Hot new Middle East & Africa hotels agents need to know about

17 Mar 2025by Rob Gill

The diverse region has plenty of new properties on offer this year from Dubai’s latest palatial resorts to getting up close to Africa’s wildlife at safari camps

Rob Gill

Senior contributor

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will be one of this year's big openings in Dubai

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Dubai still sets the standard for Middle Eastern luxury and Jumeirah has been one of the emirate’s leading hotel firms for decades, so its latest resort looks to continue the trend. The Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab development includes a 386-room hotel with a whopping 11 restaurants and nine bars, while the state-of-the-art Talise Spa is spread across three floors with views of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Meanwhile, the Marsa Al Arab Marina and Promenade is looking set to be a picturesque waterfront social hub. Open now

Six Senses will make its debut in Dubai later this year

Six Senses Dubai, The Palm

As part of a major expansion, Six Senses is making its first foray into the United Arab Emirates this year. Six Senses Dubai, The Palm will provide 61 rooms on a private stretch of beach, with many of its activities centred around a social and wellness club, including a Six Senses Spa. Another showstopper will be the 25-metre pool on the 109^th floor Skydeck. Opens: second half of 2025.

The Malkai

For a more immersive multi-centre Arabian experience, Oman’s The Malkai will feature three sites – all with just 14 tented pavilions in Barka, Al Hajar mountains and Sharqiyah. Each site has dining areas, spa facilities and infinity pools, with guests chauffeured between them in a Land Rover Defender. Opens: autumn

Rare black leopards will be a major attraction of andBeyond's Suyian Lodge

Suyian Lodge

In Africa, safari specialist andBeyond is set to open Suyian Lodge in Kenya’s lesser-known Laikipia region, where wildlife attractions include rare black leopards, wild dogs and Grevy’s zebras. The lodge encompasses 14 suites and a central hub set amid ancient rock formations. Opens: July

Jumeirah Thanda Island & Safari

Jumeirah has made its first move into Africa with two new resorts: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania’s protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province where guests can enjoy the wonder of seeing the Big 5 game animals. Both open now

Anantara is opening its first African tented camp in Zambia

Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp

The Anantara brand is entering the African luxury tented camp market this year. Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp in Zambia will feature 12 tents, including a 600sqm Presidential Suite, as well as a restaurant and bar, traditional African boma, pool and spa. The camp is suspended 3.5 metres above ground giving guests plenty of opportunity to get close-up views of the area’s wild inhabitants. Opens: Q3

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

In the Indian Ocean, JW Marriott has opened its second property in the Maldives. JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male airport and once there, guests can choose from 80 pool villas with ocean or island lagoon views, before checking out its six restaurants and bars or getting pampered at the JW Spa. Open now

Kotiyagala

“Untamed luxury” and abundant wildlife are the key selling points of Kotiyagala in Sri Lanka’s Yala jungle. The sustainably designed retreat has just 12 villas, each with private pools, spread around a seven-acre estate. Personalised dining and an Ayurveda Spa will add to the experience. Opens: Q1

Uga Prava

Boutique Sri Lankan hotel brand Uga has a new duo of openings: its seventh property, Uga Prava opens in May with just seven suites on the shores of Tangalle on the south coast, while Uga Halloowella has just opened in the central tea trails region. Open May/now

Check out our suggestions for where to send clients in Europe too.