If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, look no further than Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, which are the only places in the Emirates where you can experience the magic of real snow this festive season. From 01-25 December, families across the UAE can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a bumper line-up of family-friendly activities and create shared experiences and lifelong memories – with subzero temperatures as low as -2°C! Santa Claus is coming to town and guests will have the chance to meet the man himself and his merry elves. Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have a range of packages, catering to all members of the family. Ski Dubai’s Winter Wonderland Packages Meet Santa (AED 160) includes a special meet-and-greet and photo with Santa, a surprise gift made by Santa’s elves, signature hot chocolate, and fleece gloves. Exclusively from 11-30 November, save up to AED 30* with the Meet Santa Early Bird Discount (AED 130 instead of AED 160) and visit Santa anytime from 04-08 December. Snow Fun & Meet Santa (AED 325) includes a special meet-and-greet and printed photo with Santa Claus, a surprise gift made by Santa’s elves, signature hot chocolate, fleece gloves, one ride of the chairlift, and one-time access to the Snow Park. Enjoy unlimited Snow Park rides including Zorb Ball, Bobsled, Tubing Run, Bumper Cars, and Climbing Wall.   Family Meets Santa (AED 600) includes four tickets to a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, four surprise gifts made by Santa’s elves, and a printed family photo to capture the special moment. Plus, warm up with our signature hot chocolate and fleece gloves.   Breakfast with Santa (AED 160 for …

Esterad Amwaj Co. the developer and owner of the iconic Amwaj Beachfront project in Amwaj Islands Esterad Amwaj, held a signing ceremony partnering with leading hospitality company Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), in bringing METT Hotel & Residences, ISOLA Beach, and RAISE Fitness to Amwaj Beachfront. The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of Gateway Gulf Forum 2024, and this collaboration represents a milestone development for the region, featuring 220 keys, branded villas, and residences that promise to elevate luxury and wellness on the Amwaj Beachfront. The project aims to draw international interest and further solidify the area’s reputation as a premier destination for lifestyle and luxury. With the combined expertise and visionary approach of both Esterad Amwaj and SHG, the development is set to redefine hospitality standards within the region. Commenting, Ahmed Abdulrahman, CEO of Esterad Investment Company, and the chairman of Esterad Amwaj Company, said, “Esterad Amwaj is thrilled to partner with SHG to bring a number of world-class hospitality concepts to Amwaj Beachfront. This collaboration is a pivotal step toward realizing our vision of establishing a vibrant, luxurious destination that enhances the lifestyle and leisure offerings in Bahrain. We look forward to setting a new benchmark in hospitality and providing unparalleled experiences for both residents and visitors to Amwaj Islands.” Antonio Gonzalez, CEO and Group Chairman of SHG, added, “Partnering with Esterad Amwaj represents an exciting milestone for us as we expand our footprint in Bahrain. Our aim is to bring a new level of luxury and lifestyle experiences to Amwaj Beachfront, tailored to the tastes of today’s discerning traveler and resident. We’re committed to creating memorable and immersive spaces that resonate with the local community while …

Smart hospitality solutions provider, Hudini, has entered into an agreement with Orascom Hotels Management for the rollout of their new digital platform, Staff Connect, across Orascom’s portfolio of hotels globally. These properties include Casa Cook, Steigenberger, Club Paradisio, The Chedi and Cooks Club, Mosaique, all of which are located in El Gouna, Egypt. Orascom Hotels Management has chosen the Staff Connect platform by Hudini to create exceptional guest arrival experiences with tailored personal interaction. Orascom’s vision is to transform the arrival experience by completely removing the front desk. Upon arrival, the guests are welcomed and escorted to their rooms by an Experience Ambassador who is assigned to the guests for the entire stay. With the Staff Connect platform, check-in formalities are completed seamlessly in less than a minute in the comfort of the guests’ room. Staff Connect has already been successfully implemented across 15 properties within the Orascom portfolio.  Staff Connect is a seamless digital platform designed to streamline operations and staff communication, instantly making information accessible to all hotel departments from front desk to housekeeping. Seamlessly integrated with a hotel’s backend systems, the platform can be accessed on various portable devices, ensuring staff have real-time information at their fingertips. With Staff Connect, hotel staff can easily access guest profiles and preferences, leveraging AI-powered insights to deliver personalised promotions, experience recommendations, and curated amenities. Not only does this boost upsell opportunities, but it also creates truly bespoke stays for every guest. Sanjay Sharma, Chief Technology Officer of Orascom Hotels Management, commented [with Hudini] “the switch to personalised arrival experiences has turned out to be immensely successful with guest feedback such as “stunning” and “out of this world”. In addition, we …

Oman Air and Qantas have taken their partnership to new heights with the launch of a new and exciting loyalty programme offering. Sindbad members will soon be able to redeem their Miles on flights with Qantas, which operates an extensive network including Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, with Qantas members able to access the same benefits on Oman Air’s network. The airlines, who have an existing interline partnership, will add more attractive benefits, such as Mile-earning opportunities, as Oman Air prepares to join the oneworld alliance in 2025. Oman Air CEO, Con Korfiatis said, “Our partnership with Qantas reinforces our commitment to bring even greater value and rewarding experiences to our loyalty members. This collaboration not only enhances the travel journey by offering more ways for members to redeem their hard-earned Miles, but also plays a key role in attracting Qantas’ huge membership-base to come and experience Oman. As we look towards our highly anticipated oneworld membership next year, we look forward to providing more rewards and seamless travel across all member airlines.” Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance, added, “We know how much our members love to use their points to book international reward seats, with record numbers redeemed in the last twelve months. Frequent Flyers also tell us that exploring new destinations is high on their priority list, so this partnership will be welcome news for members eyeing their next overseas adventure. Oman Air is an impressive airline with an expansive network, a modern fleet, and a premium offering that rivals any international carrier.” With an ever-growing range of partners, Sindbad, Oman Air’s award-winning frequent flyer programme, allows members to spend Miles both in the air and on …

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is delighted to announce the promotion of Chef Mohamad Albalkhi to the position of Director of Culinary. In this pivotal role, he will oversee all food and beverage operations and lead the culinary team across the hotel’s six dining outlets, continuing to elevate the hotel’s reputation for exceptional culinary experiences. With over two decades of culinary expertise, Chef Albalkhi is renowned for his innovative approach and dedication to sustainability in the kitchen. His commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients and creating sustainable menus perfectly aligns with our vision of providing guests with memorable dining experiences that are also environmentally responsible. Chef Albalkhi’s culinary philosophy emphasizes creativity and authenticity, ensuring that every dish tells a story while minimizing the ecological footprint. In his new role, Chef Albalkhi will be responsible for curating seasonal menus, training and mentoring his talented culinary team, and enhancing the overall guest experience across all dining outlets. His focus on sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping the hotel’s culinary offerings, as he has integrated eco-friendly practices into the kitchen. “I am truly honored to step into the role of Director of Culinary at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach,” said Chef Alblakhi. “This position allows me to further our commitment to sustainability while creating innovative dishes that celebrate local flavors and ingredients. I am excited to work alongside our talented team to deliver exceptional dining experiences that resonate with our guests and reflect our shared values.” General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Michael Goetz, commented on the promotion: “Chef Albalkhi’s elevation to Director of Culinary is a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to excellence. His innovative approach to …

As the world convenes once again in London from today with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority promoting the emirate as a premier global destination. It is taken one step further by adding its offerings for winter where visitors can relax, indulge and explore an unforgettable experience. World Travel Market (WTM) London is a premier global event for the travel and tourism industry, attracting professionals worldwide. It offers networking, partnership opportunities, and insights into industry trends. The event plays a crucial role in shaping future travel strategies and showcasing innovations, influencing global tourism developments. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is promoting its special winter campaign where every traveller would find a destination tailored to their sense of adventure, relaxation, and culture. As the emirate proudly showcases its diverse tourism offerings at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, visitors are invited to explore Sharjah’s hidden gems during the cooler months, from tranquil eco-retreats to exhilarating outdoor adventures. Whether you’re captivated by breathtaking natural landscapes, seeking adrenaline-packed activities, or eager to immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, Sharjah promises an unforgettable winter getaway for all visitors and residents alike. HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), expressed excitement about the emirate’s participation in WTM 2024, saying: “Sharjah’s participation in the World Travel Market this year underscores our dedication to positioning the emirate as a premier global destination, particularly during the winter season. Our unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and eco-tourism initiatives truly shine during this time and we are proud to highlight how Sharjah continues to evolve with sustainability at the core of its tourism offerings. From our meticulously preserved heritage sites …

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) will promote Ajman as a premier tourist destination on both regional and global scale during its participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, which begins today 5 to 7 November, 2024. During the event, the Department will exhibit its innovative and comprehensive projects and initiatives as part of its goal to highlight its excellent growth within the tourism sector and the efforts being made to elevate and strengthen it. Through its participation, the Department seeks to forge and reinforce partnerships with global travel and tourism firms and leverage them to draw in tourists from Europe and beyond. In addition, ATDD aims to shed light on some of Ajman’s most significant facilities and attractions, such as its natural reserves, pristine beaches and sites of cultural and historical significance, including the Ajman Museum. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “The World Travel Market exhibition serves as a vital forum that convenes travel and tourism industry experts and leaders around the world. It paves the way to reinforce our key partnerships in the sector, exchange expertise and insights, and explore recent developments and innovations that are steering the global tourism industry.” H.E. Alhashmi added, “Our participation in the event comes in line with our effort to highlight the emirate’s tourist attractions and strengthen its position on the global tourism landscape. We aim to showcase our major efforts to advance the sector by implementing projects and initiatives that support the development of tourism infrastructure, further opening avenues for new and sustainable growth. These efforts are in line with the goals of Ajman Vision 2030 to boost the emirate’s status as an …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has renewed its strategic partnership with WebBeds expanding its scope to over 30 markets and aiming for a 25% year-over-year increase in the number of hotel guests. This expansion will not only focus on Abu Dhabi City but will also extend its reach to Al Ain, highlighting the emirate’s wide spectrum of tourism experiences. In 2023, the partnership with WebBeds targeted 21 source markets and achieved remarkable success, surpassing targets by reaching 149% of its goal for hotel guests. This success was driven by the collaboration’s joint marketing campaign, which significantly contributed to the increased visibility of Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offerings. Continuing the collaborative effort to enhance Abu Dhabi’s global tourism appeal, for the upcoming year the refreshed partnership will focus on key source markets for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. For Abu Dhabi, the targeted markets include the UAE, India, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, the UK, Germany, Russia, the USA, Brazil, Canada, Bahrain, Jordan, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Italy, and Australia. Al Ain’s source markets will include Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, and several others. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our ongoing collaboration with WebBeds reinforces the importance and effectiveness of showcasing our wide variety of hotels, resorts and other hospitality offerings through a global platform. We are leveraging our combined expertise and driving innovation in the industry and among our stakeholders, while creating memorable experiences for our travellers.” The expanded partnership will introduce key initiatives such as joint sales engagement, targeted campaigns, and trade initiatives designed …

Etihad Airways welcomed the return of its iconic A380 aircraft to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, enhancing the travel experience between the two capitals. The world’s largest passenger aircraft, measuring 73 metres in length and 24 metres in height, the Airbus A380 marks its return to the Paris route with Etihad’s most celebrated inflight features, including The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests. Designed and manufactured in Europe, with final assembly in Toulouse, the A380 represents a proud achievement of French aerospace engineering and innovation. The aircraft’s return to Paris celebrates this French aviation legacy. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris continues to be a key destination in our global network. The return of our A380 strengthens the travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Paris, reflecting our commitment to this important route.” “The return of the A380 to Paris and our broader network expansion plans, including increasing to year-round, double-daily frequencies to Milan, Rome, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, and Madrid, demonstrate our strong growth momentum in Europe. This enhanced capacity reflects the rising demand we’re seeing in France, with more exciting announcements to come before the end of 2024.” The UAE and France share strong bilateral ties across culture, education, and business sectors. A unique cultural bridge connects the two capitals as the only cities in the world to house a Louvre Museum. The route caters to growing demand from leisure travellers and the strong business ties between the two countries, particularly in the …

The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, on 18-19 November, under the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion.” This marks the first time the Forum will be held in the Middle East. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs, the event will emphasize the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in advancing economic resilience, inclusivity, sustainability, and building a strong image for destinations. Co-organized with the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, discussions will feature Ministers of Tourism from around the world and from the Middle East. Joining them will be award-winning chefs, such as Chef Alejandra Espinoza of Somos Restaurant (Ecuador), and Chef Rudolf Stefan of Konoba Pelegrini (Croatia). Key participation will include Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of 50 Best, empowering chefs worldwide, and fostering a global dialogue that elevates gastronomy as a fundamental cultural, economic, and creative force. The forum will highlight key initiatives that emphasize product quality and origins, such as Jordan’s “From Farm to Fork” initiative, an example of sustainable culinary tourism, and the Collège Culinaire de France, recognized for promoting quality dining and supporting artisans committed to preserving traditional savoir-faire. The event will also showcase Grupo Sagardi from Spain, a leading hospitality group that builds on gastronomic roots to offer authentic, high-quality culinary experiences. In line with discussions on leveraging intangible cultural heritage, the forum will explore key themes such as the use of intellectual property and branding to enhance destination branding, the preservation of culinary heritage and biodiversity, and the promotion of authentic, immersive cultural experiences that engage the entire gastronomy tourism value chain. Experts …