ME Dubai by Meliá

Architectural icon in

Architectural icon

the heart of Dubai

When talking about the future of architecture, there could hardly be a more striking example than ME Dubai by Meliá -the only hotel in the world where both the exterior and interior are designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid. Located in the heart of the Burj Khalifa area, this architectural masterpiece is more than a hotel - it is a true work of art that redefines the boundaries of modern design.

Zaha Hadid: The Visionary Behind the Dream

Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) was an Iraqi-British architect whose name has become synonymous with the revolutionary designs of deconstructivism in architecture. Known as the "Queen of Curves," she was the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Her approach to architecture, inspired by mathematics and Arabic calligraphy, is characterized by fluid forms, sharp angles, and bold materials that challenge traditional concepts of space.

Hadid began her career in 1972 at the Architectural Association in London, where she met architects Elia Zengelis and Rem Koolhaas. In 1979 he founded his own practice, Zaha Hadid Architects, which remains one of the most innovative architectural practices in the world. Her philosophy was to "re-explore the unrealized experiments of modernism to open up new fields of construction".

ME Dubai represents the culmination of her many years of research into architectural forms and was her last completed project before her death in 2016.

Opus: The building that defies gravity

ME Dubai is located in the Opus by Omniyat building - an architectural marvel that seems to levitate above the ground. The project was first unveiled by Zaha Hadid in 2007 and is the result of decades of engineering and design innovation.

The architectural concept

Opus is designed as two separate towers that merge into a single unit, forming an 84,300-square-foot cube. The most striking element of the building is the central cavity, an eight-storey void at the heart of the cube that creates a striking visual effect. This "erosion" in the center of the structure is not just an aesthetic element - it is a thoughtful architectural move that allows natural light to penetrate the building and create unique views of the city.

Engineering challenges

The construction of Opus presents one of the most complex engineering challenges in modern architecture. The two towers are connected at two strategic locations: a four-storey atrium at ground level and a 38-metre-wide asymmetrical steel bridge, located 71 metres from the ground. This bridge spans three stories and is the result of thousands of hours of engineering calculations, including seismic load analysis.

The facade of the void consists of 4,544 individually designed glass panels, each one unique and made to special order. A cold forming technique was used to create them, whereby the glass is heated to approximately 370 degrees Celsius and shaped into the desired curves, retaining its strength and optical transparency.

Interior design: the Zaha Hadid philosophy in action

Lobby: Gateway to the future

ME Dubai's lobby sits directly under Opus' landmark void and is a veritable gallery of Zaha Hadid design. The glass ceiling formed by the void creates a unique play of light and shadows throughout the day. Three floors of galleries with turned balconies frame the perimeter of the space, creating an impression of infinity and movement.

The furniture in the lobby was personally selected by Hadid and includes her iconic "Petalinas" sofas and "Ottomans" floors, made from long-life and recyclable materials. Each element designed to reflect her philosophy of smooth transitions between different functional areas.

The rooms: two worlds in one design

ME Dubai has 93 rooms and 19 suites, divided into two themed concepts:

Midnight Theme: These rooms reflect Dubai's dynamic night sky with dark blue tones and metallic accents that create a sense of elegance and mystique.

Desert Theme: Inspired by the stunning landscapes of the UAE, these rooms use warm golden tones and soft textures that evoke the serenity of the desert.

Each room is furnished with "Opus" beds designed specifically by Hadid, as well as "Work &Play" combination furniture that combines a workspace with a place to relax. Due to the unique shape of the building, no two bathrooms are the same - each is individually designed to fit the architectural features of the space.

Bathrooms: the Vitae Collection

All bathrooms in the hotel are equipped with sinks and showers from the "Vitae" collection, designed by Hadid in 2015 for Noken Porcelanosa. These elements continue her fluid architectural language into the hotel's most intimate spaces.

Facilities and services: luxury in the details

The Spa: an oasis of relaxation

ME Dubai's spa covers a large area and offers a wide range of stimulating massages and exclusive treatments. The design follows Hadid's philosophy of smooth transitions and organic shapes, creating an atmosphere of complete calm and harmony. The centre includes private showers with changing rooms, a sauna and various relaxation areas.

The Fitness Centre: technologies from the future

The 260 square metre fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including the Middle East's first ultra-modern Technogym Biocircuit. The space offers views of the garden and pool, while a personal training programme and exclusive fitness classes complete the experience.

The Pool: Calm above the clouds

The rooftop pool is a true oasis in the heart of the city. With spectacular views of Dubai's skyline, it offers a unique experience of relaxation. The pool area is designed in Hadid's signature style with flowing lines and modern elements.

Culinary experiences: 12 restaurants and bars

ME Dubai offers a wide variety of dining experiences with 12 restaurants and bars including:

• Central Cosmo Tapas & Bar - Authentic Spanish tapas with specially selected wine spice
• ROKA - contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant
• The MAINE Land Brasserie - classic American cuisine
• DESEO - Latin American cuisine with a tropical flair
• Botanica - cocktail bar in a secret garden with a wall of herbs

Sustainability and innovation

ME Dubai is designed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Sensors throughout the hotel automatically adjust ventilation and lighting according to occupancy to save energy. Guests receive reusable steel water bottles, and no plastic bottles are provided in the rooms.

The glass facade includes a UV coating and a mirror frit pattern to reduce solar heating. Pixelated stripes in the window glass further reduce solar heat gain into the interior.

Location:In the heart of modern Dubai

ME Dubai is located in the prestigious Burj Khalifa area in Business Bay, a short distance from the city's most important attractions:

• Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world
• Dubai Mall - one of the largest shopping malls in the world
• Dubai Fountain - the highest dancing fountain in the world
• Dubai Opera - cult opera of the city
• Dubai Water Canal - the picturesque canal that connects different parts of the city

The hotel is within walking distance of these landmark sites, making it an ideal choice for guests who want to experience the full Dubai experience.

The Culture Collective

ME Dubai offers Culture Collective, a cultural programme that serves as a platform for contemporary Middle Eastern culture. The program connects music, art, design, fashion and gastronomy in curated events that bring the city's creative scene to the hotel and shape the local cultural landscape.

The experience of staying at ME Dubai

A stay at ME Dubai is more than just hotel service - it's a journey into the visionary world of Zaha Hadid. From the moment guests cross the lobby threshold, they enter a space that challenges their perceptions of architecture and design.

Every detail, from the furniture to the lighting, from the materials to the colours, has been thought through to create a sense of future and innovation. The personalised service of the ME brand adds an extra layer of elegance and exclusivity to the stay.

Guests can enjoy:

• ME+ personalised service
• Access to all hotel facilities
• Exclusive experiences and events
• A chance to see an exhibition of never-before-seen works by Zaha Hadid

Conclusion: the legacy of a visionary

ME Dubai by Meliá is not just a hotel - it is a living testament to Zaha Hadid's genius and her ability to transform dreams into reality. As the only hotel in the world to bear her full architectural vision, it represents a pinnacle in the evolution of modern architecture and design.

Anyone who has the opportunity to stay at ME Dubai becomes part of architectural history and has the chance to live in a space that was dreamt up by one of the greatest architects of our time. It is a place where the boundaries between art, technology and hospitality merge into one unforgettable experience.

In a world of constantly evolving architecture, ME Dubai remains a beacon of innovation and proof that bold visions can become reality. It's a place that doesn't just offer a place to stay, but shares in the legacy of one of history's most revolutionary architects.