Construction of what is expected to be the world’s tallest hotel tower has crossed the halfway mark, with work on the megastructure now well past its 52nd level, according to its developer The First Group.

The 356-m glass-clad Ciel tower located in Dubai Marina, is well on track to meet its scheduled completion date in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the grand opening slated for the first half of 2024, says the property developer, which is pressing ahead with its largest and most ambitious project to date.

Designed by award-winning London-based architect Norr, the latest landmark addition to the Marina district’s world-famous skyline features a striking design, contemporary interiors and a remarkable glass observation deck, which will offer 360-degree vistas across Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.

Ciel tower ... progress of work on site since October 2020.

When complete, the 82-floor Ciel will house more than 1,000 guestrooms and suites, as well as premium guest amenities and facilities, such as the Ciel Observatory & Lounge on the 81st floor and a signature rooftop Sky Terrace featuring an infinity pool and bar affording panoramic views of Dubai’s world-famous skyline.

Despite the broader challenges presented by Covid-19 to the construction sector over the past two years, work on Ciel has continued throughout the pandemic, according to The First Group.

The skyscraper, being built by The First Group’s chief development partner, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), reached its first milestone in August 2020 when 12,000 cu m of concrete was poured for its foundation. In January this year, the project reached its halfway mark with the completion of its 52nd storey.

“Ciel will set a new benchmark for innovative design in super-tall buildings, not just in Dubai, but globally,” says Danny Lubert, the Co-Founder of The First Group. “Standout design features include a 300-m-tall atrium with vertically stacked landscaped and naturally ventilated terraces spanning the building’s 82 floors, which will provide occupants with shared communal and interactive space.”

Ciel’s interior design is inspired by the concept of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese tradition with a key focus on understated elegance and rustic, warm aesthetics. Befitting its iconic status, Ciel will feature an impressive range of specialty food and beverage (F&B) outlets, including a soon-to-be-announced signature restaurant, a Sunset Lounge on the 74th floor and Horizon Bar on the 76th floor. A luxury spa and health club will be located on the building’s 61st floor.

Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, says: “As an organisation, we are extremely proud to witness our vision for Ciel being brought to life in the heart of the world famous Dubai Marina in a truly idyllic location that will feature stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline.

“Ciel is a landmark development for Dubai that will not only enhance its status as one of the world’s great tourism and business travel destinations, but will set a new benchmark for upscale accommodation in what is recognised as one of the most dynamic and competitive hotel markets on the planet.”

Ciel has already earned a number of prestigious industry accolades including the 2019 International Property Awards (IPAs) for Best International Hotel Architecture, Best Hotel Architecture Arabia and Best High-rise Architecture Arabia. It has also received the top prize in four major categories at the 2019-20 Dubai, Africa & Arabia Property Awards: Hotel Architecture; New Hotel Construction and Design; Commercial High-rise Development; and High-rise Architecture.

Ciel is the flagship development of The First Group’s portfolio of hotels in prime locations across Dubai, which also includes award-winning Wyndham Dubai Marina, Millennium Place Marina, TRYP by Wyndham Dubai and The First Collection JVC.