When you think Dubai has run out of ways to outshine itself, another vertical marvel comes. Opening on 15 November 2025, Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG will formally take the crown as the world’s tallest hotel, rising 377 metres above the city and promising guests an experience that redefines the word “skyline.”

Because one record is never enough in Dubai, the property will also claim bragging rights to the highest infinity pool on the planet—a feature designed as much for Instagram fame as it is for an actual swim.

A vertical masterpiece

Designed by award-winning architect Norr, the 82-floor tower resembles what the design world romantically calls the “eye of the needle.” With 1,004 glass-wrapped rooms and suites, the building becomes a kind of giant periscope, offering sweeping views over Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and a city skyline that never seems to sit still.

Inside, the property is all about luxury redefined. Think floor-to-ceiling glass, meticulous design finishes, and vantage points that would make an airline pilot envious.

A statement for Dubai tourism

The project is managed by The First Group Hospitality, whose CEO, Rob Burns, could hardly contain his pride:

“We are extremely proud to witness our vision for Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection come to life in a truly idyllic location, with unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline.”

Burns added, with the understatement of the year:

“Ciel represents a landmark development that reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for tourism and business travel. Standing at 377 meters, the all-hotel tower will redefine upper-upscale hospitality, blending innovation, luxury, and creativity through its striking design, world-class amenities, and breathtaking vistas.”

In other words, Ciel isn’t just about size—it’s about putting yet another gleaming exclamation mark on Dubai’s tourism playbook.

Location, location, location

The property is smack in the middle of Dubai Marina, within walking distance of The Walk, the JBR beachfront, and the recently developed Bluewaters lifestyle precinct, home of the Ain Dubai observation wheel (itself the tallest in the world, naturally).

The Marina boardwalk brings water taxis to your doorstep, while Dubai’s metro and tram systems deliver a fuss-free ride to shopping at Dubai Marina Mall or quick hops across town. In short, there’s no excuse to stay indoors—though with amenities like these, many guests probably will.

Dining above the clouds

Foodies, rejoice. Ciel will unveil eight distinct dining concepts, from global buffets to signature restaurants and chic cafés. Among the highlights:

• A multi-level Asian venue that sounds like a gastronomic adventure in itself, and

• The world’s highest infinity pool with sky lounge, where the view might be so good you’ll forget what’s on your plate.

It’s a culinary scene crafted not just for guests, but for Dubai’s dining elite—who take their restaurants as seriously as they take their supercars.

Luxury that touches the sky

Beyond dining, the tower piles on the amenities:

• a spa on the 61st floor,

• a state-of-the-art gym with wraparound views,

• exclusive access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, and

• family-friendly services designed to keep little travellers happy while the grown-ups indulge.

Business travellers aren’t forgotten either, with an executive lounge and flexible meeting spaces. Nothing says “deal closed” quite like signing papers 300 metres above ground.

A jewel in IHG’s crown

As part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, Ciel is more than just another luxury tower; it’s billed as a property with “distinctive character.” In other words, a hotel designed to stand apart in a city overflowing with five-star names.

This unveiling is not happening in isolation. Dubai is in the midst of yet another hotel boom. Earlier this year, the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, styled like a superyacht, began welcoming guests. Soon to follow are the Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai in the Wasl Tower, and the Zuha Resort Villas on the World Islands. Ciel, however, will arguably be the one grabbing the most headlines.

The final word

Dubai is a city where the phrase “too much” rarely applies. In a place of man-made islands, record-breaking skyscrapers, and indoor ski slopes, Ciel Dubai Marina raises the bar literally and figuratively.

Come November 2025, travellers looking to sleep among the clouds (without booking a flight) will find themselves spoilt for choice. Dubai wanted the world’s tallest hotel, and true to form, it’s about to deliver—with style, spectacle, and a sky lounge that will give “top shelf” a whole new meaning.

For more information, visit www.cieldubai.com.

By Stephen Morton

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