3 Middle East hotels named 'most...

Architecture awards Prix Versaille picks 16 picture-perfect properties worldwide

Prix Versailles has named three hotels from the region in its 2025 World’s Most Beautiful list – Shebara in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the UAE and Al Moudira in Egypt.

The annual appreciation of architecture worldwide selected 16 hotels that are considered the finest contemporary projects that pay tribute to innovation, creativity, reflect local heritage and embrace intelligent sustainability.

Three hotels from the 2025 List will also receive the further distinction of a World Title – Prix Versailles, Interior or Exterior – to be awarded in December 2025.

Shebara on Sheybara Island in Saudi
Shebara on Sheybara Island, part of The Red Sea project in Saudi Arabia, was included due to its futuristic design – courtesy of UAE-based Killa Design – and eco credentials. The resort has its own water desalination and treatment plant and is powered by 100% renewable energy from a solar farm.

Shebara on Sheybara Island in Saudi

Located 25km off the coast, the island is home to mangroves, turtle nesting grounds and coral reefs that are all benefitting from developer Red Sea Global’s regenerative tourism mission, which aims to have net nature positive impact of 30% by 2040.

Shebara’s stainless steel villas (pictured top) reflect the sea and sky and seem to float above the water.

In March, Shebara, which is owned and operated by Red Sea Global, was included on TIME’s 'World's Greatest Places' list for 2025.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai
Killa Design is also the team behind the second regional representative on the Prix Versaille list, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai. The final part of the renowned ‘ocean trilogy’ that includes the iconic Burj Al Arab (shaped like a sail) and Jumeirah Beach Hotel (shaped like a breaking wave), this stunning luxury property has all the hallmarks of a luxury yacht, berthed between its siblings.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai

The hotel, which opened during Ramadan 2025, floors are like decks of ocean-going cruise ships but with a private megayacht level of luxury.

Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor
Originally opened more than 20 years ago, Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor on the banks of the River Nile is a palatial property arranged around 10 interior courtyards and surrounded by 25 acres of palm groves, reimagined and expanded in 2024.

With views to the timeless Valley of the Kings, the hotel is highlighted by judges due to its locally inspired design and authentic influences that draw on the “prestigious past of cities like Alexandria, Cairo, Beirut and Damascus”.

Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor

“The common thread between these 16 extraordinary hotels is the fact that they all elevate expertise and local heritage,” said Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, adding that they represent “the most beautiful destinations in the world”.

The 2024 Most Beautiful Hotel list included Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain and The Ned Doha, Qatar – with the latter winning the Interior accolade. The Hanok Heritage House in Yeongwol, South Korea, won the overall Prix Versailles.

For more information, visit www.prix-versailles.com

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