Raffles Dubai is a five-star hotel on Sheikh Rashid Road in Wafi, in the heart of the city's business and shopping district. Its architecture draws on an Egyptian aesthetic, and private gardens soften the surroundings. Service follows a sophisticated Asian style, so couples, families and business travellers all find a polished base. Meeting spaces include eleven rooms, a library and the Raffles Ballroom, so work and leisure can share one stay. The airport is about 15 minutes by car.

Rooms and suites at Raffles Dubai are known for generous space and balconies with views over the city. Signature Rooms measure 70 square metres and come with king or twin beds, while Raffles Club rooms and the Raffles Club Dubai Skyline rooms add club access. Suites are exceptionally spacious, with details inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian design, and Raffles Butlers are on hand around the clock.

Days can follow the pool and spa, with the fitness centre open around the clock for those staying at the hotel. Experiences include A Day With The Chef, which starts with a tour of a local fish and spice market, and a Calligraphy Workshop Stay led by a local artist. Experience Concierges can also arrange desert safaris, nightlife and visits to heritage sites. Children have a kids pool of their own, and the pool and spa both open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

The 22 m outdoor pool comes with a heated Jacuzzi and a separate kids pool, and the Pool Restaurant & Bar serves light dishes and fresh juices beside the water. Raffles Spa spreads across more than 1,200 sq m, with six treatment suites including one for couples, separate male and female areas, a sauna and steam rooms. Treatments draw on Asian, Middle Eastern and European traditions, and the fitness centre offers multi-functional machines and personal training.

Six venues cover the day. Solo serves modern Italian cooking inspired by Lombardy, Tuscany, Campania and Sicily. Azur, on the third floor, lays out a European, Pan-Arabic and Asian buffet above the garden terrace. Raffles Salon is the lobby lounge, open until midnight, with TWG teas and an award-winning afternoon tea. Raffles Garden offers twelve open-air cabanas for international and Middle Eastern dishes with shisha, and the Society Room adds artisanal cocktails.

Wafi Mall is next door, with the Khan Murjan souk and the convention centres close by. The airport is roughly a 15 minute drive away. The cooler months suit the open-air cabanas best, and November to March is the recommended time to visit. Special occasions are handled by a dedicated events team, with the Raffles Ballroom and smaller private rooms for celebrations and a wedding specialist on hand.