The Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Hot List has officially arrived, and the UAE is proudly represented. This year, two standout locations from Dubai—Delano Dubai and Sufret Maryam—have been selected for the prestigious list, which honors the most exciting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences across the globe.
This recognition not only reflects the innovation and quality of the UAE’s hospitality scene but also shows the country’s ability to blend global luxury with rich cultural heritage.
What Is the Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Hot List?
Each year, Condé Nast Traveller curates a list of the most remarkable hotel and hospitality openings from around the world. The 2025 Hot List focuses on properties and experiences that offer something unique—be it design, service, story, or sense of place.
These selections are made by the publication’s editors and contributors after months of travel and first-hand experiences. The final list is considered a barometer of what’s fresh, meaningful, and truly exciting in the world of travel.
Delano Dubai: A New Face of Urban Luxury
A Stylish Entrance into the Middle East
Delano Dubai is the first Middle East property under the iconic Delano brand, known for its trendy South Beach roots. Located on Bluewaters Island, the hotel is a fresh take on modern luxury. Unlike many over-the-top options in the city, Delano Dubai takes a refined, minimalist approach to comfort and style.
The rooms carry poetic names like “Rising Light” and “Waking Eclipse,” designed to reflect the serene ocean and skyline views. These suites offer subtle elegance rather than bold glamour, making the space feel peaceful and modern.
Culinary Concepts That Stand Out
Delano Dubai features a lineup of impressive restaurants, including Blue Door, a coastal Anatolian eatery, and Maison Revka, a French-Slavic bistro that merges two bold culinary identities. The famous Rose Bar, originally from Miami, also finds a home here, giving the hotel a lively, yet exclusive nightlife touch.
Whether you’re checking in for a relaxing vacation or a weekend escape, Delano Dubai promises a luxury experience grounded in creativity and comfort.
Sufret Maryam: A Taste of Palestine in the Heart of Dubai
Honoring Tradition Through Food
Sufret Maryam may not be a sprawling hotel or five-star resort, but its cultural and culinary impact is just as powerful. Located in the Wasl 51 district of Dubai, this restaurant is designed like a traditional Palestinian home. From the moment you step inside, you are immersed in a warm, heritage-rich experience.
Sufret Maryam has been praised for its authentic take on Palestinian cuisine. The menu includes classic dishes like musakhan (sumac chicken on flatbread), maqluba (an upside-down rice and meat dish), and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry). These recipes, often passed down through generations, are served with pride and authenticity.
More Than a Meal—A Cultural Experience
Dining at Sufret Maryam is not just about food—it’s about storytelling. Each dish is rooted in tradition and memory, and the ambiance of the space mirrors that sentiment. This approach has made it a local favorite and, now, an international icon.
Its recognition on the Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Hot List places Palestinian cuisine and culture in a global spotlight and reaffirms Dubai’s reputation as a melting pot of world flavors.
More Middle Eastern Names Join the 2025 Hot List
The UAE isn’t the only Middle Eastern country earning praise this year. Other standout properties from the region that made the Hot List include:
- Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia – A heritage-rich restoration in a mud-brick village.
- Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Red Sea – An ultra-luxury island escape nestled in Saudi Arabia’s Ummahat archipelago.
- Royal Mansour Casablanca in Morocco – A fusion of modernity and classic Moroccan elegance, wrapped in Art Deco style.
Together, these properties showcase how the Middle East is redefining luxury, not just through lavishness, but through heritage, design, and authenticity.
Why This Recognition Matters for the UAE
Getting featured on the Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Hot List is no small feat. It places Delano Dubai and Sufret Maryam in a global conversation about the future of travel.
For Dubai—and the UAE as a whole—it highlights how the region is no longer just about iconic skyscrapers and shopping malls. There is a new wave of thoughtful, culturally grounded experiences that appeal to both locals and international travelers.
This also supports the UAE’s broader tourism goals, which aim to attract 40 million hotel guests annually by 2030. With global recognition from outlets like Condé Nast Traveller, this vision is well on its way to becoming reality.
Final Thoughts: The UAE on the Global Stage
The Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Hot List celebrates creativity, excellence, and cultural authenticity. With Delano Dubai and Sufret Maryam representing the UAE, the country stands as a key player in the evolving global travel landscape.
Whether you’re seeking sleek sophistication or soulful tradition, these two establishments prove that the UAE has something unique and meaningful to offer.
Read More: SO/ Uptown Dubai: A Design-Led Luxury Hotel Redefining Hospitality
