Tag Archives: Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted an exclusive CIS (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia) Marketplace in Al Ain Region on 14 October, connecting over 200 travel trade partners from the region with more than 50 Abu Dhabi-based stakeholders, including hotels, attractions, and destination management companies. The event is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with industry partners from key markets and boost visitor numbers to the emirate. Abu Dhabi has experienced a significant uptick in hotel guests from the CIS region, with Armenia and Ukraine seeing increases of 17.4% and 48.5% respectively (July year-to-date) compared to the same period in 2024. This positive trend is further bolstered by enhanced accessibility, reflected in strong increases in CIS flight capacity, with key markets like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan growing by nearly 17% and 22% respectively. These figures, coupled with high visitor satisfaction rates, paint a clear picture of CIS travellers eager for more of what Abu Dhabi has to offer. The event featured a range of discussions, networking opportunities, and familiarisation activities designed to ignite collaboration and educate CIS travel partners on Abu Dhabi’s extensive offering. From the vibrant capital city to the historic sites of Al Ain Region, the array of diverse experiences makes Abu Dhabi a destination with endless travel possibilities. Attendees will also experience traditional Emirati performances and engage in cultural workshops. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The CIS region is a crucial and fast-growing market for Abu Dhabi, and building strong local partnerships is essential. This marketplace offers a direct way to present Abu Dhabi’s unique attractions and, more importantly, it allows us to listen, collaborate, and …

Rashed Darwish Al Ketbi (RDK) Commercial Investments and Marriott International announced a signed agreement to open a St. Regis resort in Abu Dhabi’s Mirfa region. Expected to open in 2029, The St. Regis Mirfa Beach Resort, Abu Dhabi is anticipated to offer an all-villa, waterfront sanctuary nestled along the serene shores of Mirfa featuring the timeless elegance of the St. Regis brand. “We continue to witness a robust appetite for luxury experiences across the UAE and look forward to introducing the St. Regis brand to the tranquil coastal enclave of Mirfa,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The St. Regis Mirfa Beach Resort, Abu Dhabi will offer a truly distinctive escape—one that honours the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, while delivering the timeless elegance and bespoke service that define the St. Regis legacy.” “We are proud to expand our longstanding relationship with Marriott International through the introduction of the St. Regis brand in Mirfa — a location of remarkable natural beauty and untapped potential,” said Raja Zeidan, Chief Operation Officer of RDK Commercial Investments. “Guided by our visionary Chairman, Mr. Rashed Darwish Al Ketbi, this collaboration reflects our continued commitment to shaping exceptional destinations that honor their environment while setting a new benchmark in luxury hospitality for the region.” The St. Regis Mirfa Beach Resort, Abu Dhabi is anticipated to feature a collection of 63 private beachfront and floating villas designed in harmony with unobstructed views of the coastline. Each villa is expected to offer a seamless indoor-outdoor experience with expansive sea views, floating pools, upper and lower decks, skylight flooring, shaded canopies and private lifts. Other planned amenities include an array …

Modon Hospitality announced the launch of a luxury active lifestyle resort, the Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi. Modon Hospitality owns, operates and manages a select portfolio of hotels, restaurants, clubs and lifestyle destinations in the UAE, across the region and worldwide. With more than 28 assets and over 150 dining experiences across five countries, Modon Hospitality combines global expertise and versatility with Abu Dhabi’s vision to deliver memorable experiences fuelled by purpose, precision, and passion. Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi, the new sports and wellness offering, where movement meets relaxation, is designed for all and is set to redefine healthy living and performance-based hospitality on Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island, a destination owned and developed by Modon Holding, through active stays, recovery, movement, holistic wellness, healthy cuisine, leisure and relaxation. The innovative wellness facilities include the state-of-the-art Reboot Recovery Lounge, giving guests access to the very best in modern recovery science, including the health benefits of altitude training, traditionally used by elite athletes, and now accessible to all guests. The lounge features cutting-edge compression technology, next-generation biohacking tools, and tailored treatments that help accelerate recovery, boost circulation, and optimise overall performance. Benefits include improved heart and lung health, weight management, and better endurance. Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi’s pioneering design includes unique features such as inter-connecting family rooms, spa and wellness facilities, and a range of organic, nutrition-focused dining options. Selected guest rooms include hypoxic technology to aid athletic recovery and performance. Guests can also enjoy the unique benefits of the Olympia Recovery Mattress, crafted to support muscle repair, improve circulation, and enhance deep, restorative sleep. Designed with advanced foams, pocket springs, and cooling fabric, it helps the body recover overnight, so you wake …

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will open to the public on 22 November in Saadiyat Cultural District, marking a significant cultural milestone for the emirate. As the largest museum of its kind in the region, it represents a new global destination for science, nature, and education, inviting visitors to explore the story of life on our planet and engage in conversations about its future. The 35,000-square-metre museum is an exciting addition to the UAE’s evolving cultural landscape. It takes visitors on an immersive journey through 13.8 billion years of natural history – from the Big Bang and the formation of our solar system to the evolution of life, including the rise and fall of dinosaurs and the extraordinary biodiversity of our planet. Among the highlights of the museum are three travellers from deep time. One is the famed specimen affectionately known as Stan, a nearly complete skeleton of a mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, an apex predator which ruled the Earth 67 million years ago. It is joined by the largest animal ever known, represented by a magnificent, 25-metre female blue whale specimen, offering extraordinary insight into evolution, marine biodiversity, and the planet’s ongoing story of life. Completing the trio is the Murchison Meteorite – an artefact that witnessed the formation of our planet and contains 7-billion-year-old grains formed even before our Solar System. H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi marks a major milestone in our journey to shape the emirate’s cultural landscape. The museum offers an immersive look at the story of life on Earth, framed for the first time …

Etihad Airways has officially launched its new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, further strengthening ties between the UAE and Ethiopia. The inaugural flight, which took off last week, marks a major milestone in Etihad’s network expansion and enhances connectivity between the two nations. The new service aims to support tourism, and cultural exchange, providing passengers with a direct link to Ethiopia’s capital, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing business opportunities. The route reflects Etihad’s strategy to expand its international footprint and meet rising demand for travel in the region. Passengers can expect modern aircraft, enhanced schedules, and high-quality service, whether travelling for business or leisure. With this addition, Etihad Airways continues to reinforce its position as a leading carrier in regional and international aviation, offering travellers new opportunities for connection and exploration.

Etihad Airways launched its new daily flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, connecting Zayed International Airport (AUH) with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). The inaugural flights operated at full capacity in both directions, reflecting the strong demand for travel between the two capitals. The service marks Etihad’s debut into Ethiopia, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. The launch also coincides with the formal activation of Etihad’s landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, announced earlier this year, which enhances collaboration between the two flag carriers and expands seamless travel options between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Under the new Joint Venture, Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines will coordinate schedules and jointly develop routes, offering guests more choice and convenience while strengthening trade, tourism and cultural links between both regions. The agreement also paves the way for broader cooperation in areas including loyalty programmes, training and cargo, underscoring the airlines’ shared commitment to deliver a smoother, more connected travel experience for guests. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said “The launch of our daily flights to Addis Ababa creates a bridge between two regions with expanding connections and growing economic relations. It also marks the formal start of our landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, a partnership that will redefine connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Together, we are creating more opportunities for trade, tourism and collaboration, while giving our guests access to an even broader network through our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.” Through the Joint Venture, Etihad guests can now reach more than 55 destinations across 33 African countries via Ethiopian’s hub in Addis Ababa, while Ethiopian Airlines customers …

Etihad Airways launched direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Phnom Penh, Cambodia, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s global network. The new service aims to bring travellers closer to the rich cultural heritage and ancient history of Southeast Asia, offering a seamless and comfortable travel experience. The addition of Phnom Penh to Etihad’s route map reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the UAE with emerging destinations across the region. Passengers can now enjoy direct access to Cambodia’s capital, a city known for its historic temples, vibrant markets, and thriving cultural scene. Etihad has emphasised that the new route has been designed with passenger comfort in mind, promising a smooth journey from departure to arrival. “We are thrilled to welcome travelers on board as we connect Abu Dhabi with Phnom Penh,” said an Etihad spokesperson. “This new route is part of our ongoing strategy to enhance connectivity and make travel easier and more enjoyable for our guests.” The launch comes as global air travel continues to rebound, and Etihad strengthens its position as a leading airline linking the Middle East to Asia. The service is expected to boost tourism and business ties between the UAE and Cambodia

Etihad Airways has launched its game-changing new A321LR aircraft on all flights to and from Kolkata, bringing a refined luxury experience to the popular Indian route. The sold-out inaugural flight, EY222, touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU), Kolkata, India at 8.35pm on 24 September. All of Etihad’s eight return flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata will now be operated by the A321LR. The upgraded A321LR service reinforces Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market where it operates 183 flights per week to 11 destinations across India. The extensive network connects guests seamlessly between India and the Middle East, and conveniently onwards to Europe, Africa and North America. Kolkata, the capital and largest city of the West Bengal state, is an important gateway to India, with Etihad carrying more than 135k passengers annually between the city and Abu Dhabi. Kolkata holds the honour of being recognised as the cultural capital of India, welcoming visitors from around the world to explore the city’s rich heritage and artistic energy. As well as an increase in visitors travelling to India, Etihad is also catering to rising demand from corporate travellers as well as overseas students and those visiting friends and family. The state is also benefitting from an increase in investment in the IT and financial services sectors, which are also driving demand for corporate travel. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “India is an important market for Etihad and we’re incredibly proud to be in Kolkata to welcome our newest aircraft, the A321LR, on its inaugural flight to India. Whether choosing our luxurious First Suites, lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access and a window-view, or our next-generation Economy …