The MICHELIN Guide announced its 2026 global hotel selection on Monday, confirming that Atlantis The Royal in Dubai has retained the guide’s highest distinction – three MICHELIN Keys – for a second consecutive year, while its sister property, Atlantis, The Palm, has been added to the guide’s list of selected hotels for the first time.

Atlantis The Royal remains the only hotel in the United Arab Emirates to hold three MICHELIN Keys, a rating that denotes an “extraordinary” stay. The resort first earned the three‑key honour in 2025 at the inaugural global MICHELIN Key Selection ceremony in Paris, where it also received the first MICHELIN Architecture & Design Award.

The inclusion of Atlantis, The Palm marks the first time the iconic resort has been recognised by MICHELIN inspectors, who evaluate hotels on architecture and interior design, service quality and consistency, personality, value for price, and overall contribution to the guest experience.

The MICHELIN recognitions come on the heels of a string of other accolades for Atlantis Dubai. In early 2026, Atlantis The Royal was ranked No. 4 in The 50 Best Hotels 2026, climbing two places from its 2025 position, and was also named Best Hotel in the Middle East and Best Beach Hotel for the second year running.

Kym Barter, Managing Director of Atlantis Dubai, said, “This is an incredibly proud moment for Atlantis Dubai. To see Atlantis The Royal retain Three MICHELIN Keys for a second consecutive year, while remaining the only hotel in the UAE to hold the Guide’s highest hotel distinction, is a tremendous recognition of the passion, dedication and consistency of our colleagues. To also see Atlantis, The Palm join the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection for the first time makes this recognition even more special.”

The MICHELIN Key system, introduced across 15 countries in 2024 and expanded globally in 2025, mirrors the restaurant star rating but for hotels. One Key signifies a very special stay, Two Keys an exceptional stay, and Three Keys an extraordinary stay, the highest tier awarded to a select few worldwide.