Inside the lavish London hotel where President Sheikh Mohamed and Dubai Ruler met this week

This week, President Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the opulent Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London. The meeting, captured in videos widely shared on social media, underscored the strong bond between the two nations and their commitment to fostering mutual growth and prosperity. Both leaders, deeply involved in the development of their respective countries for many years, regularly convene in the UAE to steer its future trajectory.

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower, a 17-floor hotel, has long been a symbol of opulence and refinement in London's prestigious Knightsbridge. Originally named the Carlton Tower when it first opened in 1961, the property was acquired by Jumeirah, a leading UAE hotel group, in 2001. A major £100 million renovation commenced in 2021 and was completed in the same year, highlighting the hotel's ongoing evolution while maintaining its historic charm.

Strategically located, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower overlooks the exclusive Cadogan Gardens, a venue accessible only to residents. Nearby attractions include Harrods and Sloane Square, with Buckingham Palace a mere 20-minute walk away. Guests at the hotel can also indulge in a taste of the UAE through La Maison Ani London, a French restaurant opened by British-Nigerian chef Izu Ani in 2024.

With a menu featuring traditional French dishes such as snails, onion soup, and truffled scrambled eggs, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience reflecting Emirati culture.

Notably, Sheikh Mohammed has made frequent visits to London, further solidifying the deep-rooted ties between the UK and the UAE. Last summer, he was spotted at Harrods, where he dined at Somewhere Cafe, an Emirati-owned restaurant founded by Amal Al Marri and Deem Al Bassam. Sheikh Mohammed also became the first official guest at Parker’s, a Dubai restaurant with Emirati ownership, which gained popularity for its Matilda cake, a chocolate creation inspired by Roald Dahl's book.