Madinat Jumeirah

In 2001, Mirage staff got an opportunity to meet both HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the idea of a luxurious mega resort was laid on the table. Mirage put together the concept package comprising a team of top-notch architects and engineers for Madinat Jumeirah. It was unique in that this was the first time the design paid attention to the local Arabic vernacular on such a massive scale. It was the first Arabian-styled resort of its kind, and this changed the identity of Dubai to a tourism destination.

That horses are part of the UAE’s culture is evident from the hotel’s sweeping entrance way which is lined with 18 larger-than-life bronze Arabian horse sculptures, both stallions and mares, and all in dramatic poses. These beautiful golden horses are 1 1/4 life size and shine like the sun.

And at the hotel’s entrance is an elaborate fountain with eight double life-sized bronze abstract horse torsos.

There are the creations of South African sculptor Danie de Jager who was at that time given an elaborate tour of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s stables personally.

The 5-km long canal system within the resort and the abras draw inspiration from the Dubai Creek and the abras plying it for centuries.