Dubai's newest hotel has now opened for overnight stays.
The waterfront five-star Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is welcoming guests from Wednesday.
Set on Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations, the hotel is a sprawling family-friendly property with 608 guest rooms, 10 on-site restaurants and bars and an impressive 65-metre-long swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
Making the most of its location on a private shoreline, all rooms come with balconies to ensure guests have views over the Palm Crescent, Ain Dubai and the Dubai Marina skyline.
Guests checking into Dubai’s newest hotel can enjoy all-day dining concept Mowsem, which is Arabic for seasons. The airy restaurant, which can seat more than 300 guests, has views out to the ocean and features sculptural coral-inspired artwork.
SocialBee Lobby Lounge welcomes visitors into the hotel and serves a variety of teas, coffees, snacks and afternoon tea. This sprawling space is managing director Andreas Searty's favourite part of the hotel, because it gives a “feeling of openness and space” he tells The National during our sneak peek.
Keep an eye out for the "bee" references throughout this area — from the cakes created from the nectar sourced locally in Hatta to the honeycomb-shaped plant pots around the periphery. As night falls, SocialBee transforms into an evening hub with drinks served alongside live music from a grand piano.
Stepping outside, the hotel’s 65-metre long, palm-lined swimming pool makes quite an impression. Jacuzzi-style corners, private cabanas and one of the longest swim-up bars we’ve seen, ensure this will be one of Dubai’s new hotspots for soaking up the sunshine.
Beyond the pool, a private beach club is taking shape, and is set to launch in the cooler months. Australian gourmet favourite Jones The Grocer is also on-site and is currently being extended out on to the hotel’s shoreline.
Inside the hotel’s Dh23,000 Imperial Suite
With more than 600 keys, the hotel offers a variety of accommodation options including 54 suites and 82 executive rooms, each of which comes with access to a sleek executive lounge where complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and canapes are served daily, alongside impressive skyline views.
For an ultra-luxurious stay, the hotel's soon-to-open Imperial Suite comes with a sea-view wrap-around terrace and bar, a whirlpool and private sauna and access to the executive lounge. Sleeping up to six people, stays in this spectacular suite cost from Dh23,750 a night.
Relaxation comes courtesy of Eforea Spa, Hilton’s second five-star wellness destination in the UAE, following the brand’s inaugural launch at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Treatment rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can enjoy Dubai skyline views pre or post-treatment. The male and female spa facilities are something special — with paving stones set in what appears to be a sparkling sea of crystals, all beautifully catching the light.
While the adults unwind, children will have a blast at the Pirates Kids Club where there’s a covered shallow pool, an outdoor playground and a huge indoor play area in the guise of an oversized pirate ship — complete with crawling tunnels, slides, climbing steps and more.
Coming soon: McGettigan's, Claw BBQ and a Tahitian Village
And there’s more to come.
From next week, Factory Bar + Kitchen by McGettigan's will open with an upscale twist on the popular Irish bar.
“McGettigan's is known to everybody, I don't need to highlight what it is but it's a different concept with the look and feel of a factory,” says Searty.
The new concept is being kept under wraps at the moment, but with a central stage, aged-barrel wall features, potted plants and an entire array of paraphernalia on display, including old typewriters, flat irons and more, it's set to be the Palm's new place to go for sports, live music and more.
A week later, Claw BBQ will join the fold, offering family-friendly American-style bistro dining on the first floor. The restaurant will feature a mechanical bull, pool table, arcade games and a working jukebox, plus an outdoor terrace for more sea views.
Trader Vic's is due to launch in October, offering guests its popular mixed drinks and Polynesian-style menu served alongside island-inspired visuals. Out by the pool, the brand will also launch Tahitian Village by Trader Vic's — a new concept in the UAE that brings together great food, sea views, island vibes and Tahitian thatch structures.
Joining the party in November is BarFly by Buddha Bar. The capacious restaurant features a mystic lounge concept with Asian bites, live music and an extensive terrace that looks directly over the ocean.
It's not the first time that Hilton has unveiled such a set-up. The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is already home to a McGettigan's and a Trader Vic's outlet, while Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island has an on-site Claw BBQ. For Searty, it's a recipe that works.
“These restaurants are good and we want to complement each other and we want people who stay with us to get that experience in the hotel itself. And we believe that our destination at the Palm West Beach is going to be complimenting all the restaurants we have.”
A diverse team
With a highly trained Hilton staff of more than 700 representing 60 nationalities, one of the most diverse in the industry, the hotel also has an even 50/50 split between men and women.
And the team at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah have been trained to make sure every stay there is a special one.
“Perhaps a couple are having their wedding anniversary, and that's the reason they're coming all the way to Dubai. We will recognise this and focus on making some unique experiences around that. We tailor each stay to the individual guest”.
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The five pillars of Islam
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
LIVERPOOL%20TOP%20SCORERS
%3Cp%3E(Premier%20League%20only)%3Cbr%3EMohamed%20Salah%20129%3Cbr%3ERobbie%20Fowler%20128%3Cbr%3ESteven%20Gerrard%20120%3Cbr%3EMichael%20Owen%20118%3Cbr%3ESadio%20Mane%2090%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail
