Architect Shaun Killa on Crafting Dubai’s Next Architectural Statement

Credited with designing the Museum of the Future in Dubai, and Sea Breeze Resort in Baku, Shaun Killa’s work demonstrates a mastery of form, light, and symbolism. His latest project, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, a luxury resort which opened in March this year, completes Jumeirah’s celebrated beachfront trilogy of hotels on Dubai’s most coveted stretch. In an exclusive interview with Robb Report India, the design director and founder of Dubai-based Killa Design shares his vision behind the iconic new lifestyle destination.

RR: What was the inspiration behind the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and how does it redefine the future of ultra-luxury hospitality in Dubai?

SK: The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab was conceived as the final chapter in an architectural trilogy, with the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab symbolising the sail; and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the wave. The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab brings the yacht to life. Its fluid, tapering form evokes the elegance and motion of a superyacht setting out to sea. The project crafts a deeply personal guest journey. From arriving beneath the 36-metre arch to curated views and intimate spaces, it redefines luxury by creating experiences that are immersive, emotive, and enduring.

RR: What are its standout design features or experiences?

SK: Guests arriving here pass beneath a large arch that frames the resort, creating an unforgettable first impression. The resort is sculpted like a vessel of discovery, revealing a sequence of moments: tranquil terraces, immersive dining spaces, and pools with 270-degree views.

RR: Any rare materials or concealed design elements that enhance the guest experience?

SK: Many of the most impactful details are those that you do not see. The back-of-house circulation has been designed to keep operations discreet. The separation between the hotel and residences was carefully calculated to preserve uninterrupted views of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab from the public beach, a gesture most guests will [intuitively] sense. The fluted soffits beneath the arrival arch are custom-engineered to cast a soft glow that enhances the atmosphere at dusk. We dedicate ourselves to every detail.

RR: How does the property blend innovation with cultural storytelling?

SK: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab tells the story of Dubai’s maritime heritage. We drew inspiration from the elegance and precision of superyachts, and dhows that once sailed these waters. The hotel serves as a bridge between past and future, between the craftsmanship of old and the sculptural innovation of what’s to come. It is this dialogue between culture and technology, and memory and vision, that defines our work.

RR: How have you integrated sustainability?

SK: Continuous balconies provide self-shading, reducing cooling loads by up to 40 per cent. Greywater recycling supports irrigation while low-energy systems, LED lighting, and rooftop landscaping help minimise heat.

RR: What trends in ultra-luxury architecture do you foresee over the next decade?

SK: The convergence of sustainability, wellness, and technology is shaping the future of ultra-luxury design. We are moving away from ostentation and towards meaning. Biophilic design, energy autonomy and adaptive environments are becoming the new standards. Clients today seek spaces that don’t just look good, but feel purposeful, intelligent, and connected to nature. In the next decade, the most desirable luxury spaces will be those that offer emotional depth alongside environmental responsibility.