Dubai’s skyline is hardly known for understatement. Yet, even in a city filled with architectural showstoppers, Atlantis The Royal continues to stand apart.
The resort has been ranked No. 4 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026. It climbed two places from its No. 6 position last year. Moreover, it retained two major titles: Best Hotel in the Middle East and Best Beach Hotel for the second consecutive year.
The announcement was made during the fourth edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards. This year, the ceremony took place at Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris for the first time.
A Dubai Resort Built Around the Experience
Since opening in 2023, Atlantis The Royal has become one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks. However, its appeal extends well beyond its striking silhouette.
The resort features 760 rooms, suites and signature penthouses. Guests can cool off in elevated sky pools, retreat to the beachfront or explore an impressive collection of celebrity-chef restaurants.
In short, this is not simply somewhere to sleep between Dubai excursions. The resort has been designed as a destination in its own right.
Its recent collaborations have added even more theatre to the experience. Dolce&Gabbana brought the colour and character of Sicily to Cloud 22 through its Carretto Siciliano takeover, created in partnership with Ounass.
Meanwhile, CARBONE Dubai introduced Major Food Group’s celebrated Italian-American dining concept to the city. The high-profile opening quickly became one of Dubai’s most talked-about restaurant arrivals.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Kym Barter, Managing Director of Atlantis, described the resort’s rise from sixth to fourth place as an extraordinary achievement.
The 2026 ranking was determined by 800 anonymous experts from around the world. The voting panel includes hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and experienced luxury travellers.
According to Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels, this year’s list celebrates more than exceptional places to stay. It also recognises the people whose vision, skill and care create memorable journeys for their guests.
Dubai Luxury Continues to Evolve
For South African travellers, Dubai remains an accessible gateway to big-city energy, warm beaches, fine dining and family entertainment. Atlantis The Royal brings all these elements together under one very dramatic roof.
Yes, it is bold. Then again, this is Dubai. Subtlety was never really part of the itinerary.
Choose Atlantis The Royal when the hotel experience matters just as much as the destination. Our team recently had the privilege of visiting Dubai and staying at this extraordinary resort, where the sky pools, beachfront setting, world-class dining and seemingly endless activities make leaving surprisingly difficult. Keep an eye out for our Spring 2026 Edition, where we’ll share more about the property, the experiences on offer and what makes an Atlantis The Royal stay so memorable.
