Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region continues to captivate travellers, with its blend of modern luxury and rich history, providing lavish experiences that cater to every desire from serene beachfront escapes, to urban opulence and island sanctuaries.
With 2024 (and early 2025) already bringing a number of exciting and special hospitality projects to life - such as Shebara, Desert Rock, The Chedi AlUla, Thuwal Private Retreat - 2025 is set to continue on the same trajectory, offering visitors to the Middle East a growing selection of indulgent and lavish hotel options.
Here is a selection of new hotels slated to open in the Middle East this year:
Saudi Arabia
Nobu Hotel and Residences Al Khobar
When: Sometime in 2025
Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Residences Al Khobar will grace the waterfront of the city, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. This luxurious complex will feature 120 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, accompanied by the ever popular Nobu Restaurant on the lobby level, inviting swimming pools, a rejuvenating wellness centre, and sophisticated meeting and event spaces, promising an unforgettable stay for discerning travellers.
Raffles Jeddah
When: Spring 2025
Perched on the Jeddah Corniche, Raffles Jeddah offers every guest stunning views of the Red Sea from its rooms, suites, and residences. The hotel's design integrates local artistry with a touch of global charm, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan vibe. It features expansive spa amenities with gender-specific facilities, a special emphasis on wedding services including a bridal suite connected to the ballroom for seamless celebrations, and a wedding showroom to cater to matrimonial events.
W Riyadh
When: Sometime in 2025
Known for its quirky and off-beat interiors, that also incorporate a touch of local flair, the W hospitality brand is slated to open its first hotel in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025. W Riyadh, located in the King Abdullah Financial District, will boast 210 stylish guest rooms and suites, have seven on-site distinct dining venues, and a vibrant array of amenities such as the signature AWAY Spa and WET DECK pool area.
Aman AlUla
When: Sometime in 2025
With a commitment to providing unparalleled experiences, Aman resorts are synonymous with opulence, offering guests a harmonious blend of exceptional service, breathtaking natural surroundings, and meticulously designed escapes. Guests can look forward to an ultra-luxurious triple indulgent experience in AlUla with a desert retreat, a tented wellness escape, and a ranch-style sanctuary all in one destination. The main Aman desert resort is set to open at some point in 2025. This ambitious undertaking solidifies Aman's commitment to offering unparalleled luxury experiences in Saudi Arabia's breathtaking landscapes.
The Red Sea EDITION
When: Summer 2025
The Red Sea EDITION, slated to open in summer 2025 on Shura Island, promises guests an unforgettable island escape. This highly anticipated addition to the Red Sea Project will feature 240 stylish rooms and suites, two distinct restaurants, a vibrant beach club, and a rejuvenating spa. True to the EDITION brand's signature style, the hotel will seamlessly blend minimalist sophistication with the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings. Guests can expect a unique blend of relaxation and excitement, with opportunities to explore the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea, indulge in world-class dining experiences, and simply unwind in the luxurious and stylish surroundings of this exceptional property.
Equinox AMAALA
When: Sometime in 2025
Equinox AMAALA will aim to seamlessly intertwine luxury and well-being, offering guests a vibrant and rejuvenating escape. Opening in Triple Bay by the end of 2025, Equinox AMAALA will open with 128 rooms, including two luxurious penthouses, the resort promises an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers. Focusing on sports, fitness, and a luxurious lifestyle, the resort boasts a range of premium amenities, including fine dining restaurants, a magnesium salt rooftop pool, a world-class spa, and an Equinox Fitness Club. Designed by Foster + Partners and pivoting on seamless connectivity, the resort features a dramatic entrance, four courtyards inspired by traditional architecture, and guest rooms with breathtaking views of the Marina Village and Hijaz Cove.
Six Senses AMAALA
When: Sometime in 2025
With 100 rooms and suites in addition to 25 branded residences, and 30 villas, Six Senses AMAALA will feature beachfront residences, a hillside village, and private villas inspired by the region's traditional coastal villages of Europe. Offering panoramic views across Hijaz Cove to the Pura Cove and its iridescent blue lagoons, the resort will provide access to pristine beaches, natural rock pools, and a mangrove boardwalk leading to the Six Senses Spa. With a focus on wellness, sports, arts, and culture, AMAALA promises an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers.
Clinique La Prairie AMAALA
When: Late 2025
A global leader in health and longevity for nearly a century, Clinique La Prairie is renowned for its pioneering approach to anti-aging science. Clinique La Prairie AMAALA brings its expertise to the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia, creating a premier health resort. The resort, opening in 2025, will offer 74 rooms, ultra-luxury suites, and 13 branded residences, combining cutting-edge medical treatments with a luxurious and transformative guest experience.
Grand Hyatt The Red Sea
When: Late 2025
Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be the first Grand Hyatt property on Shura Island, marking a significant milestone for the ambitious Red Sea Project and an important opening in the Hyatt Hotels portfolio. Perched on the edges of the glistening Red Sea, this luxurious resort will offer 430 guest rooms and state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, positioning itself as the island's social and business hub.
Four Seasons Resort at The Red Sea
When: Late 2025
Set to open on Shura Island, the Foster + Partners-designed Four Seasons is part of an expansive development featuring 11 new luxurious properties along Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. This resort, with 149 rooms and suites, and six dining venues, offers guests unique access to both underwater explorations and desert landscapes. Ideal for families, it includes a kids' club, a marine discovery centre, and a variety of water sports like kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, and introductory scuba diving, perfect for engaging with the region's vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life.
Hyatt Place AlUla
When: Late 2025
Slated to open by the end of 2025, this new opening in AlUla will offer guests a modern and convenient base from which to explore the region's rich cultural and natural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. The Hyatt Place AlUla will offer 215 modern guest rooms, two dining options, meeting space, a pool, and a fitness centre. Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel aims to blend functionality with the Hyatt Place brand's renowned charm. Upon opening, the hotel will participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, offering its approximately 51 million members a variety of benefits, including member-only offers, room upgrades, free nights, and late checkout.
UAE
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
When: Opening March 2025
The long-awaited Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is set to open in Dubai this March. As the final addition to Jumeirah Beach's trio of maritime-themed properties, this luxury hotel features 386 rooms and 82 residences, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terraces. The hotel includes extensive amenities such as 11 restaurants, four bars, private beaches, a large marina, and the signature Talise Spa, enhancing its position as a new icon on Dubai's coastline.
Ciel Dubai Marina
When: Sometime in 2025
Ciel Dubai Marina, poised to become the world's tallest hotel, will redefine the luxury hospitality experience in the heart of the vibrant Dubai Marina. This iconic development will offer 1,042 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, including 150 luxurious suites, providing unparalleled views of the city skyline and the sparkling Arabian Gulf. Guests can expect an array of world-class amenities, including exquisite dining options, a state-of-the-art spa, and a rooftop infinity pool offering breathtaking panoramas. Ciel Dubai Marina is set to become a landmark destination, redefining the concept of luxury living in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai
When: Opening Summer 2025
Nestled between the urban buzz of Downtown Dubai and the serene Jumeirah beachfront, the Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai towers at 303 meters within the Wasl Tower skyscraper. This luxe hotel offers 259 rooms, spectacular city views, and diverse dining with nine restaurants featuring Greek, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. Its two-level spa includes a 25-meter outdoor pool and extensive wellness facilities. Conveniently, a helipad provides a swift alternative to navigating Dubai’s busy streets.
Earth Mangroves, Abu Dhabi
When: Q2 2025
This unexpected escape, nestled within a natural reserve, offers a serene and breathtaking retreat. The Earth Mangroves will feature 41 free-standing indulgent bungalows, draped in sunshine and minimalist elegance, wind their way across a lush green landscape and float gently on the waterfront. Indulge in a range of activities, from kayaking directly from your deck to invigorating yoga sessions, or simply unwind and soak in the tranquility. The "Sticky Lounge" will serve as the social hub, connecting like-minded travellers for shared moments of bliss, and savour sumptuous farm-to-table cuisine whilst enjoying the immersive and natural atmosphere.
Oman
The Malkai
When: Opening Autumn 2025
This autumn, The Malkai in Oman introduces luxury tented camps set across three captivating locations: the Sharqiya Sands dunes, the Hajar Mountains peaks, and the coastal farmlands of Barkaa near Muscat. Envisioned by the creators of The Chedi Muscat, these camps blend adventure and luxury, offering activities like swimming with marine life, stargazing, and desert trekking. Each camp features 15 luxurious pavilion suites made from sustainable materials, complete with immersive wellness experiences using local herbs and a menu celebrating Omani culinary traditions.
Bahrain
Hawar Resort by Mantis
When: January 2025
Hawar Resort by Mantis, situated on Bahrain's exclusive Hawar Island, offers a unique blend of 104 rooms, beach, and overwater villas, some with private pools. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Bahrain's southeast coast, this family-friendly resort features a Bear Grylls Survival Academy, various outdoor activities, and kids' clubs. It's surrounded by waters rich in marine life, including turtles and the threatened Socotra cormorants, with the island hosting the world's largest known breeding colony of this species. The resort also offers birdwatching tours for guests interested in spotting these unique birds.
Qatar
Rosewood Doha
When: April 2025
Set to open this spring in Lusail City, the eagerly anticipated Rosewood Doha marries local inspirations with luxury, featuring 155 rooms influenced by sea coral formations. The hotel, adjacent to its twin tower of Rosewood Residences, overlooks the Arabian Gulf and hosts exclusive amenities like the Asaya wellness club and the Manor Club executive lounge, alongside extensive spaces for meetings and events.
Morocco
Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé
When: Late 2025
Nestled in Morocco's tallest edifice, the 250-meter-high Mohammed VI Tower, the Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé offers a select 55 rooms and suites. With its striking modern architecture and panoramic Atlantic views, this boutique-sized luxury hotel features two restaurants, a spa, an outdoor infinity pool, and versatile meeting spaces—all positioned between the historic twin cities of Rabat and Salé, near the architectural marvel, the Grand Theatre of Rabat designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
