The emirate of Dubai has no shortage of luxury hotels – of palatial beach resorts and soaring skyscrapers. While these hotels charm, delight, and deliver, in their bucket loads, one category of hotel has long been missing in the emirate – the affordable, yet impeccably designed boutique hotel. A mainstay of Europe, Morocco and the US, this hotel category has long eluded the UAE, but now, the Arabian Boutique Hotel has opened its doors on the shores of Dubai Creek – with just 20 rooms in total. The property comes from the family behind Dubai’s much-loved Arabian Tea House cafes, who wanted to create a boutique hotel emulating the feeling of Morocco and Europe and showcase Emirati heritage and culture at the same time.

Why book Arabian Boutique Hotel

Opening quietly in January, while names like The Lana, Dorchester Collection and One&Only One Za’abeel were making a splash, Arabian Boutique Hotel transports guests back to Old Dubai, albeit an entirely more glamourous one. The property sits in the historic residences of Thani bin Abdullah Al Rumaithi and Al Durwais. Spread across the two historic properties, Thani bin Abdullah Al Rumaithi’s restored coral-stone former residence features ten beautiful rooms with views of the Arabian Gulf. Across the way, the second house, previously owned by the influential wood trader family Al Durwais, has 10 uniquely designed suites. Together the property embodies the UAE – a country of rich heritage, but an exciting and free-thinking present and future.

Despite being a three-star hotel – a refreshing and low-key number in Dubai’s galaxy of five-star properties – there’s still room service throughout the day, and while there’s no valet parking or 24-hour room service, the hotel does have a lovely restaurant, Arabian Fish House, on the ground floor – overlooking the promenade and Creek.

Location

The property lies on the shores of Dubai Creek in one of the city’s historic neighbourhoods, Al Shindagha. A glimpse into Old Dubai and Emirati heritage, it’s one of 162 resorted heritage buildings in the area, which was once home to the Al Maktoum family – Dubai’s ruling family. What’s magical about this location is the peace and how guests feel worlds away from the buzz and modernity of the city and can experience what some would say is a truly authentic Arabian setting. The view overlooks the Creek, where abra boats slowly drift by – and the hotel’s roof terrace is the perfect spot to watch the city’s famous blood-orange sunsets dip beneath the waves. The location makes it very convenient to explore Bur Dubai and attractions like the Dubai Frame, Gold Souq and Dubai Creek Resort, with its restaurants, beach clubs and golf course. Plus, it’s a short drive from the airport.

Rooms and suites

Arabian Boutique Hotel’s rooms and suites are spread across two buildings and sit around a central courtyard with a related majlis-style vibe. Rooms have brilliant whitewashed walls with pops of dark wood, plus high beamed ceilings with draped chandeliers creating a sense of space and modernity. There’s a charming mix of old and new, antique furnishings, avant-garde bathtubs, and furniture, plus all the modern amenities like charge points near the bed. Emirati design nods include mashrabiya wardrobes, woven rugs and carved wooden doors that open in a traditional way – reminiscent of stables. All rooms have mini-bars, hot and powerful showers (and bathtubs), biodegradable in-room amenities and robes and slippers.

Food and drink

One restaurant serves the property, Arabian Fish House, which sits on the ground floor and is a hit with guests and locals alike. There’s an indoor space plus charming waterside tables, plus a few on the rooftop terrace – the best spot of them all. There’s fresh fish, of course, plus fresh produce from the owner’s farm outside of Dubai. The menu focuses on traditional Emirati and Arab cuisine, a theme that is followed through to breakfast. Guests will delight in an Arabic spread with trays of falafel, eggs, labneh, zaatar and other delights, but there’s also fresh bread, jam and tea. A la carte options are also available, like the famous musabaha (a warming bean breakfast stew).

Al Fahidi, Dubai; arabianboutiquehotel.com, @arabianboutique.hotel

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