Marsa Al Arab

Marsa Al Arab is an iconic mixed-use waterfront development by Dubai Holdings, designed to redefine luxury living along the coastline of Dubai. Featuring two man-made islands connected by a bridge, the project includes a five-star beachfront resort, exclusive residences, retail areas, landscaped gardens, and world-class entertainment venues. The resort alone boasts 386 rooms and suites, four penthouses, and 83 luxury hotel apartment suites, offering guests an elevated and immersive hospitality experience.

To align with sustainable development goals, the project emphasized the use of eco-friendly building materials and responsible construction methods. Mapei’s commitment to environmental stewardship and high-performance solutions made it a natural fit. With advanced formulations that contribute to durability, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, Mapei supported the project's sustainability vision from the ground up.

Facing the challenge of extreme weather conditions typical of Dubai’s climate, Mapei delivered specialized solutions capable of withstanding intense heat, UV exposure, and high humidity.

For over 22,000 m² of herringbone parquet flooring in hotel rooms and public areas, ULTRABOND P990 1K, a one-component, solvent-free polyurethane adhesive, was selected. Renowned for its exceptional strength and low VOC emissions, this product provided a long-lasting bond while meeting indoor air quality requirements—ideal for high-traffic hospitality environments.

In the installation of 7,000 m² of ceramic and natural stone materials, Mapei products ensured accurate placement, strong adhesion, and resilient performance across interior areas, contributing to both beauty and function throughout the complex.

For the 6,000 m² of swimming pools, MAPELASTIC SMART—a flexible, two-component cementitious mortar—was used in combination with MAPETEX SEL for waterproofing. The system provided a seamless, watertight barrier, capable of handling structural movement and chemical exposure common in pool environments. Tile installation was completed using ADESILEX P10 mixed with ISOLASTIC, enhancing the adhesive’s elasticity and water resistance. Grouting was achieved with KERAPOXY, a two-component, acid-resistant epoxy grout, chosen for its durability, color stability, and chemical resistance.

For over 15,000 m² of terraces and podiums, ADESILEX G19 was employed to bond aluminum joists and pedestals beneath composite decking. The system had to raise the Finished Floor Level (FFL) without adding significant structural weight. Thanks to its high tensile and shear strength, ADESILEX G19 ensured reliable adhesion even in fluctuating outdoor conditions.

In external areas paved with stone, MAPESTONE TFB 60 and MAPESTONE PFS 2 VISCO were used for architectural stone paving, chosen for their compressive strength, aesthetic finish, and weather resistance. These solutions allowed for seamless installation of granite, marble, and other natural stones, combining elegance with structural integrity.

For structural enhancements, especially where Marsa Al Arab connects to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, MAPEGROUT ME 05 was used for concrete strengthening, following modifications to the existing structure. To ensure post-tension cable integrity, EXPANFLUID ME—an expanding grout agent—was used for void-free filling of PT ducts. Its non-shrink, flowable, and durable characteristics made it an optimal solution for critical structural components.

With this broad range of solutions, Mapei contributed to the successful realization of Marsa Al Arab.