Zaha Hadid created ambitious wonders inspired by nature, where the laws of physics appear suspended
– Sayed Salem

In 2020, the Dubai skyline was updated with an 84,300sq m cube-shaped building with a gaping eight-storey-wide void at its centre. One of the late visionary architect Zaha Hadid’s final projects.

Named The Opus by Omniyat, the destination is set apart by being the only project where Hadid was responsible for both architecture and interiors, including select pieces from Zaha Hadid Design’s in-house furniture collection.

The two-tower building is located in the high-end Burj Khalifa district, and encompasses a 93-key ME Dubai hotel, luxury spa and four restaurants operated by Meliá in its first five floors. Offices, residences and additional restaurants occupy remaining vacancies.

Started by Hadid in 2007, the finished result boasts a striking exterior and interior which make use of deep curves, fluid architectural language, a bold palette and natural light.

After her passing, Christos Passas, Zaha Hadid Architects’ design director, took over as project director working alongside Middle Eastern real estate developers Omniyat.

The destination’s 526sq m Spa by ME Dubai was designed by consultancy The Wellness and featuring five treatment rooms, including one for couples.

Spa visitors can access a sauna, private changing rooms, pool and the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym, spanning 7,000 sq ft and home to the region’s first ultramodern Technogym Biocircuit.

The destination initially opened in March 2020 but was shut after 28 days due to COVID. It relaunched in late November 2020.