Accor has confirmed plans to open its first Raffles resort in the Middle East. 

Raffles the Palm Dubai will be situated on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah and is set to open in the last quarter of 2021. 

The property will feature 389 rooms, suites and villas - each with a balcony or terrace - as well as eight food and beverage options, a 500-metre private beach and a beach club offering Mediterranean cuisine and entertainment. There will also be an outdoor pool, a dedicated children’s pool, a cinema and kids’ and teens’ clubs. 

A Cing Mondes Spa will feature 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and reportedly the largest indoor swimming pool in the city. 

Mark Willis, chief executive of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us. 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.”

He added:  “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.”