British chef Stephanie Haywood will lead 1206, a new restaurant opening at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab on 30 October 2026.
Perched on the resort's fourth level, the restaurant offers views stretching from the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to Burj Khalifa. It's rather intriguing name comes from a previously hidden room, adding a touch of mystery to the final restaurant opening in the resort's planned dining collection.
The menu draws on Haywood's British roots, with influences from France, the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. Seasonal ingredients, careful technique and responsibly sourced produce will be central to her cooking.
Meet the Chef Behind 1206
Raised in the Sussex countryside, Stephanie Haywood brings experience from Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK, Scandinavia and the GCC.
From foraging and fermentation to butchery and cooking over an open fire, Haywood brings a distinctive set of hands-on skills to the kitchen, shaping how she works with ingredients and builds flavour.
At 1206, vegetables will receive the same attention as premium proteins, with seasonal produce and partnerships with local farms influencing the menu.
Rather than relying on elaborate presentation alone, Haywood's cooking will focus on extracting flavour from ingredients through considered preparation and traditional techniques.
From Kitchen to Garden
One of the restaurant's most interesting features is its whole-ingredient philosophy, designed to make greater use of produce while reducing unnecessary waste.
Bones and trimmings will be transformed into stocks, sauces and broths, while fermentation, curing and slow cooking will help preserve ingredients and develop deeper flavours.
A signature langoustine dish illustrates the approach particularly well.
The tail will take centre stage on the plate, while the shells become a rich bisque. Offcuts will find their way into the beverage programme, with remaining elements returned to the terrace garden's soil.
The garden itself will provide herbs, greens and botanicals for both the kitchen and bar, creating a connection between the restaurant's food, cocktails and growing space.
A Setting with Character
Design studio AvroKO has taken inspiration from Levantine coastal architecture to create 1206's interiors.
Earthy tones, carved marble, handcrafted textures and custom cabinetry will give the dining room a warm, tactile character, complemented by a spacious terrace overlooking Dubai's skyline.
The wine programme follows a similarly considered direction, highlighting smaller producers, grower Champagnes and selections influenced by sustainable and low-intervention winemaking.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
1206 completes the planned restaurant collection at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, a luxury resort featuring 386 rooms and suites, 82 serviced residences, 11 dining experiences and four destination bars, alongside a viennoiserie by renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé.
For diners, 1206's appeal lies in the combination of Haywood's ingredient-led cooking, its thoughtful approach to sustainability and an impressive setting.
With its opening scheduled for 30 October, the restaurant introduces a distinctive British culinary perspective to Dubai's luxury dining scene, with the terrace garden and whole-ingredient philosophy providing the details that make this opening particularly interesting.