Best Luxury Hotels in United Arab Emirates
The tourism capital of the Gulf nations, the UAE offers year-round sunshine and glamorous resorts. Its two main cities: Abu Dhabi and Dubai are glitzy playgrounds, edged by a perfect coastline with azure blue seas. Dubai is home to the tallest tower on the planet, Burj Khalifa, a major draw for visitors and some of the world’s most opulent hotels. But it’s not only the more populated areas that attract visitors. Trips out to experience the country’s fascinating Bedouin desert culture offer an opportunity to view and engage with a culture completely disparate from the Western world. Here are our top places to stay in the United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah Emirate, Ajman, Sharjah
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
The city’s newest beach resort comes under the international Sheraton banner, making it popular with Western visitors seeking an international vibe with five-star facilities. It’s also a family-friendly choice, offering babysitting services, a kids’ club, a games room and a dedicated pool for guests with children. The Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa also has 349 bedrooms, a private beach area, another outdoor pool, a gym, a beach grill, a seafood market, a buffet restaurant, a cafe and a cigar lounge. While it is a cosmopolitan hotel, there’s plenty of Arabian influence, not least in the decorative accents. Some rooms have balconies and sea views, while the top room — the Presidential Suite, is a palatial affair with three bedrooms and a private pool.
Sir Bani Yas Island, Da‘sah
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Stay in one of 64 bedrooms and suites or a pool villa overlooking the Arabian Gulf at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. All room categories come with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, the brand’s own bath products and classic furnishings in neutral shades, featuring Emirati motifs inspired by the surrounding desert. Eat and drink in five restaurants and bars; book treatments in the spa; and swim in one of three temperature-controlled swimming pools — including an enormous infinity pool beside the ocean, containing mini islands with palm trees. Kids have their own club with a programme of activities and adults can take part in watersports, or exciting excursions.
Abu Dhabi Emirate, Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
For movie lovers desiring a world of colour and creativity, whether solo or making memories with kids, delved into the world’s first-ever Warner Brothers themed hotel in Abu Dhabi, as part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection. After fun-filled days at the resort’s kid-friendly pools and Yas Island theme parks, you can relax and rewind in the hotel’s various rooms and suites. Inspired by your favourite Warner Brothers characters, each room features amazing views through floor-to-ceiling windows as well as drink facilities to ensure your stay meets your every need. And to feed that built-up appetite after all the family fun, there are five WB on-site dining facilities to choose from, including their very own signature restaurant, The Director’s Club for movie-scene-inspired sophisticated dining and The Overlook for specialised cocktails and a view.
Dubai Emirate, Dubai, Dubai Marina
Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection
Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection rises 377 metres above one of Dubai’s most vibrant waterfront districts, standing as the world’s tallest hotel and a modern landmark of architectural ambition. Designed by award-winning firm Norr, the 82-storey tower houses 1,004 guestrooms and suites, each framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the glittering Dubai skyline. Inside, elegant contemporary design meets understated luxury, creating a sense of calm sophistication high above the city.
Dine across eight distinctive venues, from the Mediterranean warmth of West 13 to the sensory Asian experiences of East 14 and the dramatic, multi-level Tattu, home to the world’s highest infinity pool on level 76. The 61st-floor spa offers transformative treatments and sweeping views, complemented by a 24-hour gym and exclusive access to Soluna Beach Club. The Executive Lounge, Nest, provides a private haven for suite and club guests, while families enjoy dedicated spaces including a Kids Club and Splash Pad.
Positioned between Dubai Marina, JBR, and Bluewaters, Ciel encapsulates Dubai’s boundless energy, design innovation, and elevated approach to modern luxury.