The Hollywood star brings his premium vodka to Dubai and reflects on his love affair with the region.
Hollywood royalty is never far from the UAE, and this week it is Jason Momoa turning heads in Dubai. The Aquaman star touched down in Dubai to launch his award-winning Meili Vodka, marking the spirit’s Middle East debut at the soon-to-open world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection. Speaking exclusively to FACT, Jason Momoa was his usual easygoing, affable self — larger than life, yet totally grounded. You’d expect the guy who’s played Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones to be a little intimidating, especially with his towering 6’4 frame, the mane, and the kind of screen presence that could silence a room. But in person, he’s more golden retriever than warrior king. Laughing easily, cracking jokes, and greeting everyone like an old friend, he’s got a charm and warmth that instantly makes you forget he’s one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars.
Without wasting any time, we dove straight into why Dubai was the next stop for his brand. Jason Momoa’s eyes lit up as he talked about why the emirate felt like the perfect place to bring his decade-long passion project to life. “I mean, look at this place,” he smiled, gesturing to the skyline views from the 39th-floor suite at Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection. “This is the tallest hotel I’ve ever been to in my life — the tallest in the world! Ten years ago, I’d never have imagined we’d be here launching our own vodka brand. It’s pretty exciting.”
The partnership between Meili Vodka and Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection, which officially opens this November, feels like a natural fit. The launch rolls out the brand across select venues in the tower with exclusive cocktails and tasting experiences. With 1,004 rooms and suites, eight dining destinations, and record-breaking architecture, the hotel provides an epic stage for Meili’s regional debut.
For Jason Momoa, Meili Vodka is more than just another celebrity endorsement. Co-founded with his longtime friend Blaine Halvorson, the brand is, as he puts it, “rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship”, born from a shared love of adventure and storytelling. “This isn’t one of those things where someone came up with a product and I just put my face on it,” he explained. “It was made by us. Something we care about. Something we love. We spent years getting it right.” He is particularly proud that Meili challenges how people think about vodka. For him, vodka has long been misunderstood and designed to be odourless and tasteless. “We wanted to make something sippable,” he shared, emphasising that vodka deserves to be treated like a fine spirit, not only a cocktail ingredient.
That philosophy sent the team on a global journey to find the perfect water source, the foundation of Meili’s character. “We discovered that great spirits always come down to the water,” he elaborated. “So we found one of the best in the world and built Meili around it,” – sealing the thought with the Aquaman stamp.
Of course, the conversation turns to movies. Between Aquaman, Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and Duncan Idaho in the upcoming Dune 3, his career is defined by larger-than-life roles. Yet he lights up most when talking about reconnecting with fans in places that have embraced his work, especially the Middle East. “Every time I come here, I just feel a lot of love,” he said warmly. While he did not shoot for Dune: Part Two in Abu Dhabi, he is excited for the third one and cannot wait. “Though I’ll have to survive the heat first,” he laughed.
He fondly recalls his time as a Yas Island ambassador in 2023, a stint that saw him explore some of the UAE’s biggest attractions. “That was a dream job. I had so much fun doing that,” he grinned. “Every time I come here, the hospitality, the culture, the people – it’s just beautiful. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I told them, ‘Make me the ambassador again!'”
His admiration extends across the region. “I’ve been coming out here for ten years now,” he recalled. “I’ve gone off-roading in the desert, wandered the markets, and met amazing people. It’s evolved a lot since I first came, but that same warmth is still there.”
Whether he is launching his vodka, wrapping a blockbuster or meeting fans, Jason Momoa has found his groove between Hollywood and the Middle East. And now that Meili Vodka is officially pouring in Dubai, with Jason hinting at more visits, it is safe to say we will be seeing more of him. “There’s a lot of love here and now, some really good vodka too,” he concluded.
GO: Visit www.meilivodka.com for more information.