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From the world’s tallest hotel in Dubai to a private island resort, here are six expected openings
The UAE’s hotel pipeline is gearing up for a strong second half of 2025, with more than 5,000 rooms set to be added across 19 new properties in Dubai alone.
According to Cavendish Maxwell’s H1 2025 Dubai hospitality sector performance report, the emirate’s hotel inventory currently stands at 157,144 keys across 748 properties, following the addition of 900 rooms through five hotel openings in H1 2025.
Among the UAE’s standout launches so far, March saw the debut of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab as a new ultra-luxury Dubai landmark, while The World Islands welcomed Sweden Beach Palace with its collection of nine palatial beachfront villas.
Elsewhere in the UAE, Abu Dhabi welcomed Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection – a 110-key desert escape set on the edge of the Empty Quarter; Rove made its debut in Ras Al Khaimah with a 441-key beachfront property on Al Marjan Island, and Ajman saw the opening of eco-luxury property, Al Zorah Beach Resort.
Here are six openings expected by the end of 2025.
Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, Dubai
Slated to open on 15 November, the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, is already taking reservations. Rising more than 365 metres, Ciel will span 82 floors and feature a whopping 1,042 rooms, including 150 suites, an open-air observation deck on the 81st floor, plus the world’s highest infinity pool, a sky restaurant and a 12-level atrium garden. All rooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling windows offering guests 360-degree views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. Dining at Ciel will be spread across 10 restaurants and bars, including the sky restaurant, which stands at 353 metres, along with a luxury spa offering tailored wellness experiences. www.cieldubai.com
Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
Mandarin Oriental is scheduled to open its second Dubai location in the city’s Downtown area, 15 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and five minutes from City Walk. Housed in the 303-metre-high twisting Al Wasl Tower, it will feature 259 rooms and suites, including the Royal Penthouse, which features an in-suite theatre and a Japanese marble bathtub, plus 224 exclusive residences. rooftop helipad, with views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. There will be 10 F&B concepts including bars, nightlife spots and restaurants serving French, Chinese, Greek and Italian cuisines, and a signature spa on two levels offering ancient healing practices blended with modern wellness technologies. mandarinoriental.com
Mondrian Abu Dhabi
When it opens later in 2025, Ennismore’s Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be the first Mondrian-branded hotel in the UAE, located in the downtown district alongside the Abu Dhabi canal. The waterfront property, designed by Tristan Du Plessis, spans 15 floors of a sleek skyscraper that towers over the Abu Dhabi canal, with 210 rooms and suites offering waterfront views of Reem Island, Maryah Island and the city skyline. Highlights include a crystal-clear lagoon with an infinity pool, six distinct dining and bar venues, a grand ballroom, four meeting rooms including a bold fuchsia room, a spa with advanced treatments, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre and kids’ club. The lagoon-style pool and surrounding lounges provide a striking ocean-view centrepiece for the property. mondrianhotels.com/abu-dhabi
Zuha Island by Zaya, The World Islands, Dubai
This private island resort located on The World Islands in Dubai is set to open in December 2025. The resort features a collection of 70 oceanfront villas, including 30 ultra-luxury, limited-edition palatial residences ranging from 24,000 to 41,000 square feet, each with six bedrooms and uniquely designed over four levels centered around a dramatic spiral staircase.
Alongside access to 2.5 kilometres of private beachfront, facilities include a beach club with a pool, a fitness centre and a spa and healing centre designed to promote relaxation and wellness. The architectural design of the villas draws inspiration from natural elements such as the island, ocean, wind, and waves. Positioned less than 15 minutes by boat from the mainland near Jumeirah Beach, access to the island is provided via boat. zuhhaisland.com/zuha-resort
Zuha Island by Zaya, The World Islands, Dubai
Moxy Dubai Al Barsha
Opening later in 2025, Moxy Dubai Al Barsha will mark the debut of the Moxy brand in the UAE. This 480-key upper midscale hotel is a conversion and refurbishment of an existing property, located in the vibrant Al Barsha district with easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, the metro, and nearby attractions such as Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina. Designed for socialising and connectivity, the Marriott-operated hotel will feature Moxy’s signature industrial-chic design, buzzing communal spaces, and bold programming that incorporates local influences. The playful lifestyle hotel aims to attract young-at-heart travelers seeking stylish, affordable accommodation with lively social areas and practical amenities. moxy-hotels.marriott.com
Room at Moxy Dubai Al Barsha
Marriott Mirfa Resort, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
Opening in 2025, Marriott Mirfa Resort is situated on the coast near the historic fishing town of Mirfa in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, providing guests with direct access to the beach and a tranquil seaside environment. The resort will feature 114 guest rooms, each equipped with modern amenities and many offering views of the Arabian Gulf or landscaped gardens. Dining options include three outlets serving a variety of cuisines and a signature lounge for more relaxed settings. Facilities will include swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre, tennis and volleyball courts and a kids’ club. Meeting and event spaces such as banquet rooms and conference facilities will support business functions and private gatherings. mirfahotel.ae