Floating, Cantilevered And The World’s Tallest: New Dubai Hotels For 2023

Since it reopened to tourism, travelers have been flocking to Dubai—the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates’ most populated city. Dubai recorded more than seven million tourism arrivals in the first half of 2022.

Known for its innovative architecture including the world’s tallest building, Dubai always has fantastical new construction projects underway. Setting the tone for what’s coming soon to Dubai is the oval-shaped and calligraphy-covered Museum of the Future, which opened on February 22, 2022. Here are some of Dubai’s anticipated hotel openings for 2023 and beyond, including what will be the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel.

Kempinski Floating Palace

One of the most unusual new hotels in Dubai will float. Anchored off Jumeirah Beach, the Kempinski Floating Palace will be a five-star luxury hotel with a glass pyramid-topped main building with 156 guestrooms and suites. Connected to it by pontoons are twelve two-floor villas, each with an infinity pool and roof terrace. Yachts will be able to traverse through the main building and moor at one of 16 spots at the yacht parking deck. Guests can also arrive by speedboat or land on the hotel’s floating helicopter pad. Kempinski is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group and founded its first hotel in 1897 in Berlin.

One&Only One Za’abeel

The new One&Only One Za’abeel will be in the dramatic One Za’abeel building designed by Nikken Sekkei. This unique building has two glass towers connected by “the world’s longest cantilevered building,” called The Link, which appears to float between the two towers. The Link’s glass walls will provide panoramic views 100 yards above the ground and will feature a statement pool, wellness services, as well as restaurants, entertainment and shopping. On the building’s 25th floor and just above The Link will be One&Only’s One Za’abeel’s spa and fitness center, which features a stunning glass walled infinity pool. The new resort joins One&Only’s two other Dubai properties; it will have 229 hotel rooms and suites as well as 94 residential units and, like all One&Onlys, will offer exclusive luxury experiences.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Another new architectural marvel in Dubai is Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, which will look like a futuristic super yacht. It joins the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This new hotel will have 386 rooms and suites as well as 83 hotel apartment suites.

Mandarin Oriental Wasl Tower

Mandarin Oriental will open a second Dubai luxury hotel in 2023 with the Mandarin Oriental Wasl Tower. The 63-floor tower will have 257 rooms and suites plus private residences and views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Known for its excellent service, phenomenal signature spas, and Michelin-starred chefs, the newest Mandarin Oriental in Dubai is sure to impress.

More new Dubai hotels for 2023

Other expected hotel openings for 2023 include beachfront Five LUXE, which will have 227 suites and 102 private residences and several restaurants; The Lana, Dorchester Collection on the Dubai Canal waterfront with a massive rooftop pool; as well as the five-star SO/Uptown Dubai designed by AS+GG.

Plus the world’s tallest hotel

Dubai is home to the current tallest hotel in the world—the Gevora Hotel—and will soon be home to new contender, Ciel. Ciel is being built near the Palm Jumeirah; the 82-floor building is expected to be completed in late 2023 and set to open in 2024. Once complete, Ciel will be 1197 feet tall, almost 30 feet higher than the Gevora. Ciel will have a rooftop pool, a 74th-floor Sunset Lounge, and an observatory and lounge on the 82nd floor offering 360-degree views of Dubai.