Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Published September 1st, 2026 | Source: Foster + Partners
Project Details
Architect: Foster + Partners
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Typologies: Residential, Hospitality, High-Rise, Mixed-Use
Themes: Luxury Living, Waterfront Development, High-Rise Architecture, Residential Design, Urban Design
Status: Under Construction
Client: OMNIYAT
Photographer: Binyan Studios (Project Visualizations)
Aerial view of VELA and VELA VIENTO overlooking Marasi Bay © Foster + Partners
As construction continues to ascend along the waterfront of Marasi Bay, VELA and VELA VIENTO represent the latest addition to the emerging skyline of Dubai by Foster + Partners. Comprising two residential towers, the project follows in the footsteps of the architectural language seen in previous works like The Lana but also adds their own take on luxurious living in terms of an open outlook towards the landscape of the city and waterfront. The name of the twin towers is derived from the Latin words for “sails” and “wind.”
Whereas other developments comprise twins, which are clones of each other, the two towers have been conceived by Foster + Partners as unique architectural works based on the same architectural philosophy. The two towers have sculptural form, large terraces, and voids that have been designed in relation to the waterfront site and retain a visual connection between the two towers. Large horizontal bands surround the towers and provide large outdoor living spaces and frame the view towards the famous Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, and the marina. The two towers help in forming the identity of Marasi Bay and add to the growing collection of world-class residential architecture of Dubai.
The first tower of the project is known as VELA, which reaches up to a height of around 150 meters, comprises thirty floors, and has only thirty-eight apartments. Such a limited number of apartments helps in having large floor plates, large three- and four-bedroom configurations, duplex penthouses, and large indoor and outdoor living spaces.
VELA exterior showcasing sculptural terraces and façade © Foster + Partners
There is an entrance that has been designed to offer exclusivity to the residents in the residences, and this is achieved through the use of a porte cochere that is surrounded by water features. This offers an opportunity for the residents to gain access to the elegant residences overlooking the marina from various rooms. There are landscaped decks on the podium level surrounding the large pool, wellness centre, lounges, and dining areas overlooking the promenade located along the waterfront.
One of the best architectural features of VELA is found on the upper levels, where the bridge penthouses are designed to be erected on various sections of the tower to provide spacious and elevated living spaces with spectacular views from all sides. Above these residences is the Sky Palace, which is three stories high with magnificent views from the triple-height terraces.
Double-height penthouse interior with private terrace and pool © Foster + Partners
From such a proximity, there is another complementary approach to the same architecture rules, which is called VELA VIENTO. The tower has a height of up to 180 meters, having forty-one floors and ninety-two apartments without losing the spaciousness of apartments. The main idea of creating apartments is not in the density of apartments but in their spaciousness with a lot of light and large terraces overlooking Marasi Bay and Downtown Dubai.
This is achieved thanks to the massing of the tower, where the magnificent skybridges act as the contrast to the tower itself, dividing and connecting it, trying to make the building smaller. In addition, the sky bridges are a place for the magnificent apartments, which are the product of engineering and spacious living areas located at a great height above the city.
VELA VIENTO with signature sky bridges framing Burj Khalifa © Foster + Partners
The landscape plays an equally important role in the creation of the character of the residential area. Gardens, swimming pools, and terraces facilitate a smooth transition from the city to the towers and provide a relaxing space for leisure in the midst of the sky over the water. At the height of about one hundred meters above the street level, VELA VIENTO offers a new level of services with a double-height fitness club, lounge, and infinity pool overlooking the marina. Thus, through vertical zoning of the common areas, the project is able to offer views of the city in all the usual activities of its residents.
Architecture, landscaping, and hospitality are integrated in both towers designed by Foster + Partners. The large terraces ensure outdoor living throughout the year, while the well-thought-out zoning of the openings helps to fill the interior spaces with light and natural ventilation. The minimalist architecture of the buildings creates their identity through proportion and structure.
Waterfront promenade and podium landscape connecting both towers © Foster + Partners
It is evident from the two buildings VELA and VELA VIENTO that there exists an innovative approach to the design of a high-rise residential building in our time, when luxury could be not only about finishing materials, but also about spaciousness, view and well thought out experience. Thanks to sculptural architecture, innovative structure systems and extraordinary interplay with the coastline, Foster + Partners succeeded in creating two unique buildings that will add prestige to Marasi Bay as a residential area of Dubai.
Evening skyline view of VELA and VELA VIENTO illuminated along Marasi Bay © Foster + Partners