Hotels
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim 3
The newest flagship from Jumeirah channels yacht-club elegance with contemporary Arabic touches and flawless views of the Gulf. Its interiors are generously scaled, while dining options draw a polished, international crowd. Service is discreet and sharply choreographed. It’s a property for travellers who appreciate design, smooth hospitality and a sense of Dubai refinement without overwhelming spectacle.
XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi
Set within the atmospheric lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical District, the hotel offers 15 art-filled rooms arranged around shaded courtyards. A favourite among architects, curators and travellers who favour culture over glitz, the property moves at a gentle pace, with quiet breakfasts, rotating exhibitions and a sense of Dubai’s older rhythms. Its modest scale belies one of the area’s most rewarding rooftop views: order a mint lemonade and take in the minarets and 18th-century architecture that define the neighbourhood.
Atlantis The Royal, The Palm
A striking architectural landmark on the Palm, Atlantis The Royal delivers theatrical luxury with Michelin-starred dining, sky-high pools and bold, sculptural suites. Despite its scale, service is attentive and friendly. A destination hotel that defines the city’s appetite for glamour.
Mazmi Casa, Al Fahidi
Mazmi Casa is a charming Italian-Emirati B&B tucked into the Al Fahidi souk, offering a welcome contrast to Dubai’s mega-resorts. Set within a traditional Emirati home overlooking the Creek, its three individually styled rooms come with what the owners confidently call the city’s best waterfront view. Downstairs, the café is a morning meeting point for residents and early-rising merchants. Reached via a winding walk through the souk, Mazmi is a calm place to pause and watch the abras glide across the water. Don’t leave without trying the homemade gelato, subtly infused with spices sourced from nearby stalls.
Siro One Za’abeel, Za’abeel 1
This hotel is set within one of Dubai’s most striking structures, the world’s largest cantilevered building, which helps to form an emphatic H-shape against the skyline. Occupying the upper floors, the hotel replaces traditional formality with a relaxed, coffee-bar-style lobby known as The Starting Block. Nutritionists and trainers take time to understand guests’ needs and routines, offering exercise and meal plans. Ideal for fitness-focused travellers and business visitors keen to stay active between meetings.
25hours Hotel One Central, DIFC
Young, playful and full of personality, this design-forward property attracts creatives, remote workers and cosmopolitan travellers. Enjoy co-working spaces in the gallery and restaurants such as Tandoor Tina, which stay busy well into the evening. Rooms mix whimsy with comfort, while its DIFC-adjacent location makes it a smart base for meetings and evenings out.
