• Ciel Dubai Marina opens with a precision wingsuit spectacle above skyline
• Partnership with XDubai and DET delivers a bold, city-defining moment
• Five elite athletes execute a high-speed formation over Dubai Marina
• Landmark hotel sets a new benchmark for experiential luxury hospitality
Dubai has never been shy about celebrating ambition, and the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina proved exactly that. Rising 377 metres above one of the city’s most iconic districts, the world’s tallest hotel made its debut with a sky-high activation that turned the Marina skyline into a live stage. In collaboration with XDubai and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Ciel’s opening was marked by a precision wingsuit performance that captured the spirit of modern Dubai.
The opening stunt was designed to reflect more than spectacle. It echoed Ciel’s vision of elevated luxury rooted in unforgettable experiences. Five elite XDubai wingsuit athletes took flight above Dubai Marina in a tightly coordinated formation. At the heart of the performance, the lead athlete executed a dramatic fly-through of Ciel’s architectural centrepiece, known as the eye of the needle, passing through the 82-storey opening at speeds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour. The remaining athletes maintained formation while deploying coordinated colour effects, creating a vivid aerial display against the city skyline.
Every element of the activation was engineered with safety and precision in mind. A custom-rigged FPV drone captured cinematic angles as the athletes soared around and above the tower, offering perspectives rarely seen in live urban activations. The result was a visually arresting moment that celebrated architecture, athleticism, and Dubai’s appetite for the extraordinary.
For the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the opening symbolised more than a new hotel. It represented the city’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of hospitality, design, and global storytelling. The collaboration between public and private partners highlighted how shared ambition can create moments that resonate far beyond the city itself.
Ciel Dubai Marina brings scale and substance to match its dramatic debut. The hotel features 1,004 rooms and suites, each framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf and cityscape. Among its standout offerings are the world’s highest infinity pool, a luxury spa opening in April 2026, a high-performance gym on the 61st floor, and exclusive guest access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah.
Dining plays a central role in the Ciel experience, with eight distinctive concepts that blend immersive design with global flavours. From Mediterranean dining at West 13 and East Asian cuisine at East 14, to the UAE debut of award-winning brand Tattu, the hotel positions itself as a destination in its own right.
Developed by The First Group Real Estate and managed by The First Group Hospitality as part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, Ciel Dubai Marina arrives as a statement of intent. Its opening sets a confident tone for a new chapter in Dubai’s luxury hospitality story, where bold ideas meet unforgettable execution.
Instagram: @cieldubaimarinahotel
