The Middle East has come out on top in the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, with Dubai leading the way by earning the highest number of new Five-Star honors worldwide. These awards, which serve as a benchmark for luxury and service excellence in the global hospitality industry, are based on a meticulous evaluation process conducted by anonymous inspectors who assess hundreds of criteria.
Receiving a Five-Star rating is not just a recognition of an establishment's commitment to unparalleled service and luxury, but it also places them among the elite in the world of hospitality. Five new top-rated hotels in Dubai joined the prestigious list, including Address Beach Resort, Armani Hotel Dubai, Atlantis The Royal, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, and The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. This brought Dubai's total number of Five-Star hotels to an impressive 12.
Despite being a newcomer, Atlantis The Royal managed to secure a Five-Star honor, which is a remarkable feat. Open for just a year, the hotel boasts unique architecture, including a bold building of stacked blocks and endless amenities. Furthermore, it is even in the running for Forbes Travel Guide's first reader's choice award for Best New Hotel. The managing director, Tom Roelens, expressed his delight and said, 'Earning a Forbes Five-Star award for Atlantis The Royal in year one was a dream and a focus of the entire team from day one.'
Another notable recipient of the Five-Star Award is Address Beach Resort. Located in the Jumeirah Beach neighborhood, this luxury lifestyle hotel stands out with its distinctive O-shaped building and the world's highest infinity pool on the 77th floor. Hasna Gass, the director of operations, proudly stated, 'Rising over 300 meters [or 982 feet] high, the hotel boasts some of the most unique views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf.'
Notably, Address Beach Resort sets itself apart by having a woman leading the property. Gass emphasized the positive impact of female leadership, stating that it brings a unique perspective and approach to hotel management. Women leaders excel in fostering a nurturing and inclusive work environment, prioritizing attention to detail, and emphasizing empathetic communication. Gass believes that the increasing presence of women in prominent roles within the region's prestigious hotels will bring fresh and exciting visions to the hospitality landscape.
The Middle East has seen a significant resurgence in tourism, surpassing pre-pandemic visitor arrivals. In 2023, the Middle East was the only region worldwide to exceed 2019 figures, with a 20% increase, according to UN Tourism. This surge can be attributed to various factors such as easier visa processes, the development of new tourism-related projects, the addition of new destinations, and hosting major events like the FIFA World Cup. The trend is expected to continue with ambitious projects like Saudi Arabia's 50-hotel Red Sea development.
Dubai, in particular, has been at the forefront of this tourism boom, experiencing record-breaking numbers in 2023. The city welcomed 17.15 million international tourists, the highest in its history and a 19.4% increase from the previous year. Industry experts predict that 2024 will mark a transformative phase for Dubai's hospitality industry, with a strong focus on sustainability and technological advancements to enhance the guest experience.
Kuwait is another emerging destination in the Middle East that has witnessed significant growth in its hospitality scene. The country is investing in enhancing its tourism offerings, including the expansion of Kuwait International Airport to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2025. The Waldorf Astoria Kuwait has already made a mark in its first year by earning two Five-Star awards for both the hotel and spa. The hotel prides itself on its commitment to service excellence and standout features such as spacious rooms and the Ikaros Club experience.
In line with the growing interest in wellness tourism, Kuwait is also ramping up its wellness offerings. The Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Spa provides a sanctuary spanning nearly 38,000 square feet, complete with 17 treatment rooms and tailored experiences ranging from facials to hammam rituals. As wellness becomes increasingly important, the hotel aims to introduce a selection of wellness programs and treatments designed to promote well-being in harmony with the preferences of environmentally conscious guests.
Qatar, fueled by the excitement of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has experienced a tourism boom, leading to the opening of numerous new hotels in Doha. Two new Five-Star hotels have joined the city's roster. Four Seasons Hotel Doha, located on a private beach, offers a wide range of accommodations, indoor and outdoor pools, and popular restaurants such as Nobu Doha, Curiosa by Jean-Georges, and Le Deli Robuchon. Raffles Doha, on the other hand, occupies the unique crescent-shaped Katara Towers and provides all-suite accommodations with stunning views of the gulf and skyline, along with personalized butler service.
The Middle East's tourism and hospitality industry is on an upward trajectory, buoyed by the region's commitment to excellence and continuous development. With a focus on sustainability, innovative technologies, and exceptional service, the region is well-positioned to attract discerning travelers seeking unforgettable experiences in luxurious settings.
