Looking for a new UAE staycation? Look no further
Across the emirates, the staycation scene is unrivaled. From romantic haute hotels to family-centric resorts, whether you’re looking for seaside, desert or mountain escapes, there’s always somewhere wow-w0rthy to discover.
But there’s still more to come in 2026.
From ultra-luxury wellness retreats and private island resorts to gastronomic delights and laidback beach getaways, these are the new hotels across the emirates to bookmark for staycation season. Check out our edit of 7 brilliant new hotels opening in the UAE this year.
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai
Bringing Six Senses’ sustainably-rooted approach to wellness hospitality to Dubai is Six Senses The Palm. The resort’s boutique size of just 61 keys is amplified by 162 branded residences, and will be landscaped around mini jebels (hills), winding paths and shaded courtyards. At the heart of Six Senses The Palm lies a 60,000 sq ft wellness club, where social moments and connection will be cultivated – and all communal spaces will echo the same sense of ceremony and community, an ode to the traditional Emirati majlis.
What: Six Senses The Palm
Where: Palm Jumeirah
When: Summer 2025
Visit: sixsenses.com
Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas, Dubai
Thoughtfully curated as community gathering places, Habitas’ global properties bring together music, wellness, adventure, culture, cuisine and education. In the region, their duo of Instagram-fodder properties in AlUla includes a breathtaking desert hotel and a playful glamping experience – the latter being what the brand will also bring to Hatta in early 2026. Glamping will be elevated with Habitas’ thoughtful touch, with 50 Airstream trailers providing a rustic-luxe backdrop to immersive experiences that invite a return to nature. Each airstream will come with sweeping views over the valley or lake, and invite guests to discover a wealth of social spaces, from an infinity pool to dining.
What: Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas
Where: Hatta
When: Early 2026
Visit: ourhabitas.com
The Mangroves Abu Dhabi, LXR Hotels & Resort
The former Anantara Eastern Mangroves will be reimagined by Hilton Hotels and reopen in 2026. Initially, the property was set to be reflagged as a Waldorf, but as per the website, it will now become an LXR property under the Hilton umbrella. A central city stay encased in beautiful natural mangroves, the low-lying resort features a collection of rooms and suites all with private balconies, a dedicated floor of spa and recreation facilities, with each room and suite. The collection of restaurants are yet to be unveiled, but the resort promises to bring new flavours of drinking and dining to the capital.
What: The Mangroves Abu Dhabi, LXR Hotels & Resort
Where: Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi
When: TBC 2026
Visit: hilton.com
Mondrian Abu Dhabi
Found at the beating heart of the world’s most exciting cultural scenes, Ennismore’s Mondrian Hotel brand lands in Abu Dhabi in 2026. When it does, the bold and enigmatic brand promises to bring its imagination and flair to a waterfront property, centrally located to overlook both Reem Island and Al Maryah. A contemporary interpretation of traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics designed by the renowned Tristan Du Plessis, the skyscraping hotel will feature some 210 striking suites complete with stretching skyline or canal views. A cutting-edge spa, rooftop pool and crystal lagoon offer modern wellness spaces, while six restaurants include the Abu Dhabi debut of Dubai’s popular Italian restaurant, Fi’lia.
What: Mondrian Abu Dhabi
Where: Downtown Abu Dhabi
When: Early 2025
Visit: mondrianhotels.com
Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, Ras Al Khaimah
Zuhha Resort, Dubai
Dreaming of a paradisiacal island getaway? Get ready to check into Zuhha Island, a dazzling new private island resort opening soon at the World Islands. From the creators of Abu Dhabi’s beloved Zaya Nurai Island, Zuhha by Zaya will feature both ultra-luxury residential villas as well as a resort of 70 chic beachfront villas. Like the brand’s original Abu Dhabi resort, many villas will come complete with their own private pools. With a strong focus on wellness at this stunning boutique retreat, guests will benefit from treatments at a serene spa and healing centre, and will also enjoy access to a central swimming pool. Floating padel and tennis courts, plus a watersports centre, will add to the fun-filled activities. To keep stomachs satisfied, an all-day dining restaurant, a ceviche bar and a chic beach club are all part of the plan for Zuhha Island.
What: Zuhha Resort
Where: The World Islands, Dubai
When: Q1 2026
Visit: zuhhaisland.com
LUX* Khorfakkan, Sharjah
LUX* Resorts’ long-awaited duo of Sharjah properties will finally welcome guests in 2026. While LUX* Al Bridi will bring safari-style stays to Sharjah, it’s LUX* Khorfakkan we’re particularly excited about. This luxurious but eco-friendly resort will feature 45 cabins (one-bedroom or two-bedroom) with a design that blends local heritage with the natural surroundings. For dining, a clifftop restaurant located promises dinner with an incredible view, while leisure activities will range from jet-skiing, parasailing and diving, to simply relaxing at the outdoor infinity pool. And speaking of relaxing, LUX Khorfakkan places a huge emphasis on wellbeing, so you can expect a stunning spa that will melt all your worries away.
What: LUX* Khorfakkan
Where: Khorfakkan, Sharjah
When: Late 2026
Visit: luxresorts.com
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