3 UAE hotels, all in Dubai, rank among the world’s best 2025

At the forefront of the UAE’s success is Atlantis The Royal, which ranked No.6 in the world. The iconic Palm Jumeirah resort known for its futuristic architecture and unrivalled beachfront setting also received the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2025, recognising its outstanding coastal experience and commitment to redefining resort luxury.

At the top of this year’s ranking is Rosewood Hong Kong, crowned The World’s Best Hotel 2025 as well as Best Hotel in Asia. This waterfront property has remained a fixture in the top three since the awards launched in 2023, winning praise for its seamless blend of elegance, artistry and world-class service.

“Rosewood Hong Kong’s No.1 position reflects Asia’s growing prominence as a global travel powerhouse,” said Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels. “This list celebrates the creativity and commitment of the hospitality sector in delivering unforgettable guest experiences.”

Asia led with 20 hotels in the top 50, followed by Europe (17), North America (6), Africa (3), Oceania (2), and South America (2). The 2025 edition also welcomed 20 new entries from 16 destinations, including Australia, India, and Brazil, illustrating the growing diversity and dynamism of the global luxury travel landscape.

Beyond the main ranking, several hotels and individuals received special awards recognising innovation, sustainability and design excellence.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is compiled by William Reed, the same organisation behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars. It represents the opinions of more than 800 experts from across the hotel and travel industry, including hoteliers, journalists, seasoned travellers and hospitality professionals.

The Academy is divided into 13 regions worldwide, each led by an Academy Chair. To maintain impartiality and freshness, at least 25 per cent of the voting panel is renewed annually. Each member casts seven votes for the best hotels they have personally stayed in within the past 24 months, ranking them in order of preference.

Voting follows strict guidelines to ensure transparency:

There are no fixed judging criteria, giving voters the freedom to define what ‘best’ means whether it’s design, location, service, atmosphere, or overall experience. This open structure allows the list to represent a true reflection of personal travel excellence from across the world.