The Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Star Awards are out, and Dubai owns the headline. The UAE secured 19 Five Star properties this year, with 14 of them located in Dubai. From landmark resorts to fine dining and spa destinations, the city continues to define global luxury hospitality — and the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 results make that case in full.
Atlantis The Royal Earns Historic Triple Five Status
The defining moment of this year's awards belongs to Atlantis The Royal. The property earned Five Star ratings for its hotel, spa, and signature dining, achieving the rare Triple Five distinction. It is the only hotel in the Middle East and Africa to hold that status in 2026.
The wider Atlantis destination continues its dominance. Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal together now hold a combined 57 Forbes stars, ranking Atlantis Dubai second among all integrated resorts globally for total star count.
Within the resort, AWAKEN Wellness received a Five Star spa rating — making it the only spa in Dubai to earn that distinction in this year's rankings.
Dubai's Five Star Hotel Lineup
Dubai's luxury roster features both established icons and new additions. Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel joined the Five Star category this year. Longstanding leaders maintained their status, including Burj Al Arab, Bulgari Resort Dubai, Armani Hotel Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, and Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.
The full Five Star hotel list in Dubai reinforces the city's position as one of the most awarded hospitality destinations in the world under the Forbes Travel Guide rating framework.
The Only Five Star Restaurant in Dubai
Fine dining also claimed a headline position. FZN by Björn Frantzén at Atlantis The Palm holds the distinction of being the only restaurant in Dubai with a Five Star rating in 2026. Two other culinary leaders retained their Five Star recognition: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Ossiano. Dubai's dining portfolio remains firmly positioned among the global elite.
Regional Highlights Beyond Dubai
The 2026 awards also spotlighted notable developments across the wider region. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental secured its Five Star recognition in Abu Dhabi. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, earned a Five Star rating in Saudi Arabia. Rosewood Doha joined Qatar's Five Star list. In Abu Dhabi, The Pearl Spa and Wellness at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island achieved Five Star spa status.
Even with these regional milestones, Dubai remains the primary driver of the UAE's total Five Star count in 2026.
Dubai Sets the Standard in 2026
The Forbes Travel Guide 2026 results confirm Dubai's continued dominance in global luxury hospitality. With 14 Five Star properties in the city and a historic Triple Five achievement at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai holds a leading position in international rankings.
For travelers planning a luxury stay, fine dining reservation, or spa escape, the message is clear: Dubai sets the standard in 2026.
