While the full impact of Covid-19 on future hotel development in MEA remains to be seen, hotel construction pipeline data collected by Tophotelprojects on Dubai has revealed a number of positive signs.
Tophotelprojects currently has 135 projects, totalling 42,302 rooms, listed in its database in planning or under construction. According to the data service, 33 of the total pipeline projects will open this year, 45 will open in 2021, 23 in 2022, as well as a further 34 in 2023 and beyond.
Amongst them are several branded offers from Marriott International including Aloft Dubai Raffa, St. Regis The Palm and an Edition hotel at JBR, as well as ventures from Dorchester Collection, Mandarin Oriental and MGM Resorts. In addition, Hilton Worldwide – one of the largest operators in the region – is to launch a number of new properties throughout 2020, both under its Doubletree and Embassy Suites brands.
Featured below are just a few of the hotels in the pipeline. If you would like further information – including contact details for the developers, operators, designers and procurement teams behind each project – please visit www.tophotelprojects.com.
The Dorchester Collection Hotel
Dubai-based developer Omniyat Group is set to create the most modern Dorchester property yet with its new development in Business Bay. The hotel’s futuristic design features two interlocking steel and glass towers, which will house 250 guestrooms, a rooftop restaurant, an open-air swimming pool and a residential section with 39 apartments. Works of art will bring the public spaces to life, while floor-to-ceiling windows throughout will afford views over the Marasi Marina.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q1 2021 • Owner / Developer: Omniyat • Operator: Dorchester Collection • Architecture: Foster + Partners • Interior Design: Dsgn Design Dubai
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm will offer 289 guestrooms and suites across the first 180 floors of The Palm Tower. Atop of the building some 210 metres above ground will be one of the world’s highest infinity pools, which will border all four sides of the tower for a 360-degree view of the Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. The skypool will open as part of a three-storey F&B destination featuring the famed Sushisamba restaurant on level 51 and a viewing deck on the 52nd floor.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q4 2020 • Developer: Nakheel Properties • Operator: Marriott International • Architecture and Interior Design: RSP
Mandarin Oriental Al Wasl Tower
Marking the second Mandarin Oriental property to land in Dubai, the 63-storey Mandarin Oriental Al Wasl Tower will comprise 257 guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the mixed-use development will be designed to reflect local culture and Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage. Alongside a two-storey spa facility with 12 private treatment rooms, F&B spaces will include a rooftop sky bar, a signature restaurant, cigar room and a Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q3 2021 • Developer: Wasl Hospitality & Leisure • Operator: Mandarin Oriental • Architecture: UN Studio, Werner Sobek • Interior Design: UN Studio
Corinthia Meydan Beach
Located on Dubai’s JBR beachfront, the 55-storey, 360-key Corinthia Meydan Beach Dubai will feature the region’s first Espa Life-branded spa, multiple infinity pools and views across Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Eye and white sand beaches below. Designed by US-based studio AE7, the hotel will draw inspiration from both its neighbouring beach and city environments, with rich details paying tribute to the region’s penchant for architectural grandeur and traditional cultural visuals.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q2 2021 • Developer: Meydan • Operator: Corinthia Group • Architecture and Interior Design: AE7
The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences
Characterised by its bold Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed form, The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will open as a sequel of sorts to The Atlantis Palm whilst upping the stakes with its expansive offer. Situated on Palm Jumeirah, the 795-key resort will house 90 swimming pools, a series of landscaped sky courts, a beach club overlooking the gulf and no less than 17 restaurants including venues by the likes of Gastón Acurio, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q1 2021 • Developer: Atlantis The Palm 2 Development • Operator: Kerzner International • Architecture: KPF Architects • Interior Design: GA Group, Sybille de Margerie, S&T Interiors and Contracting
