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“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?”
The late Zaha Hadid lived by this philosophy. A call to resist rigidity, to explore, to expand. In her work, the statement materialises both metaphorically and physically. Dubbed the “Queen of the Curve,” Hadid transformed architecture into sculpture, freeing it from the tyranny of straight lines. Her buildings undulate, breathe, and move, expressing a radical freedom through form.
Nowhere is that more vividly felt than at ME by Meliá Dubai.
Set in the heart of the Burj Khalifa district, the hotel is housed inside the iconic Opus. An architectural spectacle defined by its mirrored façade and fluid void. The structure appears as a monolithic cube interrupted by a gaping, organic chasm, achieved by connecting twin towers at the top and bottom. The visual effect is immediate and unforgettable: a building that balances strength and softness, symmetry and distortion.
Inside, the story continues. ME by Meliá Dubai is the only hotel in the world fully designed, interior and exterior, by Zaha Hadid. Her signature curves extend across every surface, from the atrium’s flowing centrepiece to the sculptural balconies and bedrooms. The architecture invites reflection and reaction, evoking a sensation that is as cerebral as it is sensory. The design walks a fine line between the futuristic and the approachable, the radical and the refined.
The interiors are far from uniform. Seventy-five percent of the rooms are individually designed and sized, shaped by the curvature of the structure itself. Design themes alternate between “Midnight Blue,” echoing the energy of Dubai’s nightlife, and the more grounded “Desert” palette—an homage to the warmth and texture of the surrounding landscape. Across both, the rooms are fitted with premium amenities: whirlpool bathtubs, rain showers, soundbars, and smart technologies. Comfort meets concept.
ME by Meliá Dubai’s holistic approach to luxury includes an emphasis on wellness. The spa offers a considered blend of treatments and spaces designed to restore, while the gym, equipped with Technogym Biocircuit systems, caters to both casual and committed fitness routines. Every touchpoint, from the lighting to the spatial layout, is aligned with Hadid’s fluid, human-centric design language.
Dining at ME is a curated journey, and among its nine venues, Le Relais de L’Entrecôte stands out as the iconic Parisian steak sensation, a portal from Dubai to Saint‑Germain. In the intimate, dark‑wood bistro adorned with vintage posters and colorful linens, the family‑owned legacy of Paul Gineste de Saurs thrives. From the moment you’re greeted by the warm, impeccably attentive staff and led to a cozy table, you know you’re in for something special. The experience unfolds simply yet perfectly: a crisp walnut‑mustard salad, crusty baguette with butter, and a tender sirloin drenched in the legendary secret-family sauce, served alongside golden matchstick fries, with a hot second helping right when you need it. Dessert is equally divine, whether cracking the caramel atop a classic crème brûlée or digging into light, chocolate‑drizzled profiteroles, each treat is a worthy grand finale. Small yet chic, every detail, from handwritten menus to friendly service, echoes a familial warmth, making each bite feel like stepping into a Parisian home.
That sense of transportive dining continues throughout ME’s culinary lineup. The Maine channels a vintage brasserie spirit; Maison Dalí plays with European cuisine through a Japanese lens; ROKA pulses with the smoky energy of its open robata grill. From Soirée’s focus on biodynamic wine to Salmon Guru’s theatrical cocktails, each space contributes to a broader lifestyle offering.
Beyond design and hospitality, ME by Meliá Dubai also distinguishes itself through its cultural sensibility. The property hosts exhibitions, events, and collaborations, positioning itself as a nexus of contemporary creativity. Its commitment to sustainability is equally embedded, seen in the use of recycled uniforms, locally sourced materials, smart energy systems, and digital-first guest services.
More than just a hotel, ME by Meliá Dubai operates as a living tribute to Zaha Hadid’s legacy. The Opus, with its 4,500 custom glass pieces and eight-storey void, stands as a monument to her boundary-pushing vision. Every curve, every detail reinforces a belief in movement—architectural, cultural, and emotional.
There are 360 degrees, and ME by Meliá covers all of them.
