Raffles The Palm Dubai has secured the top spot in the North Africa and Middle East resort category at the Travel + Leisure 2026 World's Best Awards, a benchmark voted on by global travelers. The recognition places the property at the forefront of luxury hospitality in a region that includes competitors such as the Burj Al Arab and One&Only Royal Mirage.
A Five-Year Milestone for the Palm Jumeirah Icon
The award is particularly significant given the resort's relatively short operational history. Zeynep Peker Prakatur, Area Commercial Director at Raffles The Palm, noted that the achievement marks a five-year journey since opening. "To receive this accolade after just five years is a proud milestone for the palace," she said. The property, which opened in 2021, has rapidly established itself as a key player in Dubai's competitive luxury segment.
Aaron Kaupp, Regional Vice President and Managing Director at Raffles The Palm, emphasized the brand's heritage. "Receiving this recognition is an exceptional privilege and one that means a great deal to all of us. We are incredibly fortunate to represent Raffles, a brand with a rich heritage and global reputation for excellence," he stated.
Property Details and Market Position
Inspired by European palaces, the resort features 340 rooms, suites, and villas, along with a private beach, multiple dining venues, and a spa. The property is part of the Accor group's Raffles portfolio, which includes flagship properties in Singapore, Paris, and Istanbul. The Dubai outpost competes directly with other Palm Jumeirah luxury resorts such as the Atlantis The Royal and the Waldorf Astoria.
The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are a key reference for luxury travel advisors and high-net-worth clients. The 2026 results will be published on travelandleisure.com and in the August 2026 issue of the magazine.
Industry Context
The award comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global luxury tourism hub. The emirate welcomed over 17 million international visitors in 2024, with the Palm Jumeirah remaining a prime destination for affluent travelers. For travel professionals, the recognition reinforces the property's appeal for FIT and VIP bookings, particularly for clients seeking European-inspired design in a Middle Eastern setting.
Raffles The Palm's win also aligns with broader trends in the region, including increased wellness tourism and new route developments. For instance, Thailand is targeting Middle East growth with a wellness push and a new flydubai route, while Emirates Skywards is offering 5 million miles in a Dubai Summer Surprises raffle, both signaling the region's growing importance in global travel.
For hoteliers and tour operators, the award provides a strong selling point for packages and direct bookings. The property's recognition in the Travel + Leisure awards, which also saw Crystal retain its top midsize cruise title, underscores the importance of third-party validation in the luxury segment.
The resort's success also reflects the broader strategy of the Raffles brand to expand its footprint in key markets. With properties in development in destinations such as London and Bali, the Dubai outpost serves as a benchmark for new openings.
Travel advisors and agents can leverage this award to upsell clients seeking exclusive experiences. The property's private beach and multiple dining options, including the Michelin-starred restaurant, offer clear differentiators for luxury itineraries.
