The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has been officially recognized as a five-star wellness resort by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). The region’s first wellbeing resort receives the new classification, following a number of site visits to identify all classification and licensing procedures. Situated along Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, the resort offers 255 rooms and design-led suites as well as four dining options which showcase an array of healthy cuisine. The world’s first Rayya Wellness Centre housed within the property offers a variety of all-inclusive retreat packages that have been expertly designed for relaxation and rejuvenation to improve mind, body and spirit. The wellbeing resort also features a dedicated Rayya Fitness Centre, esco Rayya Spa and Rayya Kids Club. The hotel also recently launched Rayya Nutri, a comprehensive range of healthy meal plans developed by the team. Rayya Nutri meals are offered via delivery and come with a list of ingredients, alongside the nutritional facts of each dish. Khalid Saeed Bin Touq, Executive Director, Tourism Activities and Classification Sector, Dubai Tourism, commented: “We are delighted to officially present the first wellness hotel certification to The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel. “The demand for wellness tourism continues to increase as more travellers become mindful of their health and well-being. Dubai continually strives  to further enhance its position as a global wellness destination with its distinctive attributes being  the most modern world class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance one’s wellbeing, and a diverse group of experts and practitioners from across the globe, in addition to ensuring that the highest standards of health and safety measures are in place across sectors in line with international …

Interest in relocating to the Emirates has witnessed a pronounced uptick in 2021, as professionals from around the world look to take advantage of the UAE Government’s latest raft of innovative visa options. That’s the assessment of management and legal consultancy Swiss Group, whose clients have been keen to take advantage of increased visa flexibility, the local lifestyle, and the UAE’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic – with fewer restrictions and lower infection rates than the vast majority of global markets. Michael Lane, Managing Director of Swiss International Legal Consultants Ltd, UAE – a legal entity of Swiss Group – said: “We have definitely experienced stronger diversification of demand during the past 12 months, with numerous clients choosing to pursue the latest visa options as opposed to conventional avenues. “This trend has been especially noticeable among global entrepreneurs, many of whom have registered their interest in innovations such as the Green Visa and Remote Work Visa,” Lane continued. “We have also witnessed a significant number of enquiries relating to the Golden Visa and Retirement Visa, both of which were launched by the UAE Government in 2018.” In a bid to support individuals who are considering relocating to the UAE, and who wish to explore residency options, Swiss Group has released an up-to-date guide entitled: Decoding the UAE’s Visa Landscape Lane explained: “The UAE ranks in the top five best places to live and work globally, according to a recent HSBC study, so it’s hardly surprising that so many people are interested in relocating to the Emirates. However, with so many potential avenues available to the international market, it can sometimes be difficult to know which option is best suited to …

Announced during ILTM Cannes, Hyatt introduces plans for seven new luxury hotels throughout Europe and the Middle East, in addition to 24 luxury properties in stunning destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Morocco, Greater China, Thailand, and more as Hyatt’s luxury portfolio globally that are slated to open by 2023.  These hotels are expected to further bolster Hyatt’s portfolio of luxury brand offerings in key growth markets. Hyatt continues to grow its brands in locations that matter most to guests, members, and owners. As leisure travel continues to drive recovery in many parts of the world, today’s announcement signals a continued commitment to catering to high-end travelers through a strong pipeline of diverse brands in some of world’s most desirable locations. The hotels and resorts set to join the Alila, Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and Thompson Hotels brands are expected to exceed the expectations of the luxury traveler, delivering personalized and engaged service, story-worthy experiences and world-class offerings. “Today, more than ever, our members and guests are looking for unforgettable travel moments – moments that are truly meaningful and leave an indelible mark, connecting them to experiences that change and inspire them,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights, Hyatt. “The addition of these new hotels and resorts across Hyatt’s luxury portfolio will reinforce Hyatt’s position as a leader in the luxury hospitality space.” All grounded in premium, cultural and desirable destinations known for their cuisine, architecture, immersive cultures, and history, these newly announced projects are located throughout Europe and the Middle East and have been carefully selected to complement Hyatt’s elevated, luxury portfolio.

Circuit X, Abu Dhabi’s much-loved adventure park, launched its second season of X Camp: Operation Green Earth. Back by popular demand, X Camp provides an active and educational program inspired by the vision of a greener, richer, and sustainable future. The camp runs from 12-30 December and children can enrol to experience adventure like never before, for five days of endless fun while enjoying the cool December weather.  Set in nature, Operation Green Earth will treat children to a fun exploratory journey that aims to heighten their awareness on the importance of protecting earth, providing hands-on learning activities, and guided nature walks, in addition to Circuit X’s promise to provide adrenaline-packed activities across all the four parks with its amazing coaches.  X Camp Operation Green Earth will combine elements of science, geography, nature, character building, intertwined with climbing, ziplining, biking, skateboarding and much more! The educational winter camp brings coaches and children together to explore through games and activities the values of protecting animals, plants and wildlife, as well as sustainable practices and knowledge on renewable energy, preserving water, recycling, and planting.  Kids will be on a journey to discover the different aspects of science, geography and nature through sensory exploration and by using their imagination, while having lots of fun! Located in Hudayriyat Mar Vista and commissioned by Modon Properties, Circuit X offers daily passes to the camp as well as a weekly camp pass for the little explorers. Siblings get a discounted price to take a break and enjoy the winter holidays. While the little ones are off exploring nature under the watchful eye of the team, parents can enjoy Circuit X’s adventure park – climbing to new …

In a new step aligned with its role as a planner, enabler and regulator of the cultural and creative sector in the emirate, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) launched ‘The Dubai Framework for Cultural Statistics’ that sets a comprehensive, local statistical framework and classification of the domains and activities of the creative economy in the emirate in accordance with international references and standards in this field. This constitutes a new means to design a dynamic system that enables Dubai to have an accurate grasp on the creative pulse of the sector by adopting comprehensive measures and data that monitor the health of the sector in line with international standards as well as monitoring statistical data in the fields of cultural and creative industries, enabling this sector, its development and highlighting its strength. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), affirmed that the new statistical framework has been developed to suit the emirate’s cultural position through the use of data points that allow international comparison. The framework supports the planning methodology for impactful strategic projects that support the sustainability of cultural and creative industries sectors, develop a stimulating environment for them, identify the aspirations and trends of cultural and creative talents globally, attract them to live and prosper in Dubai, and enable them to flourish with their creativity, innovations and intellectual property across all creative fields, contributing to advancing Dubai’s creative scene and achieving a positive economic and social impact. This step has direct implications on the fulfilment of Dubai’s Creative Economy Strategy, which aims to make Dubai the global capital of the creative economy by 2026. …

After the successful launch of the first METT Hotel & Beach Resort in Bodrum, Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has now revealed details of its highly anticipated second hotel, due to open in 2022: METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona, Spain. As one of the most visited destinations by the Middle East travellers, this will be another iconic property to add to their list in their favourite summer destination in Spain. With uninterrupted sea views and sandy beaches, the 5-star lifestyle resort sits on the pristine Marbella shoreline on the border of the famed Estepona. It has 253 rooms and suites, all designed beautifully with seafront or pool-facing views, perfectly suited for the most dynamic and adventurous traveler. Antonio Gonzalez, CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group says: “The METT concept and lifestyle was originally curated for those travellers of today who are looking for a place to simply have fun and celebrate life, in an amazing location. After the phenomenal success of METT Bodrum, we will now maintain the brand values and experiences that makes us ‘METT’ and look forward to welcoming the residents and visitors of Costa del Sol.” Surrounded by lush Andalusian landscape resembling a “chic contemporary cortijo”, the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona is the perfect destination offering everything guests may need. From incredible dining and wellness, as well 5* accommodation, to no frills service, expect nothing less than an elegant, yet modern and minimalist design. With dining at the heart of the METT experience, the Mediterranean-inspired FOLIE Restaurant & Sea, which debuted at the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum, will yet again bring waterside glamour and barefoot luxury with a relaxed open-air ambience …

Wizz Air announced that 90% of its crew members are now vaccinated, following its 1 December deadline requiring flight and cabin crew to be vaccinated – or get regularly tested at their own cost – unless they recently recovered from COVID-19. The requirement underpins the airline’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its passengers and employees. Following Wizz Air’s announcement in September to introduce COVID-19 vaccines for all its flight and cabin crews, the airline can confirm that their vaccination rate is ahead of the average vaccination rate in most of its markets. The policy does not mandate vaccination, however crew members who are not vaccinated will have to cover the cost of their own testing from December 1 onwards. Unvaccinated crew members, who can provide medical proof of exemption, will be able take antigen/PCR tests on regular bases. The decision to require crew to have the COVID-19 vaccine reflects research which demonstrates the vaccine’s effectiveness as the best available form of protection against COVID-19. Wizz Air has also organised regular webinars and one-to-one consultations with virologists to educate its staff about the vaccines, and answer any questions the employees might have. Johan Eidhagen, Chief People Officer of Wizz Air Group said: “We are pleased to announce that 90% of our flight and cabin crew members are already vaccinated. At the start of the pandemic, we led the industry with our stringent health and safety measures, as we fully understand the responsibility to protect crew and passengers onboard by mitigating the risks of COVID-19, and we recognise the crucial role that the vaccine plays in this.”

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved testing and quarantine protocols on December 2, 2021, for arriving international passengers from countries/territories/jurisdictions that are not listed as Red List countries/territories/jurisdictions in all ports of entry in the Philippines. The new standards have been implemented on December 3, 2021. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated must have a negative RT-PCR test completed within 72 hours of departing from their country of origin. They will be subjected to facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, with an RT-PCR test performed on the fifth day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Regardless of the result, they will be subjected to home quarantine until the 14th day after their arrival. Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated will be required to do a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departing from their country of origin. They will be subjected to facility-based quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, with an RT-PCR test conducted on the seventh day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Regardless of the result, they will be subjected to home quarantine until the 14th day after their arrival. The Department of Transportation has been directed to ensure that only passengers who pass a negative RT-PCR test before flying are allowed to board. Minors’ testing and quarantine protocols, on the other hand, must follow the parent/testing guardian’s and quarantine protocol, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status or country of origin. International travellers who have already arrived and are undergoing quarantine must follow the testing and quarantine protocols in effect at the time of their arrival. Filipinos from countries/territories/jurisdictions on the Red …

Exactly 13 years after it first connected Abu Dhabi to Moscow, Etihad Airways launched its inaugural flight to the new state-of-the-art International Terminal C at Moscow Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport (SVO). Operated by a 787 Dreamliner, Flight EY63 departed Abu Dhabi International Airport at 9.35am and landed in Moscow at  2.25pm on 2 December, where it was greeted with a welcoming ceremony including and a delegation of government ministers, the UAE Ambassador to Russia and senior SVO executives. The return flight back to Abu Dhabi, EY64, departed Moscow to similar fanfare at 3.50pm. The delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Russia, Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group; Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism & Marketing at DCT; and Mikhail Vasilenko, General Director of SVO Airport. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “After 13 years connecting our two capital cities, we’re delighted to introduce the 787 on this route and move to Russia’s newest and most sophisticated airport, providing better connectivity for guests between Abu Dhabi and Moscow in support of our objective to grow trade and tourism opportunities between our two countries.” “Supported by an increased daily flight schedule providing Russian holiday makers and business travellers with even more opportunity to visit the UAE, this is the start of a new phase in relations building on the strong economic ties between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.” To complement the move to SVO, Etihad continues to work with Aeroflot to enhance and develop its partnership, including the launch of codeshare services across the respective networks, and exploring other areas of cooperation to enhance guest benefits. UAE citizens are …

The Scottish Association Dubai Pipe Band, an international blend of pipers and drummers from Scotland, South Africa, the US and beyond, joined together with the Dubai Police Band at Dubai Expo 2020, to celebrate Scotland’s national day, St Andrew’s Day with a musical display in front of the UK pavilion. The bands brought together people with a shared passion for Scottish culture, and celebrated by performing both traditional and modern bagpipe music. Members of the Scottish Association Dubai Pipe Band played the Great Highland Bagpipes whilst performing in traditional Highland Dress, consisting of swaying tartan kilts, sporrans and hats.