From the world’s tallest hotel to a Six Senses escape, we round up the hottest new openings and latest hotel news in Dubai

Words: Jonathan Whiley

Ciel Dubai Marina

The opening of the world’s tallest hotel in Dubai was not without spectacle. Five wingsuit skydivers marked the official launch of Ciel Dubai Marina by travelling at 124mph through it, with one skydiver flying through a narrow opening dubbed “the eye of the needle”.

Spanning 82 floors and soaring to a height of 377 metres, Ciel has a staggering 1,004 luxurious rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.

Part of IHG’s first collection brand, Vignette Collection – a family of one-of-a-kind hotels – it was designed by award-winning architect Norr. There are eight dining venues, from a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant to a buffet-style journey across the east and a homegrown café and artisan bakery.

The three pools include the Tattu Sky Pool – the world’s highest infinity pool, located on the 76th floor – and an executive lounge (Nest) for those in executive club rooms and suites, with daily complimentary afternoon tea, early-evening cocktails and light bites.

cieldubai.com

The Meydan Hotel

Dubai’s trackside landmark, The Meydan Hotel, has reopened under Kerzner International’s Rare Finds collection. Minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, it offers guests a front-row seat to the renowned Meydan Racecourse and Dubai’s horse-racing scene.

There are 284 rooms and suites, all with private balconies, in addition to alfresco dining at Farriers and skyline views from the Equus rooftop pool bar. There is also a floodlit nine-hole golf course and Meydan Tennis Academy with padel facilities.

themeydanhotel.com

Six Senses The Palm

This September will mark Six Senses’ entry into the UAE market, with the opening of a 61-room hotel and 162 branded residences along a private stretch of beach on Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent. Recognising the significance of coral reefs to the region, coral is the inspiration for the design, with rooflines and silhouettes resembling its natural form.

In addition to restaurants, bars and a 25-metre lap pool on the Skydeck, there will be a kids’ club, library and 60,000 sq ft social and wellness club that includes a longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room, massage circuit pool, squash court and spa.

sixsenses.com

Delano Dubai

With padel fast-tracking its way to the top of Dubai’s sports scene, Delano Dubai has opened La Cantine Sports Club. Developed with Dubai Holding Hospitality, it’s located on the shores of Bluewaters Island and features six outdoor courts alongside a Mediterranean-inspired bistro and retail boutique.

It’s set against the backdrop of the 251-room hotel, a contemporary retreat with 250 metres of private beachfront and a generous slice of the brand’s iconic Miami cool.

delanohotels.com

Mandarin Oriental Downtown

The group’s second property in the city opened in November within the striking Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. There are 259 rooms and suites and 224 private residences alongside 10 dining venues, from a modern Chinese bar and restaurant inspired by 1960s Hong Kong to a celebration of Italian heritage at Chitarra.

Wellness spans two floors, there’s an outdoor 25-metre lap pool and, for discreet VIP arrivals, a rooftop helipad.

mandarinoriental.com