Best 6 Hotels in the United Arab Emirates for a Dream Stay

The UAE offers one of the world’s widest ranges of luxury hotels, from resort islands and beachfront palaces to city towers and quieter family hotels in Sharjah. This guide covers six well-known hotels across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, what each is best for, and what changed for hotel stays in 2026, including closures and unusually low rates.

Hotels in the UAE in 2026: What Has Changed

The regional conflict that began in late February 2026 hit UAE tourism hard. Dubai hotel occupancy was reported at around 33 to 36 percent in March, down from about 71 to 85 percent the year before, and averaged about 56 percent in the first half of the year compared with about 81 percent in 2025. Abu Dhabi was more resilient, at roughly 67 percent, helped by domestic guests and events. Industry analysts reported that around 5,400 Dubai hotel rooms were taken off the market in April for closures or early renovations and were expected to return gradually through late 2026 and 2027. Reports also described missile and drone incidents that affected hotels in the region, including on the Palm, so check the status of any hotel before booking. The result for travelers is unusually low rates and residents-only deals, but also more closures and limited services at some properties. Check your government’s travel advice, and confirm each hotel’s facilities and cancellation terms.

How to Choose Where to Stay in the UAE

Short answer: choose Dubai for sights, beaches and nightlife; Abu Dhabi for culture, calm and large events; and Sharjah for lower prices and a quieter, alcohol-free stay. Within Dubai, pick the area before the hotel. See our guide to luxury hotels in Dubai, and for Dubai versus Sharjah, our comparison Dubai or Sharjah.

Hotels in the UAE at a Glance

Burj Al Arab	Dubai. Sail-shaped icon; closed for restoration since April 2026.
Atlantis, The Palm	Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Family resort with water park and aquarium.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island	Abu Dhabi. Waterfront luxury linked to The Galleria.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental	Abu Dhabi. Palace-style beach hotel.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi	Al Maryah Island. High-rise luxury with views.
Pullman Sharjah	Al Khan, Sharjah. Family-friendly city hotel.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Burj Al Arab is the sail-shaped icon of Jumeirah Beach, about 321 meters tall and opened in 1999. It is often called a seven-star hotel, but that is a marketing label and not an official rating. The hotel closed in April 2026 for an 18-month restoration, with reopening expected around October 2027, so you cannot stay there now. Our guide to Burj Al Arab explains the closure and where to see the building from outside.

Burj Al Arab hotel; Dubai one of the famous hotels in the United Arab Emirates

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Atlantis, The Palm opened in 2008 on Palm Jumeirah and is one of Dubai’s best-known family resorts, with a large water park, an aquarium, a private beach and many restaurants. It also offers underwater suites with windows onto an aquarium. Dolphin encounters are offered separately and draw animal-welfare criticism. In 2026, the resort was reported to have paused some dining outlets, and some rates were low, so confirm which facilities are open. Read our guides to Atlantis the Palm and the Palm Islands in Dubai.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

The Four Seasons opened in 2016 on Al Maryah Island and is directly linked to The Galleria shopping mall, which makes it a strong choice for luxury shoppers. Many rooms face the Gulf and the island’s promenade. See our guide to malls in Abu Dhabi for what is in the mall.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace opened in 2005 as an ornate palace-style hotel on the Corniche with a private beach and large grounds, and it has been operated by Mandarin Oriental since 2019. It is known for gold-leaf décor, lavish public spaces and a long beachfront. The old claim that it is the world’s second seven-star hotel is a marketing label, and the numbers older guides give for trees, fountains and royal-only rooms are not reliable, so I have left them out. It is best for guests who want an old-world grand hotel feel.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a 34-floor tower on Al Maryah Island with Gulf views, an outdoor pool, a spa and a collection of restaurants. It suits business and leisure travelers who want a modern luxury base near The Galleria and the island’s promenade.

Pullman Sharjah

Pullman Sharjah is a large city hotel in Al Khan on the Sharjah waterfront, with indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, a kids’ club and a spa. It is a practical, family-friendly base with lower prices than comparable Dubai hotels; remember that Sharjah does not serve alcohol. See our guide to parks in Sharjah for things to do nearby.

Which Hotel for Which Traveler?

Families with children: Atlantis, The Palm, or Pullman Sharjah.
Luxury shopping: Four Seasons or Rosewood on Al Maryah Island.
Grand beach hotel: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
Budget-minded: Sharjah or Dubai’s non-beachfront areas.
Burj Al Arab views: choose a nearby Jumeirah property and look from the beach.

Prices and Booking Tips for 2026

Rates fell sharply in 2026, with some Dubai five-star hotels reported in spring from about 100 to 450 US dollars a night and residents-only deals offering up to half off; prices change quickly, so compare dates.
Choose flexible or refundable rates and travel insurance that covers disruption.
Ask whether pools, restaurants and spas are open, because some hotels closed floors or outlets.
Summer is hot; see our guide to UAE climate and the best months.
Dress and etiquette: see our guide to UAE travel rules.

Where to Go From Here

For Abu Dhabi sights, read our guides to the Abu Dhabi city and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and for the wider picture, our Dubai city guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best hotel in the UAE?

It depends on your trip: Atlantis for families, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental for a grand beach hotel, and the Al Maryah Island hotels for luxury shopping.