From Dubai to Doha, big things are coming to the region’s five-star hotel scene
For a long time, Dubai has dominated the Middle East hotel scene when it comes to big hitting openings. And while the emirate’s slew of soon-to-open properties remain incredibly exciting in 2022, regional neighbours are also here to make an impact. In the emirates, big name brands are bringing unique properties to both Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, while the impending 2022 FIFA World Cup sees Doha’s hotel scene take centre stage. In Saudi Arabia, hotly anticipated arrivals are also throwing open their doors, both in the cities and across the Kingdom’s diverse natural landscape.
These are the biggest 2022 hotel openings in the Middle East to plan trips around.
Dubai, UAE: Atlantis, The Royal
The long-awaited Atlantis, The Royal will debut next door to Atlantis The Palm in the first half of 2022, creating a hospitality and entertainment destination spanning roughly 63 hectares. Guests can expect to check-in to one of 795 rooms and suites, keep cool at more than 90 swimming pools – including a striking infinity pool 90m in length and soaring almost 96m above The Palm – and dine at outposts by some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, including Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés.
Dubai, UAE: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
The fourth Taj property in the UAE is set to welcome guests from March 2022. Located on the Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, it will welcome guests to a collection of 258 rooms and 67 suites, an array of eight restaurants and bars, plus the signature Jiva Spa. Taj’s first beachfront property in Dubai, the hotel is a distinctive island oasis where guests can discover their tranquil side and celebrate newfound inner balance.
Dubai, UAE: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
The new Marriott Palm Jumeirah will welcome guests from the summer of 2022. The first Marriott resort in Dubai, the beachfront hotel on the trunk of the Palm will offer 608 guest rooms, all with private balconies, spread across 13 floors. Elsewhere, the hotel will be home to no less than 8 restaurants and bars – including Las Vegas’ famed Sake Rok – plus a luxury Saray Spa.
Dubai, UAE: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
Opening its doors on Jumeirah Beach in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will compliment the existing duo of Mina Seyahi properties: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and The Westin Mina Seyahi. Welcoming guests to a stylish urban escape sprawling across 31 storeys, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will feature a collection of 318 guest rooms, of which 26 will be trendy suites, including W Hotels’ signature interpretation of a presidential suite – the Extreme WOW Suite. The FIT Fitness Centre will see one of the UK’s coolest fitness experiences, 1Rebel, collaborate with W Hotels on a 2,500-square-metre, dual-storey studio in the hotel, marking the brand’s exciting foray into the region.
Sharjah: The Chedi, Khorfakkan
The only thing UAE beauty spot Khorfakkan doesn’t have is a luxury resort. But that’s set to change next year with the arrival of the 100-suite Chedi Khorfakkan, nestled in a private cove on Sharjah’s east coast. Covering an expanse of 130,000 square metres, The Chedi Khorfakkan will comprise The Fort, The Hilltown and the Town Square. The Fort is the primary access to the hotel and will house the main reception, restaurants, spa and health club and business facilities. The Hilltown will offer all-suite accommodation including one royal suite, 54 pool suites and 45 standard suites with unspoilt ocean views. The Town Square, the hub of activity in the centre of The Hilltown, will feature a variety of cafes by the picturesque beachfront.
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: Anantara Mina Al Arab
The UAE first eco-resort with over water villas is opening in Ras Al Khaimah in 2022. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is scheduled to open sometime next year on the Mina Al Arab development. The 174 room Anantara Mina Al Arab will overlook its own private beach and eco-reserve filled with capricious mangroves. Those checking in to one of the handful of overwater villas at the resort can also look forward to the comfort of a private plunge pool and over water lounger, built in features that form part of the villa deck. The resort will be the first Maldivian-style overwater villas in Ras Al Khaimah, providing a luxury escape less than an hour from Dubai.
Oman: Jumeirah Muscat Bay
The first Jumeirah hotel in Oman will open in Muscat early next year. Nestled in the secluded Bandar Jissah cove, Jumeirah Muscat Bay will pose ergonomic designs which allow for the exterior and interior spaces to flow seamlessly together. In addition to 206 spacious suites and rooms, the hotel includes a state-of-the-art Talise spa along with top bars and restaurants for memorable dining experiences and sunset drinks. The hotel’s rooftop signature restaurant and lounge also offers incredible views over the Oman Gulf and Al Hajar Mountains.
Kuwait: Waldorf Astoria Kuwait
Kuwait’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, The Avenues, will welcome the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Kuwait next year. Slated for a June 2022 debut, guests will be able to enjoy direct access to Avenues Mall, with more than 1,100 shops plus a 28-screen cinema. The stunning portfolio of 200 sun-drenched deluxe rooms and suites will offer panoramic views of the glittering Kuwait skyline, and guests will also be serviced by the awe-inspiring 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa and signature lobby lounge, Peacock Alley.
Saudi Arabia: Nobu Hotel Riyadh
First announced in 2012, the hotly anticipated opening of Nobu Hotel in Riyadh has been pushed back several times, but is now set for early 2022. The luxury lifestyle hotel, the brainchild of actor Robert De Niro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is a modern, design-led architectural masterpiece; a 23 story, glass-panelled skyscraper touted as the first five-star luxury boutique hotel in the kingdom. Inside, Nobu Hotel Riyadh will feature 119 stylish guestrooms and suites, a stunning spa, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, exclusive executive club lounge. The kingdom’s very first Nobu restaurant has been welcoming guests for more than a year now, although is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2022 in line with the hotel.
Saudi Arabia: Banyan Tree AlUla
Saudi Arabia’s first Banyan Tree resort will take shape at the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla, opening for visitors early next year. Accor are to rebrand and extend the existing Ashar Resort, transforming the property into a high-end desert resort of 82 luxury villas, a plush spa and a number of gourmet dining options. A homage to the heritage site, each of the villas will be ruled by a neutral, natural palette, ensuring it blends seamlessly into the Ashar Valley.
Qatar: Fairmont Doha and Raffles Doha
Katara Towers, a new landmark address in Qatar’s Lusail City located just north of the capital city of Doha, is set to bring two globally renowned luxury hotels to the city, with Fairmont Hotels and Raffles Hotels set to debut next year. The five-star Fairmont will offer 361 well-appointed rooms and suites that cater to the discerning business traveller, while those travelling for pleasure can look forward to bedding down in the lavish comforts of Raffles Qatar’s 132 plush suites, all complete with the sophisticated luxuries those familiar with the brand have come to expect. Ensuring guests remain indulged and entertained throughout their stay, state-of-the-art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, VIP movie theatres, signature restaurants and a private Cigar Lounge.
Qatar: Doha EDITION
Design-centric Abu Dhabi EDITION is one of the coolest hotels in the UAE capital. Before the end of the year, a sister property is slated to open in Dubai, followed by a third Middle Eastern opening in Doha in late 2022. A landmark new address in Doha’s central business district, West Bay, the hotel will offer 200 guest rooms, of which 29 will be suites, as well as 167 branded residences. Catering to both business and leisure guests, the Doha EDITION will house two restaurants, three bars and a nightclub, as well as an impressive array of events space spanning some 10,000 square feet.
Qatar: Rosewood Doha
Housed in two striking towers inspired by the coral reefs in the seas surrounding Qatar, Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Residences Doha will consist of an ultra-luxury hotel with 185 exquisite guestrooms and sumptuous suites, alongside an array of serviced apartments. A gourmet destination in its own right, Rosewood Doha will feature no less than eight dining options – three of which will be speciality restaurants – and will also introduce Asaya, Rosewood signature wellbeing concept, offering total discretion and relaxation. Rosewood’s Manor Club executive lounge concept will soar to new heights in Qatar and offer Club Room and Suite guests curated services with added convenience and privacy.
Source: https://www.cntravellerme.com/destinations