The prestigious event will be hosted at the city’s Madinat Jumeirah from 1–2 November 2023 under the theme ‘Shifting Economic Power: Dubai and the Future of Global Trade.’ Powered by Dubai Chambers, the transformational two-day forum will bring together key public and private sector stakeholders from across the globe to forge partnerships, cultivate international networks, and unlock a world of opportunities. It is set to bring together leaders from sectors including technology, retail, finance, travel and hospitality, real estate, and healthcare to participate in insightful discussions on transforming business for the future. Previously known as the Global Business Forum (GBF), the Dubai Business Forum is set to play an instrumental role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Announced in January 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, D33’s ambitious blueprint features 100 projects aimed at doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the coming decade and consolidating the emirate’s position among the top three global cities worldwide. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Chambers has announced the launch of the Dubai Business Forum. With Dubai leading the world across a wide range of industries, and particularly in future-facing sectors, the forum will gather visionary Heads of State, government officials, global business leaders, and major international investors to redefine the rules of success. Commenting on the launch of the forum, His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said: “Shaping the future requires concerted efforts, and we remain fully dedicated …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts signed a franchise agreement that will see a Hotel Indigo property open in Oxagon, a coastal industrial city in NEOM, located in the Northwest region of Saudi Arabia. In Oxagon, thriving communities will exist seamlessly alongside clean industry, commercial, hospitality, entertainment and retail activities. The 250-key Hotel Indigo property will be situated in Oxagon’s first residential community and will open its doors in 2026. Designed to seamlessly integrate work, live, and play, Oxagon’s neighborhoods will be fully walkable, with sustainable on-demand mass transit and micro mobility solutions. As one of IHG’s lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, taking inspiration from the area around each hotel to inform all aspects of the guest experience, from the hotel’s boutique design approach to locally inspired restaurants. Similarly, the Hotel Indigo property in Oxagon will be designed as a lifestyle destination offering exciting retail and dining concepts including cafés, a pool lounge, and a specialty restaurant. Additionally, residents and visitors will have access to a range of leisure and wellness facilities including a spa and 24-hour fitness centre. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are delighted to announce our first IHG hotel in the exciting and rapidly developing region of NEOM. Hotel Indigo is dedicated to embracing the unique essence of each local destination, ensuring that our hotels truly embody the spirit of their locations. We are excited to announce the upcoming opening of this new property in Oxagon, where an innovative blueprint for industry and remarkable livability is …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a new technology agreement between affiliates of Hyatt and Sabre Corporation. Under this agreement, Sabre’s SynXis Central Reservation System will become the main Central Reservation System (CRS) for Hyatt hotels beginning in 2024. This integration will enhance Hyatt’s reservation capabilities, streamline its operations, and deliver a seamless and efficient experience for guests, including a faster search and booking process. The agreement comes on the heels of Hyatt’s announcement of Hyatt PrO to optimize its revenue management system. These innovations are done with the aim of enhancing Hyatt’s commercial technology stack, informed by listening to owners and operators. “All of our business decisions are driven by our purpose – we care for people so they can be their best – and that begins with empathy and listening,” said Eben Hewitt, chief information officer, Hyatt. “As part of our transformative growth journey, we heard directly from owners and franchise management companies that we had an opportunity to create a more efficient and streamlined Central Reservation System, and after a very thorough evaluation, we decided that Sabre would be the perfect provider for Hyatt’s global portfolio to make the search and booking process even better for guests.” By leveraging the SynXis Central Reservation System, Hyatt’s new system will be designed to make the guest search and booking process even smoother and increase visibility for property availability through: Flexible calendar search – Guests searching for availability will have a more intuitive and efficient calendar view, including key dates when special promotions are available, as well as when World of Hyatt members can redeem their points for the highest value. Enhanced rooms and rates view – Hotels will be able to …

As part of the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign, a new interactive guide titled ‘Dubai’s Summer Gems’ was issued by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office. Showcasing a comprehensive compilation of tranquil beach destinations, exhilarating water activities, and captivating waterparks, the new guide perfectly encapsulates Dubai’s distinctive summer ambiance and unparalleled experiences that distinguish it as one of the world’s most fascinating destinations during the warmer months. Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said: “‘Dubai’s Summer Gems’ guide unveils the best of what our city has to offer during the summer months. It serves as a fantastic resource that invites individuals to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery in this vibrant city. The guide highlights a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to every taste and interest. From serene beaches perfect for relaxation to thrilling water activities that ignite a sense of adventure, this guide captures the essence of Dubai’s summer charm.” The guide highlights numerous exceptional public beaches that provide ample facilities and activities for families and children. These beaches offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a memorable experience. Additionally, for those seeking thrilling water adventures, the guide features a variety of waterparks that guarantee a fun-filled day of aquatic excitement. The guide also includes a selection of other exhilarating water activities that cater to diverse interests. Some of these activities include the thrilling experience of parasailing, the mesmerising exploration of scuba diving, the scenic delights of boat touring, and the adrenaline rush of surfing. The latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign invites international audiences to embark on a captivating journey of exploration and …

Dubai International (DXB) has received an accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) under its Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that recognises global airports’ commitment to accessible travel operations. The certification acknowledges DXB’s ongoing prioritisation of a safe and inclusive airport experience for passengers with both physical and hidden disabilities. This aligns with the 2019 ACI World General Assembly Resolution and United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons, which stipulates that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Through the launch of a phased, two-year plan that addresses and elevates the travel experience for People of Determination (POD), DXB has successfully proven its ability to provide an accessible and inclusive airport experience for passengers, airport workers, visitors and the elderly. This includes launching a travel planner for pre-travel preparation, designing an Autism Friendly Route, and implementing a large-scale training programme. Under the banner of ‘We all meet the world differently’, DXB’s innovative POD initiative contributes to Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s leading disability-friendly city and drives regional and international awareness of travellers with physical and hidden disabilities. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, said: “Dubai Airports remains committed to creating an inclusive airport experience and we’re working with stakeholders to ensure we continue to develop services and facilities that travellers with disabilities require to make their travel to Dubai comfortable. Our goal is to see the needs of POD met at every touchpoint of the journey – especially those with hidden disabilities such as autism, chronic fatigue, and pain. This prestigious ACI accreditation is a testament to our success so far and reaffirms our efforts as we continue …

AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s recently launched premier Arabian cruise line, part of Cruise Saudi, is thrilled to announce its three-year Gold Sponsorship agreement of Al Nassr Football Club. Unveiled during a signing ceremony at Al Nassr Summer Camp in Portugal, the new strategic partnership aims to foster synergies between the two entities and unlock mutual benefits. Key to the partnership is the connection between the exhilaration witnessed on the football pitch with the unparalleled remarkably Arabian experiences to be offered by AROYA Cruises. As the official sponsor of the club, AROYA’s logo will be prominently displayed on the upper chest area of Al Nassr Football Club’s iconic jersey. As part of the sponsorship, AROYA Cruises and Riyadh-based Al Nassr FC will conduct joint promotional campaigns for three years, starting from the 2023-2024 season. The campaigns will focus on linking Al Nassr’s stars and fans with the immersive cruise experience, designed and tailored to reflect the brand values of inspiration, enrichment, generosity and respect, offered by AROYA Cruises. The aim is to create a seamless connection between the passion for football and the exploration of Saudi Arabia’s coastal treasures and other destinations, fostering the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 toward economic, social, and cultural diversification and opening up new areas of economic activity and development. “We are delighted to announce our Gold sponsorship of Al Nassr Football Club” said Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer at Cruise Saudi. This partnership allows us to align the excitement of remarkable performances witnessed on the football pitch with the remarkable experiences we will offer at sea. Together, we aim to create unforgettable and exclusive moments for Al Nassr’s players, and football-loving fans and families …

Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is thrilled to announce its first-ever season of Summer Camps taking place at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi. Until 31 August, Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi are inviting kids aged 4-10 to join the coolest summer camp in the UAE. Beat the summer heat and boredom with fun learning workshops, physical activities, treasure hunts, magic shows, unlimited snow park rides and attractions, trips to VOX Cinemas, and snow much more! Summer Camps start from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily (except Saturdays and Sundays) and are available in daily, weekly, and monthly packages starting from AED 350 inclusive of all activities, two snacks and lunch. Ski and Snowboard Camps at Ski Dubai For children looking to improve their ski or snowboard skills this summer, Ski Dubai is once again hosting their much-loved weekly Ski and Snowboard Summer Camps until 24 August, from Mondays to Fridays. Children aged 3-13 will learn to shred the slopes and improve their skills through the Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced camps with 60- or 90-minute sessions. Weekly packages start from AED 895 for skiers aged 3-6 and AED 1,040 for skiers and snowboarders aged 7-13. Keep kids active this summer with some winter magic in the fun-filled Ski Dubai & Snow Abu Dhabi Summer Camps or help them level up their skills with Ski & Snowboard Summer Camps. Book your child’s slot now at Ski Dubai – https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/ski-dubai/passes-packages/summer-camp or at Snow Abu Dhabi – https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/snow-abu-dhabi/passes-packages/summer-camp

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will open its third London hotel in the British capital in 2028 to cater to the discerning guests from the Middle East. Situated on London’s South Bank with dramatic views over St Paul’s Cathedral, Mandarin Oriental Bankside, London is positioned ideally to access both the City of London and the West End theatre and shopping districts, offering a perfect base for leisure and business travellers. The hotel will be part of the larger Bankside Yards development, which serves to reconnect the space between the Tate Modern and Blackfriars Station and is centred around the historic railway arches that run through the heart of the site. The overall property is being developed by an international real estate consortium including Hotel Properties Limited, Native Land Limited and Amcorp Properties Berhad. The development will comprise a contemporary standalone building, expected to have 171 guestrooms and 70 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental. The hotel will offer wellness and fitness facilities tailored for those leading active lifestyles. Within a dedicated space, guests will find a comprehensive Spa at Mandarin Oriental, providing signature wellness therapies and beauty treatments, a 25m lap pool, a spacious fitness centre and invigorating heat and water experiences. Four distinct culinary outlets, located on the first floor and the 19th floor of the building, with views across the city, will make the hotel a destination for locals and visitors alike. Dedicated events spaces include adaptable function and meeting rooms, with pre-function space, an outdoor terrace and an activity space, will ensure it becomes a sought-after destination for events and social occasions. In line with the brand’s continuous commitment to sustainability, the property will benefit from the wider Bankside …

Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay will be the first in the UAE to bring to life the brand defining Open Lobby concept, which transforms the traditional hotel lobby into a flexible space, where the guests can connect, relax, socialise or work their way. IHG Hotels & Resorts will launch, by quarter four 2023, a new stylish dual-branded property in Dubai’s Business Bay. Located a short distance from key tourist and business spots, this cluster of hotels will offer modern and comfortable accommodations for travellers enjoying a short or longer stay in Dubai.The hotel will feature 275 rooms, modern meeting and recreational facilities including a fitness centre and an outdoor pool.  The naturally lit meeting and event spaces will offer state of the art technology with a capacity for up to 100 guests. The new Holiday Inn hotel will bring to Business Bay two new dining venues, a Mexican eatery, La Plancha – Terraza Mexicana, and a chic modern European restaurant and bar, Brasserie on One. It will embody all of its hallmarks, which our guests know and love us for including the brand’s signature “Kids Stay and Eat Free” program. The thoughtfully designed guest rooms will offer best in class features including a 55-Inch smart TV, contemporary furnishings, and high-quality bedding. Staybridge Suites is IHG’s upscale extended stay hotel brand that offers an elevated, residential-style hotel. The new hotel, Staybridge Suites Dubai Business Bay will offer 120 suites with options of studio, one, and two-bedroom suites to cater to varying guest needs. The all-suite hotel is perfectly designed to meet the needs of extended-stay travellers who seek a sense of community and home like warmth when traveling for days, weeks, …

Wego and Azerbaijan tourism board invites travelers to discover Azerbaijan in all seasons.  The two companies will join forces for a new campaign aiming to showcase Azerbaijan’s incredible attractions to MENA travelers. Building on the successful previous partnership, this collaboration will leverage Wego’s extensive reach and innovative marketing strategies to showcase Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. In Azerbaijan, both summer and winter offer a wide range of exciting activities for each type of traveler. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said: “As we renew our partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board, we aim to inspire and guide travelers to explore the wonders of Azerbaijan and create a seamless and inspiring travel experience. We recorded over 830,000 searches globally to Azerbaijan this year and we are expecting to see an increase in the searches towards the summer.” During the summer months, the country’s beautiful coastal areas become a haven for beach lovers. Travelers can indulge in water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Additionally, the picturesque mountainous regions of Azerbaijan, such as the Greater Caucasus range, provide fantastic opportunities for hiking, trekking, and exploring scenic trails that lead to breathtaking vistas and hidden waterfalls. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, said: “In winter, Azerbaijan transforms into a winter wonderland, providing excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. The country has premier ski resorts and offer world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities with a range of slopes suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. Additionally, the picturesque village of Gabala, located in the Tufandag Mountains, offers a charming winter retreat with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and even enjoying horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes.”