Kempinski Floating Palace, developed by El Bahrawy Group, is being built off the coast of Jumeirah Bay in Dubai. Drawing inspiration from Egypt’s Nile cruises, the resort will be elegantly adapted to meet the unique demands of the Dubai market.
Opening in [2025/2026], the resort will be operated by Europe’s oldest luxury hospitality group, Kempinski. An exquisitely secluded haven, the resort will only be accessible by boat, yacht, or helicopter.
Luxurious retreat
El Bahrawy Group Chairman Mohamed El Bahrawy’s design of Kempinski Floating Palace also takes cues from his global nomadic adventures. The resort — set to be the world’s first floating sea palace resort — will house 200 luxurious rooms and suites.
These accommodations will range from 500 square feet to around 2,500 square feet, boasting high-end amenities and catering to travelers who want a premium experience. The penthouse category, in particular, will have two bedrooms and a private swimming pool for the ultimate retreat.
The centerpiece of Kempinski Floating Palace will be a colossal glass pyramid structure, which will host five-star facilities, such as world-class dining and upscale bars. Within the resort, guests can also luxuriate in swimming pools, keep their fitness goals in check in a wellness center, and enjoy a range of food and household products in a self-service market.
The resort will also house luxury retail brands. A dedicated play area will ensure a fun time for children.
Neptune boat villas
As part of the Kempinski Floating Palace, El Bahrawy Group unveiled Neptune, the first floating and mobile villa in the world, earlier in January of this year. There will be a total of 48 Neptune boat villas designed to surround the floating hotel.
These [two/three]-story villas come in two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations, complete with opulent amenities like indoor and outdoor living rooms and a rooftop infinity swimming pool enclosed by glass walls. The structures also offer spectacular views of the iconic Dubai skyline.
During the unveiling, El Bahrawy stated, “Since the inception of the project, our main focus has been on creating a distinctive and unparalleled experience that caters to the diverse needs of our discerning customers.”
“The project’s success is evident through the significant interest it has garnered from investors across various Arab and Western nations. This overwhelming response serves as the driving force behind our decision to expand the project, offering an increased number of floating villas in various sizes,” he added.
Focus on sustainability
Beyond being a luxurious paradise, the Neptune project embodies El Bahrawy Group’s commitment to sustainability. Anchored in the Dubai Palm Marina, the Neptune boat villas — powered by eco-friendly, electric-capable engines — can cruise 6 to 8 knots per hour.
All the villas are also equipped with solar energy, waste management systems, sewage treatment plants, and air purification systems.
In his speech, Khamis Soliman, CEO of El Bahrawy Group, emphasized their focus on sustainability. He said, “Our commitment is to achieve requirements for sustainability and further incorporate sustainability into all our projects, ensuring that we uphold the exceptional standards of quality and luxury synonymous with Dubai and the UAE.”
“The escalating attention from global investors attests to its success and has motivated us to expand our offerings, introducing a broader range of floating villa sizes than initially envisioned,” he further remarked.
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