Dubai has long been known for pushing the limits of what is possible, and the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina once again raised the bar. Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, the world’s tallest hotel marked its debut with a breathtaking aerial performance, turning the skies above Dubai Marina into a stage for extreme precision and spectacle, DKNews.kz reports.
Organized in partnership with XDubai and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the opening transformed the 377-meter-tall skyscraper into the centerpiece of one of the most striking wingsuit shows ever staged in the city.
Flying through the “eye of the needle”
The highlight of the event was a coordinated group flight by five wingsuit athletes from the XDubai team. The lead athlete performed a truly iconic stunt — flying through the building’s central architectural feature, known as the “eye of the needle,” passing through an 82-storey opening at speeds exceeding 200 km/h.
The remaining athletes maintained a tight formation, synchronizing their flight with colorful smoke effects designed in full compliance with safety requirements. The vivid trails left across the sky emphasized the scale of the building and turned the performance into a visual signature of Ciel Dubai Marina’s ambition.
Cinematic angles from the air
To capture the moment, a specially prepared FPV drone designed for high-speed aerial filming was deployed. It delivered dynamic, cinematic footage of the wingsuit athletes flying around and above the skyscraper, offering perspectives impossible to achieve from the ground. These shots vividly conveyed the scale of the project and its vision of redefining experiential luxury in modern hospitality.
“Dubai continues to push the boundaries”
Aida Al Busaidi, Deputy Vice President for Consumer Protection and Social Media at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the broader meaning of the project:
“The opening of Ciel Dubai Marina reflects Dubai’s ongoing ambition to push the boundaries of what is possible. This project has become part of the city’s skyline not only as the world’s tallest hotel, but also as an example of how the public and private sectors can work together to shape the future of the hospitality industry.”
A new benchmark for hospitality
Rob Burns, Chief Executive Officer of The First Group, said the dramatic opening was a deliberate choice:
“It is a great honor for us to partner with XDubai and the Department of Economy and Tourism for this landmark event at Ciel Dubai Marina. The XDubai team executed this extreme flight with exceptional technical precision and the highest safety standards. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to push boundaries, support innovation and create experiences that set new benchmarks for Dubai’s development and hospitality sectors.”
Mohammad Javad, Executive Vice President for Leisure and Entertainment at Shamal Holding, also emphasized the significance of the project:
“Dubai is a city of ambition and innovation, where the boundaries of what is possible are constantly being expanded. The launch of Ciel Dubai Marina marks an important milestone in the evolution of the city’s urban landscape.”
What Ciel Dubai Marina offers
Ciel is more than just a record-breaking tower. The hotel features 1,004 rooms and suites with panoramic windows overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline. Key highlights include:
- the world’s highest infinity pool;
- a spa center scheduled to open in April 2026;
- a fitness center on the 61st floor;
- exclusive access to the Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah.
The culinary offering brings together eight restaurants and bars, each with its own concept — ranging from Mediterranean cuisine and modern Asian formats to award-winning international brands making their debut in the UAE.
A bold statement from the start
Developed by The First Group Real Estate and managed by The First Group Hospitality as part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, Ciel Dubai Marina blends the individuality of a boutique hotel with the expertise of a global hospitality group.
The aerial show was more than a celebration — it was a statement. From its very first moment, Ciel Dubai Marina positioned itself as a new symbol of Dubai, showcasing how architecture, technology and creativity come together to create projects of truly global scale.
