Twenty hotels opening in the Gulf in 2026

From a new luxury retreat on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah to big hotel brands debuting in the Gulf for the first time, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for stays across the region.

While a few headline projects have had their dates pushed back, including Nobu Hotel Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah and Capella Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, both now set for 2027, or Nammos Resort Abu Dhabi, which is launching even later, there is plenty to look forward to as new resorts and refreshed favourites get set to open.

With everything from wellness retreats and beach escapes to design-led city stays, these are the openings to have on your visit list.

UAE

Six Senses The Palm Dubai

Expected opening: Spring/summer

Six Senses makes its Dubai debut on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent with an all-suite beachfront resort. Rooms look over the Arabian Gulf or the gardens, and facilities include a 6,000 square metre wellness and social club, a children's club, several dining options and direct beach access. Building on the success of Six Senses Zighy Bay in Musandam, this new hotel brings the brand’s understated approach to luxury to one of Dubai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Six Senses Dubai The Palm will be the luxury property's first in the UAE. Photo: Six Senses

Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi

Expected opening: Spring

On Hudayriyat Island, this hotel is all about sport and wellness with performance-level training spaces, swimming pools, sports courts and running and cycling tracks that link with the island’s vast outdoor network. High performance facilities, including hypoxic rooms and recovery lounges at Qor Wellbeing, pair with beachfront downtime and water sports. Dining ranges from organic options at all-day venue Transit to a lively rooftop with Abu Dhabi skyline views at Paper Plane.

Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves

Expected opening: Spring

Mangrove Rotana Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Rotana

Set along Ras Al Khaimah Creek with uninterrupted views of the protected mangroves, this new Rotana offers a serene waterside base close to the city centre, with flamingos often seen nearby. Some of the 258 rooms offer expansive creek views, while facilities include four dining outlets, a pool bar, a wellness club and an outdoor pool overlooking the water.

Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, Ras Al Khaimah

Expected opening: Summer

Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis is a collection of 70 stand-alone lodges set on the Jebel Jais mountain. Photo: Mantis

Saij on Jebel Jais is finally taking shape, promising a new style of mountain retreat in Ras Al Khaimah after Accor confirmed in October that the lodge remains on track for a mid-year launch.