Author: Abdul.Wasey

By Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) As Dubai Shopping Festival concluded its 31st edition, it offered more than a seasonal celebration or a set of impressive statistics. It provided a living case study in how cities can design festivals that are economically powerful, culturally inclusive and operationally resilient — while remaining relevant to how people actually live today. Lessons from Dubai Shopping Festival Citywide festivals are no longer defined by a single venue, headline event or moment of spectacle. They are complex, multi-layered platforms that sit at the intersection of retail, tourism, culture, public space…

Dubai : Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has revealed an enticing programme of events for February 2026. From major sporting events such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, to cultural and community activities marking Ramadan in Dubai, February promises something for every interest and passion, and for both residents and visitors alike. ARTS & CULTURE Dubai Fashion Week Date: 1-6 February 2026 Location: Dubai Design District About: Dubai Fashion Week returns for a week-long showcase of exceptional homegrown brands from the UAE and wider MENA region, India, France, Italy and the UK. Grab your tickets to…

Crystalbrook Collection’s first development in the ACT, set to open in early 2027, reaches full height and confirms local dining partner Inside Crystalbrook Aurora Crystalbrook Collection, one of Australia’s leading sustainably and personality led luxury hospitality companies and a member of Ghassan Aboud Holding, together with Canberra based developer TP Dynamics, has announced a major construction milestone for Crystalbrook Aurora. The 10 storey luxury hotel has reached its full structural height at Garema Place, marking an important step in the development of the brand’s first property in the Australian Capital Territory. Crystalbrook Aurora is scheduled to open in early…

Dubai : Emirates Skywards has partnered with the UK’s favourite airline Jet2.com to offer members flight rewards to more than 75 destinations across the leading leisure airline’s network. The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai continues to expand its portfolio in the UK to offer its four million members more opportunities, rewards and travel choices. Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said; ‘The UK is one of our top markets and we’re pleased to expand our portfolio to offer millions of members a chance to redeem flight rewards on popular holiday destinations served by Jet2.com.…

A trusted membership network designed to connect, grow and recharge the world’s most senior hospitality professionals United Arab Emirates – The Masterkey Guild has officially launched as a trusted membership community created exclusively for global hospitality leaders, marked by an official launch event held on Wednesday, 21 January at Address Beach Resort, Dubai. How the Masterkey Guild works Designed as both a peer network and a resource hub, The Masterkey Guild brings together active hotel and resort General Managers from the GCC and beyond, and those leading equivalent hospitality businesses, to connect meaningfully, share wisdom & experience openly, and access support that is…

Research finds more than a quarter of forecast demand may remain unserved without expansion, equating to 54.5 million unfulfilled passenger journeys over the next decade Hyderabad :- A new study finds that existing limits on flight and seat capacity between India and the United Arab Emirates may not keep pace with rising travel demand, potentially reducing the economic benefits that stronger air connectivity can support. Why demand could go unserved The analysis shows that 27% of forecast passenger demand between India and the UAE could remain unserved by 2035 if capacity remains at current levels. This equates to a cumulative shortfall…

Bangkok: Central Pattana plc, Thailand’s leading sustainable real estate developer and operator of Central shopping centers nationwide, joined forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and The Walt Disney (Thailand) to invest over 800 million baht in creating a global year-end festive sensation with ‘The Magical Stars’. The campaign introduced four Disney-themed fairytale kingdoms, highlighted by a signature Christmas tree and 3-meter-tall Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in Thai silk at Disney The Magical Stars 2026 at centralwOrld, along with Magic Town, featuring a Mickey & Friends theme, and Magic Castle, inspired by Disney Princesses. The initiative aimed…

Dubai : Türkiye’s lands in Anatolia, a historical cradle of civilisations for millennia, continue to uncover humanity’s shared heritage hidden beneath the surface. Extending across the country from east to west and north to south, Türkiye functions as an open-air museum showcasing the civilisations that have shaped human history. The Legacy to the Future Project aims to highlight these remarkable treasures, expanding archaeological efforts nationwide and ushering in a new, dynamic era for archaeology in Türkiye. Last year, numerous artefacts from various periods and civilisations were uncovered through this initiative. These discoveries provide fresh insights into humanity’s relationship with the…

Kerten Hospitality expands its presence in Morocco with the signing of Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels, a lifestyle seaside destination shaping the next chapter of El Jadida’s coastal evolution.   Dubai :  Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle hospitality group known for creating purpose-driven, community-centric destinations, has announced the signing of Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels, a new resort and branded residences project in El Jadida, initiated and developed by Groupe Ramos, the French real estate developer recognised for over half a century for its innovative developments and strong attachment to Moroccan culture and heritage. Long appreciated for its Atlantic…

Denmark :  Kenya Airways (KQ) has once again emerged as a leader in sustainable aviation, securing three awards at The Aviation Challenge 2025. This marks the fourth year the carrier has been recognized for its practical approach to green flight, proving how African aviation is driving global innovation through strategic partnerships and eco- conscious operations. At this year’s challenge, Kenya Airways received the following awards including: Most Impactful Solution – Catering Game Changer of the Year Special Recognition for Collaboration with KLM. George Kamal, Acting Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, commenting on the multiple awards won noted,…