Stainless steels have been widely used as architectural and construction materials because of their high degree of corrosion resistance, unique aesthetic quality, and stability in an unpolluted atmosphere. Although stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, localized corrosion can occur in certain environments, especially in marine atmospheric conditions if the appropriate grade is not used. Exposure of stainless steel to a more aggressive environment than the limiting conditions may be harmful to its aesthetic appearance and ultimately even to its load-bearing capacity. Selecting a suitable stainless steel grade requires knowledge of the actual location of the application and the atmospheric conditions. In terms of materials selection, the austenitic stainless steel grade 316/316L has proved a very popular choice for architectural applications in many locations but it is not always suitable at demanding sites such as marine environments in the Middle-East. In such cases the use of a higher-performance grade, often in combination with a good surface finish and established cleaning routines, is required to maintain pristine surfaces. The main objective of this paper is to present information about the atmospheric corrosion resistance of a number of stainless steels in the Middle-East at a marine site. The results obtained are analysed and discussed in terms of factors affecting atmospheric corrosion of stainless steel such as the, alloying element level, surface roughness, surface treatment and microclimate.