The most exciting hotel openings in the Middle East in 2025
2/17/25
The most anticipated hotel launches in the region for 2025 – from a lux Sharjah safari resort to a fantasy escape carved into ancient rock
After an incredible 2024, the run for stunning hotel openings in the Middle East shows no signs of slowing down. In 2025, much-anticipated and stand-out properties across the Gulf are set to open their doors – including myriad openings in the Kingdom. From architectural wonders, not to be confused with AI, to a safari resort, naughty Euro brand and the sister to Dubai’s most iconic hotel – here are the Middle East hotel openings we’re genuinely excited for in 2025.
The most exciting hotel openings in the Middle East in 2025
Desert Rock
Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
As the newest luxury resort in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region, it’s easy to mistake Desert Rock for AI. But it’s 100% real. The mirage-like resort is seamlessly integrated into the ancient granite mountains, designed by Oppenheim Architecture to embody a philosophy of building with the land, not on it – ensuring minimal environmental impact. The resort features 64 keys, comprising 54 villas and 10 suites, with everything from spacious one- and two-bedroom Wadi villas with private pools to dramatic and romantic Cliff Hanging Villas – perched high above the resort – and Mountain Cave Suites built into the rock face.
Dining includes Nyra by Michelin-starred chef Osman Sezener, wood-fired cooking local ingredients, Mica – a sophisticated, non-alcoholic bar – Indian Basalt, and chic pool bar Wadi. An Observatory cements its fantasy-like status – a late-night lounge offering starry views of the valley with live DJ sets. Come for its world-class spa, dramatic beauty, hiking, trail running, climbing, and cultural excursions.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
If the Burj Al Arab was a sail and Jumeirah Beach Hotel the wave – then the new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the super yacht. Smooth, sleek, and sitting right on the water. Inspired by a super yacht design, this highly anticipated resort will catapult Jumeirah back to the forefront of hotel design and innovation, with 386 rooms and suites, a three-storey spa, 11 restaurants, and an 82-berth marina. The interiors are all warming tones of cream, coral and yellow – reflecting the Arabian sunshine – and views on the endless Arabian Gulf.
The hotel has also launched a new dining waterfront destination – with 11 stunning hotel restaurants and bars. A further level waterfront dining space has also been created- the Marsa Al Arab Marina: a neighbourhood destination with six dining destinations including Feels Café, Meat the Fish, Public, CutFish, Salt, and Heaf.
Six Senses The Palm
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, is an upcoming luxury resort and residential development on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah. Scheduled to open in 2025, this project marks the debut of the Six Senses brand in the United Arab Emirates – bringing a taste of its beloved wellness-focused global resorts to the city. 60 rooms will offer beachfront views and living alongside 162 branded residences. Nature plays a key part in the design – typical of Six Senses – with the architecture. Inspired by the natural beauty of coral reefs, the architecture features undulating rooflines and facades that emulate the intricate patterns of corals.
But it’s not all relaxation, and understanding the modern nomad and luxury traveller, the hotel has a 60,000 lifestyle facility known as Six Senses Place – with a spa, fitness centre, squash court, and shared working spaces. Expect wholesome dining, beautifully landscaped gardens, swimming pools, and eco-centric practices.
Trump Tower Dubai
Dubai, UAE
20 years after the first Trump Tower Dubai was proposed and eight years since Trump International Golf Club opened, it’s been confirmed that Trump Tower Dubai will open later this year. Details are a little hush-hush, but like its counterparts worldwide, it will offer luxury hospitality and residential living with a heavy dose of glamour and gloss. A prime location has been chosen, which is yet to be released, but the development will soar 200 metres high and include 47 floors, a Trump-branded hotel and offer a distinct New York-meets-London vibe.
Sharjah, UAE
With views as far as the eye can see, a secluded private beach, spectacular dining experiences, and a focus on wellbeing, LUX* Al Jabal is set to take Khorfakkan’s hotel scene to the next level as the first luxury beach resort in the city. Opening this year, the property is the brainchild of Lux* resorts, the brand known for its idyllic paradise retreats in the likes of Maldives and Mauritius, and is bringing a slice of this to the northern emirates. Overlooking the Arabian Sea and backed by the Soueifa Mountain, LUX* Al Jabal will be a five-star eco-resort with a difference, introducing travellers to the outstanding natural beauty of this coastline with 45 eco-lodges, a clifftop restaurant, gym and kids’ club. Tucked away on the hillside, the resort will offer striking vantage points, and a team of passion chefs creating menus that explore Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage.
Mama Shelter Dubai
Playful French-born Mama Shelter has quickly become one of the world’s most talked about hotel brands, expanding from its home in France (where properties include Nice, Bordeaux, Paris and Marseille) to Rome, London, Lisbon, LA and more. Now, it’s the turn of Dubai, with Mama Shelter Dubai now open in Business Bay. Technically open at teh end of 2024, it’s one of 2025’s most exciting new additions, bringijg a touch of the daring brands (give their in-room offering a quick Google) and true four-star offering – focused on design, lifestyle, colourful decor and fanciful French zest for life. The brand focuses on cool food and drink outlets and social spaces over frills and rooms.
All ages and travellers are welcome, and there’s a really relaxed and fun vibe about the place. We love the rooms, with lipstick writing on the mirrors, cartoon character masks on the bed, fun bracelets for guests to wear, and a TV loaded with complimentary TV shows and movies, and colourful dining outlets including a chic Italian. For something unique in Dubai, book a room at Mama Shelter.
Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi
Sitting along the serene shores of Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves, the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi is a stylish new addition to the UAE’s capital. The property sees the lux transformation of the former Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel – a beloved, yet tired property – and features 167 guest rooms and suites with a lux back-to-nature experience and views of the lush Mangrove National Park (home to 60 bird species and diverse wildlife, including turtles, dugongs, and dolphins) . Dining includes a sophisticated brasserie, a panoramic rooftop restaurant over the mangroves and Waldorf Astoria’s iconic Peacock Alley. This is posed to become the new spot for staycations in the capital – doing the stunning Mangrove National Park justice. Come for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and more.
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