Dubai is preparing to welcome another record-breaking skyscraper to its skyline as Ciel Tower nears completion in the Marina district.
Once open, the building will take the crown as the world’s tallest hotel, standing at a height of 360.4 meters (1,181 feet) and soaring 82 stories into the sky.
The hotel is designed to be used entirely as a hospitality space, meeting the criteria for the official title of tallest hotel. Ciel Tower surpasses the Gevora Hotel, also in Dubai, which currently holds the record at 356 meters. Before Gevora, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai held the top spot at 355 meters. Dubai, already famous for its architectural marvels, is home to more supertall hotels than any other city.
Construction on Ciel Tower began in 2016. The project comes from developer The First Group and is designed by the award-winning architectural firm NORR, the same group behind Dubai’s iconic Atlantis, the Palm hotel. The tower’s design focuses on maximizing its height, offering guests panoramic views of the city through a glass observation deck located near the top of the building.
Visitors to the hotel can also enjoy a rooftop infinity pool, one of the highest in the world, along with an exclusive selection of high-end dining options. Though the full list of restaurants is yet to be revealed, developers promise a mix of luxury and international flavors. The tower will house 1,209 rooms and suites, plus wellness, business, and leisure facilities.
The hotel’s futuristic design has already earned international praise, winning several awards at the International Property Awards for its innovative architecture. Located in Dubai Marina, the tower joins a cluster of towering structures, including Marina 101 and the twisted Cayan Tower.
While Ciel will soon be the tallest hotel by total building height, it won’t be the highest in terms of elevation. That title still belongs to the Rosewood Guangzhou in China, which sits atop the upper floors of a 530-meter building. Similarly, the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong occupies floors 102 to 118 of the 488-meter-tall International Commerce Centre.
Ciel Tower is expected to open soon, potentially within the year. When it does, it will once again place Dubai at the forefront of global luxury travel, offering visitors the chance to experience the city from unmatched heights.