From the moment you enter the building - a short walk from Internet City metro station - the artistic influence and dedication is evident.
The entire interior has been treated like something of a gallery space, each public area and guest room subject to a curated art programme, from images to installations and ceramics.
It is ambitious in scale – especially with most hotels buying in themed decorative art – but lends a warm yet and modern bespoke continuity to the hotel. Other properties should take note.
“This has been a pivotal project for me,” says Zainab. “I was inspired by the creative team behind the hotel and the first fictional work of Emirati literature ever published in the UA, ‘Shahinda’, one of the first works of H.E. Rashid Abdulla Al NOAIMI.
“The suspended lobby piece was the first to be commissioned and is the largest installation that I have worked on. I was then asked to create further designs, which was both thrilling and exciting for me.
“The art influenced the space and the space influenced the art and I feel there has been a real transfer of energy into the hotel from the pieces themselves.
“I am very confident that this project has opened doors for me, and that it will encourage other art students, artists and designers who want to create and exhibit work in new, traditionally commercial spaces in Dubai.”
“I have always had an interest in how art and creativity can influence the fabric and flow of a building and our holistic approach is borne from my own experience of continually living at a crossroads of culture and ideas,” she says.
“We actually have more pieces of art in the hotel than rooms and I am so proud to have worked with Zeinab on this project; such a strong, inspiring Emirati woman.
“Every element in the hotel has been designed to provide warmth and familiarity for our guests; from the creation of bespoke scents, specially composed music and the use and contrast of different textures throughout, all these touches have the guest experience at its heart.”
The fitness suite has great views across the southern end of Dubai and towards Media City and rooms are distinctive, both in terms of décor, artifacts and furniture, creating a boutique vibe that isn’t so common amid Dubai’s hotel stock.
The meeting rooms include state-of-the-art touchscreen presentation technology and the two restaurants have contrasting design and personalities.
Diners can opt for Ostro, a bright and spacious Mediterranean restaurant with a coastal ambience created by distressed picture frames and oceanic table displays. And if the superb locally farmed sea bass with purple crushed potatoes and roasted pumpkin we sampled is anything to go by, the emphasis on locally sourced produce will serve both chef and this ground level outlet very well.
Upstairs – and also open to non-hotel guests – is Wise Kwai, a kitsch hideaway that pays homage to the hotel’s Thai roots.
Word has it the kitchens are experimenting with homegrown, nutritious greens, so expect them to garner a reputation beyond the hotel.
He’s the general manager of dusitD2 Kenz hotel and, among other places, used to manage the Bonnington hotel, does the road at JLT.
“We have created a comfortable environment that is both welcoming and personalised for guests in every way," he continues.
“Every detail has been carefully considered, from the art you see, the colours surrounding you to the design of the staff uniform. Our team is trained to ensure guests are treated as individuals so their needs are not just met, but exceeded.”
DETAILS:
THE dusitD2 Kenz hotel is well suited to business travellers as well as tourists, with being situated next to the main Dubai Metro line, Internet City, Media City and the Marina.
ALTHOUGH a dry hotel, the property is a short walk from a handful of bars and dining with alcohol options.
TO book a hotel room or a table at one of the dusitD2 Kenz hotel restaurants, email: [email protected], call 971 4 567 2222 or visit www.dusit.com/dusitd2/dubai