Eight of the most spectacular resort openings in the GCC for 2024
One&Only One Za’abeel
By Isabel Tapp, Founder of LCC, GCC Chapter
The luxury landscape in the GCC continues to excel, with a raft of high-profile hotel openings on the agenda for 2024. All eyes are on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea project, as the world’s leading brands converge on the strip of coastline for what promises to be an awe-inspiring new destination.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are welcoming a series of firsts for the UAE, including the inaugural outpost for the Dorchester Group, and One&Only’s first-ever urban resort. The atmospheric capitals of Oman and Qatar are also coming to the party, with a wave of big names set to open soon. Here are some of the GCC’s most spectacular hospitality openings for 2024.
The Red Sea
2024 is shaping up to be an unprecedented year for hospitality openings in Saudi Arabia. Expect a wave of high-end launches along the Red Sea, with ultra-chic retreats from the likes of Rosewood, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Raffles, and The Edition set to join Six Senses and The St. Regis. This captivating stretch of coastline and desert dunes will be one to watch over the coming 12 months.
The Chedi Hegra
Another feted opening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is The Chedi Hegra. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla, this spellbinding resort will feature 33 mud-brick rooms that echo the intricate details of Hegra, an ancient Nabataean settlement and one of Saudi’s most breathtaking sites. The Chedi Hegra is one of three Saudi projects in the pipeline for the brand.
The Lana Dubai
Dubai’s hospitality scene shows no signs of slowing down, with a slew of high-profile openings slated for 2024. Among them is The Lana by the Dorchester Collection, the first UAE outpost from the Dorchester Group, just opened in February. Overlooking Dubai Canal, this luxurious 30-storey hotel features a stunning rooftop pool and impressive dining credentials, with Chefs Jean Imbert and Martín Berasategui bringing their culinary star power to the fore.
One&Only One Za’abeel
Also in February, One&Only opened its first urban vertical resort, One&Only One Za’abeel. The ultra-luxury resort is home to a three-storey wellness hub, curated city and desert experiences, and futuristic lifestyle destination The Link. Described as a floating boulevard perched 100 metres above the city, The Link cantilever features exciting dining concepts from five celebrity chefs and Tapasake pool club, overlooking the UAE’s longest sky infinity pool.
Mondrian Abu Dhabi
Bringing designer-driven luxury to the UAE capital, Mondrian Abu Dhabi is set to open on the Downtown waterfront, with views to Al Maryah and Reem Island. Featuring sleek, neutral-toned interiors from Tristan du Plessis, the 221-room hotel will also host six restaurants and bars, a pampering spa and wellness hub, a ballroom and an infinity lagoon.
Mandarin Oriental Muscat
Opening in the GCC winter, the Mandarin Oriental Muscat brings unrivalled refinement to Shatti Al-Qurum, one of the Omani capital’s most coveted addresses. Situated on the waterfront, it elevates ancient Arabian architectural details to luxurious new heights, with intricate textures, local textiles and a stunning mosaic and marble hammam.
Rosewood Doha
With a cocoon-like façade inspired by local corals, the Rosewood Doha cuts a striking figure on the Qatari capital’s skyline. The dual-tower development will feature an ultra-luxury 155-room hotel in one tower, and 276 residential apartments in the second. The lifestyle project also boasts eight new dining venues including three speciality restaurants, a gourmet deli and sophisticated lounge.
The Doha EDITION
Building its footprint in the GCC, following successful launches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, The Doha EDITION is the latest regional launch from the haute hotel brand. Located on the waterfront of the central business district, this arty abode will be home to 200 guest rooms, two restaurants, a trio of bars and a nightclub, bringing a heightened level of energy and exclusivity to the Qatar capital.