The iconic ME By Meliá Dubai, designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, has been awarded the prestigious One Key by the MICHELIN Guide 2025, joining the ranks of the world’s most exceptional hotels celebrated for excellence in design, service, and guest experience.

A sculptural marvel rising in the heart of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa district, ME By Meliá Dubai is the only hotel in the world fully designed, inside and out, by Hadid herself. The property embodies her bold, futuristic vision, a fluid interplay of light, form, and emotion that transforms every stay into an experience of art.

This new recognition by the MICHELIN Guide affirms the hotel’s position as a global icon of contemporary hospitality, where the boundaries between architecture, culture, and comfort dissolve into a seamless work of art.

“This recognition is more than an accolade; it’s a reflection of our spirit,” said Elsa Lahoude, general manager. “At ME by Meliá Dubai, hospitality is an art form. Every curve, every interaction, and every detail is crafted to evoke emotion and connection. To be recognised by the MICHELIN Guide is a tribute to our team’s creativity, dedication, and belief in reimagining the meaning of luxury.”

Beyond its striking architecture, ME by Meliá Dubai has redefined what it means to stay in style. Its 93 rooms and 13 residences are individually designed, no two spaces alike – each celebrating personality and perspective. The hotel’s intuitive service model is built on personalisation, empathy, and spontaneity, inviting guests to become collaborators in an unfolding creative experience. Even poolside, the sense of artistry continues, with luxurious Loro Piana sunbeds designed by Dutch artist Femm, blending comfort with creative expression and offering guests an elevated space to unwind in style.

The hotel has evolved into a true cultural hub, featuring nine acclaimed dining destinations. These include Central Restaurant, the hotel’s signature venue, alongside eight exceptional partner concepts: ROKA – visited by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Maison Dali, helmed by Tristin Farmer, a three-Michelin-starred chef; Soirée, The MAINE Land Brasserie, Le Relais de L’Entrecôte, Revolver, Salmon Guru, and Sfumato. Complementing its culinary offerings are art-led experiences and fashion-forward collaborations that continue to shape the city’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.

As it celebrates this new milestone, ME By Meliá Dubai continues to embody its ethos: “Contemporary Culture, By Design,” a philosophy that lives through every curve of its architecture, every personalised gesture of its service, and every creative collaboration that brings the city’s cultural pulse to life.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, the cult-favourite LA-born brand known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, is turning up the heat once again with the grand opening of its newest branch at Dubai Festival City Mall. This follows two recent successful openings of Dave’s Hot Chicken branches at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi and Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah.

 This highly anticipated launch marks the brand’s 4^th location in Dubai and 6th across the UAE, underscoring the brand’s rapid growth and unwavering popularity among flavour seekers.

 Mohamed Ahmed, Regional Brand Manager,  Said: “We’re thrilled to open our fourth store in Dubai at such a vibrant destination as Dubai Festival City. The city’s love for bold flavours and unique dining experiences continues to inspire us. This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing Dave’s Hot Chicken’s crave-worthy menu to even more fans across the UAE.”

Strategically located to serve both residents and visitors, the new branch at Dubai Festival City is set to become a go-to spot for those craving the brand’s signature heat. Whether you’re shopping, meeting friends, or exploring the city, Dave’s Hot Chicken promises an unforgettable experience with its energetic interiors and welcoming atmosphere.

Known for its Hot Chicken Sliders, Tenders and Dave’s Bites, the brand offers a build-your-own-heat experience with seven spice levels, from No Spice to the infamous Reaper™, a fiery challenge that even comes with a signed waiver. Sides like creamy Mac & Cheese, fresh Kale Slaw, Top-Loaded Fries, Slushers, and loaded milkshakes round out the menu, making it a destination for flavor seekers of all kinds! 

This opening marks another exciting chapter in Dave’s Hot Chicken’s UAE journey, with more expansions on the horizon as the brand continues to win hearts and taste buds across the region.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of Sun Siyam Resorts’ Privé Collection, has won the coveted Best Global Hotel Design award at the Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025. The accolade recognises Studio Sixty7, led by founders Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for a transformative redesign that blended artisanal craftsmanship, cultural authenticity, and sustainability to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka.

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards celebrate the best in design and decorating, spotlighting inspiring projects and innovations shaping the way we live now and into the future. Within the Best Global Hotel Design category, the judges recognised the transformation of Sun Siyam Pasikudah for its blend of refined hospitality, artisanal craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

The 34-room boutique resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast was reimagined as a sanctuary of understated luxury, completed within an ambitious four-month timeline and re-opened in November 2023. To reduce waste, much of the original furniture was refurbished and reupholstered, while all new materials were sourced locally and installed by Sri Lankan craftspeople. The team commissioned handwoven textiles, bespoke lighting, and custom joinery, using natural materials such as bamboo, linen, terracotta, and reclaimed wood to create a tactile, grounded experience.

Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, commented: “We are incredibly proud to see Sun Siyam Pasikudah recognised on the global stage. This award is a tribute not only to the vision of Studio Sixty7 but also to the extraordinary craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans who brought the design to life. Our resort now reflects the spirit of the island in a way that is both authentic and forward-thinking, offering our guests a truly unique sense of place.”

Traditional construction techniques were seamlessly blended with contemporary interior methods, producing a holistic environment where architectural integrity meets artisanal detail. The result is a collection of immersive spaces, from a restaurant and spa to a boutique and beach shack, each reflecting a strong sense of place and purpose.

The innovation lay in Studio Sixty7’s ability to redefine luxury with locality. Instead of importing generic finishes, the studio partnered with Sri Lankan artisans to create site-specific elements including handwoven ceilings, linen-draped interiors, ochre-hued plaster finishes, and custom lighting. This approach elevated vernacular design into a contemporary hospitality context, proving that innovation is not always about technology but about intentionality and integrity.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The design embraced low-impact principles, reusing original furnishings, sourcing locally made materials, and minimising imports, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of both construction and transport. Natural ventilation, open-plan layouts, and tactile finishes reduced operational energy consumption, demonstrating how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

Crucially, the project also championed social sustainability in a region historically impacted by civil conflict. By engaging local artisans, potters, weavers, and joiners, the redesign became a vehicle for economic revitalisation, offering meaningful employment and celebrating traditional skills. The on-site boutique, The Edit, continues this legacy, providing guests with an opportunity to connect directly with Sri Lanka’s craft heritage and support regional makers.

Studio Sixty7 has built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative design that balances refinement with authenticity. Their ongoing partnership with Sun Siyam Resorts includes projects across the Maldives, further cementing their role as valued creative partners.