Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement to operate two hotels under its Zabeel House by JumeirahTM brand at Al Seef, a bustling destination by Meraas on the south bank of Dubai’s much-loved creek, the two hotels will open Spring 2018.
Zabeel House by Jumeirah Al Seef is the first hotel in Jumeirah’s new ‘Upscale-Casual’ collection. Think design-led spaces, moderately-priced comfy rooms with just enough added extras, and welcoming and unobtrusive staff. It’s the basics done brilliantly, with a touch of the instinctive hospitality that becomes second-nature when you have created the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
A smaller version is also opening next door – Zabeel House MINI by Jumeirah – with a lower price point that doesn’t skimp on style or comfort.
Guests will step into two contemporary retreats, creatively designed with some Insta-worthy quirks, relaxed restaurants and a rooftop pool; and step out to one of Dubai’s most exciting neighbourhoods.
Al Seef is the newest destination by Meraas, the masterminds behind The Beach, Box Park, City Walk and La Mer; a busy two kilometre promenade of shops, cafes and pop-ups on the south bank of Dubai Creek. Old meets new on the waterfront, with modern and imaginative architecture blending into charmed heritage (eat shakshuka and sip a flat white while watching aged dhows stock up with goods bound for Iran, India and North Africa) – creating a fresh reason to visit the part of the city where Dubai’s story began.
Located adjacent to Al Fahidi historical district and the Embassy district, Al Seef is rooted in Dubai’s culture and heritage, with a charming atmosphere that resonates throughout its distinct heritage and contemporary areas. The first phase of the 2.5 million square feet destination opened in late 2017 and the development will be completed in 2018. In addition to the Zabeel House by JumeirahTM hotels, Al Seef will house an additional 200 room-key heritage hotel, an authentic souk, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, Emirati craft workshops, handicraft stores, a floating market, a 68-berth marina for private yachts, and links to the Dubai water taxi network.
Following the signing of the management agreement, Jumeirah Group Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO Marc Dardenne said: “We are delighted that Zabeel House by Jumeirah™ has been chosen for Al Seef by Meraas, which is a striking example of how the heart of old Dubai is being brought to the fore through imaginative and culturally relevant design. The Zabeel House by JumeirahTM brand responds to the continuing travel trend for discovery and exploration and Al Seef, with so much to uncover within the neighbourhood and its central position as a gateway to Dubai, is an ideal location for the first hotels to open within the Zabeel House by Jumeirah™ collection.”
Cherif Hosny, Chief Hospitality Officer at Meraas, said: “Al Seef has become a focal point for residents and visitors looking for a unique place to shop and dine. We are confident that the introduction of Zabeel House by JumeirahTM at Al Seef will help us create an extraordinary proposition and offer visitors a unique experience to stay in the heart of Dubai. Our objective is to revitalise the tourism experience around one of the UAE’s most popular locations and the association with Jumeirah is very important to attract guests, providing them with an immediate connection to the hotel as well as assurance around the quality of their stay with Zabeel House by JumeirahTM.
Jumeirah has a number of signed hotel management agreements in place for Zabeel House by JumeirahTM including the recently announced Zabeel House by JumeirahTM – The Greens in Dubai, and properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Today’s announcement brings the total number of properties Jumeirah Group will open by mid-2019 to 12, including Zabeel House by Jumeirah hotel projects, in addition to the 19 Jumeirah hotels already in operation in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
