Your Guide to Dubai

New & coming soon to Dubai

• His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 with the ambitious goals of doubling the size of Dubai's economy over the next decade and consolidating its position among the top three global cities. One year in, the initiative includes 100 transformative projects, with economic targets of US$8.9 trillion over the next 10 years, doubling foreign trade and adding 400 cities as key trading partners. It aims to accelerate growth by investing in human development, skillsets and advanced technology, as well as consolidating Dubai’s global competitiveness, innovation and knowledge-based economy. The programme will invest in enhancing the advantages gained from Dubai’s strategic location and its advanced infrastructure to raise the city’s status as a preferred destination for major international companies and investments.
• Dubai offers an impressive 150,000 hotel rooms across more than 800 establishments.
• Recently opened, the One&Only One Za’abeel is the first urban resort from Kerzner International and promises to set a benchmark for ultra-luxury hospitality. Its dual skyscrapers are dramatically intersected by the world’s longest cantilever, The Link – a futuristic boulevard floating 100 metres above the street boasting wonderful skyline views and the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool. The hotel’s spacious rooms are among the largest in Dubai and the collection of corner suites feature additional themed amenities. The Urban Suite, for instance, includes a state-of-the-art meeting space. The hotel also offers two ballrooms and six meeting rooms.
• In the same building Kerzner International has also opened its first SIRO hotel. SIRO One Za’abeel is focused on fitness and recovery in an entirely new concept that combines transformative wellness experiences, an integrated digital strategy and personalised guidance from wellness experts. The aim is to optimise physical and mental well-being through a fusion of science and technology across five pillars: nutrition, fitness, sleep, recovery and mindfulness.
• New in the happening smart district Uptown Dubai, close to Expo City, the SO/Uptown Dubai is a soaring city urban resort offering 188 bedrooms, excellent dining and breathtaking views. Located within the 340m high, diamond-inspired Uptown Tower, designed by internationally-renowned architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, it offers high ceilings and innovative design. Its fully-equipped event facilities include an elegant ballroom accommodating up to 1,000 guests.
• The vibrant Creek Harbour area has seen many new hotels open or about to come on stream along its six km promenade. The Address Grand Creek Harbour opened in 2022. The first five-star resort to open on this waterfront, it offers views of old Dubai on one side and the extraordinary skyline of new Dubai on the other. With four stylish meeting rooms for 12-30 guests and a glorious Luma Pool Lounge for outdoor events for up to 250, it offers 223 elegant bedrooms. The relaxed and contemporary-style, 99-room Vida Creek Beach has just opened overlooking the newly-constructed Crystal Lagoon with a beach and state-of-the-art wave system. Opening soon is the five-star Palace Dubai Creek Harbour with 122 stylish bedrooms.
• Newly open on the waterfront on Dubai Canal with views of the Burj Khalifa, The Lana is a Dorchester Collection hotel that combines stunning architecture, spectacular use of space and light and impeccable service levels. It offers three event spaces and 225 rooms.
• Drawing on inspiration from exclusive superyachts, Marsa Al Arab is the latest hotel from the Jumeirah Group. Designed to epitomise superior luxury and quality in another landmark building, it will offer 387 rooms and 10 restaurants. Part of the wider complex that also includes Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah and Wild Wadi Waterpark, it is opening soon.
• Opened early 2023, the NH Collection Dubai The Palm is an exciting four-star property that offers excellent value in this high-demand location on exclusive Palm West Beach. A short journey from Dubai’s top attractions, it offers 227 rooms, direct beach access, a rooftop pool and lively sports bar.
• The Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah opened in September 2022 with 608 guest rooms and suites offering stunning views of the Dubai skyline and Dubai Marina. Dining options include Trader Vic’s, McGettigan’s and Barfly by Buddha Bar, while guests also enjoy the tranquil signature Eforea Spa and a fully equipped gym. On-site event venues include 12 meeting rooms, a divisible ballroom and a terrace with panoramic ocean views that can host up to 800 people.
• The new Marriott The Palm Dubai, the first Marriott in the region, offers 806 spacious rooms with sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. The resort features the Saray Spa plus on-site F&B outlets like the rustic Italian-style trattoria Cucina, the Korean steakhouse Smoki Moto and the rooftop restaurant About Eleven. More than 1,100 sqm of meeting space span 10 rooms, the largest of which can hold up to 750 people.
• The luxurious 43-storey Atlantis, The Royal Dubai opened in early 2023. With 795 hotel rooms and 102 suites, the resort has an expansive rooftop infinity pool; the Awaken wellness spa; restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs such as Gastón Acurio, Jose Andres and Ariana Bundy, and much more.
• Terra Solis by Tomorrowland, situated in the heart of the Dubai desert, launched in 2022 offering luxury glamping experiences, rustic dining and an expansive pool designed for large-scale events and parties. This sprawling desert-chic oasis lets guests choose between three accommodation options named after stars, meteor showers and constellations.
• With a design inspired by traditional dhow boats, the recently launched W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is a new architectural icon with 318 elegant rooms and suites overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Guests can linger in the lobby with expansive views of the Marina or spend afternoons soaking in the infinity pool and lavish BAR-B spa. A host of restaurants includes Ginger Moon, an urban beach-club experience. The hotel has four event spaces, the largest of which can host 150 guests.
• A new addition to one of the city’s well-established properties, the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference & Exhibition Centre is a state-of-the-art events hall with close to 5,000 sqm of multipurpose facilities, including nearly 3,000 sqm of open function space, a huge royal arrival hall and can accommodate events of up to 4,000 people.

More meeting & event venues

• The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the global events and exhibitions industry powerhouse, has announced outstanding results for 2023. Offering an insight into Dubai’s unprecedented economic growth and its position as a leading international platform for business and trade events, DWTC welcomed 2.47 million participants last year, a 25 per cent increase on the previous year. The results were driven by 301 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, a rise of 23 per cent year-on-year.

• The beachfront property closest to Dubai's financial and business districts, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, has 256 rooms and suites and a 700 sqm glass-walled ballroom complete with terrace overlooking the beach. On-site are four light-filled, divisible meeting rooms equipped with high-performance AV equipment and more.
• The Voco Dubai is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, home to most of Dubai’s signature skyscrapers. The property has 471 guest rooms and amenities include a business centre, an outdoor swimming pool, gym spa, three restaurants and nearly 1,000 sqm of meeting space.
• With 350 luxurious rooms and suites (including the largest suite in Dubai), the W Dubai – The Palm offers uninterrupted views of the Dubai skyline. The hotel, the first W brand property in the destination, includes 10 event rooms, the largest of which can hold up to 500 people, plus six breakout rooms. Amenities include six dining outlets, a private beach and water sports.

  

• Inspired by the palaces of 18th-century Europe, the 391-room Raffles The Palm Dubai offers carefully curated experiences on a private beach on the Arabian Gulf. The hotel features eight restaurants and bars, a 2,100-sqm event space, spa, wellness centre and yoga studio plus the largest private cinema on Palm Jumeirah.
• The 432-room Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, set in the Business Bay District on the Dubai Water Canal, provides a number of event venues, including a ballroom, 11 versatile meeting rooms and an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the Burj Khalifa. F&B choices range from the Nordic inspired Larder restaurant and Scottish bar Makar to the down-home (Dubai-style) Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar.
• At 356 metres high, the Gevora Hotel is the world's tallest hotel and located in the city's World Trade Centre. The tower offers 529 high-end accommodations, from de luxe rooms to two-bedroom suites, all decked out in gold-covered art deco splendour. Amenities include a fitness room, pool and Jacuzzi, as well as five restaurants. The Business Centre is on the 12th floor and includes a 15-person boardroom and range of services.
• The 504-room Lapita Hotel brings a Polynesian theme to its architecture, landscaping and culinary offerings. On-site is a ballroom that can hold up to 600 guests, along with seven meeting rooms and an outdoor gathering space. As the only hotel within Dubai Parks and Resorts, the property connects directly to theme parks such as Legoland and Motiongat, including their numerous event spaces.
• The Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel has 369 de luxe rooms, all done up in a gorgeous art deco design, spread over 31 floors set in the waterfront Dubai Marina district. Features include a multipurpose ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 attendees, an expansive rooftop terrace and a number of culinary offerings, including the Yemaya seafood restaurant, Italian cuisine at Leonardo and an international buffet at La Fontana, plus views from the Skyland rooftop bar.
• Set inside the mixed-use Opus complex in a dramatically sleek and undulating glass structure designed by starchitect Zaha Hadid, the ME Dubai, part of Spanish hospitality brand ME by Meliá, has 74 guest rooms plus 19 suites and features 121 sqm of event space as well as fine-dining outlets, retail space, a bar, swimming pool and spa. The work of local artists is showcased in the lobby and within a mini gallery, with original pieces available for purchase.

A full listing of meeting and event venues in Dubai can be found here.

Extending your trip

• Said to be the world's largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destination, the Dubai Mall is home to more than 1,300 stores and 200 food-and-beverage outlets. This bustling city-within-a-city features major luxury brands, an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink and an amusement park, as well as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with thousands of aquatic animals. The mall's VR Park, a first-of-its-kind attraction in the Middle East, welcomes visitors into a virtual and augmented-reality wonderland. Just open on the first floor is a large Chinatown, bursting with the colour and flavours of the Far East. It offers a huge food hall, the latest gadgets from tech giant Xiaomi and traditional Chinese treatments at the Yinyang Connection Spa. Visitors can even explore the world of NFT art at a new gallery. It's also home to the Dubai outposts of award-winning hotpot restaurant Haidilao and Singapore's famed Hawker Chan food stall.
• To the delight of fans of the beautiful game, Real Madrid World is now open at Dubai Parks™ and Resorts, the largest theme park destination in the Middle East. Home to more than 40 original Real Madrid-themed experiences and attractions, from visiting the locker rooms and marvelling at the winning trophies, to riding the world’s tallest amusement ride and the region’s first wooden rollercoaster, there are shows, training camps and games of footballing skills.
• For the ultimate thrill, Skydive Dubai offers ample reason to take the plunge, literally, thanks to expert guides who prepare visitors and literally join with them to free-fall from almost 4,000 m up and over the beautiful Palm Jumeirah and Arabian Gulf. The company also can arrange piloted gyrocopter rides going as high as 450 m.
• A unique view of the city can be had by ziplining through it via the Dubai XLine. Guests hang tight as they glide for nearly 1.5km across the city and soak up views of the gleaming yachts and shiny high-rises before arriving on the terrace of Dubai Marina Mall.
• Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving, is a thrilling underwater world for freediving and scuba diving. The building is shaped like an oyster, representing Dubai’s pearl diving heritage, and features a ‘sunken city’ with abandoned streetscapes like a modern Atlantis. It also offers meeting space for up to 100.
• Since opening its doors, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library has quickly become a cultural hotspot as the largest library in the region. Home to 600,000 physical and digital titles across its huge building in Al Jaddaf, the collection comprises nine themed libraries, café, bookstore and indoor/outdoor amphitheatre.
• Launched early in 2022, the Museum of the Future explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Recognised by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world, the facility incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions in an extraordinary building.

  

• Perhaps the most recognisable of Dubai's many attractions is the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which rises an incredible 828 m into the sky. This 160-storey monolith stands as the magnificent centrepiece of downtown and is adjacent to the famous Dubai Fountain, one of the world's largest water, music and light spectacles. A full experience here requires whizzing to the top of the tower or, for a VIP experience, a visit to the At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge on level 122, with stunning views in an upscale setting.
• The Etihad Museum tells the fascinating story of the founding of the United Arab Emirates and the history and development of Dubai through a series of displays and interactive programmes, with a special focus on the years 1968-1974. Along the way, visitors learn about the country’s unique constitution and the rights, privileges and responsibilities it confers upon its citizens.
• With more than 150 million flowers in full bloom, the Dubai Miracle Garden has been one of the sweetest-smelling attractions in the world since it debuted, fittingly, on Valentine’s Day in 2013. Open from October to April and spanning nearly 250,000 sqm, the venue has been declared the largest vertical garden on earth by the Guinness World Records.
• One of the fastest-growing destinations in the world, Dubai is also one of the wealthiest. There is no better place to see its riches on display than at the country's souks, or traditional Arabian markets, set in the original heart of the city. Colourful, bustling and fascinating, these shops offer plenty of entertainment along with their share of Middle Eastern history. Dubai's famed Gold Souk features gold bracelets, necklaces and even breastplates, while the Spice Souk is filled with fragrant spices, herbs and dried fruit.
• Though Dubai teems with glamorous sports cars, motor bikes and private helicopters, this once was a city that relied mainly on abras — gondola-like boats — to transport people and goods up and down Dubai Creek. This is still a popular and scenic way to get around and offers a chance to watch old dhows (traditional sailing vessels) plying the Gulf's waters.
• Spend an afternoon playing polo like you've never experienced it — on the back of a camel, the UAE’s most treasured animal. At Camel Polo, your group will be divided into teams, and after a champagne toast will get instruction in how to swing a mallet. Next come the camels; professional riders control the animals upfront while the players hold on behind, wielding their mallets to (hopefully) score goals.
• Groups can experience the majesty of Dubai's desert in a number of ways, including by 4X4, with overnight stays and even by hot-air ballooning. Among the firms that organise desert activities is Platinum Heritage.
• No matter the time of the year, slaloming down the slopes in the middle of the desert is possible at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Along with skiing, groups can enjoy snowboarding, ziplining and tobogganing — plus up-close-and-personal encounters with 20 friendly snow penguins.
• Dubai is home to one of the world's richest horse races, the Dubai World Cup. This year's competition will take place on 30 March 2024.
• Dubai's Palm Island is famous for being the world's largest constructed island — visible from space. Each frond of its palm-tree shape houses a vast number of residential, commercial and entertainment properties, including several uber-luxury resorts like the Atlantis and, at the trunk, the ultra-modern Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai.
• One of the best ways to view the Palm is with an unforgettable ride on the Dubai Balloon, the latest attraction at Atlantis, The Palm. A tethered hot-air balloon rising 300 m up into the sky, the height of a 100-storey building, it can be booked for private groups and events by day or night.
• Another is from the 360-degree observation deck The View at The Palm. At 240 m high, it offers spectacular views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. Located on Level 52 of the Palm Tower, there is a café, exhibition showcasing the development of the island and aquarium tunnels.
• Not only is the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding a non-profit organisation aimed at helping visitors get a better understanding of the culture and customs of the UAE, but it serves authentic dishes prepared in the home of the organisation's founder. Offerings range from Arabic coffee to mhammar (small local fish spiced and served whole with caramelised onions).