Sirene by GAIA at J1 Beach: A collaboration between First Within and Finasi
30 Sep. 2025
Located on Dubai’s J1 Beach, Sirene by GAIA blends Mediterranean infl uences with thoughtful spatial fl ow. Designed by First Within and executed by Finasi for Fundamental Hospitality, the venue brings together dining, lounging, and beachfront elements across 42,000 square feet.
July, 2025 Dubai, UAE - Sirene by GAIA, the latest addition to Dubai’s J1 Beach destination, presents a new kind of beachfront hospitality. It is as focused on materiality and atmosphere as it is on food and service. Developed by Fundamental Hospitality and designed by UK-based studio First Within, the project was executed by Finasi with full scope responsibility, from fi t-out and joinery to landscaping, pool works, and custom furniture. Sirene by GAIA spans over 42,000 square feet and includes indoor dining, poolside lounges, daybeds, private cabanas, and direct beachfront access. It’s not a venue that operates in parts; it fl ows as one continuous experience. Guests often move across zones throughout the day, never losing the thread of the brand's design language.
“The vision behind Sirene by GAIA was to bring something new to Dubai, where timeless elegance meets the energy of the city,” said Maxim Barkov, vice president of project development at Fundamental Hospitality. “We wanted to create a beach sanctuary that feels both elevated and intimate, where guests move through a curated journey and experience the brand’s signature approach to hospitality while enjoying a new setting.”
The design, rooted in Greek and Mediterranean references, relies heavily on natural textures, warm tones, and a softness of detail not always associated with high-traffi c beachfront venues. Aged wood fi nishes and hand-crafted joinery elements give the space an instant familiarity and coastal clarity. From every element had to be durable while feeling effortless.
The collaboration between client, contractor, and designer was a key part of the process. Timelines were tight. Multiple venues were launching at J1 Beach in parallel. The ability to make fast, informed decisions on site was essential.
“Finasi’s execution was consistent with the design vision,” Barkov added. “Where adaptations were needed due to availability or timing, they were proactive in offering alternatives that matched the original concept. That made a real difference. They were great partners to bring our vision to life.”
Sirene by GAIA is part of a wider shift across the region, where beach clubs are evolving from casual lounge spots into fully realised lifestyle destinations. These venues are designed for fl exibility. They support multiple revenue streams and guest behaviours without losing their identity.
“Today’s travellers and residents aren’t looking for one-dimensional venues; they’re drawn to immersive, all-day destinations that blend food, design, relaxation, and culture into one cohesive experience,” concluded Ahmed A. Sultan.
Design walkthrough
Guests enter Sirene through a dramatic arrival sequence marked by a grand sculptural installation. The piece immediately sets the tone — artistic, elegant, and rooted in Mediterranean sensibility. Framed by classical columns and natural textures, the entry suggests that what lies beyond is more than just a venue; it’s an experience curated from the very fi rst step.
Stepping into the main restaurant, the mood shifts to a warm, intimate atmosphere. The central bar, detailed with blue-and-white handcrafted joinery, is surrounded by light-fi lled dining zones that fl ow outwards into the terrace. Bougainvillea hangs overhead, softening the structure and adding natural colour.
Anchoring the outdoor experience is the iconic checkered pool, framed by olive trees, custom-built loungers, and Mediterranean landscaping. Tucked away behind the pool, private cabanas offer intimate shaded retreats. Designed with custom fabric canopies, detailed joinery, and layered soft furnishings, these areas echo the language of the main space while offering a more secluded beachfront experience.
