It’s no secret that Dubai has been leading the way in business and luxury travel for several years now - with its strong recovery out of the pandemic and record numbers in 2022. Corporate MICE travel amounts to nearly a third of Dubai’s total bookings, meaning this lavish city has remained very much a favourite in the sector.*

Best-known for luxury shopping, modern architecture, sunny beaches, desert adventures and culinary feasts, Dubai really does have it all. So, why not add this destination to your list for your upcoming luxury incentives in 2023 and beyond!

In this EDIT, our editorial team head over to take a look themselves, compiling a selection of the most inspiring highlights of Dubai in the first of this two-part series.

Atlantis, Dubai

Two world-class resorts - “Atlantis The Palm” and “Atlantis The Royal” - combine to create a truly spectacular attack on the senses. The crown of the world-famous Palm Island in Dubai and  a million miles away from your every day, the Atlantis has quickly become one of the most ultra-luxury experiential resorts in the world.

Nestled between the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the majestic Dubai skyline, at Atlantis, The Palm guests are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime with exclusive guest rooms and suites, exhilarating experience packages and Signature Suites boasting views of their 65,000 animal-filled aquarium.

World-class dining experiences await – from celebrity chef restaurants Nobu, Hakkasan, Ossiano and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, to signature restaurants Ayamna, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and En Fuego, where you’ll experience back-to-back showstopping performances including gravity-defying acrobats. 

Three different Beach Clubs and the World’s Largest Waterpark – Aquaventure are at hand to entertain, as well as numerous experiences to satisfy even the most daring of guests. 

Mixing business and pleasure has never been easier. The team here take pride in going the extra mile and offering the perfect settings for meetings of all sizes. Unique spaces at the Last Chambers Aquarium or the Palm Beach, elegant indoor venues, spectacular al fresco options and even the stunning Asateer tent – Atlantis the Palm really has it all.

The new iconic landmark of Dubai, Atlantis The Royal also welcomes your guests to an experience set to redefine the meaning of luxury travel. Imagination, creativity and exclusivity merge here, to create an eclectic range of features crafted by world-leading designers and artists.

Soaring 43 storeys high, rooms, suites and Signature Penthouses offer exclusive luxury, contemporary design and breathtaking views with private pools available and the chance to book your own private floor if you wish to.

Atlantis The Royal is also home to an array of exceptional dining experiences, including celebrity chef restaurants – Nobu by The Beach, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis and La Mar by Gastón Acurio are all coming soon – signature restaurants, Dubai’s best beach clubs and bars and their unique House of Desserts. For light snacks and refreshments, a sophisticated lounge serves all-day options and even a luxury afternoon tea.

Hotel Fairmont The Palm, Dubai

This Arabian-style sanctuary in the heart of Palm Jumeirah specialises in inimitable hospitality with views of the Dubai Marina and Arabian Gulf that are second to none. Each of their 391 guest rooms and suites offer views of the Arabian Gulf and  Dubai skyline meaning you can watch the sun set from the comfort of your bedroom.

At Willow Stream Spa ancient beauty secrets marry the latest skincare advancement with experts who will cater to your needs, advise on your treatments and ensure your experience is truly unforgettable.

Picture-perfect incentives also await, from wild water sports to the health club coupled with time at the beach, there’s the perfect activity for all your guests. And, when you’re ready to savour the local flavours, an array of dining experiences offers seasonally inspired menus from a choice of 11 different restaurants.

With a selection of 8 flexible meeting spaces, both indoor and al fresco, the very best in luxury meetings and events for event professionals also awaits.

Caesars Palace, Dubai

Beautifully designed guest experiences elevated by award-winning service are key to the success of Caesars Palace, Dubai, where 1.7 km of pristine sandy shoreline, 500m of private beach, 5 temperature-controlled pools and unobstructed views of the incredible Arabian Gulf ensure your event is a touch above the rest.

178 luxury accommodation options can be found across the Palace Tower and Julius Tower, each with its own flair, impeccable décor, sophisticated comforts and breathtaking views. 16 suites also have access to a private beach oasis.

Indulge your appetite for world-class cuisine with a visit to one of the celebrity chef restaurants on offer or satisfy your cravings with decadent, indulgent dishes at Bacchanal. Guests can also enjoy the taste of 1920s Cuba at Havana Social Club, enjoy Italian dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast at Venus Ristorante, or simply take their pick from another of the 12 restaurants and bars on offer.

The award-winning wellness concept from Las Vegas employed at Qua Spa is designed to relax and rejuvenate even the most tired of guests; here Japanese technologies and luxurious spa treatments are offered to soothe the mind and the body.

And everything you need to host unique and exclusive meetings and events can be found at the standalone dedicated Conference Center.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

History and modern luxury intertwine at this secluded hotel in Dubai Marina, nestled on a private beach. Designed to emulate the low-rise buildings of the Mediterranean, this luxury hotspot offers outstanding luxury amenities and impeccable Arabian hospitality.

294 luxury accommodations, including 193 guest rooms, 60 Club Level rooms and 41 suites, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea, are on offer here, and experiences are elevated by the opulent Arabian and Mediterranean-inspired décor. And, if exclusivity is your intention, treat yourself to the Presidential Suite, including a furnished balcony with an ocean view, two bedrooms and bathrooms and its very own hammam and steam room.

Journey through global flavours with a range of distinct dining experiences including beach-side dining, authentic Italian dishes at Splendido, alfresco terraces, the tastes of Southeast Asia at Blue Jade, the romance of the Arabian desert at outdoor restaurant Amaseena and so much more, including the option to enjoy themed dinners.

Luxurious spa treatments blending East and West await at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, combining Eastern traditions and European techniques, where your guests will be able to choose from 12 treatment rooms  including ladies and gentlemen’s tranquillity lounges, eucalyptus-infused steam-rooms, an outdoor relaxation pool, hot and cold plunge pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

With the assistance of dedicated event planners, choose from more than 32,000 square feet of meeting spaces ideal for conferences, meetings and  conventions. Packages include camel rides, beach volleyball, miniature golf and football  – as well as volunteaming® activities (beach clean-up projects and collaborative opportunities at Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs ).

Address Beach Resort

This iconic beachfront resort is home to the world’s tallest infinity rooftop pool with incredible views and endless options for dining, relaxation and entertainment.

Each of the 217 guest rooms and suites boast spell-binding views of the sea and city and include inspired décor and luxury details. The hotel also overlooks the world’s tallest Ferris Wheel, Ain Dubai which is just a short walk away. More options include the luxurious beachfront Serviced Apartments boasting plush furnishings in a soothing colour palette with aqua-inspired accents.

Dine in style at one of the 5 restaurants available – from Lebanese and Brazilian fusion at Li’ Brazil to the international cuisine of Beach Grill, light bites at The Lounge or global bistronomy and Asian Fusion at The Restaurant at Address Beach Resort and ZETA Seventy Seven.

On level 75, fitness is the word at the signature Spa at Address, where you can unwind and get lost in the spirit of relaxation.

Find the perfect option for your luxury events among their choice of 4 sophisticated venues for your meetings and events at The Academy, offering the latest audio-visual technologies and including a Library, Majlis and Show Kitchen where the talents of world-class chefs and beverage mixologists can be experienced live from an array of elegant dining spaces.

• Data sourced from global technology company Travelport