless and solid foundation. We are surrounded by samples of marble, metal, glass, and fabric, elements that stimulate creativity and allow us to experiment with new combinations. We wanted a space that feels alive. A creative workshop where materials take centre stage and every detail re ects our vision. What is currently on your desk and why? Stefania Digregorio: On our desks, you will always nd samples of materials (marble, wood, metals and so on), because the tactile experience is essential for understanding how a material can shape a space. There are also sketchbooks and pencils because creativity often begins with a hand- drawn line and design and art books because we are constantly inspired by the dialogue between artistic history and contemporary creative movements. What music do you listen to at work? SD: It depends on the project. When working on complex or technical designs, we prefer classical or ambient music to maintain focus. During more creative phases, we often listen to soft electronic sounds or contemporary jazz to spark the ow of ideas.19 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025In The StudioNext >