Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with more than 600 hotels and resorts across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is opening its first Raffles Resort in the Middle East, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah.

Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai.

The group has partnered with Emerald Palace group (EGP), which has been successfully developing and constructing residential projects in Ukraine, UAE and Russia since 1996, on this project. At present, EGP has 8 new developments under construction, with a further 10 at the project stage.

“We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town,” said Dr Nver Mkhitaryan, owner of EGP Group.

Raffles the Palm Dubai will be situated within a 100,000 sq m area on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Its privileged location boasts panoramic sea views and vistas of Dubai’s iconic skyline while offering a tranquil and private escape, just a short drive away from the city’s vibrant attractions.

Once open, the resort will offer 389 luxurious rooms - starting from 65 sq m, suites and villas, each of them featuring a balcony and terrace showcasing unparalleled sea views. Not only will this new property offer unrivalled hospitality, it will also go beyond expectations by providing the legendary Raffles butler service and offering eight new unique lifestyle food and beverage experiences, said a statement.

Guests looking to relax during their stay will be able to indulge in Cing Mondes Spa, an award-winning 3,000-sq-m Parisian brand with an iconic design, never before seen in Dubai, featuring 23 treatments rooms and two private spa suites, as well as the city’s largest indoor swimming pool.

Rising above the cobalt blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the property is flanked by a 500-m private white sand beach offering the perfect scene for an ultra-luxurious beach experience. Guests and residents will be introduced to a brand new concept beach club offering that will showcase Mediterranean cuisine, entertainment offerings and much more coming to the shores of the Raffles the Palm Dubai.

When staying at the Raffles the Palm Dubai, one can expect discreet service, refined dining and artfully curated experiences, setting a new precedent in a city synonymous with pioneering hospitality, it said.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for us,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “There are very few beach resort plots left in Dubai and none on the Palm Jumeirah. The size of the property and its location perfectly lend itself to provide a prestigious address for the Raffles brand.”

With properties all around the world, each Raffles reflects the mood of its location while featuring a personality that is both intimate and luxurious and Raffles the Palm Dubai will be no exception. Guests will find themselves immersed in a luxurious urban sanctuary with sumptuous facilities, including a collection of eight dining offerings fit for royalty. Raffles frequent and novice guests will be introduced to some key elements of the Raffles brand, including the Raffles Patisserie, Writer’s Lounge and Library.

Set to become the new “must-see” destination in Dubai, the property will undoubtedly meet the expectation of travellers from around the world. Guests looking for a private stay will be introduced to the private villas on the beach, while those travelling with family will enjoy world-class amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a cinema, a dedicated children’s swimming pool and kids’ and teens’ club. Adventurous travellers can partake in a wealth of water sports and recreational activities such as paddle boarding, or take introductory courses in diving.

“We are confident that the new Raffles will compete with world-class luxury hotels across the globe. While being located in Dubai, one of the most sought after cities in the world, Raffles will open its door to provide an unprecedented and exclusive level of luxury. From the private villas on the beach and array of dining offerings to the expansive outdoor areas ideals for weddings and events, Raffles the Palm Dubai is all set to become a destination in itself,” adds Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey.

Accor currently operates 410 properties (89,116 rooms) in India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey with 222 more (50,690 rooms) in the development pipeline.