Inside Dubai’s Most Anticipated New Culinary Destination: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

In a city like Dubai, where luxury hospitality evolves at breakneck speed, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of options. Yet, when the newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has the discerning diners queuing up the driveway—despite sharing the same Jumeirah coastline with icons like the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel—you know there's more to it than meets the eye. This new property doesn't just add to Dubai's impressive skyline; it introduces a fresh energy through its diverse dining experiences.

Take the concept of The Fore, for instance—a transformative space within the hotel that houses four distinct restaurants and a sophisticated bar under one strategically connected roof. Beyond this, several other dining destinations are elevating the experience with their experimental explorations.

KIRA

KIRA, meaning 'light' in Japanese, moves from warm, sunlit radiance by day to a golden, intimate glow by night, echoing the space’s artful design. The tasteful design features a terrace adorned with greenery, marble tables, and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. “At KIRA, we like to think we've found that sweet spot where the Mediterranean flavours meet the precision of Japan, without making it feel like a fusion experiment. The flavours are fresh, real, and familiar, but there's always a small twist that makes you smile mid-bite," says Executive Chef Carlos de los Mozos. Their standout Gambero Rosso tartare with herbed stracciatella and smoked caviar exemplifies this approach, featuring preserved mandarins, pickled over the last winter season, and caviar smoked in-house. “One minute you're tasting Sicily, the next you're strolling through a Japanese citrus grove," he adds.

The Cullinan

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, The Cullinan sets itself apart as a modern steakhouse. In a rich oak brown and olive green setting with hints of silver and ivory, The Cullinan welcomes diners to experience world-class meats, rare, collectable spirits, and a 300-label wine cellar with an elegant, diamond-inspired design. According to Group Executive Chef Praba Manickam, what distinguishes this refined steakhouse is its culinary philosophy: "It’s built around a deep respect for exceptional meat. Each cut is sourced with intention, selected from reputable farms that uphold the highest standards in ethical practices, sustainability, and traceability." The team then applies precise in-house ageing methods to develop depth, richness, and complexity in every cut. In the kitchen, each dish is prepared with careful attention, allowing the purity and excellence of the meat to speak for itself.

Rialto

Rialto brings the flavours of Northern Italy with a modern spin. To Chef Roberto Rispoli, Executive Chef of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and Head Chef of Rialto, this restaurant embodies the spirit of the hotel—a place where his mastery of Mediterranean cuisine meets the opulence of the Middle East. “Our menu is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Northern Italy, while also drawing from the broader heritage of the Italian table—dishes rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and a deep respect for ingredients." What sets this restaurant apart is its theatrical dining experience featuring tableside service where chefs craft dishes before guests' eyes, a dedicated Cicchetti Room offering Italy's finest cheeses and meats, and a nostalgic gelato trolley experience.

The Bombay Club

"The Bombay Club is a heartfelt celebration of Western India's rich culinary heritage—Marathi, Gujarati, Parsi, and Iranian influences—all brought to life with the polish of Gymkhana elegance," explains Chef Kumaran Balaji, Head Chef of The Bombay Club. As part of 'The Fore' dining concept, this restaurant serves signature dishes like the Bohri Lamb Biryani, Guinea Fowl Samosa with mango chutney, and their impressive Signature Tandoori Lobster featuring a full 1kg tandoor-cooked lobster. The Bombay Club finds its perfect home at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, where regional cuisine gets a contemporary facelift for global food connoisseurs.