Radisson RED is all set to debut in Dubai this February at Dubai Digital Park. Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis brings RED’s forward-thinking style to the desert. Presenting a playful twist on conventional hotel stays, culinary hangouts with a casual feel, buzzing social scenes, integrated technology and bold design personality, it comprises of 104 contemporary designed rooms, 8 suites and 59 apartments made with millennial nomads in mind. The first ever Radisson RED in the Middle East, Dubai residents and visitors alike can expect RED signatures such as laid back service for an easy atmosphere, multiple social hubs throughout the hotel, design concepts that tune into the local and meeting spaces delivered with contemporary flair. Connection is key, so every Radisson RED guarantees high-speed wifi, digiwalls, I-Work stations and TV streaming devices. F&B is flexible – from buzzing round-the-clock social spaces to grab and go concepts for cravings that turn up unexpectedly. Fashion, music and art are top of the list meaning bold art-pieces and installations round every corner, region-led collaborations, mood music in communal spaces and dressed down RED teams to keep things casual.     Stuart Birkwood, Curator, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, commented, “We love our location in Dubai’s first smart city and we look forward to Dubai Digital Park growing around us into the epicentre of the UAE’s advancing technology. RED brings innovation, fun and a fresh approach to the city’s social scene – with artwork created by local talents and integrated technology such as our digital social streaming content wall.”

Ever thought you’d be so entertained that you’d actually miss the feeling of boredom? Well, that might be the case once guests step into Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi! For a limited time only, Yas theme parks are offering a 25 per cent discount on annual passes from February 6 to March 6, 2020. Guests can choose from: a 1 park Annual Pass, a 3 Parks Annual Pass or better yet the 3 Parks Platinum Annual Pass. Family and friends can look forward to year-round access to the chosen parks, 25 per cent discount on dining and retail as well as exclusive discounts at Yas Island restaurants, hotels and experiences. That’s not all, annual pass-holders can even score a 25 per cent discount on admission tickets for family and friends at their chosen park among other exciting benefits. In line with the countdown to the much-anticipated 10-year anniversary celebrations, there’s even more reason for guests to purchase the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi annual pass at AED 740 only; as endless fun awaits all year long with more than 41 record-breaking rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, available under one red roof. With over 40 world-class rides, slides and attractions at the World’s Leading Waterpark, guests can avail the Yas Waterworld Annual Pass at a discounted price of AED 520. For family-fun lovers, there’s no shortage of memories to be made with 29 rides, shows and attractions at the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park. Guests looking to purchase the Yas Theme Parks Annual Pass and the Yas Theme Parks Platinum Annual Pass can enjoy discounted prices of AED …

Al Rajhi Aviation has renewed an exclusive partnership with Sabre Corporation, to support its plans to expand regionally and explore opportunities in online travel. This agreement provides Al Rajhi Aviation with continued access to Sabre’s portfolio of innovative technology and its intelligent platform Sabre Red 360, allowing it to effectively harness data and deliver superior content to its travellers. This unique technology will help enable the travel company to differentiate its offering, compete more effectively and grow faster in the region, as well as expand into the online sector.  Naiyer Alam, General Manager, Al Rajhi Aviation, said, “Our renewed partnership will see us leverage Sabre’s global expertise to enrich our online travel presence, provide exceptional travel experiences and expand our reach beyond Saudi Arabia.” “Saudi Arabia is a unique market with great potential that requires customised solutions to meet the high expectations of its travellers,” said Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “We look forward to continue working with Al Rajhi Aviation to provide them with the latest solutions in data, business intelligence, online and mobile capabilities to provide a world class travel experience for both online and offline travel.”

To date only two Chinese exhibitors have cancelled their ITB Berlin attendance, confirms Messe Berlin. At 0.3 per cent overall, the share of exhibitors from the People’s Republic of China is very low. The percentage of visitors from China is even lower at 0.02 per cent of the 160,000 visitors. For the upcoming edition of ITB Berlin, more english-speaking staff as well as additional medical specialists and first responders on the grounds, have been added. The sanitary facilities will be cleaned and disinfected at more frequent intervals. In addition to hand cleansers in the bathrooms there will also be sanitiser dispensers at the entrances. The organisers highlight that the safety of our visitors and exhibitors will be their utmost priority and they are taking the situation very seriously.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has unveiled the Jais Adventure Peak, Jebel Jais. The Emirate’s latest adventure tourism offering includes the Jebel Jais Flight, Jais Sky Tour and Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, in addition to the brand new Jais Adventure Center and Jais Sky Maze. Set amidst the magnificent Hajar mountain range, the grand opening took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, top hospitality industry professionals and VIP guests. Following the official opening ceremony, guests were treated to an exclusive first-look at the new Jais Adventure Center and Jais Sky Maze as well as the chance to explore the canyons and spectacular views through the exhilarating Jais Sky Tour. The event also included a series of extreme sport activations by local adrenaline junkies, including wing suit diving by Khalifa Alghafri and a BMX show by Abdul Rahman Al Abadli, in addition to parkour stunts and a skateboard show, setting the tone for the adventure fueled launch. Jasim Bin Darwish Al Shamsi, the youngest Barista in the UAE and owner of Jeon Coffee, was also on hand to provide guests with his signature blends. The Jais Adventure Peak will further support Ras Al Khaimah in attracting guests of all ages with a love for exploration and adventure. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented, “The Jais Adventure Peak captures Ras Al Khaimah’s adventurous spirit through a series of adrenaline-pumping experiences that will leave a lasting impression on our guests and unforgettable memories; everything from the views they will take in as they make their way up to the …

Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre rewards its guests this year with exquisite packages during ‘Hala February’. Organised by Rotana Production Company, Hala February kicked-off this year on February 6 starting with a huge concert for Mohammed Abdu, the renown Saudi artist, to be held in The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC), known as the Kuwait Opera House. During Hala February, guests can experience the true meaning of authentic hospitality when they book a standard room in Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre whether for individuals or families at very special rates, and they get in addition to the complimentary breakfast KD15 credit to be spent in any of the food and beverages’ outlet within the hotel including Shisha café. They can also avail 25 per cent discount on laundry and 25 per cent on spa treatments. Ahmed Serafi, General Manager at Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre Kuwait, said, “Hala February is being held every year in commemoration of the liberation of Kuwait, and it’s the right time to visit Kuwait and experience a blend of cultural events, shopping and entertainment. It’s the most important and joyful festival in the country, and we observe it as mandatory for leading hospitality providers to facilitate public occasion and celebrate with their guests their most special moments.” Fayad Emad, Director of Sales and Marketing in Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre Kuwait, commented, “We have been always keen to be the pioneers who create and design special packages that provide every guest with a personalised experience.”

The International launch of ‘Taste France’ at Gulfood 2020 will reinforce already well-established relationships between French and Middle Eastern companies. Business France will be supporting business opportunities between French producers and importers, key buyers and food industry experts visiting Gulfood. This year, 80 French exhibitors will be part of Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition. This show will be the opportunity to announce the international launch of France’s F&B dedicated brand- ‘Taste France’. Within France global commitment to share French way of life, Taste France aims to specifically promote F&B products worldwide. French gastronomy quality is recognised all over the world; Taste France takes a step further by gathering F&B industry players around their common interests. From the perspective of claiming a joint identity for all French F&B companies while promoting the diversity of their products besides their ability to innovate, Taste France also strengthens the approach of the French offering by communicating on conviviality and sharing principles. Christophe Lecourtier, CEO, Business France, commented, “France has been a partner of Gulfood since its beginning in 1987 and I have to admit that the global dimension of this show that kept growing ever since firmly influenced our choice to unveil Taste France here in Dubai, as this event perfectly fits with the international ambition of Taste France, which is to unify and promote the whole French Food & Beverages industry.”

The Sustainable City Equestrian centre, with the support of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF), announces the third edition of The Sustainable City International Horse Show 2020, its annual show-jumping competition, taking place February 12–15 on its premises. 200 riders will be participating from several countries, doubling the number from 2019 edition of the show and consolidating the year-on-year success of the event on a regional and international scale. A highlight activation during the event is the Horseman Elite Auction, an exclusive market of high-end breeding that will take place on February 14 and present a fabulous mix of foals, embryos, and in-foal broodmares, all belonging to outstanding performance families. Access to the show is free of charge, and visitors are also invited to take part in and enjoy a multitude of thematic activities suitable for the whole family. Attractions include watching Camel Polo matches and a Dubai Police display of the K-9; pony rides, face-painting stations, and bouncy castles for the children; and yoga sessions to heal the body and mind.  Witnessing the participation of the best riders from the UAE, the GCC, and Europe, the event will feature 11 rounds of competitions, including the CSI2 star-ranked event that is recognised by the FEI, the international governing body of equestrian sports. In line with its mission to promote social sustainability and happiness, The Sustainable City consistently organises events of this calibre under myriad themes, covering, among others, the arts, wellness, and education to ensure that its community and the lives of its residents are instilled with joy and inspiration throughout the year.

The programme for the tenth World Urban Forum (WUF10), under the theme ‘Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation’, was unveiled to a selected media under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. WUF10 will take place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, February 8-13, 2020, co-organised by the UN agency focused on sustainable urbanisation, UN-Habitat and the Department of Urban Planning and Transport (DMT). The 92-page programme provided a comprehensive guide to the packed six-day agenda, which will include assemblies, dialogues, roundtables, special sessions, side events, networking events, training events, caucus meetings, urban library, one UN room, voices from cities, SDGs in action, urban cinema, WUF integrated initiatives, sustainable urban development now, press conferences and urban talks. H.E. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DMT and General Coordinator of the World Urban Forum 10, said, “The comprehensive nature of this programme reflects the ambitious nature of WUF10 – we seek not only to drive forward sustainable development but also to shape the nature of urban development for the Arab world as a whole. As the first Arab city to host a WUF, efforts are being made to raise the profile of urban stakeholders from the region.” Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said, “The Forum is bringing together a wide range of compelling speakers including global thought leaders, investors, experts, governments and key influencers to discuss how to shape a better urban future.”

‘Namaste’, Hilton’s guest offering designed to deliver a truly tailored experience for guests travelling from India to Middle East & Africa offers services for destination weddings, bollywood shoots and meetings. ‘Namaste’ is a one of its kind programme ideal for the up and coming Indian globetrotter. Wall-to-wall sunshine, a rich cultural history and massive investment in tourism have put the Middle East on the world tourist map. Across the Middle East, tourism is seen as one of the most viable tax-raising alternatives for oil-producing nations as those revenues start to decline. The United Arab Emirates, for example, is aiming to reduce the hydrocarbon sector’s share of GDP from its current 30 per cent to 20 per cent by 2021, predominantly by boosting income from tourism. Dubai and a few more cities in the UAE, besides Europe, the US and the UK, are among the top destinations for Indian tourists, according to tourism industry officials. Apart from the Middle East, South Africa is also targeting Indian tourists after relaxing its visa rules. The Number of Indian travellers arriving in South Africa has been on the rise over the years, with a surge of 21.7 per cent recorded during the previous years. The demographics too have displayed a noticeable curve, with more and more young persons below 30 years of age opting for South Africa as the destination for adventure tourism, replacing the earlier market of family vacations. “Direct flights to Johannesburg and visa on arrival have further improved the arrivals and the tourism industry in Africa, and we have already seen strong demand from India as a result,” said Jan Van Der Putten, Vice President Operations, Africa and Indian Ocean, Hilton.