Dubai's hotel boom isn't slowing down. A fresh round-up of upcoming openings lists 55 new properties across the UAE, with a string of big-name arrivals scheduled between late 2026 and 2029. If you've been waiting for an excuse to plan a Dubai staycation - or a proper luxury splurge - the next few years are about to give you plenty of options.
Kicking things off, Six Senses The Palm lands on Palm Jumeirah in December 2026. It's a boutique affair by Dubai standards - just 61 rooms - built around landscaped hills, shaded courtyards and a huge 60,000 sq ft wellness club inspired by the traditional Emirati majlis. Also due in late 2026: Zuhha Resort, a 70-villa private island escape in the World Islands from the team behind Abu Dhabi's Zaya Nurai Island, complete with private pools, floating padel courts and a beach club. Kimpton also makes its Downtown debut in 2026 with 280 rooms along the Business Bay Canal.
2027 gets seriously busy. The Hoxton brings its London hangout energy to Dubai Media City with a 230-room conversion and a first-of-its-kind social wellness concept. The first InterContinental resort in the UAE opens on the World Islands - a family-focused, Portofino-themed property with 466 rooms and floor-to-ceiling aquariums. There's also Baccarat Dubai in Downtown, twin towers by Studio Libeskind dripping with crystal; an all-inclusive Rixos on Dubai Islands with 700 metres of beach; a Gran Melia beach resort at La Mer with a Zuma Beachhouse attached; plus Buddha Bar and Scandinavian-inspired Hygge hotels joining the World Islands crowd.
Then things go full Vegas. In late 2028, The Island by Wasl off Jumeirah will host an MGM Grand, Bellagio and Aria - around 1,400 rooms between them, with plans echoing the Vegas originals including fountain shows and high-end dining. Dorchester Collection adds a second Dubai property, The Alba, on the Palm in 2028.
The 2029 line-up is where the ultra-luxury brands stack up: Aman's first Dubai hotel at Dubai Peninsula in Jumeirah (100 rooms designed by Kerry Hill Architects), its younger, more affordable sister brand Janu in DIFC, Jumeirah Asora Bay at La Mer South, an Akala wellness-led sanctuary in Downtown, and The Dubai Beach EDITION at the entrance of Dubai Harbour on the old Zero Gravity site.
Why should travellers care? Timing. If you've always wanted to try Aman, Baccarat or Dorchester without the Maldives price-of-entry, Dubai is about to become the easiest place to do it. Family travellers should watch the all-inclusive Rixos and the InterContinental Portofino, while wellness fans have Six Senses, Akala and The Hoxton's social fitness hub to pick from. And with the World Islands transforming into a mini archipelago of resorts, boat-access stays just off Dubai's coast will finally be a realistic holiday option rather than a gimmick. Book early for the big 2026 openings - the first months of a flagship hotel are usually when the best opening offers appear.
