Tag Archives: Dubai

My Second Home, the world’s largest indoor dog park and Dubai’s first and largest luxury pet resort, is gearing up to launch a new daycare and boarding facility exclusively for small dogs as part of its US$10 million expansion plan. Schedule to open in time for the festive season, the 46,000 sq ft pet destination will be the third resort-style venue for My Second Home, which launched its first luxury home-from-home dog care brand in Dubai Investments Park in 2015, followed by a sister venue in Al Quoz in 2021. Located at DIP 2, the new facility will feature indoor pools , relaxation areas and extensive play space. Its launch comes in response to customer demand for a dedicated venue for small dogs – such as toy breeds and small spaniels – after extensive research and input from hundreds of My Second Home’s 4,000 members.  As with My Second Home’s existing destinations, pet pick and up and drop off services will also be available. Sean Parker, General Manager at My Second Home, said: “All of our dogs are allocated a daycare group to suit their size and temperament, but the reality is that our first two facilities were originally built on the premise that one size would fit all. In our new, small dog venue, every feature – from the pool depth to the low-rise chill-out ledges – will be designed with the smaller breeds in mind. “The upsurge in pet ownership during the pandemic – particularly of smaller dog breeds and cats – has created huge demand – which we met by building more boarding suites. Across the DIP and Al Quoz facilities, boarding capacity has now reached 250 …

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of Dubai has announced a new entry permit for residents of GCC countries travelling to Dubai. The service is available for travellers who have a valid residency of any of the GCC states for at least a year, have no travel restrictions from entering the country, and their work and residency cards need to include the profession. “This service has been activated to issue a prior online entry permit for travellers residing in the GCC countries in order to ensure a smooth entry process into the UAE and streamline procedures,” said a GDRFA notification. The process to apply on GDRFA website are: * Log in to the smart services through (UAE Pass or username), * Select the service. * Fill in the application. * Attach documents * Pay the fees (AED250 plus Vat of 5%)   The documents required are: * The original passport, * Upon arrival, presenting the original residence permit issued by a GCC country. * A civil or labour card. The entry permits are likely to be issued within 48 hours, said the GDRFA website.    

Colife is expanding into the UAE market with a focus on comfort, community and convenience, the company is revolutionizing the way people experience stylish apartments. The company has grown by 11% in the last 1,5 months, as the demand of residents for apartments in Dubai with all services is constantly increasing. Colife offers affordable, fully furnished apartments with modern Scandinavian design and 24/7 concierge assistance. Each apartment is ready to move in, with high-speed WiFi included, so tenants can stay connected and productive at work. Prices start at AED 6900 for an apartment with all amenities. Colife is not just about providing a place to live; it’s about building a friendly community of creative and talented individuals. The company believes in nurturing relationships and helping tenants achieve their goals, hosting free weekly events that inspire and motivate residents. Key features of Colife’s rental service: – 24/7 service, with DEWA, chiller, and maintenance included, ensuring a hassle-free living experience. – Apartments located in neighbourhoods with well-developed infrastructure and excellent transport accessibility. – A close-knit community of tenants, offering networking opportunities and engaging in leisure activities together. Colife works closely with landlords, taking over existing apartments, fully renovating them, and then renting them to tenants at a markup, benefiting both landlords and tenants with improved living spaces. Ilnara Muzafiarova, CEO Colife “The plans are to take into operation 250 apartments in Dubai. Now they are slightly less than half, but doubling the number of apartments is quite an ambitious task. We also consider Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah among other emirates. We are confident that the UAE housing rental market will grow in the next decade. We also consider regions further …

IHG Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of franchise agreements with subsidiaries of Aqarat, Kuwait’s real estate company in relation to two new Vignette Collection hotels which will launch IHG’s new collection brand to the Middle East later this summer. The hotels will be managed by United Hospitality Management. The Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection in UAE (162 rooms), and Vignette Collection in Kuwait City (194 rooms) join Vignette Collection’s family of distinctive, elegant, and intriguing luxury and lifestyle hotels. Each Vignette Collection property is unique yet connected by a shared vision to make positive change for people, place and planet. Created for the next generation of luxury & lifestyle traveler, each property is distinguished in its character and design, always with the discerning eye of the thoughtful venturer in mind. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of two remarkable Vignette Collection hotels in Dubai and Kuwait as we continue to expand our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the region. The partnership with Aqarat and the opening of these hotels marks an important milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts, as we cater to the growing number of guests who seek luxury experiences that differ from conventional hotel and resort offerings.” Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts first collection brand and the latest addition to its fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio which is now one of the world’s largest with more than 450 open hotels and over 100,000 rooms. It joins IHG’s exceptional portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, …

“Dubai further consolidated its status as the world’s leading tourist destination in the first half of 2023. We welcomed more than 8.5 million international visitors in the first six months of the year while Dubai Financial Market (DFM)-listed companies recorded a total market value of AED652 billion. Dubai also strengthened its status as one of the world’s top three hubs for wealth owners, and one of the fastest-recovering cities since the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far this year, and the confidence that we have inspired in the global community,” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, said Dubai continues to reinforce its position as a major global economic hub, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Emirates is celebrating 30 years of operations to Muscat, Oman. Since the inaugural flight in 1993, Emirates has carried 4.8 million passengers to and from the Sultanate on more than 37,200 flights, connecting travelers to and from 140 global destinations. Emirates first began operations to Oman with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft with a four weekly services.  In 2019, Emirates launched the world’s shortest scheduled A380 flight, flying a distance of 340 kilometers each way from Dubai to Muscat, offering travelers the chance to experience Emirates’ iconic products and services, defined by comfort, luxury and flexibility. Over the years, Emirates SkyCargo has served as a facilitator for global trade, transporting over 155,000 tonnes of cargo to international markets. Emirates SkyCargo is supporting Omani businesses by exporting key local goods such as threads for garments to Amman, Nairobi and Pakistan as well as fresh produce such as fish, beans and vegetables to various destinations across Europe and US, in addition to the seasonal fresh beans to Japan. Creating further career opportunities within Oman, the Emirates Group employs over 40 Omanis, in multiple roles including cabin crew, pilots and other parts of the business such as Emirates Engineering, Emirates Airport Services and Airport Operations. Half of these employees have been with the Emirates Group for over 10 years, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a wide range of development prospects enabling employees to gain world-class expertise. Fahad Al Hassawi, Country Manager Oman at Emirates said: “Oman has been an important market for Emirates since the beginning of operations, providing flexible connections through Dubai to the wider world, for both passengers and air freight. Over the last three decades, we are …

Rentals for business travellers are becoming popular in Dubai, Stella Stays launched two branded residences in Al Barari Dubai recently. Mohannad Zikra, CEO and Co-Founder of Stella Stays expressed great excitement: “The launch of Stella Stays Al Barari is a significant milestone in our journey of becoming the unrivaled leader in flexible living, both in the UAE and globally. We aim to deliver an extraordinary level of comfort, convenience, and a uniquely personalized rental experience, distinctively setting Stella Stays brand apart.” Stella Stays, the renowned proptech start-up disrupting the rental landscape with its pioneering flexible living solutions and technology-integrated branded residences, announces the launch of two iconic residences in the prestigious Al Barari, Dubai this July. This highly anticipated launch represents a significant milestone in Stella Stays’ journey to reshape rental experiences. Stella Stays Al Barari residences, composed of 90 state-of-the-art units, showcases the brand’s distinctive “Show Up and Start Living” concept. The meticulously designed, fully-equipped apartments offer an unparalleled level of comfort, convenience, and elegance, ensuring a sophisticated living environment and personalized rental experience for residents. Nestled in the heart of Al Barari’s lush green landscape, Stella Stays residences seamlessly blend with premier recreational, commercial, and community amenities. Residents can immerse themselves in the peaceful exclusivity that Al Barari is renowned for, while also enjoying access to high-end facilities and amenities such as indoor and outdoor sporting venues, swimming pools, botanical gardens, cycling and walking pathways, restaurants, and supermarkets. The harmonious fusion of natural beauty, wellness and modern amenities creates an unrivaled living experience in Dubai. At Stella Stays Al Barari, residents and guests will embark on a tech-enabled seamless journey from effortless booking and stay management to smart …

This weekend the GenZ across the region will be at the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). Taking place on 24-25 June on the main stage in the Gaming Theatre in association with VOX Cinemas, this extraordinary tournament brings together top influencers from around the world, showcasing the exhilarating and entertaining world of esports. Play Beyond is not the average gaming competition; it is a clash of titans, where the best influencers will battle it out across multiple genres. Witness mind-blowing gameplay, awe-inspiring skills, and epic moments as these gaming legends go head-to-head for the coveted Play Beyond Trophy. The competition will feature both a Regional Team, composed of four influential gamers from the Middle East, and an International Team, consisting of four renowned influencers from different corners of the world. These gaming superstars have been battling it out across the globe while playing games including Fall Guys, Fortnite, Rocket League, FIFA 23, Overcooked, Street Fighter 6 and Call of Duty, and will come together for the final to engage in intense matches that will keep visitors on the edge of their seat. This two days tournament will be held on the main stage, and promises surprises, mid-game challenges, and stoppage time, ensuring a thrilling and unforgettable experience. On the International Team, the presence of MiniMinter (Instagram: @miniminter), a beloved influencer with a massive following, adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and fans can look forward to a special Meet & Greet opportunity with him. Grant is also on board (Instagram: @granthinds), whose engaging content and expert analysis have captivated audiences worldwide. The pair will be joined by gaming …

Dhows were ditched and abras abandoned this morning as the Dubai Creek skyline was dominated by an enigmatic, eye-catching, emoji. Visitors to the heart of Old Dubai today found themselves gaping in curiosity as a 15-metre floating emoji with winking eye could be spotted sailing down the emirate’s historic waterway, sparking mystery and leaving sightseers’ tongues wagging. Emblazoned with a bold message to #UnleashTheExtraInYou, the ball was launched from 8 June at 6am, watched on by wondering wanderers. But only now can we reveal what the supersized sphere signifies: The winking emoji with protruding tongue is the signature trademark of GLITCH, the Emirates’ newest family entertainment centre. GLITCH will open its doors on June 19, promising non-stop excitement and endless fun for the whole family. Spanning 40,000 square-metres, it is situated on Level Two of Deira’s Al Ghurair Centre and features more than 30 attractions, all carefully curated to cater to ages 3 and up. From engaging in friendly competition at a state-of-the-art 10-pin bowling alley to conquering a Ninja warrior assault course, diving into a variety of mind-bending virtual reality experiences to zipping around the ceiling on an indoor roller glider, GLITCH is set to become the ultimate destination for seekers of adrenaline-fuelled fun. GLITCH will be open Sunday to Thursday from 10am-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am-midnight. For ticket prices and further information, follow GLITCH on social media @glitcharabia or visit www.glitcharabia.com. Get ready to dive into the GLITCH universe at Al Ghurair Centre and #UnleashTheExtraInYou.

In line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s objective of solidifying the emirate’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and travel, business tourism accelerated its role in fostering economic growth during 2022. Continuing to drive Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector growth in Dubai in a post-pandemic new market, the largest operator across the wider region, Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) event calendar remained an economic catalyst for the nation – generating sustainably high returns for adjacent industries connected to the MICE ecosystem. The latest 2022 Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) Annual Report estimates DWTC’s total economic output across 63 large-scale events at AED 13Bn, of which a substantive AED 7.4Bn was retained within the local economy. These business events hosted, organised and delivered at the venue, welcomed nearly 1.2MM attendees with 40% being international – an impressive 49% YOY increase in foreign participation, emphasising Dubai’s leadership as a global mega-event hub. The study further observed that direct investments in an event at DWTC generated 7.4x in impact across the wider economy, meaning that every AED 1MM spent at these MICE events, drove circa AED 7.4MM of economic output for Dubai across other interlinked sectors. “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the recently launched Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DWTC remains committed to furthering its contribution to the targets of doubling GDP over the next decade, particularly in consolidating its position as a top three global city,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, in his capacity as Director General, DWTC Authority. “The MICE sector has long been an integral pillar of …