From secluded desert villas and medically led longevity retreats to crystal-inspired city hotels and a new generation of beachfront resorts, these Middle East openings will redefine luxury travel.
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, UAE
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, UAE
Expected opening: Late 2026
One of Dubai’s most closely watched resorts is expected to open later this year. When it arrives, it will mark the wellness brand’s first hotel in the UAE, occupying a private stretch of Palm Jumeirah’s quieter West Crescent. The deliberately intimate resort will comprise just 61 suites, with architecture by SAOTA inspired by coral reefs, regional building traditions and the colours of the Gulf. Its biggest draw may be the 60,000-square-foot wellness offering, bringing together a Longevity Clinic, hydrotherapy, biohacking, yoga, meditation and personalised programmes. In a city known for maximalist beach resorts, Six Senses is betting on something rather different: privacy, restoration and a slower rhythm.
The Oberoi Sukhvilas, Wadi Safar,
Saudi Arabia
Expected opening: Late 2026
Oberoi is bringing its signature discreet luxury to Wadi Safar, a dramatic desert landscape near historic Diriyah. The new all-villa retreat takes its cues from Najdi architecture, with high ceilings, natural materials, muted tones and generous spaces designed around privacy and the surrounding terrain. Its location places guests close to the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club, a Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district. Dining will range from Indian cuisine by Michelin-starred mentor chef Rohit Ghai to artisanal bakes from London favourite Lily Vanilli, while Asmi by Oberoi will anchor the wellness offering.
Mondrian Abu Dhabi, UAE
Expected opening: Late 2026
After several shifts to its launch date, Mondrian Abu Dhabi is now expected to debut before the end of 2026. Set beside the Abu Dhabi Canal with views towards Reem and Al Maryah islands, the property will introduce Mondrian’s design-led, culturally minded hospitality to the capital. South African designer Tristan Du Plessis is behind the interiors, bringing a playful contemporary approach to the 210 rooms and suites spread across 15 floors. Six dining concepts are planned, alongside a spa, state-of-the-art gym, rooftop pool and Crystal Lagoon. Mondrian has always occupied the more creative end of luxury hospitality, and Abu Dhabi feels like a natural fit.
Clinique La Prairie Health Resort AMAALA, Saudi Arabia
Expected opening: 2027
Clinique La Prairie Health Resort AMAALA is being conceived as more of a luxury medical retreat devoted to longevity. The Swiss institution is taking its science-led philosophy to Saudi Arabia’s north-western Red Sea coast, where the resort will centre on four pillars: medical care, nutrition, movement and wellbeing. Advanced diagnostics, radiology, neuroscience, physiotherapy, aesthetics and dentistry will sit alongside cryotherapy, hyperbaric suites and personalised longevity programmes, all within an ultra-luxury hospitality setting. A beach club, cooking school, gardens and private dining soften the more clinical elements. The opening has moved to 2027, but the delay has done little to diminish interest. For travellers increasingly willing to build holidays around health optimisation, this may be one of the region’s most significant arrivals.
Baccarat Hotel Dubai, UAE
Expected opening: 2027
Legendary French crystal Maison Baccarat is translating its world of light, craftsmanship and glamour into a Downtown Dubai hotel, housed within a pair of faceted towers designed by Studio Libeskind. Interiors by 1508 London will frame 144 rooms and suites, alongside Baccarat-branded residences, with views toward some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Naturally, crystal will play a starring role, but the appeal extends beyond decorative drama. Guests can expect the brand’s signature Grand Salon, dedicated dining spaces, a Baccarat Bar, spa, fitness facilities and both sanctuary and infinity pools. Initially announced for 2026, the project is now expected in 2027.
The Malkai, Oman
Expected opening: October 2027
The Malkai has been designed as a seven-night journey through three contrasting Omani landscapes: the date plantations of Barkaa, the Al Hajar Mountains and the dunes of Sharqiyah. Guests travel between each in a private Land Rover Defender, accompanied throughout by a personal Murshid — part guide, concierge, host and cultural interpreter. Each location will feature just 15 one-bedroom tented pavilions, plus a larger three-bedroom pavilion, creating an intentionally intimate experience. Days might involve private-island snorkelling, walking with mountain herders, stargazing or dune drives before returning to refined dining and wellness. Originally anticipated much earlier, the project is now officially expected to open in October 2027, with reservations beginning in spring.
Amansamar, Wadi Safar, Saudi Arabia
Expected opening: 2027
Aman’s arrival in Wadi Safar is shaping up to be one of Saudi Arabia’s most important ultra-luxury openings. Amansamar, combining Aman, meaning peace, with samar, the Arabic tradition of sharing stories at nightfall, will occupy a dramatic site of cliffs, wadis and desert plateaus close to Diriyah. Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston has drawn on Najdi architectural principles rather than imposing a more overtly contemporary landmark, creating an 80-key retreat designed to feel rooted in its surroundings. The wider experience will include an Aman Spa with hammam and banya facilities, pools, dining, a Racquet Club and access to neighbouring golf and equestrian facilities. True to Aman form, privacy rather than scale is the real currency here, making its planned 2027 debut especially compelling.
Jumeirah Asora Bay, Dubai, UAE
Expected opening: 2029
Jumeirah Asora Bay has a longer wait, but the project reveals plenty about where Dubai’s home-grown luxury brand is heading next. Set discreetly on the peninsula of La Mer South, the hotel will be deliberately boutique in comparison with some of Jumeirah’s larger icons, offering 103 rooms and suites and 20 villas. Its architecture follows the contours of a landscaped coastal setting, with terraced forms, gardens, and uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views creating an atmosphere closer to a private enclave than a conventional city resort. Wellness and highly personalised experiences will be central, while an adjoining collection of ultra-exclusive residences further emphasises privacy. Due in 2029, Asora Bay represents a more intimate expression of Jumeirah luxury — one shaped by space, seclusion and the shoreline.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Expected opening: 2027
Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-evolving luxury scene will gain a dose of Mediterranean-style energy when Nikki Beach Resort & Spa arrives at Mina’s Hayat Island in 2027. Designed by Gensler, the 156-key resort will combine rooms and suites with expansive sky villas, each featuring a private plunge pool and sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf. The design includes five dining venues, several pools, a Nikki Spa, fitness facilities, and family spaces, balancing the brand’s famously social personality with a more relaxed resort experience. Natural textures, sand-toned materials and details inspired by the emirate’s maritime heritage will connect the design to its setting.
