Shamal picks ALEC Fitout for Jumeirah Zabeel Saray revamp work

ALEC Fitout, a leading fit-out specialist in the region, said it has been awarded the main contract by UAE-based Shamal Holding for the first major phase of the transformation of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, one of Dubai's most iconic hotels on Palm Jumeirah.

The revamp, which comes as part of a wider programme of enhancements planned across the hotel, will cover the renovation of rooms, suites, and food and beverage outlets. 

As per the contract, ALEC Fitout will be reponsible for the refurbishment of 311 rooms and 58 sprawling suites with bespoke interiors, alongside the hotel's food and beverage outlets, covering 30,000 sq m. 

When Jumeirah Zabeel Saray had opened its doors in 2011, it became the first luxury resort to grace the shores of Palm Jumeirah, introducing an ornate, palatial grandeur to Dubai's hospitality landscape that has remained unmatched ever since, said Shamal in a statement. 

In the fourteen years since, the resort has built an enduring legacy as one of the city's most beloved luxury addresses, consistently recognised for its exceptional hospitality and distinctive character. 

Today, Shamal said it is committed to redefine beachfront luxury at one of Dubai's most iconic hotels through its landmark transformation programme.

The refurbishment will introduce a more contemporary interpretation of luxury while preserving the cultural richness and architectural heritage that have long defined the property, it added.

With works already underway, full completion of this phase is expected by early 2027, it stated.

“For over a decade, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has stood apart in Dubai's competitive hospitality scene, not simply for its scale, but for the depth and distinctiveness of its identity. Its richly crafted, imperial design, drawing on the artistry and grandeur of a golden imperial age, delivers an experience that is genuinely unique in the city: the intricate craftsmanship, the sense of arrival that only a property of this character can provide,” remarked Sudhin Siva, Chief Asset Management Officer at Shamal.

“This full-scale refurbishment honours this legacy while transitioning towards a more layered and contemporary vision of luxury, balancing heritage-inspired details with lighter, more open spaces that foster connection, ease and a stronger sense of place,” he stated.

“Our ambition is not simply to renovate, but to create a more contemporary, immersive resort experience that resonates emotionally with guests while remaining true to the resort's identity and heritage. This transformation is our commitment to preserving that distinction while elevating the experience for today's customers, delivered in phases to ensure the highest standards at every stage,” said Siva. 

According to him, the ALEC Fitout contract marks the first major phase of a broader programme of enhancements across the hotel, reflecting Shamal's vision to fully elevate the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray luxury guest experience. “ALEC Fitout's expertise ensures we can do so with the quality and precision this project demands," he added.

On the contract win, Laurent Farge, General Manager at ALEC Fitout, said: “We are proud to be entrusted by Shamal with the refurbishment of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, a property that holds a special place in Dubai's hotel landscape.”

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality and innovation, and we look forward to delivering a project that not only enhances the guest experience but also bolsters Dubai's position as the region's leading tourism hub. We are excited to embark on this journey and to develop a strong, long-term relationship with Shamal and H&H," he added.-TradeArabia News Service