Twelve of the most anticipated hotels opening in 2025, from Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab to The Mondrian Abu Dhabi

As the UAE’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, so does the number of hotel openings. And in 2025, there are a flurry of new arrivals expected across the country.

From locally grown Jumeirah's much anticipated new waterfront opening, to the world’s tallest hotel in Dubai (again), here are 12 of the best launches on the way next year.

Hotels opening in Dubai in 2025

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will sit in the same neighbourhood as Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab, of which it will have unobstructed views of. Designed to complete Jumeirah's trilogy of marine-themed seafront hotels, the avante-garde design is being spearheaded by Shaun Killa, the same architect behind the Museum of the Future.

With 386 rooms and suites, as well as 82 luxury residences and dozens of berths in a superyacht marina, the luxury hotel will have five pools, 11 restaurants and nine bars when complete, as well as the usual high-end wellness facilities that the locally grown brand is known for.

Expected opening: March 14, 2025

Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai

Hong Kong's luxury hotel brand Mandarin Oriental is set to open its second hotel in Dubai – and third in the UAE this year. The latest will be in Downtown Dubai, when the striking, twisting skyscraper Wasl Tower opens. Its design will undoubtedly catch the eye, as the 303-metre building is set to have the region’s tallest ceramic facade.

Inside, there will be 259 rooms and suites, as well as 224 residences. Visitors can expect the brand's luxury restaurants and bars – its Emirates Palace counterpart is home to the Michelin-starred Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida, while its Dubai location has Tasca by Jose Avillez. There will also be a helipad, perfect for guests who prefer to skip the downtown city traffic.

Expected opening: June 2025

Ciel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels

In the city of world records, Dubai has been synonymous with one title in particular – the world’s tallest hotel. First clinched by Burj Al Arab in 1999 (321 metres), it was beaten by Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in 2009 (333 metres), then the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in 2013 (355 metres) and finally the Gevora Hotel (356 metres) in 2018.

Now, it is the turn of Ciel, Vignette Collection by IHG, which will soar to 365 metres in Dubai Marina. With more than 1,000 rooms and suites, the world’s tallest all-hotel tower will have an impressive observatory and lounge and be home to the city's newest tallest infinity pool. Additionally, one of the hotel's most striking features will be a 300-metre atrium with landscaped terraces that will span all 82 storeys.

Expected opening: 2025

Zuhha Resort Villas

Zuhha Resort Villas is being built on Zuha Island, which is about a 12-minute boat ride from Jumeirah and part of the World Islands. When it opens, the resort will offer 30 private residences and 70 luxe villas ranging from one to eight bedrooms for guests. Each will come with an infinity pool and private terraces, as well as access to the private beach.

Imagery released includes a litany of contemporary interior design features, such as clean modern lines, hip furniture and stand-alone statement bathtubs. The resort will also have four restaurants, including a ceviche bar, a beach club and a well-equipped children's club with lots of outdoor spaces and organised activities. For adults, there's plenty to do, including kayaking, jet-skiing and kitesurfing, while the state-of-the-art fitness centre will have a yoga studio and a floating paddle tennis court.

Expect opening: Q2, 2025

Abu Dhabi hotels opening in 2025

Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection

Yas Plaza Complex, home to a collection of six three and four-star properties on Yas Island, will be renovated to become one resort named Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts.

All 1,389 rooms across the hotel resort will be headed by IHG Hotels and Resorts, instead of the individual brands (such as Radisson Blu, Crowne Plaza and Centro) that run them now.

Part of the renovation plans will include adding an underground tunnel that will give travellers staying in the property direct beach access. The refurbishments are being carried out in conjunction with Abu Dhabi developer Aldar and there are also plans to build a retail and restaurant strip, golf and beach villas, a beach club and an open-air theatre.

Expected opening: Q4, 2025

Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels and Resorts

This all-villa resort will have 80 units, as well as a lavish Royal Villa when it opens in 2025. The Hilton-backed resort will focus on well-being and guests will be encouraged to get outdoors or take part in activities offered at the resort. As a result, there will be a golf course, three swimming pools, a high-end gym and fitness studio, tennis and padel courts, plus a marina and a private beach that will be perfect for running on.

Al Nawras Island will only be accessible by boat, and aims to offer travellers a tropical paradise paired with plenty of al fresco dining.

Expected opening: 2025

Earth Mangroves

Earth Mangroves will sit inside Abu Dhabi’s mangrove reserve and offer 41 free-standing bungalows that wind their way through the greenery or float on the waters.

As a result, guests can expect plenty of earthy and natural-style aesthetics. Additionally, activities on offer will include paddle boarding, yoga and meditation surrounded by the forest.

At the centre will be what the resort is naming the “Sticky Lounge”, a community hub that aims to bring travellers together. Additionally, there will be a restaurant focusing on farm-to-table menus and a bar operating until the early hours.

Opening date: 2025

The Mondrian Abu Dhabi

The UAE’s first Mondrian hotel will open in Abu Dhabi with 221 rooms. It will sit on the waterfront of the city's downtown area, overlooking Reem Island and Al Maryah Island.

As well as six restaurants and bars, the swanky hotel will also feature a spa and wellness space, a gym, a children’s club and an infinity lagoon.

The property will also have a ballroom, four meeting rooms and 80 serviced apartments.

Opening date: 2025

Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's first Waldorf Astoria resort will open in the capital at the site of the former Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi resort. Located in the city's Mangrove National Park, the luxury Hilton-owned hotel will have 167 rooms and suites, many with views of the natural surroundings. Additionally, each guest will be assigned a personal concierge.

There will be a brasserie, rooftop restaurant, pool lounge and a Peacock Alley – the signature lobby restaurant found in Waldorf Astoria hotels around the world. Guests can enjoy three swimming pools, a fitness club and a spa.

Opening date: 2025

New hotels opening in Ras Al Khaimah in 2025

Earth Shore Marjan Island

The second property from the Earth brand to open in 2025 will be on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. The man-made island consists of four coral-shaped atolls and aims to mirror Indian Ocean destinations such as the Seychelles, with crystal-clear waters and plenty of scuba diving.

Earth Shore will be a beach-facing family-friendly property with plenty of spaces for lounging, snoozing, relaxing or wellness. The company says a buzzing nightlife schedule will also be on the cards, with resident DJs and a beach bar.

Opening date: 2025

Sharjah hotels opening in 2025

Lux Al Bridi Resort

This all-tent retreat in Al Dhaid will sit next to Sharjah Safari and offer 35 one, two and three-bedroom glamping options. Each will overlook the wildlife sanctuary, meaning giraffes, rhinos or lions may be early morning visitors at breakfast.

Those who don’t spot any wildlife over coffee can book a dinner-in-the-wild experience. Additionally, there will be a luxe spa and conservation lessons to educate guests about the park’s initiatives.

Opening date: Q4, 2025

Lux Al Jabal Resort

The second new arrival from the Lux brand in Sharjah will sit on a prime spot in Khor Fakkan, overlooking the Gulf of Oman. The eco-friendly Lux Al Jabal Resort will have 45 one and two-bedroom units. There will be a wealth of leisure and sports activities on offer, too. These include jet skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing and a gym equipped with high-end equipment.

There will be a private beach, spa, children’s club and sustainability-focused restaurant, which, the company says, will adapt its menu to seasonal ingredients and offer plenty of raw, vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Opening date: Q4, 2025

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come