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J1 Hotel at Port de La Mer is being developed as Gran Meliá’s first property in the UAE, with 366 rooms and suites planned. (Image source: MOMA International)Dubai, UAE - J1 Hotel at Port de La Mer has reached a major construction milestone, with the five-star beachfront development substantially completing its concrete works ahead of a planned opening in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The project will become the first Gran Meliá property in the UAE and is being developed as a 366-room and suite hotel, including 40 accommodations with private pools.
MOMA International is serving as lead consultant across architecture, interior design and landscape, overseeing the project’s design through the construction stage. Carter Hones Associates is providing project and commercial management services, while the wider consultant team includes John R Harris & Partners and SEED Consulting Engineers. Dutco Construction is undertaking the build.
With the main concrete structure substantially complete, activity has shifted toward façade installation, mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, interior fit-out and finishing packages.
Glazing and glass installation are under way as the building moves toward enclosure, while ceiling closure works are progressing within guest room areas.
Around 65,000 cubic metres of concrete have been poured on the project to date. The team has also recorded five million safe working hours, according to Carter Hones Associates.
The hotel is being developed in line with the Dubai Green Building Code and incorporates a greywater treatment system intended to reduce water consumption during operation.
Set on a peninsula with water on three sides, the property will have direct beach access and views across the sea and Dubai skyline.
Plans for the hotel include four swimming pools within landscaped gardens, a rooftop terrace, ballroom, meeting and event facilities and a fitness centre.
The entrance design for J1 Hotel forms part of MOMA International’s integrated architecture and hospitality concept for the Dubai beachfront development. (Image source: MOMA International)Its food and beverage offering is expected to include Zuma Beach House, Park Chinois, Novikov Restaurant & Beach Club, Jul’s and Tala, while Journée Wellbeing will operate a rooftop wellness destination.
The project’s waterfront setting has influenced the layout of its external spaces, including pools, terraces and dining areas, while MOMA International continues to oversee the integration of the architecture, interiors, landscape and guest experience as construction progresses.
Once complete, J1 Hotel will become Meliá Hotels International’s third property in Dubai, joining Meliá Desert Palm and ME Dubai.
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