Dubai, United Arab EmiratesAl Barsha First
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Alpine desert landmark
Al Barsha First Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
KempinskiAlpine desert landmark
High ceilings and brushed gold accents set a calm tone, contrasting with direct views of snow slopes just beyond the glass.
“The lobby opens into a high-ceilinged, light-filled space finished in neutral stone and soft beige tones, with hints of brushed gold…”
What it’s good at
Notable
Alpine-inspired timber chalets with faux stone fireplaces face the indoor ski slopes alongside Arabesque-accented guest rooms.
Notable
Dedicated 24-hour butler service for Aspen Chalet guests, paired with Hermès bath products and private lounge check-in.
Notable
An award-winning spa offering Asian hammam rituals, complemented by rooftop tennis, skyline infinity pools, and Technogym-equipped fitness rooms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates stands out in a city known for extremes, and its prime position on Sheikh Zayed Road…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Direct indoor walkways connect to Mall of the Emirates and the metro station, offering quick transit along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The rooms
Aspen Ski Chalets feature dark wood finishes, faux stone fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly over the indoor snow slopes.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Two temperature-controlled outdoor infinity pools look toward the city skyline, flanked by cushioned loungers and white parasols.
The spa
Illuminated timber arches lead into SENSASIA Stories Spa, where treatment suites host Asian hammam rituals.
Gym and baths
Arched windows line the twelfth-floor gym, and sunken hydromassage baths are set into dark stone.
At the table
Tables range from Spanish tapas and live flamenco at Salero to Tuscan pasta counters by the pool.
The stately Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, with its regal domes and impressive façades, has the unusual distinction of being a ski resort in the Dubai desert.
How it began
Opened in 2006 alongside Ski Dubai, the hotel introduced alpine ski lodge architecture to the Arabian desert.
Good to know
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Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.