Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is preparing to welcome its first guests this October, marking a significant milestone for the luxury hotel group as it expands its presence in the emirate. The 259-room property will occupy the striking Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, offering a distinctly urban experience that complements the brand’s existing beachside resort in Jumeirah.
Werner Anzinger, Area Vice President of Operations for Mandarin Oriental, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Having overseen the success of the Jumeirah property for the past eight years (it officially opened in 2019), he brings valuable insights to the Downtown venue. “Though the two hotels are just two kilometres apart, they offer very different experiences,” Anzinger explains. “We have a more resort-orientated style in Jumeirah, while Downtown is operated completely differently,” says Werner. “They complement each other.”
Architectural marvel with unmatched views
The Wasl Tower itself represents a feat of modern engineering and sustainable design. At 303 metres tall, the building features the region’s tallest ceramic façade with a distinctive twisting form enhanced by innovative fins that optimise airflow for natural cooling. “The building itself is a standout,” Anzinger notes. “You take the elevator to the 36th floor — the ceiling height is 12 metres — and you have a straight view over Sheikh Zayed Road,” says Werner. “It’s quite spectacular.”
This architectural prowess extends to the guest experience, with the lobby positioned on the 36th floor alongside what Anzinger describes as “a bar with one of the best views in the world at night.”
The property will house 224 exclusive Mandarin Oriental branded residences available for lease, marking Dubai’s first residential offering from the group. These combine private home comforts with access to the hotel’s legendary service and world-class facilities.
Culinary destinations and wellness excellence
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Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai will feature ten distinct dining concepts spanning French, Chinese, Greek and Italian cuisines. The culinary portfolio includes several standout venues, and Anzinger is particularly excited about the bar, noting that its location offers one of the city’s rare views — “there aren’t many bars on that stretch where you have that view,” he says.
The spa experience promises to be equally impressive, spanning two floors under the guidance of Sara Codner, one of the group’s senior spa directors. “She’s previously worked in Guangzhou and brings something unique,” Anzinger shares. The facility will blend ancient healing practices with cutting-edge wellness technologies, offering what the hotel describes as a holistic path to restoration.
Service excellence and guest experience
Central to the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai offering is the club lounge, which Anzinger describes as “more like a living room — better than a first-class lounge at the airport. We have a massive following who come because of that space. It becomes an extension of the bedroom.”
The proximity of the two Mandarin Oriental properties offers unique flexibility for guests. “If you’re staying in a suite, you’ll still have access to the beach resort, that’s going to be quite beautiful.” Anzinger reveals. Looking ahead, Anzinger is particularly enthusiastic about the penthouses and the building’s forward-thinking features. “It’s a superstructure — 303 metres tall — with restaurants and a helipad on top. So you can arrive by helicopter. Maybe even by air taxi, once that service launches in Dubai. That should be very exciting.”
With the October opening, Mandarin Oriental will soon operate two distinctly different properties in Dubai, each catering to different traveller preferences within the city’s competitive hospitality landscape. With its combination of architectural innovation, culinary excellence, and the brand’s renowned service standards, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is positioned to become a defining presence in the city’s luxury sector.
