The ME by Meliá will open its Downtown Dubai doors come September.
Legendary late architect Zaha Hadid only designed one building in Dubai, but it’s one of our absolute favourites in the city.
It’s now been revealed that hotel portion of The Opus will open its doors this September, and it will bring with it some world-class dining options.
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What’s On Dubai reports that the contemporary Spanish hotel brand ME by Meliá take the reins on the project.
We already know it’s going to be beautiful to look at — Hadid was in charge of the interiors as well as the building itself. See what we mean?
We’d be tempted to move in, if that was even vaguely feasible. The perfectly curved fixtures and luxe marble make this a dream bathroom.
What’s new, though, is word on what restaurant and nightlife offerings the hotel will include. We have to say, they sound pretty fabulous.
Contemporary Japanese spot Roka will take pride of place. This London classic was founded in 2004 by Rainer Beck, the brains behind Zuma, and it’s got atmosphere to spare.
If the Dubai iteration is going to be along those lines, we’re thinking it’ll prove very popular.
Another London import heading to the ME is Radio Rooftop.
Again, if that’s what we can expect here, we’re very keen. Come winter, you’ll find us enjoying a sundowner on the roof of The Opus for sure.
Overall, The Opus will boast 56,000 square feet of commercial space, 162,000 square feet of hospitality space and 97,000 square feet of entertainment and food and beverage areas.
The head-turning cuboid building has already won awards for its stunning design, including Leisure & Hospitality Project of the Year for 2017 at the Middle East Architect Awards.
Iraqi-British visionary Hadid designed The Opus before her death at age 65 in 2016.
She was the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004 and was known in the world of architecture for her distinctively neo-futuristic buildings.
Known as “Queen of the Curve,” Hadid was also the first woman awarded the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Born in Baghdad in 1950, Hadid studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before starting her architectural journey in 1972 at the Architectural Association in London.
Her most famed works are spread across the globe, from Germany to the US, with many Hadid-designed structures standing right here in the GCC (you can even explore some of her work using Google Earth, just click here).
We think a little staycay at The Opus is going to be a must.
Images: Supplied
