Tag Archives: Dubai

The first ever Real Madrid-themed park celebrating football and basketball the Real Madrid way opened at Dubai Parks and Resorts. The park will be home to over 40 themed experiences and attractions including the region’s first wooden roller coaster, the tallest amusement ride in the world, Real Madrid trophies arena, themed restaurants and retail stores featuring exclusive personalised merchandise etc. Dubai Parks and Resorts and Real Madrid C.F. opened Real Madrid World (RMW), the first ever Real Madrid-themed park celebrating football and basketball the Real Madrid way at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park destination, the fascinating theme park will be home to over 40 original Real Madrid-themed experiences and attractions that offer all guests the exclusive opportunity to feel closer to their football heroes. From visiting the locker rooms of Real Madrid players and exploring the secret sanctuary guarding the club’s winning trophies, to enjoying thrilling attractions, captivating entertainment shows and topped by the region’s first wooden roller coaster and tallest amusement ride in the world – guests are in for an unforgettable adventure, surrounded by captivating attractions and immersive experiences like never before. Fans will explore an impressive collection of official Real Madrid retail and merchandise in Dubai at Real Madrid World, where fans are invited to personalize the Club’s shirts and other collectibles to celebrate football the Real Madrid way as well as enjoy numerous dining venues and carts offering flavourful treats with Spanish twists. Fernando Eiroa, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said, “Dubai Parks™ and Resorts is the first theme park destination worldwide to announce a major partnership with Real Madrid. The world’s first and only Real Madrid-theme park celebrates …

Beond will operate up to six flights per week from Dubai’s Al Maktoum  International Airport (DWC) to Maldives, providing discerning customers in Dubai with unparalleled comfort and exclusivity to one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Four flights per week are available for purchase between now and July, with an additional two flights per week beginning in July. “The launch of our Dubai to Malé service provides customers in the region with an unforgettable experience to the breathtaking Maldives, and with a wide selection of convenient flight options from which to choose. We have been very pleased with the receptivity to our new service so far, as we build Beond as the ultimate premium travel brand,” said Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of Beond. This premium leisure airline has redefined air travel, by delivering a private jet-like atmosphere. Each flight delivers a seamless journey from the journey’s start to finish, embodying the epitome of luxury flying. Beond’s state-of-the-art aircraft features modern cabin interiors and stylish seats designed to deliver the perfect travel experience and provide passengers with maximum comfort during their flight. Elegantly crafted lie-flat seats offer the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Beond’s inaugural flight from Dubai to Malé follows recent announcements including the receipt of a second aircraft, an Airbus A321 presently undergoing refurbishment, and that the airline would be the first in the world to offer select customers the Apple Vision Pro on board for a fully immersive inflight entertainment experience. In addition to the Dubai inaugural flight, service from Milan, Italy begins later in the year. The company aims to offer flights from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific to the …

In an update to mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, it has been announced that Dubai is on record pace towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination. Just over one year into the process, driven by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city is firmly on track to becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. As part of the accreditation process, DET, in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), renowned leaders in autism and sensory training and certification, has initiated comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for its tourist-facing workforce. Offered via ‘Dubai Way’, a world-class online training platform developed by Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), this training is tailored to enrich staff knowledge, deepen understanding, and refine communication strategies, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and accommodating experience for People of Determination. In addition to its Autism and Sensory Awareness course, DCT offers Inclusive Service training on the Dubai Way platform which is a self-paced online programme that teaches applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination. The programme is delivered through a series of experiential training sessions, including real-life stories, interactions and videos. In just over a year, the city has achieved the following milestones: ● More than 13,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training via Dubai Way. ● More than 350 hotels commenced the training and certification process, ensuring comfortable and inclusive stays for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. ● More than 30 locations have earned IBCCES certifications. The significant progress made so far in the accreditation process underscores Dubai’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all …

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcomed 2.47 million participants in 2023, marking a remarkable 25% increase in visitation compared to the previous year. The results were driven by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events, a notable 23% rise year-on-year. The impressive increase in visitors reflects the strength of DWTC’s diversified content-rich calendar, led by 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions and Industry Conferences. These events collectively attracted 1.56 million attendees, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, over 722,000 were international attendees, representing an unprecedented 60% growth year-on-year. These industry-leading events and exhibitions saw a participation of 53,789 exhibiting companies, representing a remarkable 45% increase over last year. An unprecedented 78% of these exhibiting companies were international (41,864), further reinforcing DWTC’s ability in consistently drawing both new and repeat international participants. The surge in foreign business attendees furthers the aspirations of the D33 Agenda, to propel Dubai to be a top three global economic city by 2033. The diversity of DWTC’s robust events calendar was further reinforced with its consumer and leisure events portfolio growing last year to host a total of 35 entertainment, live, and leisure events collectively attracting over 850,000 visitors. Commenting on the outstanding results, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “DWTC’s increasingly diverse exhibitions and events portfolio, along with its allied businesses, continue to go from strength to strength. Our results underscore the robust dynamics of the emirate’s thriving economy and strategic focus on key industry sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and business. The past year has been shaped by extraordinary momentum …

Expo City Dubai is expanding its hospitality offering to include upscale long- and short-stay serviced apartments with Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai slated to open in 2025. The agreement with Cheval Collection marks an important milestone in Expo City’s continued evolution into a thriving city of the future, further enhancing its attraction as a premier destination for both short-term and long-term visitors and residents. An all-apartment boutique property, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will repurpose the former Leadership Pavilion, adjacent to Al Wasl Plaza in the heart of the city. The Leadership Pavilion, originally built for Expo 2020, hosted numerous heads of states and dignitaries during the event and again, more recently, during the COP28 climate conference. The new residences will consist of 150 contemporary one- and two- bedroom apartments with balconies and fully equipped kitchens, as well as access to a 24-hour gym, rooftop pool, an all-day dining restaurant, brasserie, coffee shop and 1,500sqm of event and conference space. A key highlight, the property’s two existing iconic royal suites will also remain and be available for residents. Building on the city’s existing residential offerings, including apartments and villas for sale within Expo Central and Expo Valley, its commercial office space offering and as well as existing hotel accommodation for visitors, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai cements the city’s status as a cornerstone of Dubai’s 2040 Dubai Urban Master Plan, boosting the emirate’s continued development as a leading hub for people and businesses from around the world. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development & Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai, said: “This exciting development with Cheval Collection marks an important step as our city evolves into a thriving destination …

The maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that will promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) travel trade convention. Key objectives of the Cruise Arabia alliance include collaboration to enhance the cruise experience for passengers, attract more cruise liners to the region, improve infrastructure at ports and drive economic growth in the regional cruise tourism sector. The partners will also work together on enhancing the regional cruise ecosystem, improving key stakeholder relations, and conducting joint marketing efforts both regionally and internationally. Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with its partners to create interconnected and integrated regional cruise services. Previously, Dubai and the neighbouring countries have participated in international trade exhibitions as a single grouping under the banner of the Cruise Arabia alliance. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The Cruise Arabia alliance will further reinforce Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched by our visionary leadership, to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure. The growth of our cruise tourism has been largely shaped by the continuous support of our stakeholders and partners, and this alliance will result in more cruise operators seeking to anchor in Dubai, capitalising on its strategic location and promoting the city’s diverse offerings, world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity. Dubai and its …

Millennium Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Dubai. Comprising a collection of 20 luxury five-star hotel villas, this establishment promises unparalleled comfort and sophistication, adding a touch of glamour to the heart of the city. Situated in close proximity to the Mall of the Emirates, The Biltmore Hotel Villas offer a distinctive hospitality experience that seamlessly blends the opulence, history, and heritage of the esteemed Biltmore brand. Renowned for its iconic 100-year-old hotel, The Biltmore Los Angeles has long been a haven for presidents, dignitaries, and Hollywood elite, epitomizing the glamour and style of the golden age of Hollywood. Now, with the launch of the first Biltmore Hotel Villas project in the world, guests in Dubai can expect nothing short of A-list treatment, complete with signature architecture, design, and unparalleled comfort. An Opulent Urban Sanctuary Nestled in a prime location just steps away from the Mall of the Emirates and the new open-air retail district, The Esplanade, The Biltmore Hotel Villas offer guests the epitome of privacy and luxury. An opulent urban oasis awaits, providing a serene retreat within easy reach of entertainment, luxury retail, and vibrant nightlife. Perfectly balancing the excitement of city life with secluded tranquillity, it’s an ideal haven for those seeking both indulgence and relaxation. Among the 20 exclusive villas offered, guests can choose from various configurations to suit their needs. Options include 3-bedroom villas, ideal for smaller groups or families, while 4-bedroom villas offer additional luxury for larger families or groups of friends. For those desiring the utmost space and opulence, the property features two 5-bedroom villas boasting a generous plot size. Exclusive to the 5-bedroom villas, guests can enjoy …

In 2023, Dubai hotels occupied room nights soared to a record high of 41.70 million, marking a 11% increase compared to 2022 (37.43 million). This growth also represents a substantial 30% rise from the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, which saw 32.11 million occupied room nights. Reflecting the commitment of the city and hospitality sector to offer competitive pricing, the 2023 ADR of AED536 matched the ADR in 2022. The hotel sector’s robust performance is also evident in its RevPAR growth – an increase of 6% compared to 2022 (AED415 vs. AED391) and a growth of 33% over the pre-pandemic period of 2019 (RevPAR of AED312). Guests’ Length of Stay was 3.8 nights in 2023, a 10% increase from 3.4 nights in 2019. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As Dubai continues its exponential growth in alignment with the D33 Agenda set forth by our forward-thinking leadership, we remain committed to further elevating our standards and to advancing with innovative and distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences and attractions. The extensive range of offerings and Dubai’s reputation as a secure, inclusive and accessible destination have been consistently recognised across multiple global indices, culminating in the city being crowned the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024.   Hotels outperform pre-pandemic levels across all metrics Dubai’s hospitality sector, which is integral to the emirate’s destination promise and overall growth of the tourism industry, continued to perform strongly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels across all hospitality metrics – Occupancy, Occupied Room Nights, Guests’ Length of Stay, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). Occupancy remains …

Dubai welcomed more tourists than ever before in 2023, attracting 17.15 million international overnight visitors over the course of the year, according to the latest data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Representing a 19.4% YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, last year’s figure also exceeded the previous record of 16.73 million visitors registered in 2019. The growth aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched just over a year ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The best ever performance of Dubai’s tourism sector in 2023 is a testament to the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness’s commitment to fostering resilience, excellence and innovation across economic sectors and encouraging meaningful public-private partnerships that deliver value has had a transformative impact on tourism development in the emirate. Dubai’s ability to constantly generate diverse and refreshingly novel travel and tourism experiences catering to a wide range of visitors has been a key factor behind this exceptional performance. With several indicators outperforming pre-pandemic levels, this year’s results mark Dubai out as a vibrant focal point of growth in the global tourism landscape.” Celebrating a record-breaking year in 2023, Dubai further …

Azizi Developments launched the construction of the second tallest tower, worth USD 1.5bn, located on prime plot of land on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road. Scheduled to be completed within 4 years, the tower will feature a vertical mall, luxury residences and opulent penthouses, a 7-star hotel, a one-of-its-kind observation deck, and numerous high-end F&B options, among other unique and exciting features and amenities. The date of the official ground-breaking ceremony will be announced later. Commenting on this milestone announcement, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, said: “Today is a special day as we finally break ground on one of my dream projects in Dubai. While the formal ceremony will be held later, I am delighted to be marking this occasion with our own team at Azizi – a team that will be building this iconic tower.” “This tower will be our legacy. With Dubai having given my family and I so much – safety and abundance of opportunities – this tower, which will be the second tallest, is our way of giving back to this emirate and its remarkably hospitable and welcoming people.”, he continued.