With the delayed EXPO 2020 finally underway, and travel restrictions around the world continuing to ease, now is the perfect time to book an event or incentive in Dubai. There are also a number of brand-new luxury hotel openings in the emirate state to discover. So, we shine the spotlight on six of the best…

Raffles the Palm, Dubai

The first Raffles resort on the Palm Jumeirah – the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago – is set to open its doors before the end of this year,

Raffles The Palm takes up prime space along the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, promising mesmerising city and sea views for all. Its tranquil interiors and private al fresco spaces are an escape from the urban bustle, while still within easy reach of Dubai’s top attractions.

The five-star resort merges classic European charm with contemporary undertones. It will feature389 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, each with a balcony and sea-view terrace, and offer eight bar and restaurant concepts.

The Dubai EDITION

Situated in downtown Dubai, The Dubai EDITION is located in one of the city’s most popular locations, opposite the world-famous Dubai Mall. 

Opening in late 2021, the hotel will feature 275 rooms and suites, multiple food and beverage outlets, pool, spa and fitness centre, meeting rooms and a flexible ballroom.

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort

Anantara’s seventh UAE property is soon taking up residence on Dubai’s World Islands, clinching the coveted title as the archipelago’s first resort.

Accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from The Palm, the resort’s home island will serve as a private haven for guests, offering 70 lavish seaside villas and suites, pools, alfresco dining and beach access.

Restaurants include a speciality Arabic-Indian venue, with beachfront barbecues and idyllic views, while a stylish bar lounge will offer magnificent panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, including the famous landmarks Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab, perfect for enjoying the sunset.

St Regis Dubai, The Palm

With 290 rooms and suites, the lofty five-star hotel sits on top of the glistening new Palm Tower at the heart of the island, with incredible vistas over the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel, which opened in May, offers planners choice and flexibility with its six multi-purpose meeting rooms all equipped with state-of-the-art technology and The Astor Ballroom for up to 500. The hotel, which also offers a diverse selection of restaurants, bars and lounges and a luxury spa, is steps away from soft sandy beaches and the soon-to-open St. Regis Beach Club.

The 52-storey Palm Tower also includes a restaurant complex on the 51st floor and a stunning rooftop viewing deck on the 52nd level. The hotel is linked to the Nakheel Mall which offers world class shopping, a variety of culinary venues and entertainment options, and will soon also have an adjacent extension in the form of The St Regis Beach Club.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

This new property from Accor’s Sofitel brand features an obelisk shape harking to the hotel's French and Egyptian inspiration. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is connected to Wafi Mall and with 595 rooms, it will be the largest Sofitel hotel in the Middle East. Event planners will have access to ten meeting rooms in addition to a 1,115 square metre ballroom.

The hotel offers several culinary hotspots including Brassiere Boulud, designed by famed chef Daniel Boulud, known for his double Michelin-starred restaurant in New York, and Taiko – sister restaurant to the award-winning venue in Amsterdam by Chef Schilo Van Coevorden.

Royal Atlantis Resort, The Palm

This plush new property’s open date is yet to be confirmed, but it’s the latest reports are that it will open in March 2022.

Located next to sister property to Atlantis, The Palm, the hotel will offer 795 guest rooms and a sky-high infinity Sky Pool that will stretch 90 metres in length and soar to 96 metres above The Palm, with views of the iconic Dubai city skyline on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other.

Other features include a 3,000 square-metre wellness centre, spa, 17 retail outlets and 13 restaurants and bars including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, offering contemporary dishes inspired by historic gastronomic recipes dating back to the 1300’s. The lobby bar will be home to the largest jellyfish tank in the world, housing approximately 2,000 jelly fish and three additional aquariums.