Tag Archives: Dubai

UAE based property developer The First Group has confirmed that Ciel, the world’s tallest hotel and the firm’s largest and most ambitious project to date, will officially open in the final quarter of 2025. Located in Dubai Marina, the striking 82-storey tower will redefine upscale hospitality in one of the city’s most iconic waterfront precincts. Designed by leading architectural firm NORR, Ciel will feature Dubai’s highest infinity pool, world-class dining options, a rooftop lounge and club, a luxury spa, and an observation deck with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Featuring more than 1,000 guestrooms and suites, the mega hotel will also house a fully equipped fitness centre and Nest executive lounge. Operated by The First Group Hospitality, Ciel will be part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, a prestigious global portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels that deliver memorable, design-led guest experiences. As a member of the Collection, Ciel will tap into IHG’s extensive global network, including its renowned loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards, which has millions of members worldwide.

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) celebrates its 20th anniversary in the UAE this year, cementing its position as the region’s leading platform for hospitality and tourism investment with TravTalkMe as media partner. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, they foresee continued growth in secondary cities, mixed-use projects, branded residences, and tech integration, alongside rising ESG priorities. Their consensus: hospitality’s future will reward those who blend innovation with authentic guest experiences. Founded by The Bench, FHS has become a global meeting ground for leaders, innovators, and investors to connect, collaborate, and define the industry’s future. To mark the milestone, Chairman Jonathan Worsley invited six members of the exclusive FHS Club to share insights on the sector’s evolution. Leaders from Radisson Hotel Group, HVS, Accor, Hilton, Taiba Investments, and JLL highlighted the industry’s shift from asset-heavy to agile, diversified, and experience-led models, driven by sustainability, technology, and emerging markets.  

Emirates marks the arrival of its new-generation A350 aircraft at Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport. With this milestone, Bologna becomes the first Italian city – and one of the first ten worldwide – to welcome the Emirates A350, marking a new chapter in the direct connection between the capital of Emilia-Romagna and Dubai. Emirates selected Bologna as one of the first airports in the world to welcome the new Airbus A350, recognizing its strategic location – Marconi Airport is in fact a key regional hub that serves a much wider area beyond the city itself, including Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Rimini – the efficiency of its infrastructure, and the dynamism of its local economy. This choice reaffirms the value of a solid, decade-long partnership, which began in 2015 with the launch of the direct flight to Dubai and has since been strengthened through a series of significant achievements. “We’re pleased to be back here to celebrate an important milestone that confirms the strategic role of this gateway within Emirates’ global network” – said Flavio Ghiringhelli, Country Manager of Emirates in Italy. “Our partnership with Bologna is a story of shared success and steady growth. Just last year, we joined the airport in celebrating the 10-million-passenger milestone, and two years ago we celebrated together the one-millionth Emirates passenger flying through this gateway. Today, we mark a new chapter with the arrival of the A350, a true symbol of innovation and excellence. We firmly believe that this next-generation aircraft will not only enhance the travel experience for our passengers but also act as a catalyst for increased commercial and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the ties between Bologna, Italy, and the rest of the world”. …

Emirates is set to operate a third daily service to Dublin this winter starting from 26 October 2025. The world’s largest international airline will offer customers more travel choices to Dubai and beyond, as well as increased cargo capacity to/from Dublin. Emirates flight EK165 will depart Dubai at 02:10hrs and arrive in Dublin at 06:25hrs, local time. The return flight, EK166, will depart Dublin at 08:25hrs and arrive in Dubai at 20:00hrs local time. The additional flight will provide Irish travellers with an early morning departure option, complementing the existing afternoon and evening departures offered by the airline’s double daily service to the country. The third daily flight will operate utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set in a three-class configuration, offering customers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. The added service will also provide travellers with enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across Emirates’ network including Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Last month, the airline officially introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai to Dublin route, offering Irish passengers an upgraded experience with its four-class configuration, featuring its award-winning Premium Economy cabin and latest Business Class experience. The airline has also announced it will deploy its second refurbished Boeing 777 to Dublin starting from 16 October. Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally inspired meals, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Premium passengers will also experience an essence of Ireland onboard with VOYA bathroom amenities, Keogh’s Crisps and Killowen yogurt. …

The Experience Store (TES) one of the UAE’s first digital lifestyle marketplaces for curated luxury experiences and wellness services, has officially launched, ushering in a new era of premium, wellness-driven offerings. TES stands as Dubai’s premier platform for transformative journeys, seamlessly blending holistic wellness, personalised indulgence, and curated adventures – setting a new benchmark for luxury, active, meaningful living. From private yacht escapes, sound healing, and IV therapy to Michelin-starred dining, desert retreats, and adventure sports, TES brings together a handpicked selection of services under one seamless digital interface. The platform enables users to browse, book, and personalise premium experiences at their fingertips. It is particularly designed to serve individuals and businesses looking to elevate how they live, celebrate, and connect. Anand Nair, CEO of The Experience Store, shared the inspiration behind TES “Dubai inspires us to think bigger and live bolder. TES is our answer to that spirit—built not just for luxury, but for intentional living. We’re designing experiences that inspire people to move, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves and the world around them with immersive wellness community programs. It’s about making every moment count.” TES launches at a pivotal time: the UAE’s travel and tourism sector contributed Dh220 billion to GDP in 2024, with the luxury travel market projected to surpass Dh617 billion by 2030. At the same time, the global wellness economy is expected to reach Dh33 trillion by 2028. Against this backdrop, TES delivers exactly what today’s audiences seek – active, emotionally resonant, tech-powered experiences that blend luxury with intention. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, a mindfulness session in the desert, or a last-minute adrenaline escape, TES curates moments that are both memorable and …

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism successfully participated at IMEX Frankfurt joined by key stakeholders. At IMEX, a delegation of 30 stakeholders from across the sector has joined DBE in showcasing Dubai’s credentials as a premier global hub for business events. The delegation includes leading hotels, venues, DMCs, airlines and other service providers including Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai World Trade Centre, together highlighting Dubai’s ability to deliver dynamic world-class events at the intersection of innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable growth. This comes as Dubai continues to earn global recognition, this week being confirmed as #1 globally for highest attendee number per association meeting in 2024, and once again ranking #1 in the Middle East for the total number of association meetings hosted during the period, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Cvent has this week also confirmed that Dubai maintained its #1 position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The accolades further demonstrate the city’s ability to both host prolific events and facilitate event growth for associations, allowing them to tap into the market and increase global access to members. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “As we engage with the global industry at IMEX Frankfurt, we are reinforcing Dubai’s position as a strategic destination for impactful business events. Our consistent top rankings from ICCA and Cvent, and growing pipeline of major international events, are the result of a focused and collaborative approach with our stakeholders, as we work collectively to reinforce the emirate’s position as a premier global hub for …

VFS Global announced the launch of its flagship Visa Application Centre in Dubai’s Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said, “This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world’s most connected and future-ready city.” His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai said, “Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world’s largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation’s position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality. We believe that …

beOnd announced it will offer to customers in Munich and Dubai its award-winning beOnd service between the two cities. Since 2024, beOnd has flown guests in the airline’s signature luxury leisure cabin between Munich and the Maldives. Today’s news is an expansion of service connecting customers in Germany and the United Arab Emirates. “Linking Munich with Dubai aligns perfectly with our strategic vision, driven by significant customer demand. Munich residents seek Dubai’s luxurious resorts and vibrant tourism, while Dubai residents look forward to Munich’s cultural heritage and scenic beauty,” said Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd. beOnd offers all-lie-flat seating and private jet–inspired service curated for today’s discerning leisure traveller. This elevated experience reflects beOnd’s global brand campaign, Redefining Travel, which places wellness, design, and destination-inspired hospitality at the heart of the journey. Initially, the airline will operate twice-weekly flights from Munich Airport Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Additional destinations in Germany may follow in 2025. beOnd will operate the flights under “fifth freedom” rights. This approval—granted by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and Germany’s Luftfahrt-Bundesamt—underscores the strong regulatory support beOnd continues to receive. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the MCAA and Luftfahrt-Bundesamt for their confidence in beOnd. We also thank Velana International Airport in Malé and Munich Airport for their collaboration,” Taskila said. This milestone follows beOnd’s recent approval to operate flights between Switzerland and Dubai, expanding its premium leisure network across key European markets.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hyatt hotels in Dubai to showcase the city to new global audiences. Through innovative marketing initiatives, exclusive events, and tailored visitor experiences, this collaboration aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Fathi Khogaly, Area Vice President for the Hyatt hotels in Dubai, the agreement underscores both parties’ commitment to driving tourism growth and elevating the city’s profile on the world stage. Under the terms of the MoU, the Hyatt hotels in Dubai will actively participate in various DET-led initiatives, including hosting familiarisation (FAM) trips, study programmes, and high-profile events designed to attract international visitors. Additionally, they will support DET’s promotional campaigns, such as flash sales, exhibitions, and roadshows, while receiving reciprocal marketing assistance for upcoming projects such as the launch of the new Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark, which is set to open this year. Special emphasis will be placed on leveraging key opinion leaders (KOLs) and creating engaging content to amplify reach and impact. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “This collaboration with Hyatt Hotels Dubai aligns with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to position Dubai as the best city to visit, live and work in. Driving forward the ambitious D33 Agenda, with the support of all stakeholders and partners, it is also a testament to our shared vision of diversifying and …

Trippido has officially launched its online platform, offering a streamlined approach to travel bookings for travel professionals and individual travellers. The platform provides comprehensive services, including activity and event tickets, visa processing, accommodations, transportation, and vacation rentals—making trip planning more accessible and efficient.  Established in 2021 as an offline service provider in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, Trippido has since expanded its operations globally. It now serves Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, and other destinations. “Trippido was born out of a need to simplify a fragmented industry,” said Tushar Kharbanda, Founder and CEO of Trippido. “As a traveler myself, I noticed how scattered travel services were—multiple platforms, inconsistent pricing, and complicated processes. We built Trippido to address these inefficiencies, offering a unified platform where travelers and agents can access everything seamlessly. Our goal is to simplify travel and give our partners better margins and control over their bookings.” For individual travelers, Trippido simplifies the process of booking experiences and essential travel services in one place. With its user-friendly interface, travelers can easily access a variety of curated experiences, from adventure activities to cultural tours, while enjoying transparent pricing and reliable customer support. As Trippido transitions online, it continues to uphold the same level of service that has earned the trust of its customers.