Best Urban Hotels in United Arab Emirates

Extravagance is the name of the game at the Rosewood with a hotel modelled after the beauty of the Arabian Sea and that evokes a feeling of true relaxation in the middle of the city. Not only does the hotel offer a series of luxurious rooms, but the exclusive suites are a true wonder to behold. The hotel boasts a golf and beach club as well as a fitness centre, pool, and spa. Dining options are varied and include nine bars and restaurants to choose from. No matter what you’re in the mood to eat or drink, there’s something here for everyone.

The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah – located deep within the old town – is composed of seven adjoining Emirati heritage houses, lovingly restored over a number of years and opened in 2018 as an intimate, boutique hotel. Known as the ‘Al Bait’ until it was acquired and rebranded by the luxury Chedi group in 2020, the property offers 65 bedrooms and suites arranged across a low-rise arrangement of interconnecting buildings and organised around a series of internal courtyards. Facilities include a spa, outdoor swimming pool, gym, a variety of dining venues and a dedicated library. Public areas are set among shaded walkways, ornamental gardens and open-air quadrangles which pay homage to the hotel’s heritage while imbuing it with a secluded, sanctuary-like feel.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach features 237 guest rooms and suites, taking classical Arabian design as inspiration. Set along a pristine private stretch of coastline, the resort captures the essence of Dubai luxury with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Burj Khalifa skyline on the other.

Interiors are elegant, adorned with hand-crafted details, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows opening to private balconies. Guests can enjoy a diverse culinary scene across Mercury Rooftop, Sea Fu, Suq, and Shai Salon, along with an array of lively bars and lounges.

The resort’s tranquil The Pearl Spa & Wellness features 10 treatment rooms, a Moroccan hammam, and two expansive indoor and outdoor pools. With lush gardens, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and easy access to both the beach and city, this resort is an oasis of refined leisure and cosmopolitan flair.

Inspired by the pyramids of Egypt, the Raffles Dubai hotel is designed to mix Egyptian culture with Dubai’s contemporary style. All of the hotel’s rooms have customised and handmade ornaments and luxurious fabrics. You’ll be pampered in the extravagant saunas and steam rooms and can enjoy outdoor relaxation by the luxurious swimming pool. The hotel’s 7 restaurants include Japanese cuisine as well as traditional Arabian dishes. If you’re looking to do a little bit of shopping, you can go to Wafi Mall which is right next to the hotel.

The Four Seasons name is one that you know will always deliver luxury and opulence and this hotel is no exception. Location within a collection of 200 islands, the hotel calls to business travellers, but is also a destination for vacationers and shoppers. The Dahlia Spa offers an extensive selection of decadent treatments including a variety of massage options. There’s also a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city to be had. Each room is thoughtfully decorated and ready to welcome you right in for a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy some downtime.

Dubai and luxury are two words that go together like caviar and diamonds and with One Za’Abeel – part of the One&Only group – opening its opulent doors earlier this month, you can now stay at the group’s first urban resort set within the heart of Dubai, in the exclusive Za’abeel neighbourhood. Flanked by the royal palaces, a mere ten minutes from Downtown and Dubai International Airport and within walking distance of the Dubai World Trade Centre, One Za’abeel is the perfect base for both culture and business alike.  One&Only are industry leaders when it comes to beach and nature resorts and now, in a flourish of awe-inspiring architecture from revolutionary designer Nikken Sekkei, they are taking everything they do best and transporting it to the Dubai skyline.

The Lana – Dorchester Collection a new addition to the Dorchester Collection, officially opened its doors marking a significant milestone in luxury hospitality within the UAE. Designed by Foster + Partners with interiors by Gilles & Boissier, this waterfront property on Marasi Bay Marina offers panoramic views of Burj Khalifa. It features 225 rooms and suites, eight dining venues including collaborations with world-renowned chefs, and over 50 specially commissioned art pieces. Highlights include the UAE’s first Dior Spa and a unique design that emphasises space, light, and cultural influences. The hotel is situated near downtown Dubai, providing easy access to key attractions and exceptional transportation options, such as custom Rolls-Royces and a foiler boat.

Find tranquillity at the Abu Dhabi EDITION, a luxury hotel situated in the downtown district on the waterfront of the gorgeous Al Bateen Marina. Its sophisticated neutral palette brings sleekness and comfort to your stay, whatever your purpose, and provides a true ‘home away from home’ atmosphere with that extra luxurious touch.

Featuring 198 guest rooms and 57 exclusively serviced residences, you can find yourself traipsing atop the beautiful herringbone flooring, mirroring local basket weaving techniques or getting yourself ready to make beautiful memories in the off-white marble bathrooms. The Abu Dhabi EDITION provides luxury, sophistication, and class.

Priding themselves in their customer service and going above and beyond to cater to their clientele, you can find various amenities and facilities to mould around your needs. Whether you wish to enjoy world-class ingredients with British rock ‘n’ roll flair in the Oak Room, or wind down in the 6 treatment-room spa, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy.

Exuding French elegance and inspired by Polynesia, this hotel is found on the East Crescent of The Palm. Choose between a bedroom, a suite, an apartment or a villa, some with balconies. All accommodations feature onyx, stone and dark wood furnishings, with a colour palette evocative of the South Pacific’s landscapes, the brand’s signature MyBeds, Illy coffee machines, pillow menus and French bath products. This Sofitel has six outdoor swimming pools, a private beach with netted swim areas and its own seaside Laguna Bar, as well as nine more venues in which you can wine and dine.

Stay beside one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks — the Palm Jumeirah — close to malls and the downtown area. All bedrooms have full height windows and balconies to maximise the views, and the outdoor pool is found beside the resort’s private beach; the latter offering a range of watersports. Guests can make use of a fitness centre and the Saray Spa, while younger travellers are well-catered for at the kids club. Also onsite are 10 restaurants providing everything from Korean to Italian, Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Book an Executive Level suite for access to the M Club Lounge.

Address Downtown in Dubai is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, directly opposite the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. This contemporary property, part of the Address Hotels + Resorts, blends modern elegance with high-end amenities. It features 196 rooms and suites with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Fountain, and offers amenities such as an infinity pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and multiple dining options. Its prime location provides easy access to major attractions and shopping destinations, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Located along the Dubai water canal and just a short walk from the world’s largest shopping mall is the St. Regis Downtown. As to be expected in Dubai the spacious rooms and suites are lavishly appointed and overlook local landmarks – with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can expect the highest standards of guest care with the signature St. Regis Butler Service providing round-the-clock anticipatory service. There is an excellent choice of bars and restaurants to suit a range of tastes and guests can take sanctuary from the bustling vibe of Dubai in the hotel’s infinity swimming pool or with a treatment at the spa. Stay here and discover Downtown luxury at its best.