Atlantis The Royal in Dubai Earns Spot in Inaugural Michelin Design Award Finalists: Here Is More You Need To Know

Published on August 16, 2025

In a groundbreaking move, the Michelin Guide has expanded its awards to recognize exceptional hotel design, and Atlantis The Royal in Dubai has made the prestigious shortlist. This inaugural Michelin Architecture & Design Award is aimed at celebrating properties where architectural brilliance enhances the guest experience through innovative design and sustainable features. Atlantis The Royal joins Shebara Resort in Saudi Arabia, Rosewood São Paulo in Brazil, Benesse House in Japan, and Villa Nai 3.3 in Croatia as finalists for this distinguished recognition.

A New Benchmark in Luxury Hotel Design

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai is redefining luxury with its bold, cutting-edge design. Opened in 2023, this architectural marvel spans six towering interconnected structures, created by the acclaimed Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The building is a striking example of how architecture can combine artistic aesthetics with practical functionality. The property features large, naturally ventilated terraces, shaded gardens, and interconnected pools that create an immersive environment for guests.

The hotel boasts 795 rooms and suites, including the exclusive Skyscapes and Seascapes, each thoughtfully designed with water-themed interiors to reflect the region’s cultural roots. Visitors are greeted by the ‘Droplets’ sculpture, a stainless steel masterpiece in the lobby, while private fountains and aquatic features inside suites emphasize the hotel’s commitment to water as a central design element.

Among its standout features is the 22nd-floor infinity pool, one of the world’s highest, offering panoramic views over the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Intricate glass elements and advanced lighting systems transform the hotel’s public spaces into visually dynamic environments, allowing guests to experience Dubai’s grandeur in a whole new way.

Shebara Resort: A Commitment to Regenerative Luxury

Meanwhile, Shebara Resort on Sheybara Island in Saudi Arabia has also earned a place among the finalists. This resort has drawn praise for its groundbreaking approach to regenerative tourism, where luxury is paired with environmental stewardship. The resort’s 73 villas, including overwater units, have been designed with the environment in mind, using narrow supports to preserve delicate ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs. Powered by solar energy and off-grid, Shebara Resort has earned recognition for its sustainable practices, including LEED Platinum certification.

Shebara also offers guests an array of experiences that highlight the beauty of the Red Sea, from snorkeling to bio-luminescent reef tours. Its commitment to sustainable luxury extends beyond design to its guest offerings, which include yoga, spa treatments, and dining with stunning sea views.

Michelin’s New Key System and Its Impact on Hospitality

This Michelin Architecture & Design Award is part of a larger shift for the Michelin brand, which traditionally focused on culinary excellence. With the unveiling of a new Key system that categorizes hotels based on criteria like design, wellness, and sustainability, Michelin is broadening its reach into the hospitality sector. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced in Paris, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, on October 8.

The Future of Hotel Design in the Middle East

With the inclusion of Atlantis The Royal and Shebara Resort among the top five contenders for the Michelin Architecture & Design Award, it’s clear that the Middle East is becoming a global leader in luxury and innovative hotel design. Both properties not only represent the region’s growing influence in the global hospitality industry but also reflect an increasing demand for hotels that combine luxury, sustainability, and innovation in ways that shape the future of travel.

As Michelin sets its sights on expanding into the hospitality market, both Atlantis The Royal and Shebara Resort have set new benchmarks for how architecture and design can enhance the guest experience, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury hotels in the Middle East.