Six Senses, New Nobu, First Zuma Beach house, a Hotel Lobby with 514 Aquariums: Dubai’s Doing the Most in 2026 and You Need to See It!

Dubai is about to enter its next luxury era, and if you’re planning a quick escape from Oman in 2026, these are the openings you plan the trip around.

We’re talking new beachfront icons, boutique stays with personality, and restaurants that usually have queues in London. Plus one hotel that genuinely sounds like someone dared them to be extra.

The hotels worth travelling for

Six Senses The Palm, Palm Jumeirah

Opening in 2026, this will be Six Senses’ first property in Dubai, sitting on a private beach stretch on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent. Expect a 61-room hotel plus residences, signature spa, restaurants, pools, a library, and a kids’ club. The architecture is inspired by coral reefs, so yes, it’s going to be a camera roll moment.

The big flex: 60,000 sq ft social and wellness club, with a longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room, and a massage circuit pool.

Perfect for: Families with young children

Kimpton Dubai, Business Bay

Kimpton finally lands in Dubai in early 2026, positioned as a luxury boutique hotel and lifestyle hub right on the Business Bay Canal. It’s set to have 280 rooms and suites, three restaurants, designer retail corners, a rooftop pool, plus a serious spa and gym.

The big flex: It’s also close to Dubai Mall, so it works for both chill and chaos.

Perfect for: Friends

Gran Meliá Dubai, Port de La Mer Marina

This one’s for anyone who wants “resort calm” but still wants the best dinner plans in the city. It’s an ultra-luxury five-star hotel with a 140m private beach, 366 rooms and suites, and views over Port de La Mer Marina. There’s also a wellness centre with gym and spa, plus pools you’ll happily lose a whole day to.

The big flex: the first Novikov in Dubai, the city’s first Zuma Beach House, and Park Chinois with a 360-degree rooftop vibe.

Perfect for: Families

InterContinental Resort Portofino, The World Islands

This is the one everyone is going to talk about. Opening in early 2026, this Italian-style family-only resort comes with floor-to-ceiling aquariums across all six floors. Add direct access to the family section of Rainbow Beach, a kids’ club, Italian dining, plus a ladies-only spa and lounge called La Donna for anyone who needs a quiet reset.

The big flex: the lobby alone houses 514 aquariums, and every one of the 466 rooms and suites includes a kids’ room and playroom filled with toys, Add five pools (including an Olympic-size one).

Perfect for: Families (all ages)

Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai, Downtown Dubai

Baccarat is bringing its signature crystal-and-chandelier drama to Dubai, with two glass towers in Downtown called Le Rouge and Le Noir. Tower One has 144 luxury rooms and suites, while the second tower is residences-only, plus there are four high-end dining concepts planned.

The big flex: panoramic views across major Dubai landmarks including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Dubai Creek.

Perfect for: Couples

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New restaurants worth the trip alone

Nobu One Za’abeel

Nobu is already a big deal in Dubai, and the third location arrives in January 2026 at One Za’abeel, on floor 24 of The Link. Expect the classic Japanese-Peruvian hits and skyline views.

The big flex: Nobu is enough of a flex, and its the only one worldwide with live entertainment.

Perfect for: Small groups

Barrafina, DIFC

London’s cult tapas spot is opening in Dubai for the first time, landing in DIFC Gate Village. The whole point is the counter-dining, open kitchen energy. It’s the kind of place where you go for “one dish” and suddenly you’ve ordered everything.

Perfect for: Friends

Gymkhana, DIFC

Dubai has plenty of great Indian food, but Gymkhana arriving is still a moment. The Mayfair original is Michelin-starred, and the Dubai version keeps the North Indian focus with elevated service. The menu is stacked with biryanis, curries, kebabs, sabzis and tikkas, with chef Karishma Sakhrani leading the kitchen.

Perfect for: Couples

AVLU, Palm Jumeirah

Aegean-inspired and built for sharing. AVLU’s menu pulls from Greece and Turkey, with classics like souvlaki, kebabs and kofte, plus bigger dishes like moussaka, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and grilled seabass.

Perfect for: Families