Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi Hosts My Heart is Yours Artwork by World-Renowned Artist Lorenzo Quinn

Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi Hosts My Heart is Yours Artwork by World-Renowned Artist Lorenzo Quinn

News 2 months ago

Abu Dhabi, UAE (15^th December 2025): Championing artistic expression, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi has recently partnered with the globally acclaimed contemporary artist Lorenzo Quinn. As part of the collaboration, one of the talented artist’s sculptures, My Heart is Yours, is now on display in the hotel lobby for an exclusive installation. Valued at EUR 295,000 / AED 1.2M, the striking artwork is a powerful symbol of artistic expression, in equal parts thought-provoking and beautiful.

Set along Abu Dhabi’s stunning Corniche, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi has become known for its creative programming and engaging visual installations, continually presenting guests with new experiences to enjoy. Having hosted several eye-catching lobby showcases and unique cultural collaborations in the past, the property consistently curates moments that elevate stays and spark meaningful connections.

Bringing his unique talents to the property, Lorenzo Quinn is a celebrated contemporary sculptor renowned for his expressive figurative works, often depicting themes of love, connection, faith, and human emotion. Having lived between Italy and the United States, Quinn studied at the American Academy of Fine Arts in New York before dedicating his career to sculpture at the age of 21.

Influenced by iconic masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Rodin, Quinn has exhibited his work extensively across the world. His monumental public pieces, including Support at the Venice Biennale 2017, Together at the Giza Pyramids, The Greatest Goal for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and Building Bridges at the Venice Biennale 2019, have earned him global acclaim for their emotional depth and universal messages. His art also forms part of important collections internationally, showcasing his timeless values and authentic storytelling.

Crafted in polished bronze with a stainless-steel mesh heart, My Heart is Yours captures the profound bond shared between two souls who entrust their entire beings to one another. Two sculpted hands gently present a heart illuminated from within, that shifts through a spectrum of colours to evoke the fluidity of human emotion. The captivating piece allows viewers to pause and reflect, drawing them in with its striking form, symbolic warmth, and powerful message of unity and shared humanity.

Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi remains a strong supporter of the arts, continuing to champion artistic expression through collaborations that celebrate creativity, culture, and community. By offering a platform for renowned artists and thought-provoking works, the hotel enhances its environment with experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

UAE

GLOBAL LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LEADER MOMENT FACTORY EXPANDS TO ABU DHABI TO POWER CULTURAL AND TOURISM MEGA-PROJECTS

News 2 months ago

Abu Dhabi, December 15, 2025 – Moment Factory, the global entertainment studio renowned for transforming airports, museums, public spaces, events, theme parks and natural sites into immersive destinations, is establishing a regional office in Abu Dhabi. Leveraging 25 years of multimedia innovation, the studio aims to support the UAE’s rapid growth through high-profile collaborations.

Building on over five years of work in the region, this strategic hub allows Moment Factory to actively support the development of ambitious, large-scale cultural destinations by leveraging its creative and technological expertise to bring people together and inspire a shared sense of wonder through memorable experiences.

Among its recent standout projects in the region, Moment Factory is honored to collaborate with the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, and Miral, bringing to life a new generation of immersive exhibitions and experiences for visitors of all ages. In addition to this permanent work, the studio collaborated with People on the grand opening of the museum, where it acted as creative consultant and content creator for the ceremony. This collaboration with People also extended to the production of a multimedia show for the Eid Al Etihad celebrations inaugurating the Zayed National Museum, an event commissioned by the National Projects Office.

Expanding its expertise across various sectors, Eagle Hills Properties commissioned Moment Factory to develop a permanent, immersive multimedia experience, transforming the iconic Al Ain Oasis heritage site into a captivating walkthrough. Furthermore, the studio teamed up with Brag World for the BEE’AH Headquarters in Sharjah, delivering custom content for kinetic digital stations and the building’s LED facade.

Moment Factory’s reach in interactive entertainment continues with the return of its Augmented Games to the MOTN Festival, following Hiwy Games, a successful adaptation inspired by traditional Emirati culture for the UAE Olympic House in Paris.

Moment Factory, Augmented Games at MOTN Festival

By forging strong, lasting relationships with regional collaborators, the studio aims to create iconic destinations and innovative immersive experiences that celebrate the region’s identity and cultural heritage.

“We are particularly excited to lend our expertise to the current momentum, focusing on landmark projects that will define the region’s entertainment future. Expanding into Abu Dhabi represents a major milestone for us, providing an opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity into new territories and grow alongside the region’s ambitious vision,” says Dominic Audet, Co-Founding Partner and Chief of Innovation at Moment Factory.

This strategic expansion reflects Moment Factory’s ongoing focus on market diversification. With more than 70 diverse projects delivered worldwide this year, this growth is highlighted by recent, permanent standout projects such as Curiosity Cove at Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, Realmadrid Games at the Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, and multiple Moment Factory ticketed experiences in the United States, Australia, Türkiye, Mexico, France, and Chile. Moment Factory’s portfolio features some of the world’s most ambitious multimedia installations, from reimagining Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 and creating immersive universes at Sphere in Las Vegas to leading creative direction and stage design for global music artists, such as Billie Eilish and TWICE.

Looking ahead, Moment Factory is committed to redefining visitor experiences in entertainment, tourism, cultural institutions, theme parks and urban development, with a clear focus on designing and realizing world-class, permanent attractions to create memorable moments for Emiratis and visitors.

Middle East’s first Globecast series – One Way Ticket to Dubai – launched to boost UAE’s Dh2 trillion economy

News 2 months ago

Dubai, UAE; December 15, 2025

A global webcast series – Globecast — that aims to promote inward investment to the UAE – One Way Ticket to Dubai – has been unveiled today at a press conference that will see millions of investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders listen and participate to boost foreign investment into the UAE economy and the real estate sector, which generated Dh3.6 trillion (US$982.28 billion) transactions in the last 7 years – averaging more than US$100 billion worth of sales and mortgage per annum.

Real estate transactions value exceeded Dh8.4 billion (US$219 billion) in year-to-date this year, that reflects the emirate’s popularity among foreign high-networth individuals.

One Way Ticket to Dubai, the first Globecast series in the Middle East, will be produced and broadcast in eight different languages including English, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Farsi and Urdu – to help attract more businessmen, professionals to move in to the UAE as well as attract increased foreign investment (FDI) that jumped 48 percent to US$45.6 billion (Dh167.6 billion) last year.

This surge secured the UAE a spot among the world’s top 10 destinations for FDI. The country’s strong performance was driven by a diverse range of sectors, including wholesale and retail trade, real estate, and finance.

Inward investment into Dubai remains strong, with the inflow of an estimated Dh40.4 billion ($11 billion) FDI, a 62 percent increase when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. The number of FDI projects surged by 28.7 percent in H1 2025 to 1,090, creating over 38,000 jobs and showing growth in various investment types like greenfield projects and new forms of investment. Key sectors include financial services, business services, software and IT, consumer products, and food and beverages.

“One Way Ticket to Dubai represents a revolutionary approach to real estate market communication, the first of its kind globally,” says Binesh Babu Panicker, Founder, Co-Founder of Voxx Bridge Production, and a veteran journalist with 17 years of media experience in the UAE.

“It is a groundbreaking podcast series that sets a new standard for industry communication globally, combining expert analysis with compelling storytelling. It is a carefully-crafted platform to showcase Dubai’s real estate strengths, address misconceptions, and highlight the market’s unique advantages.

“It is also a strategic media initiative to redefine global perceptions of Dubai real estate market through authentic story-telling and insights. More than media content, it is a powerful tool for demonstrating Dubai’s regulatory excellence, market transparency, and global connectivity.”

The total value of investment into equities on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) in 2024 was approximately Dh107 billion (around US$29.1 billion) in total traded value. The market capitalisation of the DFM surged by 32 percent to reach Dh907 billion by the end of 2024.

At the end of 2024, the combined market cap of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets surpassed Dh3.9 trillion, compared to Dh3.65 trillion at the end of 2023.

Yafea Al Faraj, Real Estate Expert & Advisory Board Member of One Way Ticket to Dubai, says, “A land of opportunities, the UAE is a global magnet that attracts investment and investors. We want to reflect on the country’s unique positioning as the most attractive destination for business, investment, innovation as well as a very good place to live and raise families.

“One Way Ticket to Dubai will create greater awareness among global investors on various aspects of investing and re-settling to the UAE, where we will engage with businesses and high-professionals in meaningful conversation to pinpoint the opportunities from which they can benefit from.”

Global revenue in music, radio and podcasts market is projected to reach US$125.86 billion in 2025, according to Statista, a global market intelligence provider.

“In a global context, the most revenue will be generated the United States, estimated at US$50.46 billion in 2025. Within the Music, Radio & Podcasts market, the number of listeners is anticipated to reach 3.51 billion users by 2030,” it said.

In 2024, the GCC podcast market demonstrates high engagement, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Approximately 59 percent of adults in Saudi Arabia listen to more than one hour of podcasts per week. Some reports indicate this figure is closer to 60 percent of consumers who listen for an hour or more weekly. The total number of regular listeners in KSA is estimated to be over five million.

In the UAE, approximately 53 percent of adults listen to more than one hour of podcasts per week. Other reports suggest this number is around 57 percent of consumers who listen at least an hour per week. There are an estimated 1.3 million regular podcast listeners in the UAE.

The Middle East and Africa region has one of the highest proportions of podcast listeners in the world, with these GCC countries being key players. The audience is typically young, educated, and tech-savvy, with a strong preference for local Arabic dialect content.

One Way Ticket to Dubai is supported by Feesable Technologies, a fintech startup based in Dubai that builds embedded finance and debt capital management solutions. Feesable works with real estate brokers, agencies and developers, providing them with smart technology and financial solutions across the value chain.

Ali Yaakub, Founder & CEO of Feesable, says, “Real estate brokers are travelling the world telling the incredible growth story of this fine city and the region, bringing ever more people, families, businesses, and investors from the world over. We are proud to support this initiative not just because it brings more business to the region, but because it tells the story of the diverse people behind it.”

“Apart from these pain points, we work passionately with real estate brokers, homeowners, and investors on data literacy. I’m a firm believer that information and knowledge should be free and accessible. We’re lucky here to have data freely available from the DLD on Dubai Pulse about real estate market transactions and I’m simply making charts and maps that visualise what’s going on to make this information more accessible and easier to understand.”

One Way Ticket to Dubai is being developed by Voxx Bridge Production, a UAE-based futuristic media production house with a global vision. It is a creative and production-focused venture launching a pioneering concept for global audiences that blends cinematic storytelling, branded campaigns, and high-impact production services.

It’s vision is to set a new standard for emotionally intelligent, globally resonant production that feels both artisanal and scalable. It positions itself in developing premium, emotionally resonant work that bridges editorial insight with commercial storytelling for film, branded content, and experiential media.

Its core strengths include cross-disciplinary teams; editorial-to-production continuity; premium creative direction; operational rigour for scalable rollouts. Its offerings include concept-to-delivery production, branded short films, campaign ideation, editorial-led content strategy, and technical production management.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Launches Bulgarian Business Council to Strengthen Economic Ties and Boost Mutual Investment

News 2 months ago

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced the establishment of the Bulgarian Business Council. The new council aims to strengthen economic cooperation, promote partnerships between the business communities in Dubai and Bulgaria, and expand investment collaboration across diverse sectors.

The council’s first meeting was held recently at Dubai Chambers’ headquarters. Participants discussed ways to develop new business opportunities and advance mutual investments. The meeting also focused on strengthening the connections between Bulgarian companies and their counterparts in Dubai, exchanging expertise and data, and organising bilateral business events.

The launch of the Bulgarian Business Council comes as Dubai continues to reinforce its position as an international hub for Bulgarian companies and investors. Non-oil trade between Dubai and Bulgaria reached AED 777 million in 2024, recording annual growth of 5% and reflecting the strength of bilateral commercial ties. During the first nine months of this year, 54 new Bulgarian companies joined the chamber, bringing the total number of active Bulgarian members to 243 by the end of September.

Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, commented: “The establishment of the Bulgarian Business Council represents an important step forward in the economic ties between Dubai and Bulgaria. The council will help build stronger partnerships between our business communities, unlock new opportunities for joint investment, and support the continued growth of bilateral trade.”

In this regard, Mr. Milo Borissov, Bulgarian businessman and entrepreneur, stated, “I am delighted with the creation of this Bulgarian Business Council, which opens new avenues for collaboration between Bulgaria and the UAE. Together, we can explore and harness the potential of both markets.” Borissov is the founder of the PALMS WORLD brand and a managing partner in an international holding group, as well as a co-founder of the “Sport in Bulgaria” Foundation.

The Business Councils operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber of Commerce represent the interests of companies and investors from specific markets operating in Dubai. They work in close cooperation with the chamber to enhance bilateral trade and investments between Dubai and the markets represented, with the goal of developing robust long-term economic partnerships.

Al Habtoor Grand Resort Enhances Guest Experience Through Integrated Quality, Health & Safety, and Sustainability Systems

News 2 months ago

Dubai, UAE, December, 2025: Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, a leading name in Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape, has reinforced its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and guest well-being through the successful implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS).

This achievement comes at a pivotal time for the UAE hospitality industry, which is poised for steady expansion with hotel supply expected to rise by 3.4% in 2026. As the market becomes more competitive, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection continues to elevate health & safety, quality, sustainability and operational excellence as core differentiators.

The newly implemented Integrated Management System (IMS) seamlessly combines three critical international standards, enabling the resort to manage quality, environmental impact, and health & safety with enhanced efficiency and coherence:

ISO 9001:2015 (Total Quality Management): Ensuring consistent, high-quality service and guest satisfaction.

ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management): Driving sustainable operations and reducing environmental impact, complementing the resort’s existing Green Key certification.

ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management): Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of employees and guests alike.

This integration demonstrates Al Habtoor Grand Resort’s holistic commitment to quality service, environmental stewardship, and guest safety.

The resort has also successfully recertified its ISO 22000:2018 certification, underscoring its stringent food safety protocols.

“These certifications are not just accolades; they are a testament to the collective dedication of our entire team. Our commitment to implementing and maintaining these rigorous international standards reflects our promise to deliver exceptional, safe, and sustainable hospitality experiences every day,” stated Khalid Saeed, General Manager of Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection.

With these certifications, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection reinforces its leadership in responsible luxury hospitality, setting new benchmarks for integrated quality, safety, and sustainability within Dubai and the broader region.

WHX in Dubai (formerly Arab Health) to debut specialised Biotech & Life Sciences Zone as sector growth accelerates globally

News 2 months ago

December 15 2025: World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, formerly Arab Health, which takes place from 9-12 February 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), has officially announced the launch of a new dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences zone in recognition of the sector’s expansion, which is expected to exceed US$4 trillion globally by 2035.

The introduction of the new zone reflects the unprecedented acceleration across the global biotechnology industry, which uses living organisms, cells, or biological processes to develop products and technologies for treating, preventing, and diagnosing human diseases. Breakthroughs in areas such as advanced therapeutics, AI-driven research and development, translational science, clinical innovation, and sustainable biomanufacturing are shaping the market.

According to Global Data Route Analytics, a leading business intelligence firm, the global biotechnology market was valued at US$1.6 trillion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% until 2035, reaching US$4.05 trillion.

Furthermore, a recent report from Knight Frank highlights the trajectory of the GCC biotechnology market, projected to reach US$2.6 billion by 2028. Leading this growth are the UAE and Saudi Arabia, driven by a surge in localised R&D activities in areas such as genomics, oncology, rare diseases, and synthetic biology. This momentum is further fuelled by an increasing investor appetite and enhanced cross-border collaboration as the industry transitions from early discovery to commercial-stage innovation. Notably, the UAE is keen on establishing itself as a global hub for biotechnology, precision medicine, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This ambition is exemplified by initiatives like ‘Operation 300Bn,’ which allocates AED 300 billion to vital sectors, including healthcare.

Aligning with this growth, the inaugural Biotech & Life Sciences Zone, which will take place on 9 February 2026 as part of the newly introduced Frontiers Stage at WHX in Dubai, will convene global experts, regional innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders as part of a comprehensive programme exploring the scientific, economic and societal impact of biotechnology.

Biotech & Life Sciences zone session chair, Dr Omar Najim, CEO, Baynouna Gene Solutions, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Khalifa University, has emphasised that the Middle East is entering a new era in which biotechnology and life sciences are no longer peripheral disciplines but central drivers of healthcare transformation, economic diversification, and scientific leadership.

He said: “Biotechnology and the life sciences are at the crossroads of developing solutions for regional populations through local talent, clinical innovation, and distribution, to reach the wider world. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, home to 1.7 billion people, is a rapidly growing market for biotech companies seeking to expand, but also a source of unparalleled global talent.

“The region is well recognised as a strategic bridge, connecting cutting-edge research with real-world healthcare transformation. By accelerating translational science, building regional capability and fostering global partnerships, we can ensure that breakthroughs developed in our labs become accessible solutions that improve health outcomes for our communities. The launch of the dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences Zone at World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai is a pivotal step toward realising that shared vision.”

Held under the theme, Where Science Meets the Future, the Biotech & Life Sciences Zone will open with a forward-looking session titled The Future and Trends of Life Sciences: From Bench to Global Impact, which will explore advancements in synthetic biology, next-generation therapeutics, AI-driven research and the emergence of the Middle East as a potential hub for translational innovation.

A high-profile panel discussion, Investing in the Next Decade of Biotech & Life Sciences: Collaboration, Capital and Capability, will bring together influential voices from across the investment and innovation spectrum, while a fireside chat, Biotechnology for One Planet, One Health, will provide discussion from regional leaders on biotechnology’s vital role in addressing interconnected global health and environmental challenges.

The Regional to Global Translational Research and Innovation session will focus on bridging research capacity with international R&D networks, followed by a panel on Cell & Gene Waves: Building the Access-Era for Advanced Therapies, which will spotlight the urgent need to scale access to breakthrough treatments.

The programme will conclude with a keynote titled Biotechnology and the Future of Humanity, delivered by Andrew Craig, author of The Future Is Biotech.

Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets, said: “The introduction of a dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences Zone reflects the ambitions of WHX in Dubai and the growing expertise within our global community. Biotechnology is transforming every aspect of healthcare, and our platform is uniquely positioned to connect the world’s leading scientists, innovators and industry partners together to accelerate this progress. This initiative aligns with the forward-thinking content that WHX in Dubai aims to promote, underscoring our commitment to delivering the ideas and collaborations that will shape the next decade of global health.”

In 2026, WHX in Dubai will be co-timed with WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), the region’s leading laboratory and diagnostics event. While WHX in Dubai moves to Expo City Dubai, WHX Labs in Dubai will continue at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 10-13 February, creating a city-wide experience across two landmark venues. Together, the co-timed events will attract more than 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, forming the world’s largest healthcare event.

WHX in Dubai and WHX Labs in Dubai are held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.

RTA Awards Contract for Sheikh Zayed bin HamdanAl Nahyan Street Intersection Development with AlAwir Road and Al Manama Street

News 2 months ago

December 14 th 2025:
In line with the directives of the wise leadership to enhance the
infrastructure of the road network and public transport systems to meet
the requirements of urban development, population growth, and improve
quality of life, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded
the Contract for Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street
Intersection Development with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street.
The project includes the construction of 2,300 metres of bridges,
expansion of lanes, paving of service roads along Sheikh Zayed bin
Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions, and
provision of entrances and exits serving residential and development
areas along the corridor.
The project will increase the street’s capacity from 5,200 vehicles per hour
in both directions to 14,400 vehicles per hour in both directions—an
increase of 176%. It will also reduce travel time from 20 minutes to just
five minutes. Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2028.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board
of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said:
“Undertaking this project is part of RTA’s master plan to develop the
roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels network to accommodate growing
traffic volumes, enhance mobility, and ensure smoother traffic flow across
Dubai. This plan supports the needs of urban expansion and population
growth. The project serves residential and development areas with a
combined population of residents and visitors exceeding 600,000.”
Intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Al Awir Road

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He added: “The project includes converting the existing roundabout into a
grade-separated intersection that enables free-flowing traffic movements
in all directions. The works involve constructing main bridges on Sheikh
Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with four lanes in each direction,
along with building ramps for right- and left-turn movements, each
comprising two lanes.”
“The project also includes constructing a bridge at the intersection of Al
Awir Road with Emirates Road to serve traffic heading towards Al Awir
and Sharjah, as well as developing parallel service roads along Sheikh
Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions
to provide safe access points serving the surrounding development
areas.”
Intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Al Manama
Street
The Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors,
further explained: “The project includes upgrading the surface roads at the
intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al
Manama Street. The scope involves widening Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan
Al Nahyan Street from two to four lanes in each direction to increase
capacity and enhancing the signalised surface intersection to improve its
operational efficiency and expand its traffic capacity. The project will also
provide safe access points to serve the surrounding development areas.”
Completed Phases
The improvement of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street forms
part of RTA’s wider efforts, which began with the development of the
street’s extension through the construction of a four-lane road in each
direction over a 25-kilometre stretch, from its intersection with Dubai–Al
Ain Road to the roundabout on Al Yalayis Street. The works included
upgrading several intersections along the surrounding road network.
A grade-separated interchange was constructed at the intersection of
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Latifa bint Hamdan
Street near the entrance to Global Village for traffic inbound from Emirates
Road. A signalised roundabout was also built at the intersection with Al
Qudra Street, along with a signalised surface intersection at the junction
with Hessa Street. These traffic solutions represent interim improvements
that will be further upgraded in future through a package of final traffic
enhancements.

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The project also included improving Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
Street along the section extending from its intersection with Dubai–Al Ain
Road to the Academic City roundabout, covering about three kilometres.
The works involved constructing two bridges at the Dubai Silicon Oasis
intersection, each 120 metres long and providing four lanes in each
direction, with a total capacity of 14,400 vehicles per hour in both
directions.
A signalised surface intersection was also constructed beneath the two
bridges, comprising 20 lanes in all directions with a capacity of 8,000
vehicles per hour. These improvements were designed to ensure smooth
traffic flow towards Dubai Silicon Oasis and Zayed University, as well as
to enhance traffic movement at the Academic City roundabout.

Global Village rings in 2026 with seven countdowns in one night

News 2 months ago

Dubai, UAE, 15 December 2025 – Global Village, the region’s premier multicultural family
destination, is preparing to ring in 2026 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on
Wednesday, 31 December. This year’s festivities will feature the iconic ‘7 New Year
Celebrations in One Night’, offering families and ladies a unique experience to welcome

Guests can enjoy a live DJ performance on the Main Stage, seven New Year
countdowns from different countries based on their time zones, as well as seven spectacular
fireworks displays and drone shows. All of this is included in the entry ticket and designed for
every member of the family to enjoy.
The unique ‘7 New Year Celebrations in One Night’ at Global Village is unlike anything else
in the UAE. Guests will celebrate the New Year across seven countries, each marked by
spectacular fireworks and dazzling drone shows: China at 8:00PM, Thailand at 9:00PM,
Bangladesh at 10:00PM, India at 10:30PM, Pakistan at 11:00PM, Dubai at midnight, and
Turkey at 1:00AM. Each countdown celebrates a different corner in the world, creating an
extraordinary way to welcome the New Year.
Beyond the countdowns, Global Village offers guests a full evening of experiences. Guests
can explore 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures, with more than 3,500 shopping
outlets, over 250 dining options celebrating cultures from around the world. From the
Floating Market and Happiness Street to Fiesta Street and Dessert District, there’s
something for every taste. Guests can also enjoy over 200 rides and games at Carnaval and
experience new attractions not to be missed, including Dragon Kingdom, Gardens of the
World, and The Little Wonderers for younger visitors, making a single night at Global Village
packed with experiences for everyone.
The destination’s three gates will open on the New Year’s Eve with extended hours from
4:00PM to 2:00AM. As a leading family destination, Global Village continues to create
unforgettable moments for guests of all ages. By marking New Year’s Eve across multiple
countries, the destination reinforces its role in delivering

A New Chapter in Refined Arrival: Address Downtown Introduces its Digital Check-In Experience

News 2 months ago

Dubai, UAE, December 2025: In line with Dubai’s continued vision for innovation and guest-centric excellence, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has approved the rollout of the Dubai Digital Hotel initiative – a pioneering transformation that reimagines the future of hospitality across the emirate.

As one of the city’s flagship luxury destinations, Address Downtown is proud to be among the first hotels to bring this vision to life with the debut of its new Digital Check-In Experience. Seamlessly integrated, elegantly designed, and thoughtfully crafted around the needs of the global traveller, the new system ensures that every arrival begins with ease, comfort, and a sense of quiet luxury.

Guests may now complete their pre-arrival verification from anywhere in the world, allowing the hotel to prepare their stay with greater precision and personalised attention. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an environment where the transition from travel to tranquillity is effortless – reflecting Address Downtown’s enduring commitment to hospitality that is both intuitive and refined.

This milestone marks a significant step towards Dubai’s ambition to set new benchmarks for digital excellence. Address Hotels + Resorts is honoured to contribute to this movement, elevating the guest journey through technology that enhances – rather than replaces – the warmth and authenticity of its service.

With Digital Check-In now live, Address Downtown invites its guests to experience a stay where innovation and hospitality coexist in perfect harmony, reaffirming its position as a leader in luxury hospitality in the region.

Others

Accor Builds on Strong Development Momentum in Saudi Arabia Through Partnership with Arbah Taiba to Develop Novotel Madinah North

News 2 months ago

MADINAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, DECEMBER 15 2025 — Accor, a world-leading hospitality group and the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed an agreement with Madinah-based developer Arbah Taiba for Real Estate Development and Investment, to develop Novotel Madinah North. The new hotel will be located minutes from the iconic Al Masjid an-Nabawi and is scheduled to open in 2028.

The collaboration draws on Arbah Taiba’s long-standing role in shaping Madinah’s urban development and Accor’s operating experience across Saudi Arabia. Together, the two groups will introduce a hotel that is accessible, modern, and designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers throughout the year.

The signing ceremony in Madinah was attended by Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, and Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman of Arbah Taiba. The agreement reaffirms their shared commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s religious, business and leisure tourism sectors in line with Vision 2030.

As Madinah continues to experience rapid growth welcoming more than more than 3.7 million visitors in Q2 2025 alone, following 18 million visitors in 2024 the new Novotel address will directly address the rising accommodation demand by expanding quality options for pilgrims, business travelers and domestic guests.

Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, said: ”This agreement strengthens Accor’s long-term strategy to deepen our presence across Saudi Arabia, particularly in the holy cities where demand for high-quality accommodation continues to accelerate. Our partnership with Arbah Taiba allows us to deliver a property that aligns with international standards while honoring the unique character and spiritual significance of Madinah.”

Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman, Arbah Taiba, said: “Arbah Taiba has long contributed to Madinah’s urban development and this partnership with Accor represents an important step in elevating the city’s hospitality offering. By combining our local insight with Accor’s global operating expertise, we are introducing a hotel that aligns with global best practices while serving the needs of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. Novotel Madinah North marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, and we look forward to developing further projects that continue to support Madinah’s growth and enhance the guest experience across the city.”

Novotel Madinah North: Designed for Balance and Modern Living

Now entering the development phase, Novotel Madinah North will embody Novotel’s Longevity Everyday positioning – creating uplifting, well-designed spaces that support balance, rest, nourishment and meaningful moments during every stay. The hotel that will complement Accor’s expanding accommodation offering across Saudi Arabia and its Holy Cities.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms complemented by a thoughtful selection of facilities including a restaurant, a lobby lounge, fitness center, and four flexible meeting rooms. The hotel’s design and balanced amenities make it well suited to business travelers, families and domestic guests alike.

The property’s appeal is further elevated by its prime location just minutes from Al Masjid an-Nabawi, the second largest mosque and holiest site in Islam, and is poised to welcome pilgrims who travel to the city throughout the year.

Demand continues to rise: Madinah hosted 6.45 million visitors in Q1 2025, including 4.41 million international travelers, reflecting 10.7% year-on-year increase in external Umrah arrivals. This momentum reflects the strategic importance of introducing modern, well-located, and accessible accommodation to support the city’s growth.

Strengthening Accor’s leadership

With this agreement, Accor reinforces its position as the largest international hotel operator in Saudi Arabia and the holy cities, adding to a year of significant development achievements and expanding its significant local pipeline to 6,700 keys. This momentum reflects a balanced mix of operating properties and high-value future projects across all segments.

Accor currently operates 40+ hotels and branded residences across the Kingdom, totaling more than 17,000 keys across 15 brands, and a robust pipeline of more than 60 committed projects amounting to approximately 17,000 keys. In the holy cities alone, Accor operates 14 hotels, representing 12,600 keys.

This year has seen notable growth in both Makkah and Madinah, with new developments such as Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah (1,141 keys), a new Mövenpick project with Al Qimmah Hospitality, and the upcoming ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah and Mercure Makkah Shesha. These additions reflect sustained demand across all segments and the rising expectations of visitors to the holy cities.

Novotel Madinah North builds on this trajectory, expanding Accor’s midscale offering and contributing to the continued evolution of hospitality standards in Madinah.