News from the Desert Destinations
Middle East
The season hardly matters anymore: the countries around the Persian Gulf have become year-round hotspots for luxury travelers. Think ultra-glamorous hotels, curated high-end experiences, and – of course – endless sunshine. And there's always a reason to return: touristic developments in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are moving at such a rapid pace, it's nearly impossible to keep up. To save you the trouble, we took a closer look. Here are the latest highlights from the Gulf region – discover what's new!
News from the Desert Destinations
Middle East
By now, the season hardly matters anymore: the countries around the Persian Gulf have become year-round hotspots for luxury travelers. Think ultra-glamorous hotels, curated high-end experiences, and – of course – endless sunshine. And there’s always a reason to return: developments in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are moving at such a rapid pace, it’s nearly impossible to keep up. To save you the trouble, we took a closer look. Here are the latest highlights from the Gulf region – discover what's new!
Abu Dhabi
A striking 17,000 square meters (almost 183,000 square feet) of immersive art can now be seen in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District – and visitors themselves become part of it. At the new TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi (pictured) on Saadiyat Island, large-scale installations take visitors on a multisensory journey. Sight, sound, and touch are all engaged. Through the fusion of art and technology, the works blend into one another and appear differently with each visit. Right next door, the Zayed National Museum will finally open to visitors this December after a very long construction period.
Abu Dhabi’s hotel landscape is also evolving – though openings will take some time. Hilton’s luxury brand LXR is expected to debut in Q4 with the LXR Hotels & Resorts Al Nawras Island. Hilton is also redeveloping the future Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi (planned for 2027) on the edge of the Mangroves National Park. The existing property was previously the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi and will feature 167 rooms. Other upcoming projects include the Nammos Resort Abu Dhabi, Nobu Abu Dhabi, Ritz-Carlton Reserve (2029), and, in 2030, the Bulgari Resort & Mansions Abu Dhabi.
There is also news in the skies: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has added seven new routes. Starting in 2026, flights from Abu Dhabi will serve Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Tbilisi, Tashkent, and Yerevan. Medina in Saudi Arabia will be connected as early as November 2025.
Dubai
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), Emirates has introduced a new check-in area in Terminal 3 for its First Class guests. Emirates First (pictured) offers discreet check-in options along with ample seating. Access is available to First Class passengers as well as Platinum members of the Skywards program. Emirates is investing heavily in the First Class experience – both on the ground and in the air.
When it comes to hotel openings, Dubai never stands still. Later this year, likely in November, Ciel, Vignette Collection by IHG, is set to open. Rising 82 stories at the base of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s tallest hotel tower will feature 1,004 rooms and 147 suites. Also at the end of the year, Mandarin Oriental will unveil its second property in the emirate. Located near Burj Khalifa in the Wasl Tower, the Mandarin Oriental Downtown will offer 259 rooms and suites as well as residences. Another Vignette Collection property has been announced for January 2026: the Marbella Resort on the World Islands just off Dubai. Six Senses is also expected to debut in 2026 with Six Senses The Palm on Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai is adding new experiences as well. A new dinner concept is now available on board the Lady Nara, accommodating up to 90 guests with an open bar and a signature menu by Chef Gregory Khellouf. And in the La Mer district, the upscale beach club J1 has recently opened, featuring pools, a beach, and a variety of stylish restaurants, including outposts of Gigi Rigolatto and Gitano.
ANZEIGE – Seit 1986 steht die australische Scenic Group für einmalige Kreuzfahrten voller Komfort, Entdeckergeist und Liebe zum Detail. Auch an Bord der Scenic Eclipse ist all dies garantiert, etwa bei einer 11-tägigen Reise durch die traumhafte Südsee – von Neuseeland über Australien, Neukaledonien und Vanuatu bis Fidschi. Weiße Strände, aktive Vulkane und vielfältige Kulturen machen diese Route zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis. Jetzt Ihren Kunden das Frühbucherangebot für 2026 sichern – für magische Kreuzfahrtmomente in der Südsee.
Ihr Kontakt: Achim Weber, Head of Sales | Telefon · E-Mail · Website
Ras Al Khaimah
The fourth-largest emirate of the UAE is pushing hard to expand its hotel portfolio. The main focus is Al Marjan Island, where the Wynn Resort Al Marjan Island (pictured) is taking shape on 60 hectares (148 acres) of land. Scheduled to open in 2027, the mega-project will feature 1,217 rooms plus 297 so-called Enclave Suites. Enclave is a destination within the resort itself, with suites located on the top floors of the 300-meter-high (984 feet) tower. The Enclave Suites range from spacious Enclave King Suites at 75 square meters (807 square feet) to two-story Royal Apartments spanning 1,500 square meters (16,146 square feet). The Wynn Resort will also bring a first to Ras Al Khaimah: a casino. On top, guests can expect 24 F&B outlets.
Al Marjan Island will also welcome a host of other luxury properties in the coming years, including the Nobu Hotel Al Marjan Island (2027), JW Marriott Residences, and a Nikki Beach Resort. Meanwhile, Four Seasons is setting its sights on the new Mina Island destination with the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Mina, slated to break ground in 2026.
Beyond the coast, developments are underway in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah: Accor’s Mantis Collection is working on the Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis, an eco-resort planned to open in 2026.
Oman
In the sultanate on the Indian Ocean, a completely new Anantara resort is currently being built. The Anantara Bandar Al Khairan (pictured), located about 45 minutes south of the capital Muscat, is planned with 51 rooms, 46 chalets, and 24 villas. Nestled between mountains and offering views of the Gulf of Oman, the resort is scheduled to open in 2026. Far to the north, in Oman’s Musandam exclave, another luxury project is also taking shape. The Alie Nivas will comprise 30 villas set dramatically on a cliff, each designed to provide sweeping views of the sea. According to the operator, the property will include a Michelin-starred restaurant. There is no confirmed opening date yet. However, there is a timeline for another well-known name: by the end of this year, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is expected to debut in Muscat with its first property in Oman.
Those seeking new experiences will also find something to enhance their itinerary: DMC Arabian Explorers has added a so-called "balcony hike" to its portfolio. This does not refer to the balcony of a hotel room, but to a four-kilometer trail that runs along the edge of the cliffs of Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest peak. Guests are accompanied by a guide who provides insights into the country’s history along the way. The views of Oman’s dramatic landscapes are spectacular!
ANZEIGE – Quark Expeditions ermöglicht Ihren Kunden mehr Abenteuer als jeder andere Anbieter von Polarexpeditionen. Unter anderem können sie zwischen Kajakfahren in Spitzbergen, Stand-up-Paddling in der Antarktis und Mountainbiking in Grönland wählen. Die Polarexpedition lässt sich durch eine Vielzahl einzigartiger Exkursionen individuell und aktiv gestalten. Die Reisenden haben die freie Wahl, was sie erleben möchten.
Qatar
The emirate has gained a new hotel gem: the newly built Rosewood Doha (pictured) is now open to guests. The twin towers, wrapped in a metallic coral-inspired design, are visible from afar. The property offers 155 rooms and suites, 162 apartments, and 276 residences, located in Doha’s Lusail district. It sits in prime company – just across from the luxury destination The Pearl, with the Lusail Marina Corniche and a marina directly in front of the hotel. Guests will find eight F&B outlets as well as the Asaya Spa, designed as a sanctuary for wellbeing.
Adding a more lifestyle-driven touch, Qatar also welcomes its first Andaz property. The Andaz Doha, set in West Bay, features 256 guest rooms, including 32 suites and four royal suites, along with 56 residences.
Visitors to Qatar can also try a new sunrise experience through Discover Qatar. "Discover Sunrise in the Desert" begins at 4 AM, taking guests into the desert to watch the sun rise over the dunes. The trip continues with dune bashing for an adrenaline boost, followed by breakfast at the upscale desert camp The Outpost Al Barari.
Saudi Arabia
Aman is continuing its expansion and has just announced another property in Saudi Arabia: Amansamar (pictured). The luxury hotel is planned for a location just outside the capital Riyadh, with direct access to the desert. Earlier, Aman had already revealed plans for a property in AlUla. Also set to arrive this year is Nobu Hotels, with the opening of the Nobu Hotel Al Khobar on the Persian Gulf coast, roughly opposite Bahrain. Marriott’s luxury lifestyle brand Edition is also making its debut on the Red Sea. The Red Sea Edition is already open for bookings, with arrivals starting November 1, 2025.
For the first time, visitors can also attend the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah through a group trip organized by Discovery International Events and Tours. The journey (November 28 to December 6) includes stays at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Diriyah, Banyan Tree AlUla, Six Senses Southern Dunes, Red Sea, and the Shangri-La in Jeddah. The trip can be booked via email at KSA@discoveryweltweit.de. Additionally, special tours to both the Dakar Rally and Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia are available for 2026.
Connections Saudi launches as a new B2B trade show in Saudi Arabia
The country’s importance as a luxury tourism destination continues to grow, and from November 10 to 14, 2025, Riyadh will host the inaugural edition. Some 600 international participants – made up of selected travel advisors and Saudi tourism suppliers – will come together. The program includes curated one-on-one meetings, networking events, and local activities.
Connections Saudi joins the established lineup of Luxury Connection Events. Register here.
Let's ask the Industry:
Why is the Gulf region such a sought-after destination even in uncertain times?
"The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman are considered politically stable destinations with modern infrastructure and good safety concepts. Many guests value the region as an exclusive retreat with excellent service. At the same time, iconic sites like Petra in Jordan can currently be experienced almost without crowds – a unique encounter in a very special atmosphere. Demand is somewhat quieter at the moment due to seasonal factors, but overall it remains steady. Many travelers prefer to postpone their trips rather than cancel them altogether, showing that interest in the region is still strong. For fall and the holiday season, a rise in bookings is expected. Of course, some destinations are more affected than others: multi-country tours in the Gulf region or to North Africa are being booked more cautiously. Still, interest in well-planned, secure travel remains high. Travelers are looking for safe routes, private guides, and reliable local partners – without sacrificing unique experiences. Especially for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, discerning guests are booking tailor-made journeys, particularly for the winter season 2025/26. The region offers exceptionally flexible, personalized experiences, all at the highest level. Many visitors also encounter genuine hospitality on the ground and discover authentic culture. Oman and Saudi Arabia, in particular, surprise with diversity, natural beauty, and stylish hotels. The UAE impress with new attractions, especially in the sun-and-beach segment. Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar stand out with authentic experiences, rich culture, and high-quality infrastructure – ideal for travelers seeking both variety and exclusivity."
Nanin Mendling, Windrose Finest Places, Germany