Dubai's Palm West Beach has seen a flurry of activity in recent months including the opening of Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
The waterfront five-star hotel welcomed guests in August and has 608 guest rooms, 10 on-site restaurants and bars and a 65-metre-long swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
The National checked in to find out what to expect from a stay at the shoreline hotel.
The welcome
The contrast between the chaos of the bustling city outside and the calmness that greets you when you step inside Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is as stark as the city's skyline, especially after the 15-minute challenge of attempting to perform a simple U-turn at a busy junction to get into the hotel. Thankfully, it only takes a few seconds of being inside the property for the blood pressure to dissipate.
The cavernous entrance makes you feel like you have the entire lobby all to yourself, even when the hotel is busy. The decor is light and airy and the aroma of lavender and jasmine induces a much-needed calm after negotiating the Dubai traffic.
Check-in is quintessential Hilton — quick, quiet and efficient, and the upgrade to a sea-view room has me finally feeling like I'm winning.
The neighbourhood
The hotel is on prime real estate on Dubai’s Palm West Beach, meaning you’re never more than a walk or short drive away from some tourist hotspots as well as many beaches, cafes and bars. A stroll at nearby Al Ittihad Park is a good spot to blow off the cobwebs and there are plenty of places nearby to stop for a quick coffee, while the hotel itself boasts some of the city’s best nightlife.
The Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah offers spectacular views of the city at any time of day. And while construction is always a nagging concern in Dubai, nothing within eyesight or earshot is enough to spoil the serenity.
The room
Much like the lobby, the King deluxe room is spacious yet elegant. Everything in the hotel — from the pillows on the bed to the towels in the bathroom — are oversized, and as a 1.88-metre-tall man, that’s fine by me. The bed sheets are crisp and there’s plenty of wardrobe and drawer space. For families, connecting rooms are a bonus, as is the sofa which pulls out into a convenient additional bed.
The balcony offers stunning vistas of the Arabian Gulf, as well as a boxing event taking place on the hotel grounds during my visit. It’s more bird’s eye than ringside but makes for good viewing while enjoying a few sundowners.
The bathroom’s black marble finish is so sleek and stylish that I'm almost reluctant to use it for fear of spoiling its opulence. Ironically, for a hotel where everything is oversized, the bathtub may be the only thing that's been designed on an ordinary scale.
The service
The staff are very attentive and friendly. One member of staff goes out of her way to direct us towards the hotel pool while carrying a hot plate of food and when we decide to move inside during breakfast having been bothered by one pesky fly too many in the outdoor area, it is all hands on deck.
The scene
This five-star hotel has plenty on offer to keep guests from wanting to leave. The gym offers stunning views of Dubai Marina and there are separate spa areas for men and women, as well as couples’ treatment rooms.
The main pool is long, but not ideal for those wanting to get their morning lengths in due to the swim-up Zing Beach Bar stationed right in the middle of it. The bar offers an extensive range of drinks and a happy hour from 3pm to 5pm.
The hotel also has a kids’ pool adjacent to the main one as well as a Pirates Kids Club with an impressive wooden sloop indoor play area, plus a shaded outdoor space to keep little ones entertained.
Travellers wanting to book a day out at one of Dubai’s infinite attractions can do so at the travel kiosk in the foyer while those wanting to get away from it all can simply enjoy the sparkling blue waters of the hotel’s private beach.
The food
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is a food lover’s paradise, housing 10 on-site food and drink venues. Cuisines range from pub grub at Factory by McGettigan's to tantalising teasers at the sprawling Tahitian Village, while all-day dining at Mowsem features live stations and buffet spreads offering mouth-watering delicacies.
Jones the Grocer, on the beach, is a favourite among residents and Claw BBQ is popular with Dubai’s partygoers, including those who think they can master its mechanical bull.
As we wanted to watch the World Cup matches, we opt to dine at Factory by McGettigan’s. The food is delicious and watching the games is an enjoyable experience with more hardcore football fans preferring to watch in the garden area, leaving us to enjoy the confines of Factory's indoor industrial chic. The menu boasts that there's a plate for every taste and what I fancy is stodge (or substance, as the menu says).
We opt for the braised short ribs (Dh125) with veal jus, green beans, truffle mash and crispy onion. I’d been salivating over a picture of this very dish on my phone all day long and it more than lived up to expectations. The meat was succulent with just the right combination of flavours. I was stuffed but could have happily tackled more.
Highs and lows
The room is ridiculously comfortable, the mood is tranquil and the pool is a great place to unwind. There is plenty to keep the entire family entertained and the hotel has a great array of restaurants and bars. Late checkout is also a bonus.
On the other side, it’s not cheap. Drinks at the beach bar are expensive and happy hour choices are limited. The competing noise levels of music from the different hangouts can also be mildly distracting.
The insider tip
Definitely book a room with a sea view. As pretty as the neighbourhood is, there’s something about staring out to sea that can’t be beaten.
The verdict
In a city that already has plenty of five-star hotels, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah can more than hold its own thanks to having plenty to do, a great selection of places to eat and drink and classic Hilton hospitality guaranteed.
The bottom line
Room rates start from Dh487, excluding taxes for a King guest room in low season, rising to over Dh1,200 in high season. If you really want to splash out, the imperial suite costs Dh24,745, excluding taxes.
Check-in is from 3pm and standard checkout is at noon; www.hilton.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Essentials
The flights
Etihad (etihad.ae) and flydubai (flydubai.com) fly direct to Baku three times a week from Dh1,250 return, including taxes.
The stay
A seven-night “Fundamental Detox” programme at the Chenot Palace (chenotpalace.com/en) costs from €3,000 (Dh13,197) per person, including taxes, accommodation, 3 medical consultations, 2 nutritional consultations, a detox diet, a body composition analysis, a bio-energetic check-up, four Chenot bio-energetic treatments, six Chenot energetic massages, six hydro-aromatherapy treatments, six phyto-mud treatments, six hydro-jet treatments and access to the gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Additional tests and treatments cost extra.
Six tips to secure your smart home
Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.
Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.
Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.
Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.
Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.
Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Family reunited
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.
She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.
She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.
The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.
She was held in her native country a year later.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Porsche Taycan Turbo specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 1050Nm
Range: 450km
Price: Dh601,800
On sale: now
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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
Company%20profile
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The Porpoise
By Mark Haddon
(Penguin Random House)
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The specs: 2018 Maserati Ghibli
Price, base / as tested: Dh269,000 / Dh369,000
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 355hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.9L / 100km
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
