What’s new in Dubai and coming up in 2025?

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Whether you’re a first-time or regular visitor to Dubai, there is always something new to discover. Update your Dubai bucket list with upcoming events and an array of new hotels, restaurants and attractions that have been added to the city’s tourism offering.

From hotels and restaurants to attractions and events, there’s always something new to discover during a holiday in Dubai. Whether you’re a first-time or regular visitor, the city’s tourism offering is ever evolving. Dubai’s vibrant gastronomy scene has served up a range of new restaurants for foodies to try out, while the city’s hotel portfolio continues to expand with a host of new properties. Plan your travels and update your Dubai bucket list with these upcoming events and choose from the many new places to visit during your trip.

NEW HOTELS AND UPCOMING OPENINGS

Open now:

● The first luxury domes have launched in the heart of Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve in Dubai. Al Marmoom Domes by OceanAir Travels is a luxury and experiential resort offering guests unparalleled comfort set within a breathtaking desert oasis. The private domes boast stunning 360-degree views, while visitors can also enjoy exceptional dining and activities including stargazing, horse riding, cultural workshops and nature trails.

● Designed with young and solo travellers in mind, the funky Mama Shelter hotel brand has brought its affordable and edgy style to Business Bay. Opened in December 2024, the four-star ‘lifestyle’ hotel has 197 rooms and 204 residences with cutting-edge elements by Mama’s Design Studio, as well as four swimming pools, a multi-purpose gym, outdoor cinema and an Italian trattoria-style restaurant.

● Luxury international hotel chain Delano has opened its Dubai flagship property on Bluewaters Island. The Delano Dubai boasts 251 guestrooms and suites – some with private pools – as well as a penthouse, ocean-front swimming pool, and a range of dining concepts.

Upcoming openings:

● Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a new lifestyle destination, infused with the charm and warmth of Arabian Hospitality. Featuring an avant-garde design by architect Shaun Killa, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab includes a hotel with 386 rooms and suites, 82 luxury residences, an 82-berth superyacht marina, and a range of curated dining experiences. With five pools set in lush landscaping, 11 restaurants and nine bars crafted by internationally acclaimed designers, and all rooms and residences featuring unobstructed views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and the shimmering Arabian Gulf, it’s an indisputable new go-to destination in Dubai. The 3,500 square metre spa set over three floors completes the offering, providing female-only spaces and 13 treatment suites, each with a private terrace and captivating views over the Arabian Peninsula.

● When it opens in summer, the 303-metre Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai will feature the region’s tallest ceramic façade, 259 rooms and suites, along with 224 exclusive residences. It will also have three fine dining restaurants, a helipad, and a spa spanning two floors.

● Located along a private stretch of beach on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, Six Senses The Palm, Dubai will have 60 rooms and 162 ultra-luxury residences. A highlight of the new resort will be the 5,574 sqm social and wellness club and Six Senses Spa, as well as restaurants, pool, kids’ club, games room and library.

● With 80-plus floors and more than 1,000 rooms and suites, the 365-metre Ciel Tower, Vignette Collection, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is set to be the world’s tallest all-hotel tower when it opens in Dubai Marina in Q4 2025. Upon completion, the sustainably-designed silver structure will have three restaurants, Dubai’s highest infinity pool, a fitness centre and spa, club lounge, and a 360-degree observation deck with spectacular views over the marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.

● The five-star Gran Meliá Dubai will be located in Jumeirah overlooking the Port De La Mer marina. Boasting a double-front beach plot, the hotel will have 289 rooms, 83 suites (38 with private pools), a selection of dining options, a spa, and a fitness and health club. Gran Meliá Dubai will be adjacent to the new Zuma Dubai Beachhouse.

● The newest branch of Vida Hotels & Resorts will open its doors at Dubai Mall. Ideal for shoppers and offering breathtaking views in the centre of Downtown Dubai, the Vida Dubai Mall will have direct access to the mall via Chinatown. The property will have a selection of rooms and suites, restaurants with a diverse range of dining options, and complimentary bikes for guests to cycle around downtown.

NEW RESTAURANTS AND UPCOMING OPENINGS

Now open:

● J1 Beach in Jumeirah 1 has now fully opened with 13 premium beach clubs and restaurants. Luxury beachfront dining experiences include African Queen (French Riviera), Almayass by the Sea (Lebanese-Armenian), Bâoli (East Asian), Chouchou (French), Gigi Rigolatto (Italian), GITANO (Mexican), Kaimana Beach (Asian-Polynesian), La Baia by The Beach (Italian), LÚNICO (Spanish-Mediterranean), Ninive Beach (Middle Eastern and North African), Sakhalin (Mediterrasian), and Sirene Beach by GAIA (Greek-Mediterranean).

● The first two restaurants have opened their doors at The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection on Marasi Drive in Business Bay. Dragonfly brings elevated Japanese cuisine, while Frou Frou is a chic Parisian brasserie serving classic French-inspired dishes.

● Award-winning chef Björn Frantzén and the Frantzén Group have opened two new concepts at Atlantis, The Palm – Studio Frantzén and fine dining restaurant FZN by Björn Frantzén. Studio Frantzén is a take on French/Asian gastronomy infused with Nordic influence, while FZN is inspired by three-MICHELIN star restaurants, Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore.

● Located in Wasl 51 in Jumeirah, Sufret Maryam is a sister restaurant to celebrated Bait Maryam and offers a modern take on traditional Levantine cuisine in sophisticated surroundings. With dishes including la’moshet Maryam, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated with chef Salam Daqqaq’s special spices, and plenty of delicious vegetarian options and innovative desserts, the restaurant celebrates heritage while incorporating contemporary flavours.

● South African-born F&B brand TANG has brought its Asian fine dining concept to Dubai. Located at the Palace Downtown, TANG Dubai offers Cantonese and Japanese cuisine and boasts views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.

● Parisian institution Relais de L’Entrecôte has made its Dubai debut at The Opus by Omniyat in Business Bay. The French brasserie serves just one meal: a walnut salad with signature dressing followed by steak frites, which is topped by its iconic Café de Paris sauce. Dessert options are more extensive, with choices such as profiteroles and crème brulée.

● Originating in Barcelona, popular dinner-show experience Gatsby Dubai is the latest restaurant to open on the rooftop of Palm Jumeirah’s Nakheel Mall. Inspired by The Great Gatsby, guests can take a trip back to the ‘roaring 20s’ at this restaurant, lounge and club.

● Jamavar Dubai in Address Residences Opera District offers a royal dining experience and a culinary journey through north and south Indian cuisine. Executive head chef Purushotham Naidu serves up tempting dishes including Andhra lamb uttapam, Kochi tawa fish and Hyderabadi pathar gosht alongside signature classics like kid goat shami kebab. The restaurant’s interiors, inspired by the Viceroy’s home in New Delhi, create a luxurious atmosphere.

● At Innovation One in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Sexy Fish Dubai blends world-class Japanese cuisine, captivating design and a lively atmosphere. Offering more than just late-night experience-led dining, the restaurant also hosts DJs and live entertainment.

● With a nod to 1960s Italy and the timeless glamour of the Italian Riviera, Il Gattopardo Dubai offers a sophisticated yet vibrant experience atop the 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place. As you enter, you'll be met with a striking leopard sculpture, a symbolic introduction to the restaurant’s daring yet refined ethos.

● The 51st floor of ICD Brookfield Place is also the location for Bar Des Prés Dubai. The first UAE venture from acclaimed chef Cyril Lignac, the Dubai venue is an evolved version of the original restaurants in Paris and London, combing French know-how and Japanese individuality.

● Located atop Nakheel Mall with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, THREE CUTS is a steakhouse with soft lighting, plush furnishings and a three-metre oakwood fire, creating a luxurious yet relaxed setting. Guests can enjoy soul, funk and house music while savouring a menu focused on sirloin, tenderloin and ribeye cuts. The restaurant also offers a raw bar with oysters and salmon tartare.

● Following the success of its Paris and Saint-Tropez locations, Maison Revka has opened at Delano Dubai hotel on Bluewaters Island. Combining French style with bold Slavic flavours, the menu boasts plates with rich flavours and finesse. Caviar takes pride of place among the dishes, which also include raw products and signature options such as grilled lobster and fine smoked salmon followed by pavlovas for dessert.

● A charming brasserie on Bluewaters Island, The Spaniel offers a blend of classic British dishes, innovative culinary creations and a great Sunday roast. From traditional favourites like fish and chips to inventive dishes including ribeye steak with Marmite and peppercorn sauce, there’s something for everyone here.

● Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall is the largest food hall in the Middle East with more than 50 outlets, licensed venues, entertainment and space for 3,500 people. Visitors can enjoy authentic Italian pasta dishes at Pasta Art, Japanese cuisine at Nikkei Sushi, and Mediterranean seafood feasts at John Dory.

Upcoming openings:

● The new five-star Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel will include a range of new dining experiences for visitors to enjoy. Options include Iliana (Greek), Rialto Restaurant & Bar (Venetian), The Bombay Club (Indian), Umi Kei (Japanese), Madame Li (Pan-Asian), Mirabelle (Mediterranean), Orizonta (Eastern Mediterranean), Kinugawa (Japanese-French), The Cullinan (gourmet steakhouse), KIRA (Mediterranean-Japanese), and the LITT Bar Club. Outside the hotel, the Marsa Al Arab Marina will have six dining destinations: Feels Café, Meat the Fish, Public, CutFish, Salt, and Heaf.

● The team behind MICHELIN one-starred Orfali Bros will soon open a new restaurant in Dubai in 2024. Located at Wasl 51, the aptly named Three Bros will be a fresh bistro concept blending familiar flavors with global inspirations.

● At St Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah, contemporary Korean cuisine will be on the menu at HANU. Opening in February, signature dishes include Korean beef tartare and raw red prawns, as well as inventive options like seafood ceviche, KFC, and oversized kimbap hand rolls.

● The Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai will have three restaurants upon opening: Chitarra, a cosy space serving Italian classics; Noia, inspired by the Greek islands with stunning rooftop views; and Yù & Mì, where the spirit of 1920s Shanghai meets modern sophistication.

● Meaning ‘welcome to my humble abode’ in Arabic, Gerbou is a collaboration between Tashkeel and Atelier House Hospitality. This homegrown, sustainable, farm-to-table restaurant concept will offer a fusion of art and gastronomy and celebrate Arab and Emirati culture.

● Legendary restaurant CARBONE will be opening its new Dubai venue at Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah in the first quarter of 2025. Described as ‘the most celebrity-studded restaurant on earth’ by Vanity Fair, visitors in Dubai will be able to enjoy New York-style Italian cuisine served by tuxedo-clad service captains in a sprawling dining room that will transport guests to 1950s New York.

● With its original venue at London’s Dorchester Hotel, high-end Chinese restaurant brand China Tang will be opening in Dubai this year at The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection, on Marasi Drive in Business Bay.

NEW ATTRACTIONS AND UPCOMING OPENINGS

Now open:

● A dhow cruise is one of the most popular things for visitors to do in Dubai – and there’s a new option which redefines the traditional activity. The ‘Nara on the Sea’ experience takes place aboard the Lady Nara, a custom-built luxury dhow with both upper and lower deck dining areas, a lounge, and a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen. Guests can book a two-hour cruise, at either sunset or dinner, and enjoy fine dining and views of the Dubai skyline and city landmarks.

● The world’s first Museum of Candy has opened in Dubai. This unique attraction promises heaps of sweet treats, instagrammable moments and a whole lot of fun. Explore a vibrant venue filled with interactive elements in every corner. There are eight zones and 15 exhibits, including a Candy Lab.

● Located at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Casa Amor brings a bohemian beach house experience from the south of France to Dubai. Visitors can expect a fusion of cultures with a menu that incorporates French flavours and subtle Latin American influences, a décor of bleached wood with earthy textures and a warm, lively ambience – all framed by the beautiful Arabian Gulf.

● Tonique Collective, Dubai’s first non-alcohol shop and bar pop-up, is hosting ice carving and mocktail making masterclasses at its venue in Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. Prices start from AED350 for six people and all workshop packages include two non-alcoholic cocktails.

● The city's nightlife has become even more spectacular with the launch of Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. Bringing Ibiza vibes to Dubai, the 18,000-capacity open-air venue will welcome some of the biggest names in music, such as superstar DJ Calvin Harris, who headlined the opening night.

● Test your agility at Activate, a fun-filled attraction in City Centre Mirdif. The experience combines high-tech gaming with physical activity, and features more than 50 challenges including the TikTok sensation Mega Grid. There are 10 levels, from easy to extreme, and you can either collaborate with your fellow players or compete against them.

● A mix of golf, entertainment and wellness is par for the course at Five Iron Golf Dubai, which has opened at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. The venue features 17 Trackman simulators, a restaurant, nine-hole mini golf course and terrace, indoor putting green, and a golf-focused fitness studio.

● Loco Bear, a giant indoor entertainment centre, has opened in Al Quoz. It houses a range of fun activities for all the family, including trampolining, laser tag arenas, and interactive bowling.

● Located at Dubai Mall, Boo Boo Laand is a children’s entertainment venue that features more than 30 activities across four different zones, including a snow park, super slide, football stadium, and princess area.

Upcoming openings:

● Old Dubai is one of the city’s most important historical landmarks, with Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offering a glimpse into Dubai’s past. The city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, will reopen after renovations in 2025 along with the Dubai Museum.

● Beach hot-spot Zuma Dubai Beachhouse will open in 2025. Adjacent to the Gran Meliá hotel and overlooking the Port De La Mer marina, Zuma’s first beachside location in Dubai will offer a contemporary pool, lounge, day beds and access to a private beachfront.

● After launching in London, popular crazy golf brand Swingers is set to expand internationally with a venue on Bluewaters Island. Opening in early 2025, the adults-only attraction will have three nine -hole crazy golf courses, street food vendors and live DJs.

For more things to see and do in Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com