W Dubai forms a central part of the Al Habtoor City development in the United Arab Emirates

W Hotels Worldwide is debuting the W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate.

Owned by the Al Habtoor Group, the design-led lifestyle brand is set to shake up the destination with its rooftop W Lounge, pulsating WET pool deck and innovative fashion and music happenings.

The opening marks the W brand’s second outpost in the Middle East, following the debut of W Doha in 2009.

“From the emerging fashion scene to its contemporary arts district, Dubai has firmly made its mark on the global stage, with W Dubai set to quickly become the epicentre of it all,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide.”

W Dubai – Al Habtoor City rises 33 stories above the vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road, overlooking the newly built Dubai Water Canal with views of dramatic sunsets over the Arabian Gulf.

Destination restaurant Namu, located above the W Lounge, bathes diners in golden light from the setting sun, offering an original fusion of Japanese and Korean flavours served in a futuristic setting with asymmetrical furnishings.

Level Seven, a causal and sociable hotspot, serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine from a theatrical open kitchen and features a chef’s table, and crudo bar.

The menu is inspired by the chef’s daily market finds and seasonal produce, including small, shareable plates.

Adorned with wood, steel and vintage art, the natural Mediterranean-inspired décor sets the tone for a relaxing and delectable meal.

“We are proud to strengthen our relationship with Al Habtoor Group as we open W Dubai - Al Habtoor City, which is part of Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the Middle East,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

“Dubai’s dynamic spirit is a perfect match for W Hotels, and this ground-breaking debut reinforces our commitment to grow in this important market.”

W Dubai – Al Habtoor City and its 356 guestrooms and suites, including the Extreme Wow Suite and Sensational Suite, were designed by Singapore-based firm Silverfox Studios and Starwood’s award-winning design team.

Inspired by the city’s connectivity and gateway location, the design is provocative, bold and futuristic.

The landmark Al Habtoor City development project features two other Starwood hotels: The St. Regis Dubai which opened last November and The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City.