dusitD2 Kenz Hotel Dubai, a vibrant four-star business hotel in the heart of the city’s thriving Barsha Heights, has solidified its sustainability initiatives while enhancing guest experience in a more environmentally and socially responsible way. “The hotel industry has shown a longstanding commitment to sustainability,” says Bassam Zakaria, Cluster General Manager of dusitD2 Kenz Hotel. “We are one with them as we provide a responsible stay for our employees, guests, communities, and planet”. In line with Dusit International’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), dusitD2 Kenz Hotel’s ongoing and upcoming core priorities are as follows: Responsible consumption As part of the roadmap set by dusitD2 Kenz Hotel on sustainability, the property is becoming more mindful of its consumption–from providing a stellar guest experience to employee involvement. In addition to the current waste management and recycling policies, dusitD2 Kenz employees will be undergoing up-to-date training on proper recycling and waste management that will be useful for them within the hotel and in their own personal ways. Hygiene practices and sanitation is one of the critical priorities of this property, which means cleaning solutions are among its most important consideration when it comes to consumption. With its holistic approach to its high standard of cleanliness, this property has been sourcing out toxic-free cleaning solutions that use advanced technologies such as nano-natural and phytology. These eco-friendly products are not only imperative for a sustainable future, but it is also dependable, safe, and deliver the best hygiene results. Clean Energy  Reducing carbon footprint has always been on top of the property’s list. As the world fast-tracking its Net Zero efforts, dusitD2 Kenz Hotel continues to monitor its energy consumption very often. In day-to-day operations from its front desk …

Emirates and Kenya Airways (KQ) have announced an interline partnership that will allow customers of both airlines access to new destinations on the two airlines’ networks within a single itinerary. The agreement will provide customers with increased travel options as well as seamless baggage check-in to their final destination. Emirates customers will now be able to fly to 28 destinations on the Kenya Airways network using Nairobi as the gateway to destinations such as Nampula, Bangui, Bujumbara, Kigali, Dzaoudzi, Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Zanzibar, among many other regional points across Africa. Additionally, as part of a bilateral interline arrangement, Emirates passengers travelling via Dubai can also book a single ticket itinerary from or to Mombasa, one of the most popular leisure destinations in Kenya. Similarly, Kenya Airways passengers travelling from Nairobi and Mombasa will now be able to access the Emirates’ network and seamlessly connect through Dubai to 23 destinations across West and South Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean and Middle East such as Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, Beirut, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul among others. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, “We are pleased to ink our first partnership with Kenya’s flag carrier. Kenya is a strategic gateway in our Africa network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them more travel choices across the continent. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities and improving connections for both of our customers.” Speaking on the agreement Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Kenya Airways said, “This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase our connectivity between Africa …

Oman Air has announced the expansion of its flight services to Bahrain and Doha, offering passengers increased convenience and flexibility. As of this month, the airline is operating 11 flights per week between Muscat and Bahrain, while flights between Muscat and Doha will increase from 21 to 35 a week on 24 June. Part of its summer schedule, the airline is offering a range of convenient timings, from early in the morning to late at night, enabling guests to seamlessly plan business trips, weekend getaways and even daytrips. Connecting Muscat to major cities across the GCC, Oman Air also offers 35 flights a week to Dubai, 21 flights a week to Riyadh and Jeddah, and 14 flights a week to Kuwait. Meanwhile, it continues to cater to the increasing number of Muscat-based travellers who are choosing to holiday in the region. Wherever the destination, the enhanced flight schedule allows travelers to optimise their plans and enjoy a smooth and seamless travel experience.

VFS Global launched its first sign language contact centre for people of determination in the Middle East. This innovative service not only underscores VFS Global’s steadfast commitment to foster an inclusive environment but also highlights the company’s dedication to ensuring that all customers have equal access to their services, as part of our Diversity Equity and Inclusion programme of our Sustainability Strategy. The sign language contact centre is now available for our applicants in nine countries – Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. It provides information for visa services to Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands as part of the first phase of this projects’ implementation plan. How to access the sign language contact centre: Step 1 – Visit www.vfsglobal.com Step 2 – Navigate to the Contact Us page Step 3 – Click on the sign language widget Atul Marwah, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & North Africa, VFS Global, expressed his enthu-siasm for the new service, stating, “We are truly excited to be bringing this solution to applicants, making information on our services and processes more accessible to all. Technology-backed solutions are the cornerstone of our operations, and this innovation, which makes our services and solutions more acces-sible, is amongst our proudest achievements. The service will be extended to provide visa service infor-mation for a further 17 destinations in the second phase, slated to be rolled out later in the year.” By introducing the sign language contact centre, VFS Global aims to bridge the communication gap for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, empowering them to access visa service information more easily and independently. This initiative is a …

Red Sea Global (RSG), The Red Sea and Amaala announced a new partnership with Six Senses to operate a luxury property in Triple Bay, Amaala. Six Senses Amaala will serve as a canvas on which to paint an experience of a lifetime. Integrated into the unique landforms, the beachfront residences, a hillside village, and villas that line the private mangrove bay offer varied accommodation options to suit all guest preferences. They blend the natural raw beauty of the site with the understated purity and elegance of the brand’s sustainable design standards. The 64 rooms, six suites, 30 villas, and 25 branded residences, designed by architects U+A and interiors by Studio Carter, are inspired by the region’s traditional coastal villages, which seamlessly integrate with the naturally occurring topography and use locally sourced materials. They will be located on one of the most dramatic landforms along Amaala’s Triple Bay area, offering panoramic views across the Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea. The meandering streets and paths that crisscross the site lead to enchanting plazas with glimpses of the Pura Cove and its iridescent blue lagoons. “I am delighted to announce this partnership based on shared values with such an iconic brand. The resort is situated within one of the most dramatic landscapes along Triple Bay, with a stunning backdrop of the bay itself and panoramic views of the pristine Red Sea coast,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Six Senses Amaala will serve as a canvas on which to paint an experience of a lifetime. Integrated into the unique landforms, the beachfront residences, a hillside village, and villas that line the private mangrove bay offer varied accommodation options to suit all guest …

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has tied up with non-profit United Networks of International Corporate Events Organisers (UNICEO). The partnership will further build awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice for meetings and incentives through enhanced networking opportunities with UNICEO’s key international decision-makers, and through providing business support and destination awareness opportunities for Abu Dhabi, to UNICEO’s community of corporate events decision-makers. Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said: “This partnership will enhance our Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) offer and continue to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi as the gateway to the Mena region among its 2,500 members. This strategic partnership will benefit global corporations convening events in Abu Dhabi and help them leverage the diverse offerings of the UAE capital. “Renowned for its world-leading infrastructure, iconic hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and an unrivalled leisure portfolio of rich culture, natural beauty, global entertainment and thrilling attractions, Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination to host business events.” Laurent Fuchs, Executive Director of UNICEO, said: “Abu Dhabi is conducting an ambitious strategy to attract corporate events. We are delighted they decided to support UNICEO and trust their offer will meet our members’ needs.”

The “Via Riyadh” area, the latest luxury destination for visitors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved a huge number of visitors in less than a month, reaching one million visitors since its opening on the 11th of May. Visitors in the region experience new and integrated destination with luxury hotels, shopping times in terms of luxury brands in the world of fashion, watches and jewellery with elegance experts and personal assistants, in addition to distinguished services such as valet parking and carrying purchases and delivering them to the place the visitor desires, which enhances the feeling of luxury and makes it easier for him to roam and enjoy. in the area. Via Riyadh provides, through luxury and private cinemas, a unique viewing of the best international shows, as it transports the visitor to another life full of creativity and art in the prepared seats, unique locations, visual and audio systems, and all the minute details that make the experience unprecedented. An elegant package of luxurious activities and places, with the presence of the most distinguished international and local brands, many restaurants and cafes, one of the most famous 5-star hotels “The St. Regis Riyadh”, and 7 high-end cinemas, to contribute to creating a wonderful experience for visitors. Via Riyadh is an ideal entertainment area that provides the best hospitality and shopping methods in a sophisticated location with its design, corridors, artistic sculptures and elegant spaces, as well as enjoying the most delicious food and the latest dishes in Michelin-starred restaurants and elaborate cafes with their indoor and outdoor sessions that overlook the Salmani style and an authentic urban style.

Jordan will serve as the Chair of the Commission for the Middle East for the period 2023 to 2025. Egypt and Kuwait will serve as the Vice Chairs. Tourism leaders from across the Middle East met to guide the sector’s development across the region, including as a driver of inclusive employment and rural development. The 49th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East brought high-level delegations from 12 countries together at the Dead Sea, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to assess the current state of tourism in the region and advance shared plans for its future. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has shown its resilience in the face of crisis. And now, recovery is well underway – with all the challenges and opportunities this brings. For the Middle East, tourism represents an unrivalled driver of employment and opportunity, as well as economic diversification and resilience.”  

Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment celebrated the opening of Snow Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first indoor snow park, which underscores its commitment to deliver innovative family-friendly experiences for guests across MENA and comes just six months after the opening of Snow Oman as it continues to expand its footprint across the region. “Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a global destination for family entertainment and leisure, and we are excited to introduce a new experience unlike anything else the Capital has to offer”, said Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment. He added, “Entertainment has an incredible ability to bring people together and enhance quality of life, and the opening of Snow Abu Dhabi underpins Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment’s commitment to bring innovative and immersive experiences to families across the MENA region. We look forward to welcoming the local community and tourists to our latest Global Snow attraction, which enables guests of all ages to spend quality time together and create lifelong memories.” The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi; Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment; and Mohammad El Etri, Vice President, Global Snow, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment. Located in the heart of Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi’s signature retail, leisure, dining and entertainment destination, Snow Abu Dhabi covers a sprawling area of 9,732 sqm. Storytelling is integrated into the design with an Enchanted Forest theme, which resembles a playful frost-covered world. The highly anticipated destination features more than 20 rides and attractions such as the Crystal Carousel, Polar Express Train, Flight of the Snowy Owl, Snowflake Garden and Enchanted Tree, so …

Dhows were ditched and abras abandoned this morning as the Dubai Creek skyline was dominated by an enigmatic, eye-catching, emoji. Visitors to the heart of Old Dubai today found themselves gaping in curiosity as a 15-metre floating emoji with winking eye could be spotted sailing down the emirate’s historic waterway, sparking mystery and leaving sightseers’ tongues wagging. Emblazoned with a bold message to #UnleashTheExtraInYou, the ball was launched from 8 June at 6am, watched on by wondering wanderers. But only now can we reveal what the supersized sphere signifies: The winking emoji with protruding tongue is the signature trademark of GLITCH, the Emirates’ newest family entertainment centre. GLITCH will open its doors on June 19, promising non-stop excitement and endless fun for the whole family. Spanning 40,000 square-metres, it is situated on Level Two of Deira’s Al Ghurair Centre and features more than 30 attractions, all carefully curated to cater to ages 3 and up. From engaging in friendly competition at a state-of-the-art 10-pin bowling alley to conquering a Ninja warrior assault course, diving into a variety of mind-bending virtual reality experiences to zipping around the ceiling on an indoor roller glider, GLITCH is set to become the ultimate destination for seekers of adrenaline-fuelled fun. GLITCH will be open Sunday to Thursday from 10am-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am-midnight. For ticket prices and further information, follow GLITCH on social media @glitcharabia or visit www.glitcharabia.com. Get ready to dive into the GLITCH universe at Al Ghurair Centre and #UnleashTheExtraInYou.