Explore the latest additions to Dubai's hospitality scene with a focus on new and upcoming hotel launches for 2025. The city boasts a diverse array of accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to lavish resorts, providing numerous options for travelers.

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Vida Dubai Mall

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Vida Dubai Mall is the newest landmark in the skyline, providing direct access to one of the largest shopping and entertainment hubs in the world. The hotel features 195 elegantly designed rooms and suites, alongside 620 serviced apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.

Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, international dining options, and co-working spaces. Families will appreciate the Qix Kids Club and the outdoor splash pad, while complimentary bikes are available for those wishing to explore the surrounding area at their leisure.

Location: Downtown Dubai

Facilities: Swimming pool, fitness center, kids club, co-working space.

Mama Shelter Dubai

Mama Shelter, celebrated as the new hub for Millennials and Gen Z, has opened its doors in Dubai. Originating from Paris, this vibrant hotel features a unique and playful design by renowned designer Thierry Gaugain.

Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere across its 197 rooms, complemented by various social and recreational spaces, including lounges, pools, photo booths, DJ areas, and sports courts for basketball and volleyball.

Additionally, there are screening rooms and coworking hubs available for residents. The rooms are well-furnished and equipped with smart home technology and fully integrated kitchens, alongside a range of à la carte hotel services and amenities.

Location: Business Bay.

Facilities: 197 rooms, swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, coworking space.

Delano Dubai

Nestled on Bluewaters Island, Delano Dubai is part of the esteemed international hotel chain brought to life by Ennismore, which also manages Banyan Tree Dubai on the same island. This luxurious establishment features 251 rooms, including 84 suites—some equipped with private pools.

Guests can enjoy an oceanfront swimming pool, exquisite dining options, and a range of top-tier amenities that embody five-star service.

Location: Bluewaters Island.
Facilities: 251 rooms and suites, oceanfront pool, beach club, and dining options like Miami's The Rose Bar.

FIVE LUXE

FIVE LUXE, the latest addition to Jumeirah Beach Residence, blends relaxed sophistication with vibrant entertainment. As the third property from FIVE Hotels and Resorts in Dubai, it continues the brand's tradition of fun and excitement. Visitors can choose from 222 rooms and suites—some featuring a DJ booth and dancefloor—or opt for one of the 276 residential apartments.

Dining experiences here are top-notch, with options like the Japanese restaurant Ronin, Mediterranean Cielo, and the French Tête A Tête. For a lively atmosphere, Playa Pacha offers a private beach and pool club, hosting international DJs to enhance the festive vibe.

Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Facilities: 222 rooms and suites, 276 residential apartments, expansive pools, beach club, spa, and seven diverse dining venues.

Situated along the picturesque Dubai Creek, the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences is the inaugural property in the upcoming 'Jewel of the Creek' development.

This hotel features 180 rooms and suites, including studio apartments and spacious duplex penthouses with one to three bedrooms, all providing stunning views of both the contemporary and traditional landscapes of Dubai. Guests can enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center, a steam room, sauna, an indoor jacuzzi, and separate swimming pools for adults and children, along with an all-day dining restaurant.

Location: Deira.

Facilities: 180 rooms and suites, panoramic views, fitness center, dedicated adult and children's pools.

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai

The Lana, a striking addition to the skyline, overlooks Marasi Bay Marina and offers breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. This architectural gem boasts high-end dining experiences crafted by acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs, alongside a rooftop pool and lounge perfect for sunset views. With 225 luxurious rooms and suites, The Lana will also host the first Dior Spa in the UAE, set to launch in April 2024.

For those considering long-term stays, the residences provide access to landscaped terraces, infinity pools, a yoga studio, and a marina featuring 20 berths, complemented by a dedicated podium for retail and dining.

Location: Business Bay.

Facilities: 225 rooms and suites, first Dior Spa in the UAE (opening April 2024), infinity pool, yoga studio, and rooftop dining.

The Biltmore Hotel Villas

Located near the Mall of the Emirates, The Biltmore Hotel Villas promises the same luxury and hospitality as its century-old Los Angeles counterpart. This property includes 18 opulent three- and four-bedroom villas, ideal for families and groups, along with two expansive five-bedroom villas featuring spacious rooftop lounges for social gatherings.

The villas combine Emirati elegance with modern European design, each offering private pools, jacuzzis, cinema rooms, and smart home technology among other high-end amenities.

Location: Al Barsha 1.

Facilities: 20 villas, private pools, cinema rooms, and jacuzzis.

One Za’abeel

One Za’abeel is a striking addition to Dubai's skyline, featuring the world’s longest cantilever, known as The Link, connecting its two sleek towers. This vertical resort not only provides sophisticated accommodations but also boasts ultra-chic retail, entertainment, and dining options. Guests can enjoy the UAE’s longest infinity pool on the rooftop, which offers breathtaking views of both the historic and modern parts of Dubai.

The rooms are elegantly designed with neutral tones and soothing sand motifs, reflecting the meaning of ‘Za’abeel’ (which translates to ‘white sand’ in the local dialect).

Location: Trade Centre.
Facilities: 229 rooms, eight restaurants in The Link, three restaurants at The Garden, and the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool.

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection

Nestled along the western shores of Palm Jumeirah, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort marks the debut of the Vignette Collection in the region and is IHG's first luxury beach resort in the UAE. The resort features vibrant interiors and 132 elegantly designed rooms that blend Arabian elegance with Art Deco influences and a Miami vibe. Guests can enjoy private beach access, infinity pools, a kids club, and various watersports activities.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 132 rooms, private beach access, infinity pools, kids club, and watersports activities.

Banyan Tree Dubai

Banyan Tree Dubai offers a luxurious beachfront experience, providing a perfect urban escape. Located where Caesars Palace Dubai once stood, this resort features a pristine 500-meter private beach and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. It is conveniently situated near the lively Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina, as well as the iconic Ain Dubai .

Location: Bluewaters Island.
Facilities: 178 rooms, 500m private beach, fitness center, and spa.

Vida Creek Beach

Sands out as a new luxury hotel nestled in Dubai Creek Harbour, complete with a scenic lagoon and an advanced wave system. This oasis offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city while remaining conveniently close to downtown attractions.

Guests can indulge in stunning waterside views, boat excursions, lush green spaces, and elegant dining. The hotel's common areas and 99 rooms showcase a harmonious blend of Art Deco and Modernism, highlighted by sleek arches, warm bronze tones, rich wood accents, and neutral decor.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbour.
Facilities: 99 rooms, picturesque lagoon with a wave system, co-working space, 24/7 fitness center, infinity pool with canal views, waterside vistas, boat tours, and elegant dining options.

The First Collection Waterfront

Marks the arrival of a homegrown hospitality brand in Business Bay, placing visitors at the heart of Dubai's upscale scene. This four-star lifestyle hotel features 327 rooms and suites, all offering private balconies with captivating canal views.

Guests can savor exceptional dining experiences, enjoy the pool and spa, and take advantage of convenient transportation to the Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah for a perfect day at the beach.

Location: Business Bay.
Facilities: 327 rooms and suites, private balconies with canal views, onsite dining options, pool, spa, and private transportation to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah.

SO/ Uptown Dubai

Adds a touch of avant-garde elegance to the city with its 188 rooms and suites, along with 227 residences in a striking 'diamond-cut' supertower. This urban resort seamlessly blends fashion and design, featuring luxurious wood and marble interiors adorned with gold accents and rich fabrics.

Guests can expect all the five-star amenities, including exquisite dining options, a rejuvenating spa, a pool, and a fitness center. For a memorable experience, an elevated dining and entertainment venue, Celeste, is set to open soon.

Location: Near Jumeirah Islands.
Facilities: 188 rooms and suites, 227 residences, spa, pool, fitness center, and upscale dining options, with an upcoming entertainment venue called Celeste.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai

The latest gem on Palm Jumeirah, made a grand debut in early 2023. Known as Dubai’s largest hotel, it rises 185 meters above sea level and boasts 800 guest rooms, 250 luxury residences, and an impressive 90 swimming pools.

With 11 exquisite restaurants led by renowned chefs, guests can enjoy extraordinary culinary experiences. A highlight is the Sky Bridge, which connects the rooms and features a breathtaking rooftop infinity pool suspended high above the island.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 800 guest rooms, 250 luxury residences, 90 swimming pools, 11 restaurants led by renowned chefs, and a Sky Bridge featuring a rooftop infinity pool 96 meters above the ground.

NH Dubai The Palm

The first NH Hotels property in the Middle East has opened its doors on the main trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Boasting 227 rooms and suites, as well as 306 serviced apartments, the hotel offers an array of amenities, including a sports bar, rooftop lounge, and a dedicated kids club.

Situated just a stone's throw from top attractions like Palm West Beach, NH Dubai The Palm provides an ideal base for tourists.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 227 rooms and suites, 306 serviced apartments, sports bar, rooftop lounge, kids club. Close to attractions like Palm West Beach.

Address Grand Creek Harbour

Adding to Dubai's growing hospitality offerings, Address Grand Creek Harbour is the first five-star hotel in Dubai Creek Harbour. With 223 rooms and suites featuring tasteful design and unparalleled comfort, the hotel also offers stunning skyline panoramas, including views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Guests can take advantage of the property's infinity pool, which provides a serene respite from the city's bustle.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbour.
Facilities: 223 rooms and suites, infinity pool with views of Burj Khalifa and skyline, elegant design and comfort.

Voco Dubai The Palm

Opened in early 2023 on Palm West Beach, Voco Dubai The Palm features 143 rooms and suites, a fully-equipped gym, and a luxury spa. The hotel's dining options include Maison Mathis and Frenia, serving modern European cuisine, as well as a poolside rooftop lounge offering Mediterranean favorites.

Voco Dubai The Palm is the latest addition to IHG Hotel group's portfolio in the city, complementing the flourishing dining and entertainment options along Palm West Beach.

Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 143 rooms and suites, fully-equipped gym, luxury spa, dining options including Maison Mathis and Frenia, poolside rooftop lounge. Close to popular dining spots like Koko Bay and February 30.

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

Stands out as the Marriott group’s inaugural UAE resort, offering breathtaking beachfront views on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island. This expansive property features over 600 rooms, each equipped with balconies, and many interconnected to cater to families.

While children can engage in a variety of activities designed just for them, adults can indulge in the vibrant dining scene along Palm West Beach, which includes the Italian restaurant Cucina, Mediterranean-inspired Levantera, and the lively Mexican venue Señor Pico.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: Over 600 rooms and suites, all with balconies (many interconnected), dedicated kids' activities, and proximity to beachfront dining options along Palm West Beach. The resort features several dining venues, including the Italian restaurant Cucina, Mediterranean-inspired Levantera, and the lively Mexican venue Señor Pico.

Côte d’Azur

Is another exciting addition, located on The Heart of Europe development within The World Islands. Accessible via a 20-minute boat ride from Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, this resort captures the essence of the French Riviera.

Comprising four distinct properties—Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez—each featuring vibrant exteriors painted in 60 hues, Côte d’Azur offers a total of 880 rooms and suites, alongside a unique raining street and a 24-hour pool with music.

Location: Heart of Europe, The World Islands.
Facilities: A total of 880 rooms across four properties (Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez), each showcasing vibrant paintwork in 60 hues. Amenities include a unique raining street and a 24-hour pool with music, providing a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the French Riviera.

Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah

Which opened late in 2022, offers 389 rooms with spectacular views of Dubai Marina. This four-star resort includes a stunning swimming pool with panoramic city vistas, a comprehensive all-day dining restaurant, and options for light snacks by the pool or in the lobby. Additionally, guests can take advantage of a modern fitness center and a luxurious spa.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 389 rooms and suites with stunning views of Dubai Marina, a swimming pool offering panoramic city vistas, an all-day dining restaurant, light snack options by the pool, and a lobby snack bar. Guests can also access a state-of-the-art fitness center and a luxurious spa.

With these incredible options, Dubai is set to welcome a new era of hospitality in 2025, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and luxury.

Kuwait has officially approved the issuance of seven-day transit visas for select travelers entering the country via land, particularly through the Abdali border crossing, as part of its strategy to streamline border procedures and enhance regional mobility. The new visa policy, directed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, specifically targets Gulf citizens, expatriates residing in GCC countries, European nationals, and diplomatic personnel, especially those arriving from Iraq or transiting through Iran.

Colonel Waleed Al-Azmi, Director of the Abdali Border Crossing Administration, announced that the transit visa allows eligible non-residents to stay in Kuwait for up to seven days, enabling travel between Abdali Port and Kuwait International Airport, or vice versa, to organize onward journeys or complete necessary travel arrangements. The visa is not extendable and does not permit holders to work or study in Kuwait.

To apply, travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed onward ticket, and proof of transit, such as accommodation details or supporting documents for their next destination. The visa application can be submitted through the Kuwait Port Authority, Kuwaiti consulates, or, for some nationalities, via an online portal. The processing fee is KWD 2 (about USD 6.50).

Diplomatic personnel and embassy representatives are also permitted to be present at the border to assist their nationals during the entry and exit process, ensuring smoother procedures and additional support. This move is coordinated between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with certain exceptions and special exemptions available for select nationalities.

The introduction of the 7-day transit visa reflects Kuwait’s broader efforts to facilitate cross-border movement, support regional connectivity, and maintain robust security and compliance at its borders

Thailand’s tourism sector is facing significant challenges as the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict disrupts travel from key Middle Eastern markets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) warns that arrivals from five countries Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria could drop by as much as 50%, with early signs of decline already evident in popular destinations like Phuket due to airspace closures.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the TAT, explained that several major airlines flying to Thailand including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Oman Air, and SalamAir have rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones. Tehran-based Mahan Air has temporarily suspended its Bangkok and Phuket routes, causing the Iranian market to effectively vanish during this period.

These five countries represent about 7% of Middle Eastern visitors to Thailand, with the region (excluding Israel) accounting for 100,781 travelers in June 2024. The timing of the conflict coincides with the Eid al-Adha festival, a peak travel period that last year brought 7,165 tourists from these markets. This year, arrivals are expected to fall sharply to between 3,500 and 5,000 as tourists and airlines postpone trips amid uncertainty.

The TAT is also monitoring potential longer-term impacts on larger Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, which together contribute 80% of Thailand’s Middle East tourism. Concerns over air travel safety could further dampen demand, affecting hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, which are popular with Middle Eastern visitors.

If the conflict is resolved soon, arrivals may begin to recover in July. Some airlines, including Royal Jordanian Airlines, plan to launch new routes, such as the Amman-Bangkok service starting in August. However, a full recovery depends on how long and severe the conflict’s effects prove to be.

The TAT aims to attract 1.06 million visitors from the Middle East in 2025, an 11% increase over last year, and generate approximately 86 billion baht in revenue. As the situation evolves, Thailand’s tourism industry remains cautiously optimistic but vigilant about the challenges ahead.

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has reiterated that fees paid for exit and re-entry visas are strictly non-refundable, even if the visa is canceled—a policy that has been reconfirmed as thousands of expatriates plan their summer travel. This clarification was issued following a public inquiry from a resident, to which Jawazat responded unequivocally: “If the exit and re-entry visa is cancelled, the fees are non-refundable”.

Under current regulations, a single exit and re-entry visa costs 200 Saudi riyals and is valid for up to two months, with an additional 100 riyals for each extra month, provided the resident’s permit (iqama) remains valid. For multiple exit and re-entry visas, the fee is 500 riyals for up to three months, and 200 riyals for each additional month.

Notably, for residents who are already outside the Kingdom and need to extend their visas, the extension fees are doubled—200 riyals per month for a single visa and 400 riyals per month for a multiple visa.

The process for issuing, canceling, or extending these visas is managed digitally through the Absher platform. To cancel a visa, users must log in, access “Services for Sponsors,” select the relevant individual, and confirm the cancellation; however, the fee remains non-refundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Recent regulatory updates have also introduced higher fees for expatriates outside Saudi Arabia, including doubled extension charges and increased costs for renewing residency permits (Iqama) abroad. Penalties for not using or canceling a visa within the allowed time can be steep, starting at 1,000 riyals for the first offense and rising to 3,000 riyals for repeated violations. Overstaying outside Saudi Arabia after a visa expires incurs a fine of 100 USD per month.

These rules apply to all visa holders, including professionals, domestic workers, and dependents, and are part of broader changes to residency and travel regulations aimed at streamlining processes and ensuring compliance. Authorities urge residents to carefully plan their travel and visa applications, as changes or cancellations will not result in a refund of paid fees.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with a 33% year-on-year (YoY) increase in tourist arrivals during the first 10 days of June 2025. The island welcomed 43,962 visitors compared to 33,017 in the same period last year.

The daily average number of tourists also rose significantly, reaching 4,396 visitors per day, up from 3,302 during the first 10 days of June 2024. This uptick is encouraging, especially given that June is traditionally an off-season month for travel to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) projects 177,257 arrivals for the entire month of June. However, industry stakeholders remain cautious due to a shortfall in arrivals during the first five months of 2025. From January to May, tourist arrivals missed projections by a cumulative 279,452 visitors, underscoring ongoing challenges in converting interest into actual visits despite improving macroeconomic conditions.

Between January 1 and June 10, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.07 million tourists, marking a 16% increase compared to 927,196 visitors during the same period in 2024. Notably, arrivals in January, February, and May 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018, highlighting Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal as a travel destination.

Despite these positive trends, consistent growth remains elusive. A key hurdle has been the delay in launching a global tourism campaign, which has not been updated in 16 years. The much-anticipated ‘Nation Branding’ campaign, set to launch on June 26, is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s visibility in key markets and drive higher arrivals during the lucrative winter season.

In June 2025, India, the UK, and Bangladesh emerged as the top source markets, contributing 12,362, 3,740, and 2,717 tourists respectively. Year-to-date, India leads with 216,422 arrivals, followed by Russia (111,285) and the UK (100,014). These markets remain central to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy.

Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million tourists and generate $5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025. To meet this target, the industry needs to draw approximately 1.93 million visitors 64.2% of the annual goal during the remaining months of the year. So far, the sector has generated over $1.54 billion in revenue in the first five months, with $3.46 billion still needed to reach the target.

In 2024, Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue reached $3.16 billion, a substantial 53.2% increase from $2.07 billion in 2023, reflecting the sector’s strong recovery momentum.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Nation Branding campaign and further developments in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Starting July 1, 2025, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holding valid residency permits will be able to enter Armenia without a visa, marking a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free travel policy. Previously, only UAE nationals enjoyed visa-free access, while expatriate residents had to obtain visas on arrival.

The new policy applies to residents with residency permits valid for at least six months and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, leisure, or business purposes.

This change is part of a broader Armenian government initiative to enhance tourism, investment, and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The policy also aligns with Armenia’s visa-free arrangements for residents of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the United States.

The Armenian cabinet approved this reform in May 2025 to facilitate easier travel for expatriates living in these economically significant regions and to boost Armenia’s attractiveness as a destination for short-term visitors and business travelers.

Armenia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with its rich cultural heritage—including UNESCO World Heritage monasteries like Geghard and Khor Virap—and natural attractions such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park, makes it an appealing destination for UAE residents, particularly expatriates.

The country is accessible via direct flights from Dubai and other UAE cities through airlines such as flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air. Armenian tourism officials expect the visa-free entry for UAE residents to increase tourist arrivals, strengthen economic relations, and promote business engagements between Armenia and the GCC.

Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, emphasized that this milestone reflects Armenia’s commitment to making the country more accessible to regional travelers seeking meaningful cultural and leisure experiences. The visa waiver is also expected to encourage more frequent travel and investment flows, with officials optimistic about a rise in direct flights and business cooperation.

In summary, from July 1, 2025, UAE residents with valid residency permits will benefit from visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 90 days, a move designed to enhance tourism, business, and bilateral relations between Armenia and the GCC region.