W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced the debut of W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate. Owned by the Al Habtoor Group, the design-led lifestyle brand is set to shake up the destination with its rooftop W Lounge, pulsating WET® pool deck and innovative fashion and music happenings. The opening marks the W brand’s second outpost in the Middle East, following the debut of W Doha in 2009.
“From the emerging fashion scene to its contemporary arts district, Dubai has firmly made its mark on the global stage, with W Dubai set to quickly become the epicenter of it all,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “An electrifying destination full of hidden, underground treasures, W Dubai will provide worldly jetsetters with insider access too what’s new and next in the Emirate.”
“We are proud to strengthen our relationship with Al Habtoor Group as we open W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, which is part of Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the Middle East,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Dubai’s dynamic spirit is a perfect match for W Hotels, and this groundbreaking debut reinforces our commitment to grow in this important market.”
A Magnetic Desert Mirage
Set within the ambitious Al Habtoor City project, the Emirate’s first fully-integrated urban resort, W Dubai – Al Habtoor City rises 33 stories above the vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road, overlooking the newly built Dubai Water Canal with views of dramatic sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. Upon arrival, guests are whisked up 30 floors to the W Lounge (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the staid hotel lobby) where a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of the shimmering city awaits.
Destination restaurant Namu, located above the W Lounge, bathes diners in golden light from the setting sun, offering an original fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors served in a futuristic setting with asymmetrical furnishings. Level Seven, a causal and sociable hotspot, serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine from a theatrical open kitchen and features a chef’s table, and crudo bar. The menu is inspired by the chef’s daily market finds and seasonal produce, including small, shareable plates. Adorned with wood, steel and vintage art, the natural Mediterranean-inspired décor sets the tone for a relaxing and delectable meal.
Igniting the pulsing heart of Dubai’s social scene is the hotel’s WET Deck. Boldly landscaped, the WET pool deck transforms from a glamorous place to lounge by day, with outdoor pools, private cabanas, light bites and refreshing drinks, to an evening hotspot to see and be seen. DJs play hypnotic sets while guests sip on W signature cocktails and soak in the sultry, vibrant atmosphere.
The Global Nexus Brought to Life W Dubai – Al Habtoor City and its 356 guestrooms and suites, including the Extreme Wow Suite and Sensational Suite, were designed by Singapore-based firm Silverfox Studios and Starwood’s award-winning design team. Inspired by the city’s connectivity and gateway location, the design is provocative, bold and futuristic. Showcasing the vibrancy and energy of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the interiors’ linear patterns reflect the city’s social rhythm and constant flux. Custom furnishings double as abstract art and a bright, vivid color palette is set against the sleek lines of each minimalist guestroom, highlighted with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the city and sea.
The lavish Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) spans 690 square meters and occupies the 27th and 28th floors with panoramic views of Dubai’s striking skyline. The suite includes a spacious lounge area, bar, DJ booth, dance floor, catwalk ramp, pool table and kitchenette. The Sensational Suite covers 449 square meters and is anchored by a bar with an adjoining majlis-style lounge, also complete with a DJ booth, dance stage, bar and kitchenette.
W Dubai – Al Habtoor City boasts ultra-modern event space including a stunning oval-shaped 725 square meter Great Room, where the walls and ceiling converge in a spiral effect, in addition to five dynamic multi-use studios. These rooms are equipped with W’s signature Sensory Set Up™, which provides mood music, customs scents, and much more.
Other features include the W brand’s signature FIT® state-of-the-art fitness facility where guests can re-energize 24/7 and a FIT Bar that serves healthy snacks and refreshing drinks. The hotel also offers guests private in-room yoga sessions with the hotel’s dedicated instructor, and will soon introduce SPG Keyless, the hospitality industry’s first truly keyless entry system, which enables guests to use their smartphone or smartwatch as a room key with a simple swipe of their device. All of this is supported by the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, providing guests whatever they want, whenever they want it.
The landmark Al Habtoor City development project features two other Starwood hotels: The St. Regis Dubai which opened last November and The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City. Al Habtoor City will also feature the spectacular water-themed show La Perle by Dragone, the world’s leading cultural creation company, located along the upcoming Dubai Water Canal. The destination is minutes away from attractions such as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, a 20-minute drive to Dubai International Airport and 40-minute drive to Al Maktoum International Airport.
W Hotels in the Middle East In 2009, W Doha opened its doors as the first W Hotel in the Middle East. Following the launch of W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, the brand is set to rapidly grow its portfolio in this region with four new hotels slated for the coming years. These include two more in the UAE: a second hotel in Dubai, the highly anticipated W Dubai – The Palm, and W Abu Dhabi; plus W Amman and W Muscat.
For further information and bookings, visit www.wdubaialhabtoorcity.com.
