Stefan Viard at the Helm of Dubai’s Most Anticipated Luxury Lifestyle Hotel – ME Dubai

Dubai, UAE – ME Dubai, the new flagship property of Spanish hotel brand ME by Meliá, is set to open at the beginning of 2020 with veteran luxury hotelier Stefan Viard at the helm. Viard has assumed a significant role in leading this personality-led lifestyle destination from its earliest stages of construction, and is now guiding his team to the official opening.   

Located in The Opus, the newest development by The Omniyat Group, ME Dubai is the first hotel to be designed in its entirety by the legendary late architect Zaha Hadid.  Located in the prestigious Burj Khalifa district,               ME Dubai promises stylish contemporary luxury and an elevated approach to the region’s cultural scene. 

Viard joined ME Dubai in 2017, having gained both experience and reputation in launching luxury lifestyle hotels in the Middle East for both Emaar Hospitality Group and the Jumeirah Group. These included the Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown for Emaar, and Al Qasr in the Madinat Jumeirah Resort for Jumeirah Group.

Viard began his career 17 years ago with the Hyatt hotel group, gaining experience over a number of years across divisions and cities in Europe, and has also held senior management positions for The Luxury Collection in Asia.  

As the GM of ME Dubai, Viard has assumed responsibility for all aspects of the design and development of the property including décor, F&B strategy and concepts, spa and gym concepts, recruitment, setup of front and back of house processes, and management of the AURA team, the exceptional insiders of ME Dubai who will deliver the brand’s personal touches as part of its distinctive guest experience.

Commenting on his role for ME Dubai, Viard said:  “Being immersed in the construction and completion of the first ME by Meliá property in the Middle East has been one of the most exciting periods of my career. I look forward to working with my team to create what will be the new social epicentre of Dubai culture, and an exceptional destination for both residents and visitors to the region.”

ME Dubai features 74 luxury guestrooms and 19 suites, as well as 96 serviced apartments. The property will offer guests a choice of 15 F&B outlets, whilst the spacious pool and sun deck overlooking the Dubai skyline, as well as a 7,000sq² state-of-the-art gym, and luxurious spa, will enable guests to indulge in perfect ‘ME time’.  

About ME Dubai

Set to launch in 2020, ME Dubai will see ME by Meliá expand into the Middle East. The portfolio currently boasts six hotels across Europe and The Americas. Designed by the late and renowned architect Zaha Hadid, ME Dubai will take residence in the breath-taking Opus building. It is the only hotel project where she has personally designed all of the interiors and exteriors. ME Dubai is situated in the heart of the Burj Khalifa district, which is one of the city’s most vibrant areas. The Opus building is developed by leading Middle East real estate developer, Omniyat. The property will consist of 93 rooms and suites, as well as 96 serviced apartments, across 6 floors. ME Dubai’s facilities and Aura service will also be extended to the owners of the exclusive serviced apartments located on the upper floors, with four penthouses and private roof terraces. The legacy hotel will feature 15 restaurants, including ROKA, the contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant, as well as The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill.

About ME by Meliá

ME by Meliá is a personality-led lifestyle brand that seeks to fuse innovative style with local tastes, to captivate clientele with a love for contemporary art and design, music and fashion. Inspired by European lifestyle, each hotel has a unique connection with its location. ME by Meliá offers stylish design hotels that deliver personal, meaningful and aspirational experiences. By capturing these elements in urban and resort destinations, the ME philosophy adds a more personal touch to the guest experience.

There are currently six hotels in the portfolio, across Europe, and The Americas, including ME Milan Il Duca, ME London, ME Ibiza, ME Madrid, ME Sitges and ME Cabo. The brand is set to expand into the Middle East in January 2020 and ME Barcelona set to open in 2020.

Follow ME by Meliá on Instagram @me_by_melia and Facebook mebymelia. www.mebymelia.com.