Movie nights in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) are getting an upgrade! Residents and visitors can now catch the latest blockbusters at the brand-new ROXY Cinemas in Circle Mall by Dubai Retail, bringing blockbuster screens, gourmet snacks and plush seats right into the heart of the neighborhood. Building on its reputation for luxury and innovation, from the record-breaking ROXY Xtreme screen at Dubai Hills Mall to bespoke Platinum viewing experiences with in-seat dining, the new cinema will feature 5 state-of-the-art screens, showcasing the latest blockbusters. So, whether it’s an action-packed night with friends or animated adventures with the kids, there’s something for everyone. Guests can look forward to ultra-comfy recliner seating, state-of-the-art sound and projection, and an upgraded food offering. The Gold experience includes in-seat dining, gourmet menus, and added comforts such as pillows and blankets, while the Bronze experience offers a relaxed, premium big-screen experience for everyday moviegoers. Circle Mall by Dubai Retail offers plenty of parking and easy access, making it the perfect community hub for JVC residents and nearby neighborhoods.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) Dubai have successfully concluded the ‘From Heritage to Plate’ culinary competition. Held in partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026, and powered by Foodverse, the initiative celebrated the rich tapestry of Emirati cuisine, championing local ingredients and providing a powerful platform for the next generation of culinary stars. The competition invited up-and-coming chefs and residents of all nationalities to showcase their creativity by reinterpreting traditional Emirati dishes using authentic local ingredients. Out of hundreds of online submissions, eight exceptional finalists were selected to compete live. On 13 December, these talented chefs came together at ICCA Dubai, where they cooked their final dishes before an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned culinary experts Andy Cuthbert, President of Worldchefs; Mohamad Orfali, CEO & Head of Culinary at Orfali Bros; and Nabhan Abdulrahman, Chef and F&B Consultant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The competition saw the selection of two winners: Ayesha Khoory, who took first-place and was awarded AED40,000, and second-place winner Alya Al Ali, who received AED20,000. Beyond monetary prizes, both winners will gain the opportunity to showcase their winning culinary creations at the prestigious Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026, Taste of Dubai 2026 and Dubai World Cuisine at Gulfood 2026, providing them with a powerful launchpad for their professional careers. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of DET, said: “The ‘From Heritage to Plate’ culinary competition has been a testament to Dubai’s dedication to its cultural roots and its future, and we congratulate our winners and all chefs who entered and participated. …

Gewan Hotels and Resorts was recognised as ‘Fastest growing hotel management company’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning this award is a remarkable milestone for MD Hotel by Gewan and a testament to our unwavering commitment to service excellence and guest satisfaction. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our entire team and inspires us to continue elevating our standards in the year ahead.” The award was received by Emad Ibrahim, Hotel Manager; Omar Al Yafeai, Owner’s Representative; and Marwa Fechtani, Corporate Director – Marketing and Communications, MD Hotel by Gewan

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Mwani Qatar, welcomed two ships arriving at Doha Port for the first time this week during a special welcome ceremony for the two ships, marking an important milestone in the 2025/2026 cruise season. The Bahamas-flagged vessel Seven Seas Navigator, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has arrived on its first visit of the season. The vessel was carrying about 373 passengers and 365 crew members and docked for two nights before departing on December 15. An official reception was held at the cruise terminal during which commemorative shields were exchanged. Doha Port welcomed the Celestial Discovery, operated by Celestial Cruises, marking its first visit to the Port of Doha. The ship was carrying about 1,322 passengers and 476 crew members, during which an official reception was held during which commemorative shields were exchanged. The two visits included a variety of cultural events that highlighted Qatari heritage, including handicraft shows, pearl exhibitions, tawash shows, traditional bearing making, Arabic calligraphy, and traditional Arda shows. Arabic coffee and dates were also served to guests as part of the authentic Qatari hospitality. These visits reflect the continued growth of Qatar’s cruise industry and underscore the pivotal role that Doha Port plays as a key gateway to international visitors during the 2025/2026 season. Qatar Tourism continues to work closely with global cruise lines and partners to expand and strengthen the cruise industry, contributing to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry and supporting Qatar’s economic diversification goals. The cruise season plays a vital role in achieving the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030, by enriching tourism offerings and increasing the number of international visitors, thereby strengthening Qatar’s position as …

Amadeus Gulf marked Pink October with a series of community-focused bowling events held in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing together women travel professionals from leading agencies across the UAE. The initiative, themed “Empowering the Women Network,” aimed to promote breast cancer awareness, encourage early detection, and strengthen professional bonds within the travel community. The Abu Dhabi event took place at Khalifa International Bowling Centre, followed by the Dubai edition at Dubai Bowling Centre. Both evenings opened with an impactful awareness session on breast cancer led by a healthcare professional, highlighting preventive measures and the importance of regular checkups. This was followed by a lively bowling competition and a networking dinner, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, connection, and empowerment. In Abu Dhabi, the top performers of the night were from Nirvana Travel & Tourism, Omeir Travel Agency LLC, and ADNH Sunshine Travel & Tours, securing the first, second, and third places respectively. The Dubai event also showcased strong performances, with participants from Akbar Travels securing the first and second places, while Tabeer Tourism claimed the third place. Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director of Amadeus Gulf, emphasized the importance of such initiatives during Pink October, noting that the event reflects Amadeus’ enduring commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women in the travel sector. He highlighted that creating opportunities for women to connect, exchange ideas, and uplift one another is essential to driving progress and strengthening the industry as a whole. The events concluded with a strong sense of unity and purpose among all participants, reinforcing Amadeus Gulf’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility and its mission to advance health awareness, wellness, and empowerment within the travel community.

flydubai and Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a new collaboration to advance the airline’s digital capabilities and enhance its customer journey through AWS’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to driving innovation. Under the collaboration, flydubai and AWS will develop and scale high-impact digital and AI use cases across the airline’s operations and customer journey. By leveraging AWS’s advanced cloud, AI and data analytics capabilities, the collaboration will accelerate the delivery of production-ready solutions that enhance operational efficiency and create greater value for customers. This collaboration highlights flydubai’s ongoing dedication to investing in the latest technologies and shaping a more connected future for its operations, aligning with Dubai’s vision for innovation and forward-thinking initiatives. ​ The signing ceremony was attended by Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, Chief Procurement & Technology Officer at flydubai, and Werner Vogels, Chief Technology Officer at Amazon. The collaboration establishes a framework where AWS will support flydubai through structured innovation engagements, focusing on key areas including generative AI for airline operations, data analytics, machine learning, and customer experience enhancement. This initiative will support the carrier’s digital services for long-term growth. Commenting on the collaboration, Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, Chief Procurement & Technology Officer at flydubai, said: “This initiative marks an important milestone in flydubai’s digital evolution. Working with AWS, the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, will enable us to introduce new digital capabilities that enhance our operations and elevate how we serve our customers, further supporting our agile business model.” Werner Vogels, Chief Technology Officer at Amazon, said: “The aviation industry is at a pivotal moment where cloud technology, AI, and data analytics can revolutionise both operational efficiency and customer experience. Through this collaboration …

The champions of the “Grand Prix of Sharjah” have been crowned marking the conclusion of the 2025 UIM World Championship Racing season. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, the 24th edition of the event came to an end on Sunday 21st December 2025 at Khalid Lagoon. Organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the race brought together 20 elite drivers from 10 international teams to compete for the season’s final title. Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, alongside H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Nicolo di San Germano, founder of H2O Racing, awarded the winners of the season’s final round, Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah. Stefan Arand, driving boat #18 for Team Sharjah, part of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, claimed first place. Grant Trask, driving boat #2 for Team Sweden, finished in second place, while Rusty Wyatt, driver of boat #17 for Team Sharjah, secured third place. Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, joined by H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa and Nicolo di San Germano, presented the Drivers’ World Championship trophies to the top three drivers of the season. Shaun Torrente, driving boat #4 for Team Victory of the Dubai International Marine Club, was crowned the 2025 World Champion. Jonas Andersson, driving boat #1 for Team Sweden, followed in second place, while Rusty Wyatt, driving boat #17 for Team Sharjah, came in third. Stefan Arand showcased an outstanding performance, dominating the second half of the …

Fitur 2026 will take place from 21 to 25 January at Madrid’s Éma Centre and will showcase the growth potential of the UAE’s tourism market. In 2024, Spain welcomed more than 200,000 Emirati visitors, an increase of 17% from the previous year, according to the Spanish GCC Tourism Office the average per tourist spent €3,000 per trip, an increase of 6%, according to the Tourism Spending Survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Tourism flows from the Arabian Gulf region are expected to continue to rise in 2025, driven by growing interest in Spain as a cultural, shopping and high-end destination, as well as an increase in air transport lines. Flight forecasts between the UAE and Spain for the period from October 2025 to March 2026 indicate an increase of 27.4%, which will increase passenger traffic between the two countries. The total number of travelers traveling between Spain and the UAE annually is estimated to be as high as 140 thousand people in both directions. The UAE will have a particularly prominent presence at Fitur 2026.Abu Dhabi will participate for the first time with an institutional and commercial delegation, the most important of which is Etihad Airways, which is considered one of the most prominent air connectivity engines with Spain, and Dubai will return to participate again after its participation in 2023, reinforcing the position of Fitur as a major platform for tourism promotion to the destinations of the Arabian Gulf. The Emirati delegation includes about 40 companies and institutions, representing the UAE’s strong tourism ecosystem. Some of the most prominent tourism operators are: ODYSSEY DMC ,Travco ,Arabian Adventures ,Masarra DMC ,RezLive.com ,Happy Travel , hotel chains and …

Dubai is entering a decisive new phase in its luxury property cycle, with branded residences expanding at a rate unmatched anywhere in the world. The city’s branded-residence pipeline is set to grow by 80%, reaching nearly 250 projects by 2030, according to fresh market data from Dubai-based real estate consultancy VVS Estate. According to Savills’ Branded Residences 2024/25 Report, the global sector has recorded more than 180% growth over the past decade, with over 700 completed schemes and another 790 in the pipeline. The Savills report confirms nearly 140 branded-residence projects already active in Dubai, the highest concentration worldwide. Meanwhile, the EMEA region has emerged as a global hub for branded residences, accounting for nearly 30% of total supply. Within this landscape, the Middle East stands out, representing around 12% of global inventory and boasting the strongest growth outlook worldwide, with supply projected to expand by approximately 120% by 2030. Valentina Rusu, Founder of VVS Estate said: “Cross referencing these findings with Property Finder’s 2,300+ off-plan developments across the UAE further indicates that Dubai’s branded residences are projected to increase by 80%, potentially reaching 250 projects by 2030.” The next stage of Dubai’s branded-residence evolution is being driven by private-access launches and early intelligence shared only with top-tier brokerages. One of the most anticipated forthcoming developments, Palace Hillside in Dubai Hills Estate, has been quietly previewed to a select circle of industry leaders prior to public announcement. This trend reflects a broader market shift, which is that luxury buyers increasingly rely on agencies with privileged access, transforming traditional brokerage into strategic advisory. Property Finder data highlights several significant branded schemes with confirmed delivery timelines. These include the Address Residences The Bay …

Spain tourism was honoured as ‘Best cultural tourism destination’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Spain’s recognition as the ‘Best Cultural Tourism Destination’ at the Arabian Travel Awards is a significant milestone for Spain’s tourism strategy. This award strengthens Spain’s visibility in key Middle Eastern markets and highlights the richness of its cultural heritage. It also supports Spain’s Tourism Board efforts to attract high-value travellers seeking authentic experiences.” The award was received by Carlos Ruiz González, Director, Spain Tourism Office for the GCC