Inside Dubai's 'Ice Cube' penthouse that floats over Business Bay

At first glance, the penthouse in the sky doesn’t scream for attention.

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7 MIN READ
The Opus Omniyat
In this week's Dream Home Dubai series, we look at the iconic ice-cube shaped The Opus By Omniyat at Business Bay. The curved glass walls (all 4,544 of them) were hand-crafted and gives this classy penthouse a surreal, fluid feel — like you're living inside a piece of art. Zaha Hadid didn’t just design a building; she gave Dubai its most glamorous illusion yet.
Supplied/ Francisco Nogueira
Is it an art gallery or a chic rooftop penthouse?

At first glance, this Dh150 million penthouse in the sky doesn’t scream for attention. No gold trimmings. No overwrought chandeliers. Just a bold study in restraint and minimalism. Perched quietly within the sculptural curves of Zaha Hadid-designed The Opus by Omniyat, this is one of Dubai’s most exquisite homes. It's unabashedly cool, sleekly curated, and unapologetically minimalist. Black and white tones dominate. Lines are clean, deliberate. And at its centre, a 150-year-old petrified olive tree adds quiet drama—rooted in time, yet perfectly at home in this modern sanctuary. This isn’t excess. It’s intention. When you enter this sprawling penthouse with robust sunshine, you are reminded of a gallery-like haven in the clouds—part plush penthouse, part quiet luxury flex. Welcome to this artistic haven where classy chic rules.

Striking entrance, anyone?

You don’t just walk into this fully furnished and fitted four-bedroom rooftop penthouse — you arrive. And who’s there to greet you? A 150-year-old petrified olive tree from Spain, casually perched like nature’s own sculpture. Set in stone and full of stories, it’s the kind of first impression that says quietly: welcome to your minimalist masterpiece — rooted, rare, unforgettable.

  Living like a chic art collector

This penthouse was designed by the iconic late architect Dame Zaha Hadid and she has done full justice to it. With gallery-white walls, five-metre ceilings, and Minotti furniture throughout, the space designed under Omniyat Atelier is ideal for displaying contemporary art — or simply being it. Think Carrie Bradshaw after the book deal — but with a taste for architecture over Manolos. This penthouse trades chaos for calm, couture for curation.

Swing into luxury

An oversized indoor-outdoor swing takes center stage on the sky garden, effortlessly blending playfulness with polish. Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night under the stars, sipping a solo morning brew, or watching the Dubai skyline melt into dusk, this swing is where design and downtime meet. It’s not just a seat—it’s a mood, a moment, and a gentle reminder that luxury can still swing a little. Because who said penthouse living couldn’t have a little fun? Also did we tell you that the outdoor area spans a whopping 4,200 square feet.

Minimalism, but make it opulent

You walk in expecting the usual Dubai flash — gold taps, maybe a crystal chandelier or two — and instead, boom: black steel beams, Santa Marina marble floors, and curated pendant lights by Bocci. It’s moody, modern, and masculine in the most stylish way. Think sleek lines, soft shadows, and a design language that whispers “old money,” not shouts “look at me.” This penthouse isn’t trying to impress — it just does.

This is how Dubai does minimalism

Double the living, double the flair—because why settle for one fabulous space when you can have two? The Opus Penthouse by Omniyat serves up not one but two stunning living rooms. One’s dressed to impress for glam soirées, the other’s your go-to for barefoot lounging and binge-watching in style. Sunlight pours in, designer pieces are perfectly placed, and the whole vibe screams ‘quiet luxury with a side of sass.’ Think sculptural lighting, ivory sofas and gallery-style flow. Whether you’re hosting the city’s most exclusive dinner party or having a solo chill-and-netflix moment—this penthouse totally gets you.

Concealed luxury where TV hides behind wood panels

Here, design meets discretion. TV vanish into cabinetry, lighting is automated, and switches are nowhere in sight. It’s smart-home technology hidden beneath sleek Italian aesthetics — modern living, quietly luxurious.

Beams beckon

The outdoor spaces in the Dh150 million Opus Penthouse are as thoughtfully curated as the interiors. Featuring a ten-seater barbecue terrace, a plunge pool overlooking the Dubai Canal, and multiple wraparound patios, the design encourages al fresco living. A giant swing invites leisurely lounging, while hand-tufted outdoor rugs and sleek black steel beams extend the interior's minimalist palette. The Santa Marina marble continues outside, creating a seamless transition. Whether you’re hosting under the stars or watching fireworks from the upper deck, every outdoor corner is a stage for sophistication — redefining what open-air luxury looks like in the heart of Dubai.

Less hotel lobby, more edgy New York art gallery

Art isn’t just hung on the walls here — it’s part of the penthouse’s DNA. From moody black-and-white photography to bold sculptural pieces, every artwork feels intentionally placed, not just styled in. The vibe? Less hotel lobby, more edgy New York gallery. With five-metre ceilings and clean, minimalist lines, the space gives each piece room to breathe. The result is a home that feels curated, not decorated — like the owner might just be a collector (or someone who throws really cool cocktail parties surrounded by art you can actually talk about).

Master of all suites

The master bedroom is more than just a place to sleep — it’s a sanctuary with soaring five-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a tub so sculptural it deserves its own photoshoot. There’s his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes and a bathroom setup so seamless, it feels more like a private spa than a home.

Where Armani meets Avocados, organic, of course

This kitchen is giving haute couture, not home-cooked chaos. Designed by Armani and crafted by Molteni, it’s all clean lines, henge marble, and zero clutter. The fridge? Miele, of course — but so perfectly concealed, it plays hide-and-seek with your groceries. From the induction hob to the oven, every appliance is state-of-the-art and seamlessly built in. It’s the kind of kitchen where you casually uncork sparkling soda, not scramble eggs. And just in case entertaining gets messy, there’s a whole second “functional” kitchen tucked away. Because in this penthouse, even the dirty dishes deserve their own private room.

Even elegance needs a back-up plan


Behind the sleek Armani-designed show kitchen is a fully loaded functional kitchen — perfect for when the guest list grows or the menu gets ambitious. With concealed Miele appliances and smart storage, it keeps the glamour out front and the prep tucked away. It’s a quiet flex — the kind only truly luxe homes pull off.

Every guest room is top tier

Three guest bedrooms, each a near mirror image of the other, offer a quiet kind of luxury — calm, consistent, and beautifully designed. Think crisp white linens, black-accented detailing, hand-tufted rugs, and private terraces that spill out onto a shared outdoor space. It’s hotel-level comfort with just enough personality to feel personal. The layout is intentional — no one gets the “best” room, which is a smart move when your guests all expect the VIP treatment. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, everyone sleeps in style, without the passive-aggressive room negotiations. In this penthouse, every guest is top-tier.

Even its bathtub has a story

This isn’t just a bathtub—it’s a black marble mood. Carved from sleek Black Marquina stone and flanked by Gessi fixtures, this freestanding stunner sits pretty in the master suite’s spa-style bathroom. It’s the kind of tub that dares you not to cancel your plans and soak for hours. Five-metre ceilings overhead, zero stress in sight. Light a candle, play some Enya—or Beyoncé, no judgement—and let the bubbles (and the bragging rights) rise. Because when your bath looks like modern art, self-care becomes a full-blown lifestyle.

A terrace with a view?

The outdoor spaces here aren’t just for show — they’re meant to be lived in. Morning coffee? Grab it and head to the terrace. Girls' night? There’s room for ten around the barbecue table. The plunge pool’s made for sunset dips, and if you’re lucky enough to be here on New Year’s Eve, you’ve got front-row seats to the fireworks. It’s giving resort vibes, but still feels like home — just, you know, with better views and far more marble.

Patio patrol

Tucked just off the main living area, the ground floor patio feels like your own private hideaway. There’s a giant sofa that practically begs you to lounge all afternoon, and just enough greenery to make you forget you’re in the heart of the city. It’s shaded, serene, and perfect for anything from a solo wind-down to an impromptu catch-up over mocktails. You’re technically still indoors — but it won’t feel like it.

Plunge into greatness

Not your average backyard splash—this plunge pool is a whole mood. Drenched in deep blue, edged with dreamy frangipani trees, and front-row to the Dubai skyline, it’s giving main-character energy. Perfect for poolside posing, sky-high soaks, and that golden hour sip. Dive in, darling.

Ice cube building in the sky?

From the outside, The Opus by Omniyat looks like an ice cube mid-melt—curvy, cool, and utterly iconic. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, it’s not just a building, it’s a head-turning sculpture in the Dubai skyline. Who said architecture can’t serve drama?