Sustainable Luxury Hospitality in Abu Dhabi
Inspired by the Arabian Gulf’s coral reefs and architectural heritage, the award-shortlisted MARJAN Resort concept explores a nature-led approach to contemporary luxury.
The Arabian Gulf’s architectural heritage is closely tied to its natural environment. For centuries, coastal communities built with coral stone, used wooden screens to filter sunlight and created shaded courtyards to escape the heat.
These traditions inspired MARJAN Resort, a luxury hospitality concept developed by Claire Dominics Buro, an international design studio with Italian origins and a growing presence in the Middle East. The company was the 2025 recipient of a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Interior Visualization and Design Project for Turquoise Apartment in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Envisioned for Al Jurf, on the coastline between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, MARJAN brings together regional craftsmanship, contemporary architecture and sustainable design.
The project was shortlisted for Best Hotel Interior Design Concept at the Commercial Interior Design (CID) Awards 2026: MENA. Organised by Commercial Interior Design magazine, the awards recognise outstanding projects and design talent across the Middle East and North Africa.
Inspired by Coral and Arabian Heritage
MARJAN takes its name from the Arabic word for coral, reflecting both the region’s architectural history and its marine ecosystems.
Coral is a central theme throughout the interiors. Sculptural wall panels featuring intricate, three-dimensional formations inspired by coral reefs create distinctive focal points in the dining areas and bathrooms. Their organic shapes bring the underwater world into the resort’s contemporary interiors.
Traditional Arabian architecture provides another important influence. Mashrabiya-inspired wooden screens offer privacy and filter daylight, while the entrance courtyard combines a generous skylight with greenery and natural stone.
Woven ceiling panels, palm-leaf decorations and handcrafted lighting introduce textures associated with regional craftsmanship.
The material palette draws on the surrounding landscape, combining Omani limestone, warm timber, Calacatta marble, natural linen and bronze accents.
A Closer Connection to Nature
Envisioned as a collection of private coastal villas, MARJAN places privacy, comfort and the natural environment at the centre of the guest experience.
Expansive glazing opens living spaces and bedrooms towards the sea, while shaded terraces and private swimming pools extend the interiors into the landscape.
The concept follows principles of biophilic design, using natural light, vegetation, organic forms and tactile materials to strengthen the connection between guests and their surroundings.
Rather than relying on elaborate decoration, the interiors achieve a sense of luxury through carefully selected materials, craftsmanship and a relaxed residential atmosphere.
Sustainability as a Design Principle
Sustainability was considered from the earliest stages of MARJAN’s development.
The concept explores regenerative hospitality design, looking beyond reducing environmental impact towards a more responsible relationship between architecture and nature.
Proposed measures include solar energy, water-efficient fixtures, responsibly sourced materials, low-VOC finishes and waste reduction.
Traditional architectural features also play a practical role. Shaded outdoor areas, filtered daylight and natural ventilation are intended to improve comfort and reduce energy demand.
Konstantin Ordovsky-Tanaevsky, CEO of Claire Dominics Buro, explains the philosophy behind the project: “For us, sustainability in luxury hospitality is not simply about reducing environmental impact. It is about rethinking the relationship between architecture, nature and the people who experience it.
With MARJAN, we wanted to explore how traditional Arabian architecture, natural materials and modern sustainable technologies could work together to create a different kind of luxury — one that respects its surroundings rather than competing with them.”
Italian Heritage, International Perspective
MARJAN reflects Claire Dominics Buro’s international approach to design. With Italian origins and expanding expertise across the MENA region, the studio combines European craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics with an understanding of local architecture, culture and environmental conditions.
Claire Dominics Buro is part of Globinter International Group, whose capabilities span real estate development, design, contracting, procurement and turnkey project delivery.
This combination of creative and technical expertise allows the studio to approach hospitality design with an understanding of both the guest experience and practical project requirements.
Although MARJAN remains a design concept, its CID Awards shortlisting recognises a creative vision that brings together cultural heritage, environmental responsibility and contemporary luxury.
It offers a perspective on the future of hospitality in the Arabian Gulf, where a sense of place and respect for nature are as important as comfort and elegance.
Visit https://clairedominicsburo.com and https://www.cidawards.com/ for more on the award-winning company.
