• Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi will open in the capital this year. All photos: Accor, unless otherwise specified
    Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi will open in the capital this year. All photos: Accor, unless otherwise specified
  • The hotel will have a host of dining concepts, including all-day restaurant Aqua & More.
    The hotel will have a host of dining concepts, including all-day restaurant Aqua & More.
  • The Tao Tao Beach Bar at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi.
    The Tao Tao Beach Bar at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi.
  • The hotel offers a kids' club, swimming pool and splasher zone.
    The hotel offers a kids' club, swimming pool and splasher zone.
  • Guests will be able to book multi-board stays, with the all-inclusive concept being introduced in 2023.
    Guests will be able to book multi-board stays, with the all-inclusive concept being introduced in 2023.
  • Bookings are now open for stays from October 1.
    Bookings are now open for stays from October 1.
  • Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi peeks through the fog on the Corniche. Victor Besa / The National
    Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi peeks through the fog on the Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

All-inclusive Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi to open this year


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

Luxury hotel Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi will open in the capital this year.

Located at Abu Dhabi Breakwater and housed in a giant pink-arched skyscraper that towers over the island, the new Rixos hotel will welcome guests from October.

The hotel's all-inclusive concept will start in 2023, an Accor spokesperson has confirmed to The National.

Tao Tao Beach Bar at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Tao Tao Beach Bar at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

Previously, the waterfront property was pipped to be a Fairmont hotel, but Accor will now operate it as a Rixos property, a brand that's known for it’s all-inclusive offerings. The new hotel will share facilities with the existing Fairmont Marina Residences.

Bookings are already open on Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi's website for stays from October 1, with room rates starting from $231.

The hotel will operate on a multi-board offering, with guests able to book bed and breakfast, full and half-board packages, or try an all-inclusive stay.

Inside the Arabesque arched skyscraper

Inspired by the UAE's cultural heritage of fishing and pearl diving, the five-star hotel combines regal touches with modern aesthetics.

From its waterfront perch, it offers amazing views of the Arabian Gulf and the Corniche. There's also a wide range of food and beverage offerings from restaurants, lounges, bars and food trucks. These include Tao Tao Beach Bar, The X Lounge and Italian restaurant L'Olivio.

The X Lounge at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
The X Lounge at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

Holidaymakers checking in will be able to enjoy all the action at the hotel’s entertainment square, which will host international DJs and performers.

Sunseekers can head to the beach club for impressive views of the Abu Dhabi skyline from the comfort of a lounger and those seeking solace can unwind at the spa, which comes complete with a sprawling Turkish hammam.

Travellers can also book a stay in one of the luxury suites, where guests have access to an exclusive VIP pier bar and lounge. The Royal Suite offers the best views in the house, alongside a private lounge and dining area, two guest rooms, a private sauna and steam room.

For youngsters there's a children's pool, as well as what the hotel is calling a “spray action” pool, with water jets and hoses. Teenagers have their own space where they can get involved in PlayStation tournaments, sports contests and watch movies in a private cinema.

Children have their own kids' club, swimming pool and splasher zone.
Children have their own kids' club, swimming pool and splasher zone.

An outdoor recreation site packed with gym facilities will help travellers make the most of the sunshine and there’s also a state-of-the-art fitness suite, wellness bar and a studio for yoga, aerobics and more.

“We are clearly seeing an increasing demand for all-inclusive resorts throughout our destinations, as the leading hospitality group in the region, we are always doing our best to meet our guest’s expectations,” said Mark Willis, chief executive of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey.

The hotel is the second Rixos hotel in Abu Dhabi, after Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island.

From the ground up: Emirates Palace, the hotel that introduced Abu Dhabi to the world — in pictures

  • The Emirates Palace Hotel under construction in 2004. The luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi opened a year later. Photo: Alamy
    The Emirates Palace Hotel under construction in 2004. The luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi opened a year later. Photo: Alamy
  • Emirates Palace opened in time to host the Gulf Co-operation Council summit in 2005. Photo: Alamy
    Emirates Palace opened in time to host the Gulf Co-operation Council summit in 2005. Photo: Alamy
  • An illustration of the hotel by Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo, the architecture firm that designed it. Photo: WATG
    An illustration of the hotel by Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo, the architecture firm that designed it. Photo: WATG
  • The impressive approach is part of the hotel's design. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
    The impressive approach is part of the hotel's design. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
  • Sand for the beach was imported from Algeria. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
    Sand for the beach was imported from Algeria. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
  • The hotel's famed interiors of gold leaf. Christopher Pike / The National
    The hotel's famed interiors of gold leaf. Christopher Pike / The National
  • Regional architectural motifs are incorporated into the design. Photo: WATG
    Regional architectural motifs are incorporated into the design. Photo: WATG
  • Inside the main atrium. Christopher Pike / The National
    Inside the main atrium. Christopher Pike / The National
  • A domed ceiling. Stephen Lock / The National
    A domed ceiling. Stephen Lock / The National
  • The hotel against the backdrop of the Etihad Towers and Abu Dhabi skyline. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
    The hotel against the backdrop of the Etihad Towers and Abu Dhabi skyline. Photo: DCT Abu Dhabi
  • The golden glow of the Emirates Palace at night. Photo: WATG
    The golden glow of the Emirates Palace at night. Photo: WATG
  • The hotel commands a view of the Arabian Gulf. Photo: WATG
    The hotel commands a view of the Arabian Gulf. Photo: WATG
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy

Rating: 4 stars

BABYLON
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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

The bio

Favourite vegetable: Broccoli

Favourite food: Seafood

Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange

Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania

Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.

Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes

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Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).

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Updated: August 18, 2022, 1:04 PM