Atlantis The Royal rises to No. 4 on the 50 Best Hotels list

dding to its No. 4 ranking, Atlantis The Royal was also honoured with two special accolades – the Best Hotel in the Middle East 2026 and Best Beach Hotel 2026, reinforcing its position as the pinnacle of luxury.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (2026) – Atlantis The Royal has been named No. 4 in the global ranking of The 50 Best Hotels 2026. Following a successful debut in 2023, the resort’s latest accolade was announced at the fourth edition of The 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony in Paris, alongside industry-defining hotels from across the globe. In addition, the resort was bestowed two special accolades, including the Best Hotel in the Middle East 2026 and Best Beach Hotel Award 2026 for the second consecutive year. 

The awards ceremony once again brought together the global travel and hospitality community to celebrate the world's finest hotels. For the first time in Paris, at Les Salles du Carrousel, the event showcased experiences that will inspire consumers, travellers and hoteliers around the globe.

Already established as an iconic Dubai landmark, the resort continues to redefine the future of luxury hospitality. Whether in gastronomy, fashion, or entertainment, Atlantis The Royal leads with pioneering collaborations from Dolce&Gabbana’s vibrant new Carretto Siciliano takeover at Cloud 22 in partnership with Ounass, to the launch of CARBONE Dubai, Major Food Group’s celebrated Italian-American restaurant, unveiled with a glittering, star-studded celebration and hailed as one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in 2025. With 760 exquisite rooms, suites, and signature penthouses, guests can swim amongst the clouds in sky-pools and dine at more celebrity-chef restaurants than anywhere else in the world.

Kym Barter, Managing Director of Atlantis, comments: “To be recognised among The 50 Best Hotels for the fourth consecutive year is an extraordinary achievement, but to rise from No. 6 to No. 4 this year makes this recognition even more special, and one we are immensely proud of. This continued recognition reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of our colleagues, who bring Atlantis The Royal to life every day through truly exceptional guest experiences. To also be named the Best Hotel in the Middle East 2026 and Best Beach Hotel 2026 further underscores the significance of this year’s achievement and what Atlantis The Royal has come to represent on both a regional and global stage. As we continue to evolve, our ambition remains unchanged: to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality and create experiences that are distinctive, memorable and unmistakably Atlantis The Royal.”

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels, says: “Bringing The 50 Best Hotels to Paris for the first time has been a privilege, and a fitting backdrop to celebrate the hotels shaping the future of travel. This year’s list recognises not only extraordinary places to stay, but the exceptional people whose vision, craft and care create truly memorable guest experiences. Congratulations to every hotel honoured in 2026, thank you to our Academy whose votes shape the list and everyone who continues to make this a moment the industry look forward to each year.”

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 was revealed as part of a live countdown from No.50 to No.1. The ranking is complemented by a host of special awards alongside the first ever 51-100 list and reflects the very best travel experiences around the globe, collated from the votes of 800 anonymous experts. This voting panel – the 50 Best Hotels Academy – comprises a balanced mix of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs. 

Katy Perry to Headline Atlantis, The Palm’s Iconic New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

Following star-studded New Year’s Eve performances, from Lionel Richie in 2025 and Maroon 5 in 2026, the region’s leading entertainment destination invites guests to ring in 2027 with global pop superstar Katy Perry.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Atlantis, The Palm announces that international music icon and GRAMMY® nominated artist Katy Perry will headline the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Featuring a setlist of chart-topping hits and fan favourites, guests can look forward to an unforgettable countdown to 2027 against one of the region’s most iconic backdrops. 

Famed for her record-breaking singles and electrifying live performances, Katy Perry will take to the stage for a spectacular open-air performance under the stars, bringing her signature energy and a setlist packed with chart-topping hits and fan favourites, including Firework, Roar, Last Friday Night, and Dark Horse. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Atlantis, The Palm, guests will experience an unforgettable night of music, celebration and captivating entertainment, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display stretching across the Dubai skyline from Atlantis, The Palm to Atlantis The Royal. With Katy Perry taking centre stage and the sky lighting up at midnight, making it the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai.

Since Katy Perry’s Capitol Records debut in 2008 with “One of the Boys”, she has racked up a cumulative 115 billion streams, alongside worldwide sales of over 70 million adjusted albums and 143 million tracks. The biggest-selling female artist in Capitol history, Katy is one of only twelve artists to surpass 100 million certified units with solo single releases and was the first-ever Capitol Records recording artist to reach 10 million RIAA-certified units for a single in 2015. She was also the first artist in RIAA history to earn three RIAA Diamond singles for “Firework”, “Dark Horse” and “Roar”.

Kym Barter, Managing Director of Atlantis Dubai, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Katy Perry as the headline performer for this year’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Atlantis, The Palm. As one of the world’s most recognisable and celebrated music artists, her presence continues our tradition of bringing extraordinary global talent to Atlantis Dubai for one of the year's most anticipated celebrations. With Katy Perry joining an illustrious line-up of past headliners, we look forward to creating another incredibly memorable evening for our guests as we welcome 2027 in unmistakable Atlantis style.”

Renowned as Dubai’s most glamorous celebration and ultimate black-tie affair, this year’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Atlantis, The Palm promises another spectacular evening of theatrical performances and immersive entertainment. Set on a custom-built deck beneath the stars, with panoramic views of Palm Island and the glittering Dubai skyline, guests will be transported into a night unlike any other. The festivities begin at 6:00pm with a refined selection of canapés, welcome drinks and captivating roaming entertainment. As the evening unfolds, guests will be welcomed into the beautifully adorned outdoor setting, where a 30-piece live band, free-flowing Champagne and unlimited premium beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, will keep the celebrations flowing. Throughout the evening, guests can savour an indulgent buffet showcasing an exquisite selection of culinary delights, from lobster and caviar to sushi, complemented by live cooking stations and an array of handcrafted desserts and delicate petit fours.

Following the sell-out success of previous years, Atlantis, The Palm is once again taking the New Year’s Eve experience to new heights with the return of its highly sought-after Sky Suites. Positioned in an elevated section of the venue, the Sky Suites offer an exceptional vantage point from which to experience the evening, complemented by dedicated butler service and an elevated culinary journey featuring signature dishes from some of the resort’s most celebrated restaurants. Guests will enjoy full access to the gala’s lavish buffet, alongside an exclusive selection of ultra-premium beverages, creating an elevated and indulgent way to welcome the New Year.

For younger guests, the celebration continues in the Asateer Tent, transformed into a dedicated kids’ party zone. The magical setting will feature a giant slide, bouncy castle, outdoor cinema, game stalls, arts and crafts, and a host of festive activities designed to keep little ones entertained throughout the night.

Premium Seating

Guests will be welcomed with champagne and canapés, and premium seating offers full access to the Gala Dinner buffet, showcasing an indulgent selection of culinary delights, from lobster and caviar to an array of decadent desserts and irresistible treats.

• Starting from AED 8,500 for ages 14 and above

• Starting from AED 6,500 for ages 4 to 13 (children) 

• Free for children below the age of 3

Rouge Circle

Offers prime views just steps away from the stage. 

• Starting from AED 10,500 for ages 14 and above

• Starting from AED 7,500 for ages 4 to 13 (children) 

• Free for children below the age of 3

Golden Circle

Offers private prime seating in front of the stage, unlimited premium champagne, a caviar box with personalised truffle service, and upgraded premium wines and spirits. 

• Starting from AED 14,500 for ages 14 and above

• Starting from AED 8,500 for ages 0 to 13 (children) 

VIP Sky Suites

Guests can enjoy the VIP Sky Suite with access to a private butler, catering from the resort’s most celebrated restaurants, full access to the gala buffet and a choice of premium champagne.

• Aurora: Starting from AED 250,000 for up to 10 guests 

• Celestial: Starting from AED 400,000 for up to 10 guests

Join Atlantis, The Palm for a spectacular night of music, glamour and celebration as Katy Perry headlines the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on Thursday 31st December 2026. Tickets are available for purchase from https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/108316/new-years-eve-under-the-stars-gala-dinner-featuring-katy-perry-in-dubai. To book a VIP Sky Suite, guests can call +971 50 485 8805

To book a New Year’s Eve stay at Dubai’s favourite destination visit, https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/whats-on/celebrations/new-years?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=gala_2026 

New Opening of 2021 | #1 Atlantis, The Royal, opening in second half of the year 2021

The long-awaited Atlantis, The Royal will debut next door to Atlantis The Palm, creating a hospitality and entertainment destination spanning roughly 63 hectares. It will boast 795 rooms and suites, keep cool at more than 90 swimming pools – including an infinity pool 90m in length and soaring almost 96m above The Palm – and dine at outposts by some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, including Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés.

Atlantis, The Palm to showcase the world's largest canvas

Five-star Dubai resort Atlantis, The Palm will showcase the world’s largest art canvas in November this year. Created by famous artist Sacha Jafri, the canvas is hoped to raise in excess of AED110 million (US$30 million) for charity.

Dubbed as the ‘Modern-day Sistine Chapel’, the canvas covers the Atlantis ballroom floor, coming in at just under 2,000 sqm or around the size of two football pitches. Jafri has spent 24 weeks on the painting, with plans to finish the piece on September 10.

With the support of The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), together with The Global Gift Foundation, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai Cares, and the UAE Government, the canvas is the flagship piece in the artist’s ‘Humanity Inspired’ charity drive.

Money raised from the sale of the artwork will go towards installing internet connectivity in some of the world’s poorest regions, enabling those in need to learn about medicine, healthcare, vaccines and sanitation.