By Contributor,Duncan Madden
Copyright forbes
There’s a new addition to the Dubai skyline opening this November, and typically of this skyscraping cityscape, you’ll need to peer far into the sky to see it in its full glory. The appropriately named Ciel Dubai Marina (‘ciel’ translates from French as ‘sky’ or ‘heaven’) is the latest addition to the Vignette Collection by IHG and it breaks not one but two records.
Bathe above the clouds at the world’s highest infinity pool in the eye of the needle.
Ciel Dubai Marina
Standing at 1,23 feet comprising 82 floors, it takes the crown as the world’s tallest all-hotel tower. And close to its top at Level 76, its most striking feature is the world’s highest infinity pool, set within the “eye of the needle” and casting dramatic views over the ocean. This will be one of four external pools incorporated into the structure.
A new addition to the ever-growing Dubai skyline, identifiable for its unique “eye” at its top.
Ciel Dubai Marina
This record-breaking approach is emblematic of the intent and sheer bombast with which Dubai is reshaping the travel and tourism market, with a strong focus on foreign investment and wealthy visitors. In 2024, foreign direct investment in tourism topped $2 billion and the city welcomed 18.7 million international visitors—a 9% increase on 2023. The trend continues into 2025, with 9.88 million visitors in the first half of the year.
The Level 76 infinity pool isn’t the only outdoor swimming option—there are three other pools to choose from.
Ciel Dubai Marina
Designed by NORR Group architects, Ciel Dubai Marina is a case in point in both size, scope and investment. The needle-shaped tower comprises 1,004 rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of mind-boggling views over Palm Jumeirah, Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf beyond. Its distinctive shape is born from extensive “computational fluid dynamic analysis and wind tunnel modeling [which] had a dramatic impact on the structure and shaping of the tower.”
Each of the 1,004 rooms and suites features floor-to-ceiling windows. At this height, you don’t need to worry about being overlooked.
Ciel Dubai Marina
Addressing challenges around resource efficiency and sustainability, it integrates naturally ventilated landscaped terraces within the form of the tower. Inside, a 985-foot-high atrium houses 12 vertically stacked atrium gardens.
With so much room to play with, the designers have gone to town on amenities. Alongside the thousand-plus rooms and suites, it hosts eight restaurants, including three outlets from UK-born modern Asian concept Tattu—the Restaurant & Bar on Level 74, the Pool Bar on Level 76 and the Sky Lounge on Level 81 where the rooftop terrace and observation deck delivers 360-degree views.
West 13 is a stylish, sculptural dining space with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine.
Ciel Dubai Marina
Alongside, West 13 focuses on Mediterranean food, East 14 blends flavors from the east, and an outlet of the Risen Café and Artisanal Bakery, a Dubai stalwart, specializes in local ingredients, great cakes and even better coffee.
When not overeating, guests can head to Level 61 for some spa downtime and gym uptime. Open 24/7, it maximizes its sky high setting with views designed to “energize your routine”. If the views get too much, the hotel is operating in partnership with Soluna Beach Club, offering free transfers to an exclusive space with a private pool and beach, 15 minutes away.
Open 24/7 the Level 61 spa and gym continue the theme of maximizing those incredible views.
Ciel Dubai Marina
The Ciel Dubai Marina opens in November with rates starting from 1,036 AED (around $280) a night for a Deluxe Room, inclusive of taxes and fees.
“In the eye of the needle”—the view from the world’s highest infinity pool.
Ciel Dubai Marina
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