Merging modern French art de vivre and ancient Egyptian heritage, Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk becomes the largest Accor property in the Middle East and Africa. Located within Dubai’s Wafi development, the design of the 595-room property was inspired by the 230m tall Luxor Obelisk in Place de La Concorde in Paris. The hotel joins the Accor’s existing Raffles Dubai property within the Wafi development, the design of which was inspired by the pyramids of Egypt. This is a testament to the Wafi Complex development and rounds up the lifestyle and entertainment destination that the founder, sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, envisioned it to be.
Emerging from the lifestyle destination of WAFI, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is a masterpiece that completes the mall complex as envisioned by H.H. Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum by complementing the iconic Raffles Dubai pyramid. Arkiteknik International Consulting Engineers conceived the emblematic obelisk shape landmark under the direction of developer MKM Commercial Holdings. The continuity of architectural perfection osculates into the interiors throughout the hotel. This interior artwork is at the hand of Dubai based design firm, WA International Dubai Interior Design Studio.
Renowned for creating exquisite interiors for the hospitality market for over 20 years, these designers have harmoniously combined Middle Eastern luxury with French sophistication. Abreast of the latest technology and trends in interior design, WA International curated opulence, innovative and unique interiors to complement the hotel’s exterior.
Adorned with a golden pyramidion (capstone), the 230-meter property shines over Dubai as the Luxor Obelisk today thrones in the center of Paris. This stunning landmark is a destination in itself, with chic design, in both architecture as well as interiors, welcoming guests to the art of joie de vivre. Art Deco, short for Arts Décoratifs, is characterized by rich colors, bold geometry, and decadent detail work. Popular between the 1920s and 1940s, the style exudes glamour and luxury using symmetrical designs in exuberant shapes. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is the only place where timeless iconic Egyptian symbols are echoed in Art Deco lines. They come to life and are exquisitely orchestrated by the elegant touch of the French way of life.
Design and architecture
Through its striking architecture and lavish interiors, grandeur runs throughout: guests are greeted by a stunning 9-meter-wide and 4-meter-tall golden falcon, the national bird of the UAE, and as the guest journey continues through the property, show-stopping, glamorous pieces that pay homage to both classical French and historic Egyptian design are weaved gracefully. Attention to detail, Art Deco flair, and a marriage of cultures and heritage are hallmarks of not just Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk’s overall architecture and design.
As guests enter through the magnificent doors of a grand Pylon, the colossal gateway of an Egyptian temple, an enchanting journey of Franco-Egyptian sophistication begins. Design inspirations from both countries are carefully weaved gracefully throughout the hotel, creating a stunning symbiosis. Upon entering, guests are taken on a journey of discovery and mythology. The statues of Horus, god of the sky in Ancient Egyptian, are located on each side of the entrance fountain and guard the impressive golden gate of Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk.
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With two sets of three statues depicting Anubis, one of the oldest and most famous represented deities in ancient Egypt and an artistic ceramic flooring showcasing the Nile river, guests are guided into timeless serenity. Uraeus (cobras) featured on the golden main doors represent the head ornaments worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt for protection and were designed to shield guests from the evil eye and welcome them to a royal sanctuary.
Transported to the Valley of the Kings and Queens in Luxor, Egypt, as a result of the immense pillars engraved with hieroglyphics and an 18-meter high lobby, visitors are instantaneously greeted by a stunning nine meter-wide and four meter-tall golden falcon, symbolizing the national bird and pride of the United Arab Emirates as well as the god of sky and protection, Horus. Inspired by Tiffany Lamps, French charm is infused delicately on two magnificent stained-glass chandeliers hanging gracefully from the ceiling. The chandeliers weigh three-tons each, handcrafted in Egypt and assembled in the lobby in the shape of the Nile lotus flower.
Throughout the property, the art deco style blends with vast expanses of fabulous French marble. The choice of marble in the hotel is key, as it is a natural stone treasured throughout time for its enduring beauty and solidity. First quarried by the Ancient Egyptians for construction purposes, later shaped into timeless masterpieces by the hands of French sculptors, today it signifies immortality and refined taste. As the marble embellishes the hotel lobby, gleaming floors and walls seem to glow from within as they capture the light, conveying energy while magnifying opulence.
As the perfect addition to Dubai’s vivid skyline, The Obelisk boasts 595 rooms, suites and serviced residences, designed for discerning tech-savvy business travelers and leisure seekers, introducing digital solutions through the use of the hotel’s mobile application, QR codes and touchless technology. Targeting a zero single use plastic policy across all facets, the hotel is committing to become an engaged and sustainable property. Sofitel The Obelisk comes with its prized share of state of the art facilities for it’s diverse audience. The trend has been set and the bar is high with all those that follow!
The hotel rooms and suites are located from the 19th floor and above, offering unparalleled views. Some of which include old Dubai, the creek, the harbor, and the iconic Dubai skyline. Guestrooms and suites are modern and spacious, dressed in neutral tones and complemented by Art Deco lines and contrasting materials. Among the highlights are three outstanding and unparalleled suites designed by award-winning firm Duccio Grassi Architects on floors 47, 48 and 49. The presidential suite – ‘Cleaopatra’ – is the only guestroom in the property with a private terrace located on the 48th floor, offering spectacular views of Dubai and ideal for hosting exclusive events.
The guestrooms, suites and residences
With a prime location in Wafi, the premium shopping and leisure destination, just ten minutes away from Dubai International Airport, Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk is set to charm guests with ultimate comfort, extraordinary experiences and the French way of living. Upholding its values and traditions and finding partners that echo the same, Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk has partnered with three prominent food and beverage and spa partners: Daniel Boulud, Schilo van Coeverden and L’Occitane.
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Starting from 44 SQM (474 SQFT), the guestrooms and suites are modern and spacious, dressed in neutral tones and complemented by art deco lines. Contrasting materials such as tactile textured wallpaper in the hallways and swirl-patterned floors in the rooms represent the beautiful Arabian Desert. Each room and suite is accentuated by works of art and provide the ultimate slumber thanks to custom-made Sofitel MyBed™ (a sleep essential). All rooms and suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled and sweeping views of Dubai, not to mention an abundance of natural light.
Located on the 47th, 48th and 49th floors, the property features three outstanding suites designed by award-winning firm Duccio Grassi Architects. Highlighting the largest suites of the hotel ranging between 268 SQM (2,885 SQFT) and 553 SQM (5,952 SQFT), the Imperial Suite, Presidential Suite “Cleopatra” and Ambassador Suite “Napoleon” are the height of luxury and refinement, combining a European lifestyle design with the essence of Dubai. With marble featuring heavily, the Presidential and Ambassador Suites are bright and airy, with a soothing color palette exuding elegance, offering distinctive His and Her bedrooms with their own dedicated washrooms, a spa room and gym. Additionally, the Presidential suite is the only guestroom in the property with a private terrace, offering spectacular views of Dubai, ideal for hosting exclusive events up to 100 guests.
The 97 fully furnished and serviced apartments offer a home created with elegant décor, attention to detail and modern essentials. Located from the eighth until the 17th floor are the studio apartments, one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom suites. Blending the essence of French art de vivre into every apartment, graceful and innovative designs, along with Art Deco lines, are echoed and characterized by bright colors, bold geometry, and decadent detail work. Beautifully appointed furnishings, along with smooth and polished surfaces, complement the fixtures and bring French charm to life. The floor-to-ceiling windows in each apartment offer a scenic view of Dubai while ensuring plenty of natural daylight and a spectacular view of the city lights.
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Two impressive carved walls spanning from the eighth to the 17th floor can be seen from the corridors of the Sofitel Residences and depict ancient Egyptians’ daily life. The ancient Egyptians expressed themselves through the arts of handcrafting and used to portray their daily lifestyle on carved grave frescoes and papyrus sheets for the world to see centuries later. Their expertise in different fields is engraved throughout the walls, representing farming, agricultural crafts and harvest season, fishing craft, grazing and animal farming as well as festivals and sports.
Dining venues
As a new dining destination in the city, the hotel offers five exclusive venues including Brasserie Boulud, a French modern concept rooted in tradition by Michelin star chef Daniel Boulud, Taiko contemporary Asian cuisine & bar – the first international outpost of Taiko Amsterdam by Chef Schilo van Coevorden offering cuisine inspired by the flavors and textures of the Far East, The Nine gastropub serving British classics, Bijou patisserie includes a variety of indulgences such as Le Goȗter (French Afternoon tea) and Soleil Pool & Lounge, a vibrant poolside bar serving a Mediterranean and Levantine inspired menu, carefully crafted cocktails and varied shisha flavors.
Bringing a traditional taste of British nostalgia to the culinary offerings at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, The Nine showcases hearty and authentic British classics in a neighbourhood gastropub, with an ancient Egyptian influence. Offering a welcoming, neighbourhood feel, TV screens show live sports while guests dine from an extensive menu of British culinary favourites.
Joining forces with the renowned French brand, Sofitel SPA with L’Occitane invites guests to a Provencal retreat, inspired by the Mediterranean art-de-vivre. The spa includes eight treatment rooms, including a couple’s room, female and male relaxation rooms, Hammam facilities and Sofitel FITNESS offering state-of-the-art gym equipment and a studio. The outdoor swimming pool is in the shape of an Egyptian ‘key of life’ and neighbored by a series of private cabanas, two featuring their own Jacuzzi.
Locations: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Dubai Wafi City. Contacts: 04 324 9999 or email: DubaiTheObelisk@Sofitel.com
