Hottest new venues in Asia and the Middle East

GlobalDMC Partners hosted a recent webinar showcasing some of the world’s best new venues for MICE groups in 2025, highlighting dining options, luxury spas and cutting-edge event spaces. Here are some of the most notable openings in Asia and the Middle East.

Soak up the views from Oman’s highest rooftop

Stacy Roberts, senior vice president, operations at GlobalDMC Partners describes Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa as “one of those properties that once you get there, you are not going to want to leave”. The 173-room, four-star hotel on the Sayq Plateau in Oman’s Hajar Mountains opened in September, a two-hour drive from Muscat International Airport.

While it might not have the largest meeting space – there’s a boardroom for 12 guests and the Vue Rooftop & Lounge – it more than makes up for this with its incentive and wellness options. “When you're there, you can get out and hike, explore nearby villages and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains; being 2,000 metres above sea level, it has the highest rooftop in the region,” says Roberts.

Take incentives to a new level in Dubai

The rebranded and renovated Banyan Tree Dubai located in Bluewaters Island – formerly the Caesars Palace Dubai – is a great option for corporate retreats, incentives and VIP groups. “It has a private beachfront overlooking the Arabian Gulf, an amazing spa, plenty of meeting room options, with the largest being able to accommodate 500, multiple dining options and an array of guest rooms and suites, so it can easily accommodate all size groups,” says Erin Rougeux, director, marketing & database management at GlobalDMC Partners. There are five restaurants and bars while the Banyan Tree Spa features indoor and outdoor yoga spaces and a mini rainforest.

Dine in style at Dubai’s Delano

First there was the Delano in Miami, now there’s the Delano Dubai. Also located at Bluewaters, the 251-room property opened in October 2024, with decor channelling its original Miami vibe. There’s an array of options for meetings, with the sea-facing Forum spanning more than 750sqm and accommodating up to 500 guests. The dining options and culinary experiences are also a standout feature with restaurants offering Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean and French cuisine.

Where wellness meets oceans in Danang

With its location next to the ocean and beaches, consider Vietnam’s Fusion Resort and Villas Da Nang for high-end incentives or retreats, which opened in July. The property has 242 suites and villas, with many different shapes and sizes, ranging from one bedroom to five bedroom villas, all of which offer ocean views and direct beach access. “It makes a great option for groups that may want to bring their families, which we're seeing more of, and it also has an array of dining options and one of the largest resort spas in Vietnam,” says Rougeux.

Grand Hyatt’s comeback in Singapore

The Grand Hyatt Singapore is familiar to many but having undergone a full-scale renovation, which will be completed soon, the venue has been earmarked as one to watch for 2025. The hotel has opened up certain areas over the course of this year, and is expected to be fully opened next year. “You’ll see a much more contemporary design, with refreshed rooms and outlets and the addition of 22 rooms, with updated public spaces,”  says Roberts. “With just shy of 700 rooms, it’s perfect for both larger and smaller groups, with the meeting space to match.”

Enjoy a rooftop infinity experience in Busan

Opened in June, the 383-room, four-star L7 Haeundae by Lotte is ideal for smaller groups, with four meeting spaces, the largest of which caters for up to 60 people. “The hotel is in a great location – it’s a three-minute walk to the beach, near many major landmarks and it has a rooftop infinity pool,” says Roberts. Other amenities include a floating restaurant and poolside lounge and a fitness centre.