Dubai – 27 January 2025: Dubai’s hotel scene continues to evolve beyond headline-grabbing scale and into more experience-led, design-driven and niche hospitality. From wellness centred resorts to adults-only island escapes and Mediterranean inspired beachfront stays, 2026 will see several major openings that reflect how the city is diversifying its accommodation offering for modern travellers.
Here are the standout hotel openings set to redefine Dubai stays in 2026.
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai
Six Senses makes its long-anticipated Dubai debut with Six Senses The Palm, a boutique resort bringing the brand’s globally recognised wellness philosophy to the emirate. With just 61 hotel keys alongside 162 branded residences, the property is designed to feel intimate rather than grand, prioritising privacy, connection and community.
Set on Palm Jumeirah, the resort’s architecture draws inspiration from coral reefs and the region’s marine ecosystems, with sculptural forms, shaded courtyards and organic materials creating a calming, low-impact aesthetic. A 60,000-square-foot wellness and social club anchors the development, alongside a Six Senses Spa and communal spaces inspired by the traditional Emirati majlis. For travellers seeking restorative luxury rather than spectacle, this is one of Dubai’s most significant upcoming openings.
Scheduled to open in Q3, 2026
voco Dubai Nice, The Heart of Europe
Located on Dubai’s World Islands, voco Dubai Nice is the second voco branded property within Kleindienst Group’s ambitious Heart of Europe development – and firmly positions itself as an adults-only island retreat. Inspired by the energy of the French Riviera, the 264 room hotel blends beach club culture with nightlife-driven hospitality, just 15 minutes by speedboat from mainland Dubai.
Opened in January 2026, the hotel is another key step forward in the development progress of The Heart of Europe as a 20-hotel island destination with 5,000 keys.
Expect a bold, colourful façade overlooking the Arabian Sea, a central party pool, and five distinct dining and nightlife venues ranging from beachfront seafood to champagne bars and late-night clubs. The hotel also connects to the climate-controlled Raining Street, a signature attraction recreating European weather conditions. It’s part of a wider Côte d’Azur cluster that will eventually include Cannes and St. Tropez-themed hotels, marking a clear push toward experiential, destination-style stays.
Opened in January 2026
Marbella Dubai
Also opening at The Heart of Europe, Marbella Resort Hotel brings Andalusian-inspired elegance to Dubai’s offshore islands. The 157-room resort blends Mediterranean charm with immersive experiences, including private beaches, year-round rainfall features and underwater marine attractions.
A key differentiator is the resort’s Coral Institute, focused on marine conservation and home to multiple coral species and reef habitats that guests can explore via snorkelling and diving. Dining spans six venues, from tapas bars and bodegas to European fine dining, while landscaped gardens, citrus groves and sunken courtyards add a slow-living feel. Marbella Dubai is aimed at travellers seeking novelty, nature and design in equal measure.
Opening in H1 2026
Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah
Set to open at Jumeirah 1, Gran Meliá Dubai Jumeirah marks the Spanish luxury brand’s flagship entry into the UAE. The double-fronted beachfront property will feature a 140-metre private beach, uninterrupted views across Port de La Mer Marina and direct access to one of Dubai’s most popular lifestyle precincts.
Positioned firmly in the upper-luxury category, the hotel will offer curated dining, expansive wellness facilities and large-scale event spaces – including the first Novikov Beach venue in Dubai, a notable drawcard for food and lifestyle travellers. Its central location near Downtown, La Mer and key residential areas make it particularly appealing for visitors wanting beach access without sacrificing connectivity.
Scheduled to open in December, 2026
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About the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.
Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.
DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
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