It is actually illegal to be in a same-sex relationship in Dubai. The law means the gay community is underground there. There are, however, places where gays are quietly welcomed as long as they don’t flaunt it publicly.
Many hotels won’t allow gay tourists to stay with them, but there are quite a few hotels that not only allow it, but also help their guests find the underground gay scene.
1. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach
The Sofitel Dubai is just off of Jumeirah beach and is a popular destination for gay tourists and locals alike. Although the hotel is a bit pricey, exceptional service makes up for it. The hotel also features five star amenities and complete discretion. Amazingly welcoming and helpful staff of this gay hotel are glad to make your rest perfect.
One of the highlights of this hotel is the size of the rooms, as well as the large jet tubs in each bathroom. All rooms are equipped with modern furniture, Bose sound system, minibar and private balcony overlooking the Persian Gulf.
There are also an outdoor pool, sauna, spa, fitness center for rest facilities. A variety of food establishments operate on the territory of this gay friendly hotel, in particular, A.O.C. restaurants. International Buffet and Plantation Brasserie, Bar & Terrace, serving delicious meals and exquisite desserts. The Infini Pool Lounge Bar overlooks the sea and offers refreshing drinks and snacks, as well as shisha.
2. Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi has absolutely spectacular views. It is well worth the price you pay for privacy. The five-star The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Resort Hotel is conveniently located on Jumeirah Beach. The gay-friendly hotel includes 5 magnificent swimming pools, a 500-meter-long hotel beach and a pool to keep your sunbathing as private as it can be, luxurious rooms, 8 restaurants, and the Jungle Bay water park, which guests of all rooms can visit for free.
The rooms and suites have a spacious seating area and a marble bathroom with premium toiletries. All accommodation options are distinguished by a modern design with the use of classic decor elements, high ceilings and huge mirrors.
Guests of the gay hotels can relax at Heavenly by The Westin Spa. Tennis courts, a fitness center, and a water sports center are also on-site. Westin Mina Seyahi Resort offers daily beach games, a children’s pool, a kids’ club and the newly opened Jungle Bay Water Park with slides, Aquaplay, and a wave pool for children.
The resort offers a variety of casual and formal dining options, including a steakhouse, a Thai restaurant, and a Latin-Asian restaurant. Moreover, guests can taste dishes of Italian, Spanish, and international cuisine. There is also a separate children’s menu.
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3. Winchester Grand Dubai
The Winchester Grand should not be confused with the Winchester Hotel Apartments. The Grand is a place of extreme extravagance and renowned hospitality. There are five restaurants within the hotel and they also offer 24 hour room service. With a spa, pool, and shops inside the gay hotel, you never have to leave unless you want to. Everything you could want is right there.
The rooms of this gay-friendly hotel are equipped with air-conditioner, satellite TV, minibar and wooden furniture. A breathtakingly beautiful view of the city opens from the balcony.
The guests of the gay friendly hotel in Dubai can order dishes of various international and traditional Indian cuisine. Moreover, Dubai Grand Hotel has a bar where you can choose refreshing drinks and visit a nightclub with live entertainment.
This gay hotel also provides you with gym where you can train. Staff at the hotel’s tour desk can assist with car rental and provide information on local attractions.
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4. Hyatt Regency Dubai
Hyatt Regency Dubai provides the guests with a rotating restaurant and its own ice rink. A lounge with karaoke, a sports bar, where you can watch the broadcast of important sports events, and a nightclub with a wide selection of drinks, where stylish parties are held are at guests` service.
Luxurious rooms with a picturesque view and free Wi-Fi are decorated in an elegant style. Some rooms include a living area with a minibar and satellite TV. This gay hotel features a Club Olympus spa and fitness center with a modern gym and tennis courts. Guests are offered spa services, including a relaxing massage.
The unique Al Dawaar restaurant, the only rooftop restaurant in Dubai, is open at the hotel. Miyako’s revolving restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine. But when you prefer international cuisine, it can be ordered at The Kitchen.
This gay-friendly hotel is perfect for longer stays or if there are a few of you staying in the same room.
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5. Versuilles Hotel Dubai
The Versuilles is more of a hotel for those on a budget. It is close to the airport and very near the city center. This gay friendly hotel is ideally located for people who want to experience the culture and everything that the city has to offer. Versuilles Hotel Dubai provides the customers with elegant rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop pool.
The rooms are not as large as some of the more expensive hotels, but they are comfortable and homey. They are equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, and a TV with satellite channels. You can also order food and drinks to the room thanks to 24/7 service.
Guests can enjoy afternoon tea at the Lucky Dragon Cafe or taste various dishes of local and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, Flavors by Palm Court.
The gay hotel itself is clean and has friendly, discreet staff. Rest here exceeds the expectations of their guests and makes gay travel in Dubai perfect.
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6. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
The Hilton, much like all the other Hilton’s around the world, is a beautiful five-star gay-friendly hotel with a pool, game room, bar, ballroom, and several restaurants inside the hotel.
The rooms of this gay hotel offer a partial or full view of the sea and the world’s biggest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai. Luxurious rooms with French windows include a marble bathroom and various toiletries are at guests` disposal.
Guests can enjoy a huge abundance of water sports and order refreshing drinks at the Wavebreaker Grill and Bar on the private beach. You can taste coastal Italian seafood at one of the hotel’s 12 restaurants, the Vero restaurant. Moreover, the hotel has an all-day restaurant, a popular Irish sports bar, and McGettigan’s restaurant in the lobby.
Among the amenities of this gay-friendly hotel is a fully equipped gym with weight machines, free weights, exercise bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines. And the lovers of the spa center can order a variety of rejuvenating body care procedures.
Being a Western hotel, they don’t care who you are or why you are there. One of the advantages of staying in a chain from North America is the lack of pretense. Staying at the Hilton is like staying in the lap of luxury.
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7. Sheraton Jumeira Beach Resort
The Sheraton is a very high-quality hotel right next to the Emirates Golf Club and the University of Dubai. It offers all the amenities of any other high-class, western-owned hotel. You will find friendly staff, restaurants, bars, and a pool to lounge beside.
All rooms at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort Hotel are equipped with satellite TV, a minibar, and tea/coffee-making facilities. A panoramic view of the Persian Gulf can be enjoyed from the rooms. Room service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The customers of this gay hotel can also visit Armonia spa and obtain a wide range of health and beauty treatments, including an aromatic foot massage.
The connoisseur of refined traditional cuisine is welcomed to an amazing restaurant called the Al Hadiqa where you can get delicious Middle Eastern food served in a traditionally decorated dining room. Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort hotel also has several restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, international and local cuisine.
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8. Le Hotel Meridian
Le Hotel Meridian boasts about its private beach where you can lounge. Here you don’t have to worry about the laws against same-sex relationships in Dubai. The hotel is beautifully decorated. It features spacious rooms, great service, and all the luxuries that a hotel of its caliber has to offer.
All rooms at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center have panoramic windows, luxurious furnishings, and a 32-inch LCD TV. Bathrooms with a rain shower, bathrobes, and slippers are also at guests` service.
Guests of this gay hotel can also enjoy the Natural Elements Spa, which is guided by approaches that involve holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit. The clients of this gay hotel are provided with a wide range of signature treatments for both men and women, including cleansing wraps, facials, and full body massages.
In addition, guests will have the opportunity to train in the spacious Natural Elements fitness center enjoying the swimming pool and lush garden. The fitness center is equipped with the latest technology. The visitors of the gym can also use the services of certified personal trainers, who are glad to help guests to develop a detailed individual training regimen on various equipment to achieve their goals.
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9. Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace Hotel not only encourages same-sex couples to stay with them, they also host an underground gay club submarine event for men every week. The event is for both tourists and locals in the gay community. Management is very careful not to ask any questions so you are free to be who you are.
Each spacious room is equipped with air conditioning and furnished in the style of Zanzibar. The rooms also have a TV with satellite channels and an electric kettle. A hairdryer is provided in the private bathrooms.
Guests can relax by the pool or on the roof terrace. The restaurant serves local Zanzibar cuisine and international cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The Dhow Palace Hotel is particularly popular with couples. The guests of this gay hotel get what they want and even more.
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10. Dubai World Trade Centre Hotel
Rove Dubai Marina Hotel is a little pompous, but they offer all the luxuries and amenities that you could possibly need, along with the discretion of the staff and management.
Rove Dubai Marina Hotel, is successfully located in one of the most remarkable areas of Dubai. The registration desk is open 24 hours a day. This gay-friendly hotel includes an excellent restaurant, that offers a huge variety of dishes. Moreover, in the mornings, the hotel serves a buffet breakfast.
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Amenities in all rooms include a work desk, tea/coffee making facilities, and a sofa bed suitable for a child. A modern bathroom with a rain shower with strong water pressure is equipped with a hair dryer. An ice machine with free ice is installed on each floor.
Dubai can be a dangerous place to visit if you are gay, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to see the country. There are places where you can stay to help you keep your private life private and still see the world. Whether you are alone or with someone, don’t let outside opinions stop you from exploring.