Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has unveiled 1206, a contemporary dining destination opening on 30 October, with the final venue to be revealed as part of the resort’s opening story.
Named after the property’s once-hidden room on level four, 1206 offers an ingredient-led dining experience framed by uninterrupted horizon views stretching from Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to Burj Khalifa.
Positioned as a distinctive addition to the region’s evolving fine dining landscape, 1206 is guided by seasonality, sustainability and provenance. Rooted in traditions of British cooking and centuries of culinary exchange, from French and Mediterranean to Scandinavian influences, the dishes are approached with restraint and precision, allowing the character of each ingredient to take centre stage.
At the helm is Head Chef Stephanie Haywood, whose career spans some of the most respected Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK, Scandinavia and the GCC. Chef Haywood was raised in the countryside of Sussex, England and from an early age, she developed a profound appreciation for the connection between land, produce and the dining table, shaping the foundation of her culinary philosophy. Through these experiences, Chef Haywood developed a mastery of disciplines ranging from fermentation and foraging to butchery and open-fire cooking. At 1206, she translates this culinary rigour into a contemporary expression where technique serves flavour and simplicity demands precision.
Designed by internationally renowned studio AvroKO, 1206’s interiors are shaped by warm, earthy tones and refined craftsmanship inspired by Levantine coastal architecture, complemented by an expansive terrace. Carved marble surfaces, handcrafted textures and custom feature cabinetry create a tactile, layered environment. Herbal displays and garden-integrated joinery blur the boundaries between kitchen, terrace and landscape, reflecting the connection between nature and technique that defines the cuisine.
