The latest edition of the Questex Focus Series, United Arab Emirates, provides an in-depth look at the region’s newest accommodations and attractions. Dubai, in particular, has seen a surge in hotel development with over 25 properties highlighted in the guide. Among the standouts are several Jumeirah resorts, including the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the “resort within a resort” Jumeirah Al Naseem. Other mentions are the Atlantis, The Palm, which is undergoing a $100 million refurbishment program, and sister property The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, a 795-room hotel set to open late 2019.
A dozen other high-end properties will open in Dubai in the next couple of years, including The Corinthia at Meydan Beach, Paramount Tower Hotel & Residences, Langham Place, Downtown Dubai, Delano Dubai, ME by Meliá Dubai and Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Beach.
Along with the city’s landscape, the cultural scene has expanded with the opening of Dubai Opera, a multi-format performing arts theater, as well as new museums, the Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum and the Etihad Museum, which chronicles the era before the UAE’s founding in 1971. Visiting families will enjoy the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall.
The sales guide also previews new hotels and attractions in Abu Dhabi, which is experiencing a tourism boom. This year will mark the opening of two five-star properties, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi and Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, a 428-room hotel located in the prestigious West Corniche District. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Edition, a waterfront hotel in the downtown district, brings with it a gourmet market, a three-story nightclub, two pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa.
The guide also provides a definite list of Abu Dhabi’s “must-see” attractions. On the list is Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 3,000 acres and boasts 100 different varieties of date palms; and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which boasts 82 domes, 24K gold-gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Car enthusiasts and thrill seekers will revel in Ferrari-inspired rides, the world’s highest roller coaster loop and Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Access the United Emirates Focus at travelagentcentral.com/focus-series.