Best Hotels in The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to some of the most luxurious, innovative and awe-inspiring hotels in the world. A desert-oil-rich federation of seven emirates, the UAE has transformed itself into a global tourism & hospitality destination in record time. From futuristic skyscrapers in Dubai to opulent beach-resorts in Abu Dhabi, desert lodges in Liwa, to boutique hideaways in Ras Al Khaimah—choosing where to stay can be as exciting as deciding where to go.
In this article you’ll find:
- What makes a hotel among the “best” in the UAE
- Key emirates & regions to consider
- Standout properties & what sets them apart
- Tips for choosing a hotel based on your travel style
- Example itineraries to combine the best hotels in your trip
- Practical things to consider (seasonality, transport, cost, etc.)
Let’s explore what makes hotels in the UAE exceptional, and highlight some of the top names.
What Makes a Best Hotels in The United Arab Emirates
To identify what “best hotels” are in the UAE, it helps to define criteria specific to this destination:
- Location & Statement Architecture
The UAE is known for constructing hotels that are statement pieces: skyscrapers, artificial islands, beachfront resorts, or immersive desert architecture. The hotel’s setting—on the Palm, by the sea, in the desert or downtown—matters. Iconic views (Burj Khalifa, Palm, skyline, sea, dunes) add huge value. - Luxury & Scale of Amenities
Many hotels in UAE compete on scale: how many restaurants, how many pools (indoor / outdoor), spa & wellness offering, size & grandeur of rooms / suites, concierge / personalized service, event & meeting capabilities. Ultra-luxury branding matters (e.g. Five-star, “Palace”-style, branded luxury chains such as Four Seasons, St. Regis, Jumeirah, etc.) - Design, Service & Innovation
Luxury in the UAE often combines High Tech / Modern Design with Arabian or Islamic architectural motifs, or melding indoor-outdoor luxury. Service quality, staff professionalism, concierge-level customization (private butlers, VIP arrangements), and guest experience (e.g. views, fine dining, exclusive access to experiences) are critical. - Heritage & Unique Local Experience
Although many hotels are new & modern, some incorporate local culture: desert lodges, Arabic décor, local culinary or heritage-inspired design, or traditional architecture in a luxury context. Boutique properties or those away from city centers tend to lean into this more. - Wellness, Sustainability & Experience Packages
Spa & wellness (often large wellness centres, hammams / treatment rooms), private beaches or pools, access to unique experiences (desert safaris, water parks, private beach access, marine activities, yacht / boat trips, etc.). Also sustainability is becoming more relevant: green building, energy-efficient features, eco-friendly design, locally-sourced cuisine. - Reputation & Awards
Many top hotels are regularly featured in guides (e.g. MICHELIN-Guide-affiliated lists, regional luxury-hotel rankings, Condé Nast Traveller / Travel + Leisure / Tripadvisor award lists). Longevity & consistency matter in a rapidly changing market. - Access & Practical Criteria
Proximity to airports, ease of transport (some hotels are remote / require transfers), suitable for families vs couples vs business travellers. Also check whether amenities are year-round and whether pricing reflects peak / shoulder / off-peak seasons. - Price vs Experience
The UAE has hotels that range from boutique-luxury to extreme wealth & opulence. The best hotel depends on your budget, your tolerance for extravagance, and what you’re willing to pay for exclusivity, view, prestige or services.
Using these criteria, you can evaluate which hotels offer the best match for your trip.
Key Regions & Hotels in the UAE
Next, let’s look at the main emirates / regions where the best hotels are located, and highlight some standout examples.
Dubai
Dubai is perhaps the emirate most synonymous with luxury hotels. Here are some of the names that routinely appear among the top hotels:
- Atlantis, The Palm — A very iconic resort on Palm Jumeirah, combining mega-resort scale, water park (Aquaventure), large number of restaurants, suites & family-friendly amenities.
- Atlantis The Royal — Very high end resort on Palm Jumeirah, launched recently, offering ultra-luxury suites & dining.
- Jumeirah Emirates Towers — A landmark luxury hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road with a prominent presence; suitable for business / luxury travellers.
- Some boutique / luxury-focus hotels listed by Smith’s boutique-hotel guides include Siro One Za’abeel, Bab Al Shams, etc.
- Jumeirah Al Qasr / Jumeirah Al Naseem / Jumeirah Beach Hotel-style properties appear in luxury-hotel listings.
Dubai also includes unusual luxury hotels such as desert resorts near the city, beachfront-luxury, and newer ultra-premium properties.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi also hosts many high-end hotels, especially beachfront luxury & resorts, or on islands:
- Beach Rotana — One of Abu Dhabi’s older, well-known hotel-resort properties.
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort — Listed in luxury hotel collections for the UAE.
- St. Regis / Four Seasons / boutique / branded luxury properties are also common in Abu Dhabi’s resort zones (e.g. Saadiyat Island).
Desert Resorts & Boutique / Retreat-Style Properties
- Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort — A high-end desert resort located in Liwa Desert, offering an immersive-luxury desert experience away from the city.
- Bab Al Shams — Desert-themed luxury resort close to Dubai (on desert outskirts), offering boutique luxury with traditional-Arabian elements.
- Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman is also listed in boutique / luxury hotel guides.
Other Emirates & Emerging Regions
- Ajman (e.g. Al Zorah Beach Resort)
- Fujairah & Ras Al Khaimah also have emerging luxury / boutique hotel offerings, or will increasingly benefit from new investment. (While not all specifics are cited above, these regions are known to develop high-quality hospitality.) Best Hotels in The United Arab Emirates
Suggested Standout Hotels & Why They Are Special
Below are some hotels you might consider among the “best in UAE” if you want memorable stays. Depending on your priorities (city skyline view / beach / desert retreat / boutique-luxury), you might choose differently.
| Hotel | Location | What Makes It Special |
| Atlantis, The Palm | Dubai (Palm Jumeirah) | Large-scale resort with water park, many restaurants, beachfront & iconic architecture. Great for families, luxury beach life & statement experience. |
| Atlantis The Royal | Dubai (Palm Jumeirah) | Ultra-premium resort with new standards of luxury, suites with private pools, high-end amenities. |
| Jumeirah Emirates Towers | Dubai (Sheikh Zayed Road / city centre) | Ideal for business / luxury travellers who want central access, elegant rooms & iconic presence. |
| Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort | Liwa Desert | Luxury desert-retreat style property; one of the few desert resorts offering high-end isolation / desert scenery + amenities. |
| Bab Al Shams | Dubai-adjacent desert resort | Boutique-style desert resort; good choice for immersive desert stay close to Dubai. |
| Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort | Abu Dhabi | Beachfront luxury in Abu Dhabi; good for combining culture, beach & high-end amenities. |
| Beach Rotana | Abu Dhabi | Long-standing hotel-resort with many amenities, good reputation in Abu Dhabi. |
These are just a few names. There are dozens more boutique or ultra-luxury options across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah etc., especially under luxury-hotel brands or boutique / design-hotel chains.
How to Choose the Right Hotel in UAE for Your Trip
Given the range of high-end hotels in the UAE, here are practical tips to help you pick the hotel that’s right for your style & itinerary:
- Decide Your Main Focus
- Are you staying mostly in Dubai for city-culture, shopping, modern attractions (Burj Khalifa, malls)?
- Or do you prefer beach / island resorts (Dubai beach, Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island)?
- Or do you dream of a desert retreat (overnight / multi-night in dunes)?
- Or a mix:-city + desert + beach?
- Consider Season & Weather
The UAE climate is very hot in high summer months; winter / cooler months are ideal for beach / outdoor activities. That may affect whether you prefer resort-pool stays vs city-walking-distance stays. Rates & availability differ by season. - Balance Location vs Exclusivity
- Staying in central Dubai gives you easier access to restaurants, shopping & transport, but possibly less secluded luxury.
- Desert-oriented resorts offer seclusion, more private experience, but require transfers & more travel time.
- Beach / island resorts (especially in Abu Dhabi or the outskirts) often trade some convenience for more peace, private beach & luxury amenities.
- Amenities & Experience Preferences
- Spa / wellness: Does the hotel have a large spa? Private suites? Hammam / treatment rooms?
- Dining: Are there signature restaurants? Fine dining? International + regional cuisine?
- Activities: Desert-safaris, water-sports, cultural tours, yacht / harbor access?
- Family-friendly vs adults-only / boutique atmosphere.
- Reviews & Luxury Recognition
- Check recent guest reviews (e.g. Tripadvisor, Booking.com ratings for “5-star / luxury hotels in UAE”) Best Hotels in The United Arab Emirates
- Look for hotels featured in boutique-hotel / designer-hotel guides (e.g. Smith’s, Scott Dunn, MICHELIN-Guide hotels list)
- Compare which properties have received awards or are frequently recommended by luxury-travel publications.
- Transfer & Logistics Considerations
- For desert resorts, check how remote they are & whether transfers are included or need arranging (e.g. airport pickup, private car).
- For city-centre hotels, check proximity to airports / major roads & whether you need car or rely on taxi / ride-share.
- Factor in travel time between your hotel & the attractions or parts of your itinerary (e.g. if you plan day-trips to desert / cultural sites beyond your hotel).
- Cost vs Luxury vs Experience
- Some hotels command very high nightly rates especially for premium suites; others may offer more modest luxury / boutique room types.
- Evaluate what is included (breakfast / meals / activities / transfer / spa access) vs base room rate.
- If you plan multiple nights, consider mixing ultra-luxury with more boutique-premium nights to balance your budget.
- Booking & Cancellation Policy
- In high-end luxury hotels in the UAE, many rooms are reserved well in advance especially during peak season (winter).
- Check cancellation flex-rates vs non-refundables; some special suites may require deposit.
- Also verify if certain amenities (pool, spa, restaurants) have scheduled closures or renovation-periods.
Example Itineraries Incorporating Best Hotels in UAE
Here are a few sample itineraries (6–9 nights) that combine some of the best hotels in the UAE, allowing you to experience city, beach, and desert in luxury:
Itinerary A: Dubai + Desert + Abu Dhabi (7 Nights)
| Day | Location | Suggested Hotel |
| Day 1–2 | Dubai city centre | Stay at ultra-luxury resort on Palm or city-skyscraper hotel (e.g. Atlantis The Royal / Atlantis, The Palm) |
| Day 3–4 | Desert retreat | Move to a desert resort such as Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort for immersive stay in dunes / spa / luxury solitude |
| Day 5–6 | Abu Dhabi beach / island resort | Stay at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort or another high-end beachfront hotel in Abu Dhabi |
| Day 7 | Return to Dubai or depart via Dubai / Abu Dhabi | Spend final night in a luxury city-hotel or boutique-skyscraper hotel for convenience before departure |
Itinerary B: Boutique Luxury & Escape (8 Nights)
| Day | Location | Suggested Hotel / Stay |
| Day 1 | Arrive Dubai | Check into a boutique-oriented luxury property (e.g. a design-luxury hotel or apartment-style suite in Dubai city / Palm) |
| Day 2 | Explore Dubai attractions, shopping, cultural visits | Stay same hotel or switch to another luxury beachfront hotel in Dubai |
| Day 3 | Transfer to desert resort | Spend 1–2 nights in a desert-luxury retreat (Anantara / Bab Al Shams style) |
| Day 5 | Move to Abu Dhabi coastline | Stay at a luxury resort on Saadiyat Island or gated beachfront property |
| Day 6–7 | Relax & optionally day-trip to cultural / museum sites in Abu Dhabi (e.g. Louvre Abu Dhabi) | Continue at the same resort hotel or switch to alternate for variety |
| Day 8 | Return to Dubai for departure | Overnight in luxury hotel near airport or city centre before flight out |
Itinerary C: Luxury & Relaxation Focus (9 Nights)
| Day | Location | Proposed Hotel-Stay |
| Day 1 | Arrive Dubai | Start with ultra-premium property (e.g. Atlantis The Royal or Palm resort hotel) |
| Day 2 | Continue Dubai luxury & experiences | Stay beachfront or upscale city-hotel |
| Day 3–5 | Desert stay | Move 2 nights to desert resort (spa & exclusive amenities) |
| Day 6–8 | Abu Dhabi beachfront / island resort | Stay at beachfront luxury with spa / wellness / fine dining |
| Day 9 | Return to Dubai for final night | Final night at high-luxury city / beachfront hotel before departure |
Challenges & Caveats to Watch Out For
Even in a place like the UAE with many top-tier hotels, travel planning deserves care. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Extreme Heat & Seasonal Variation
Summer months (June – August) can be extremely hot; outdoor pool / beach usage may be limited by midday heat. Rates may vary or some hotels may limit outdoor amenities seasonally. - Peak-Season Demand & Booking Lead Time
Winter tourism season (roughly November to March) draws many international travellers. Luxury hotels often sell out early; rates are higher; waiting-list for premium suites may apply. - Cultural Norms & Policies
Although many hotels operate to international standards, it’s good to know local customs & regulations (dress codes in certain hotel public / spa areas, prayer times / holiday observances). Some hotel-restaurants may have specific opening hours aligned with local / religious calendar. - Transportation & Transfer Charges
Desert lodges may require private-car or hotel-organised transfers (which may add cost). Some remote resorts may impose extra fees for access or may have minimum-stay rules. - Hidden / Additional Charges
Tax & service charges, possible fees for access to private-beach or pool-areas, meals (upgrade from bed-and-breakfast to full-board / half-board), parking or shuttle / valet service. Always clarify what’s included in your booking. - Renovation Schedules & Temporary Closures
Luxury hotels may occasionally close spas / restaurants for refurbishment. Check recent guest reviews or hotel announcements for your travel dates. - Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Some hotels are making efforts toward sustainability, but given the scale and luxury level in many UAE hotels, it’s wise to check whether the property has eco-friendly policies if that is important to you. Best Hotels in The United Arab Emirates - Visa / Travel Policy & Entry Requirements
Although not specific to hotels per se, ensure you have valid visas or entry-clearances for the UAE. Some hotel bookings may require confirmed passport / identity information at check-in; always check latest travel regulations (especially for multi-night stays or transfers between emirates).
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates offers some of the world’s most spectacular hotels—whether your dream is to stay in a sky-tall skyscraper or palace-style resort, on a private beach, in sweeping desert dunes, or in peaceful off-beat boutique luxury. Hotels here often deliver more than comfort: they deliver statement architecture, immersive design, high-end service, and curated experiences that are as much about prestige as they are about rest. Best Hotels in The United Arab Emirates
To pick the best hotel for your trip in the UAE, you’ll want to balance your travel style (city vs desert vs beach), your season, your budget & expectations for luxury, your appetite for exclusivity vs convenience, and your interest in experiences (wellness, fine dining, desert safari, beachfront relaxation). When chosen well, your hotel in the UAE can become one of the highlights of your trip rather than just a place to sleep.
