Perfect Weekend Getaway: Futuristic Hotels in MENA

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Perfect Weekend Getaway: Futuristic Hotels In MENA

14 Nov 2024

The Middle East is now home to hotels of an entirely new scale — incredibly beautiful and thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail to ensure your travel experience goes smoothly. Many of them now incorporate futuristic features in their design, reminding us that we are living in the age of AI. Below is a list of these unique travel spots, along with a bonus at the end: the futuristic upcoming openings that are already wowing us with their jaw-dropping concepts.

When it is time for a change of scenery, the options are endless — escape to a remote spot away from civilization, take a gastro-tour around the best cafés in your area (or nearby), or buy tickets and travel to another country for a few days. But why not take it up a notch and spend the weekend in another universe — a luxurious and probably a little bit futuristic? Here are the top hotels in the MENA region, featuring hotels from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.

Shebara, Saudi Arabia

This brand-new hotel on the Red Sea, Shebara, has just opened and is now available for bookings until the end of February 2025. Located on a tiny white-sand island, it features space capsule-style villas both over the water and on land, with a futuristic design that feels more like Mars than Saudi Arabia. Each island villa is separated by lush greenery, giving this place a surprisingly green look. Inside, the villas are designed in a modern style with plenty of white and natural wood. So, if you want to travel to Saudi Arabia for a long time — you know where to stay.

Instagram: @shebara

Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah Resort

If Shebara is the “Maldives on Mars,” then Anantara Mina Al Arab is definitely the “Arabian Maldives.” This hotel offers the classic Maldivian-style overwater bungalows, available as single or double units — however, there are also regular rooms located on the mainland in the main hotel building. The hotel also features a spa complex and several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

The hotel is located in Ras Al Khaimah’s first protected wetland reserve. It also has its own sustainable story — an ecological center, which will be part of Anantara Mina Al Arab and is currently under construction, will be dedicated to studying Ras Al Khaimah’s mangrove forests. Organised guided kayak tours are already available around the resort to encourage visitors to learn more about the mangrove forests.

Instagram: @anantararasalkhaimah

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Saudi Arabia

Here is another incredible hotel with a Maldivian vibe, located in Saudi Arabia. It may seem odd to compare every place to the Maldives, but with white sands, overwater villas, and clear turquoise sea, the comparison feels fitting.

The main highlight of this hotel, aside from its stunning visuals, is the incredibly rich marine life. All snorkeling and diving equipment is provided by the hotel.

Instagram: @thestregisredsea

ME Dubai Hotel

This Dubai hotel, designed by late Zaha Hadid, is consistently featured in all global lists of the world’s most futuristic hotels, thanks to its unique, cutting-edge style. Its lobby is a direct example of how AI might visualize a UFO. The rooms, though minimalist, also retain the hotel’s futuristic vibe with curved lines and plenty of light. The view of Dubai's skyscrapers from the windows adds an extra touch to the futuristic feel.

Instagram: @medubaihotel

Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat

If you have ever been to Santorini, you will be surprised to see this hotel — it is an exact replica, except for the absence of the blue roofs. This Abu Dhabi hotel is small, with only 22 rooms, but that is even better, especially if you are looking for maximum privacy. During the evening sunsets, the white walls of the main building turn pink and shimmer with hues — perfect for your Instagram shots.

Instagram: @anantarasantorini

The Chedi Hegra, Saudi Arabia

The Chedi Hegra is a luxury hotel located on the grounds of Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site. Each of the hotel’s rooms is designed with a connection to Hegra — A complex of archaeological sites in the Hijaz region in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. No structures were demolished for the installation of the hotel — instead, the hotel was carefully integrated into the cultural monument. What makes this place particularly unique are the three restaurants, serving the traditional to this region cuisine, which are also aesthetically integrated into the railway and Hegra fort.

There are also two hotels in Saudi Arabia that are not yet open, but are already among the most anticipated places expected to open in the next few years.

W Hotel and JW Marriott Hotel, Trojena

According to the current project, the hotels will be located directly on the mountain, resembling alien capsules that have landed on the slope. This area will feature not only hotels but also residential, hospitality, and commercial architecture, providing visitors with a complete set of infrastructure. The centerpiece of the development will be an artificial lake, stretching over 2.8 kilometres. These hotels will be part of the futuristic ski resort in the NEOM mountains — the only resort with artificial snow, ensuring skiing availability year-round.

The construction is expected to be complete by 2026.

Photo: NEOM

Epicon, Saudi Arabia

Epicon is part of Vision 2030 — Saudi Arabia's governmental plan to attract global tourism. The concept is that, thanks to the unique design of the project, 95% of the area, surrounding the skyscraper, will remain untouched. Epicon is set to house 41 exclusive boutique hotels, all designed in a unified futuristic style. The development will feature all major amenities, including outdoor pools. Additionally, near the Epicon skyscraper, there will be an Epicon Resort, designed to mirror the futuristic skyscraper but in a horizontal format.

Photo: 10Design

Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.

The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.

Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Barbara Yakimchuk