The Polo Bar at Al Habtoor Palace Dubai has been named one of the world’s 58 Hotel Star Bars verified by Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the world’s leading authority on luxury hospitality.
This year’s honorees, spanning 19 countries, were identified through data gathered as part of FTG’s 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on exacting incognito inspections globally. The bars named to the list excelled in scores related to their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless, luxurious service and an exceptional guest experience.
The selection of 58 honorees is a tribute to Forbes Travel Guide’s founding as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958.
Standing proudly as the crown jewel of Al Habtoor City, Al Habtoor Palace Dubai continues to define timeless opulence in the heart of Dubai. Recently awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating for 2025, the iconic property exemplifies grandeur through its palatial architecture, impeccable service, and French-inspired elegance. From dedicated butler service and sumptuously appointed suites to a curated art collection and serene Versailles-style courtyard, every detail is a tribute to refined hospitality. Al Habtoor Palace is not merely a place to stay—it is a destination that celebrates the art of living exceptionally.
Elegance and Equestrian Charm at The Polo Bar
A refined sanctuary tucked within Al Habtoor City, The Polo Bar blends timeless elegance with equestrian charm to deliver a uniquely distinguished experience. Echoing the ambiance of New York’s grand heritage bars, its rich leather furnishings and stately wooden finishes set the stage for a sophisticated escape. Guests can savour an artful selection of classic and bespoke cocktails—each crafted as a tribute to Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit. From the first pour to the final toast, The Polo Bar offers an atmosphere of effortless glamour, drawing in discerning patrons who appreciate the perfect union of tradition and modernity.
“We are honored to be distinguished on the 2025 Forbes Star Bars List—a graceful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to excellence. The Polo Bar is where enduring sophistication seamlessly intertwines with Dubai’s spirited vitality, delivering a refined experience we take pride in every evening.” Said Soufiane El Allam, Complex Operations & Commercial Director, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection
“The 2025 Star Bars represent the pinnacle of hotel bar experiences,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of FTG. “FTG’s in-person inspections in more than 90 countries provide unmatched insight into hotel bars, with our research delving into two years of exacting data to surface the best of the best.”
“These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists, and cocktails that are skillfully crafted and creatively presented,” said Bastien Gardrat, Forbes Travel Guide’s Global Spirits Ambassador. “These are elements that come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience. Congratulations to the remarkable bars on this year’s inaugural list.”
About Al Habtoor Palace Dubai
Al Habtoor Palace Dubai is a haven of timeless elegance, set along Sheikh Zayed Road with views of the Dubai Water Canal. Showcasing majestic Beaux-Arts architecture, the hotel features 234 opulent rooms and suites—including the iconic Bentley and Sir Winston Churchill Suites—each with 24-hour bespoke butler service. Guests can indulge in exceptional dining at World Cut Steakhouse, BQ, or Sidra Lounge, renowned for its grand afternoon tea. The Silk Spa offers tranquil Hammams, steam rooms, and indulgent treatments, while a rooftop pool provides a serene escape. Ideally located next to La Perle by Dragone, the hotel also offers access to the private beach at one of our affiliated hotels on Palm Jumeirah. From its grand interiors to its curated experiences and chauffeured Bentley service, Al Habtoor Palace is more than a hotel—it is an extraordinary expression of luxury in the heart of Dubai.
About Forbes Travel Guide:
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous inspectors evaluate hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our exacting inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit partner.forbestravelguide.com.
