Raffles the Palm Dubai to open before the end of 2021
Accor will open the Middle East’s first Raffles resort on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah before the end of 2021, calling it the French group's first “ultra-luxury” property in the emirate.
It is opening in partnership with owners Emerald Palace Group (EGP) on the US$700 million hotel, which until recently was the Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai, which closed in early 2020 as the pandemic struck.
Flanked by a 500 m private beach, the resort will have its own beach club. Inside the property will be a 3,000 sq m Cinq Mondes Spa with 23 treatment rooms, two spa suites and what is being called Dubai’s largest indoor swimming pool. Accor also confirms the resort will have its own cinema.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for us” said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “There are very few beach resort plots left in Dubai and none on the Palm Jumeirah. The size of the property and its location perfectly lend itself to provide a prestigious address for the Raffles brand.
“We are confident that the new Raffles will compete with world-class luxury hotels across the globe. While being located in Dubai, one of the most sought after cities in the world, Raffles will open its door to provide an unprecedented and exclusive level of luxury. From the private villas on the beach and array of dining offerings, to the expansive outdoor areas ideals for weddings and events, Raffles the Palm Dubai is all set to become a destination in itself!”
Dr Nver Mkhitaryan, owner of EGP Group said: “We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town.”
Once open, Raffles the Palm Dubai will feature 389 keys, with a range of rooms, suites and villas, each with a balcony and sea-view terrace. It will also boast eight F&B venues.
In February this year, the group said it would be opening a six-star hotel in Doha, likely to run the Raffles flag.
