Dubai's hotel offering took on even greater heights last November with the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina, the world's tallest tower entirely dedicated to hotels. At 377 metres and 82 storeys high, this skyscraper houses a hotel with more than 1,000 rooms and suites - part of the luxurious Vignette Collection, owned by the IHG group - with a VIP lounge, several restaurants and, to complete the extraordinary, the highest infinity pool in the world, at 76 metres above sea level.e floor.
Developed by The First Group, one of the emirate's leading property developers, the project joins the collection of iconic addresses that have built Dubai's international reputation. From the iconic Burj Al Arab - whose sail-shaped silhouette is as symbolic of the city as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris - to the mega-complex Atlantis The Palm and the sprawling Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, which looks like a luxury yacht anchored on the edge of a marina, these superlative flagships have created a destination that embodies excellence and innovation.
Far from being limited to a few emblematic establishments, Dubai's tourism and economic boom has established it as a global hub for international travellers and major hotel brands. It's one of their favourite playgrounds, where they can play with their entire range of brands, from the most economical to the most luxurious, including lifestyle brands such as Mama Shelter, recently established in the emirate, and those focused on long business stays.
With 827 establishments - of which 39 % have already obtained sustainable certification - for a total of more than 154,000 rooms, Dubai offers a wide range of possibilities for business travellers, with accommodation solutions to suit all budgets and occasions. While most establishments have meeting rooms for all types of events, some hotels are also capable of hosting very large conventions with conference centres exceeding 10,000 m², with meeting rooms able to accommodate several thousand participants.
Alongside the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai, all these venues contribute to making Dubai the leading MICE destination in the Middle East and one of the most attractive in the world. But unlike other major world cities, Dubai is also a seaside destination, making it possible to combine business with pleasure during the same stay. To enhance a business trip or a business event, you can choose to discover the emirate's traditions in the Dubai Creek district, take a tour of the desert just a few kilometres from the city, or take part in every imaginable sporting and water sports activity.
Next winter, for example, the Port de La Mer development at the heart of Jumeirah 1 will be joined by a new leisure hotel, the Gran Melia Dubai. Stretching over 140 m along a private beach with direct access to the marina, this 289-room hotel, including 83 suites, is also taking advantage of its proximity to the Dubai International Financial Centre district to add a business dimension to its relaxation with event facilities for up to 1,000 people.
Opened last year, the Grand Hyatt Waterpark Dubai also plays, and perhaps even more so, on this relaxing mix of genres. On the one hand, there is a wave pool, slides and cabanas, and on the other, a 5,000 m² convention centre with a huge conference centre, several foyers and a dozen meeting rooms, in addition to 750 rooms.
For major conventions and incentive breaks, such as seminars or exclusive board meetings, Dubai is a key destination because of its accessibility, connected by air to the whole world.
