Brand new Dubai hotels for Informa's Gulf Traffic 2018

One of only three cities in the world with more than 30,000 five-star hotel bedrooms (Shanghai and London being the other two), Dubai sets a precedent in luxury accommodation and these brand new openings have helped elevate the city even further. From the world's tallest hotel to the first Caesars Palace outside of Las Vegas, these new hotels provide an exciting line-up of accommodation options for those attending Gulf Traffic 2018.

If you are attending Gulf Traffic 2018, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 4th - 6th December, you can access the official hotel deals from HotelMap?here.

November news: Two new openings this month

The five-star Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai takes inspiration from the palaces of Continental Europe

This month saw the arrival of Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, the first-ever Caesars Palace hotel outside of Las Vegas. Located on the brand new Bluewaters Island, which is home to the world’s largest observation wheel, the hotel is one of three new Caesars Entertainment properties opening on the island. The Residences at Caesars opened on the same date as Caesars Palace (15th November) and Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai will follow in December. The first non-gaming resort from the company, Caesars Palace houses 194 guest rooms, its very own private beach club and a luxury spa. The second Hell’s Kitchen from Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay is also set to open within the hotel.

Later in the month, on 29th November, Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai will open on Palm Jumeirah. Branding itself as ‘a palace by the sea’, the five-star hotel takes inspiration from the palaces of Continental Europe with a stately interior that features handcrafted Italian touches, soaring marble columns and glistening crystal chandeliers. Further highlights include a ballroom decorated with hand-painted gold leaf, a vast luxury spa, a 500-metre private beach and an 80-seat private cinema. There will also be eight different dining options including The Mix, the first UAE restaurant by three-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.

A journey back in time: A historical floating hotel

Now a historical floating hotel, The Queen Elizabeth II is a stark contrast to Dubai's futuristic skyline

Ten years after the world-famous ship was moored in Dubai, The Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) has just opened as a luxury hotel. Having completed 812 Atlantic crossings and 25 world cruises, the world’s most famous ocean liner carried 2.5 million passengers during its years of service, including Ringo Starr, Nelson Mandela, David Bowie and, of course, Queen Elizabeth II. Now, the 963-foot liner opens as a stark contrast to Dubai’s futuristic skyline – the ship is in fact four years older than the UAE itself. Using the ship’s history as a unique selling point, 600 rooms have been designed with dark wood panelling, retro touches and original portholes while an on-board restaurant serves chicken liver mousse and Eton Mess and a museum delves into the ship’s colourful history.

Reaching new heights: The world's tallest hotel

Standing at 356 metres, the newly opened Gevora is now the world's tallest hotel

Having opened its solid gold doors earlier in the year, the 356-metre-tall Gevora Hotel has just claimed the title of the world's tallest hotel, overtaking the previous record holder, the JW Marriott Marquis, by one metre. With the Burj Khalifa leading the way at 828 metres, Dubai is now home to 21 skyscrapers that stand taller than 350 metres – that's more than any other city in the world. Once through the hotel's opulent revolving front doors, guests are greeted by an equally grand lobby with marble floors and further gold touches. A 12th-floor health club features an outdoor pool deck and hot tub while the 71st-floor spa provides the chance to enjoy a massage with a view. The hotel is also home to five restaurants but replaces a bar – it doesn't hold an alcohol licence – with a coffee and cake shop. Not just for hotel guests, Gevora is also home to a rooftop viewing deck, so you can see the world’s tallest building from the world’s tallest hotel.

Understated elegance: Subtle yet spectacular

With understated Mediterranean style, The Bulgari is the antithesis of Dubai’s over-the-top hotels

Open to guests since December last year, the Bulgari has already made its mark on Dubai. At just four storeys high, it’s discreet and understated yet luxurious and decadent, offering a refreshing alternative to the ostentatious skyscrapers that have become synonymous with the city. The building’s Mediterranean design – the work of Milan-based architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel – and Italian interior also set it apart while its location on Jumeirah Bay Island ensures privacy and escapism. Add to that the Italian Il Ristorante from three Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito and the brand’s first-ever Yacht Club and you’ll start to question whether you’re in Dubai at all.

A century after opening in Mayfair, London, Dukes brings the best of Britain to Dubai with its first international opening. Just like The Bulgari, subtle opulence is the signature style at this hotel. In contrast to its flashy new home, the 566-room Dukes marries quintessential British style with plush cosmopolitan surroundings to create a unique hotel experience. Chesterfield sofas, portraits of English aristocrats and prints of London buses and telephone boxes pay homage to the brand’s origins while marble floors and Swarovski chandeliers ramp up the luxury. There’s also a swanky cocktail bar inspired by the London original, where bartenders are trained by Dukes London’s renowned head bartender, Alessandro Palazzi.

Dukes Dubai is the hotel’s first international outpost, bringing the best of Britain to Dubai

Another new hotel excelling in understated luxury, the Address Boulevard also takes inspiration from Europe with elegant Art Deco interiors, doormen smartly dressed in white gloves, waistcoats and flat caps, and a restaurant styled like a Parisian apartment serving a Riviera Chic Brunch. Located in Downtown Dubai, it blends in with the area’s ubiquitous skyscrapers with 72 storeys, 196 guest rooms and three tiered swimming pools, all of which boast views of the nearby Burj Khalifa.

The first 360-degree holistic wellbeing resort in Dubai, The Retreat Palm MGallery is one for guests who are looking to get away from it all. Located on the coastline of Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, the hotel puts wellness at the centre of everything with a health-focused restaurant, a nutrition clinic and 255 calming rooms and suites. The most notable feature, however, is the Rayya Wellness Centre, where Dubai Health Authority-endorsed lifestyle coaches, nutritionists, a wellness chef and a doctor of naturopathy are on hand to offer a rejuvenating experience. Guests can choose from six tailor-made packages ranging from three to 14 nights, including Renew, Revive and Reshape options.

Unashamed luxury: For those who want to see and be seen

The striking Five Palm Jumeirah is a place to see and be seen

With a lengthy swimming pool running through its centre and a sleek glass cube entrance, the beachfront Five Palm Jumeirah is an eye-catching addition to Dubai’s tree-shaped island. Inside, muted colours are married with Art Deco to create a sophisticated feel while outside the aforementioned swimming pool, lined with palm trees and sun beds, creates a glitzy beach club feel. The crowning glory, however, is the hotel’s magnificent spa, where guests can enjoy a 24-carat gold facial, a desert crystal massage and an Arabian cleansing ritual while surrounded by Italian marble and hand-painted canvases. The spa also boasts its own outdoor swimming pool.

Located on the exclusive Pearl Jumeirah island, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is another destination offering a beach club vibe with the brand’s signature entertainment, dining and music elements. Much like other Nikki resorts, the Dubai hotel has an all-white decor, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, plush sun beds, and enclosed and open cabanas – a setting that’s perfectly suited to the brand’s legendary lavish parties. Unique to this branch, however, are the panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline, and a 450-metre private beach.

The Nikki Beach brand brings its signature style and legendary parties to Dubai

Despite the brand’s rich history with polo, The St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club is the first of its hotels to be dedicated to the sport. Open since March 2017, the luxury resort is designed around four polo fields and has an equestrian theme running throughout. The interior has been created with equestrian sports in mind, there’s an academy offering show jumping, dressage and polo training, and Spanish and Latin American restaurants pay homage to the history of horsemanship. Located a twenty-five-minute drive from Downtown Dubai and surrounded by greenery, this is the perfect option for those who want to escape the city.

Business in style: Where work and leisure go hand in hand

Open since March 2018, the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront has 11 state-of-the-art meeting rooms

The fourth of seven Dubai Rove hotels – two of which are yet to open – the three-star Rove Trade Centre continues the brand’s ethos of affordable luxury. Specialising in fuss-free service, there are no high-end amenities or unnecessary additions at this 270-room hotel; it’s all about stripped-back comfort and style. Located adjacent to the city’s leading exhibition centre, the Dubai World Trade Centre, this branch is pitched as the ultimate business hub. The rooms are comfortable and contemporary and guests can take advantage of the 24-hour gym, sun deck and swimming pool, and a lobby lounge that’s stocked with games. Open since April 2018, Rove Dubai Marina is the brand’s fifth and most recent opening, bringing affordable accommodation just steps away from the neighbourhood's sandy beaches.

Open since the beginning of the year, the brand-new Al Bandar Rotana is another hotel with business in mind. Found on Baniyas Road, one of the city’s most prominent business districts, it offers five-star accommodation alongside conference facilities and high-tech meeting rooms. Further amenities include five dining options, a swimming pool, and a fitness and wellbeing centre. Connected to the hotel is the Al Bandar Arjaan complex, which is made up of apartments designed with long-stay visitors in mind.

Adjacent to the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Rove Trade Centre is the ultimate business hub

The clue is in the name with Business Bay, a central financial district comprising a number of major commercial and residential buildings, and two new hotels aimed at business travellers have just opened their doors in the area. Open since March 2018, the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront houses 432 rooms and suites and boasts views of the Burj Khalifa and newly-opened Dubai Water Canal. The hotel’s premium class rooms and suites offer access to the exclusive business class lounge while all guests can take advantage of a number of on-site restaurants, health and wellness facilities, and 11 state-of-the-art meeting rooms.

Across the Dubai Creek, the Grand Millennium Business Bay is currently in its soft opening phase with an official opening due for November. Aimed at both business and leisure travellers, the five-star, 251-room hotel brings together seven drinking and dining destinations, 11 meeting rooms, a 455 square-metre ballroom, a spa and health club, and a swimming pool.

BOOK NOW

A number of special hotel deals have been arranged for registered visitors and exhibitors at this year's Gulf Traffic: Check out the hotel deals for Gulf Traffic 2018.

CONTACT THE GULF TRAFFIC 2018 CONCIERGE TEAM

If you are attending Gulf Traffic 2018 you can access the official hotel deals from HotelMap? here.

Alternatively, email: [email protected]

Telephone: +44 20 7292 2320. Get your local number.