Orfali Bros Bistro is the best restaurant in MENA for 2025

The 4th Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards, hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), has crowned Orfali Bros Bistro No. 1 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro - which also has a 2024 Michelin star - blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. The venue was ranked 46th on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023. 

Source: 50 Best via PRNewsfoto: Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 unveiled with Orfali Bros Bistro as the reigning No. 1 restaurant in the region.

Its web page notes: "We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of cooking to discover new flavours and sensations to our food and pastries...Some of our dishes and desserts we have made them again and again, food that we love to eat. We serve them because they link us to our past and remind us of who we are."

Trèsind Studio in Dubai retained its No. 2 spot, followed by Dubai's Kinoya at No. 3.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants said of Orfali Bros Bistro: "Its enduring success is a testament to the talent and passion of the Orfali brothers, whose dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. We are also excited to see restaurants from 11 cities represented on this year's list, showcasing the rich variety of cuisines across the region."

- Omar Shihab of Boca won the Icon Award while Boca received the Sustainable Restaurant Award

- Tala Bashmi was recognised as the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice 

- Carmen Rueda Hernandez claimed the Middle East & North Africa's Best Pastry Chef Award

- Row on 45 in Dubai was named the Highest Climber, rising 24 spots to No. 17

- Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman, No. 18, also received the Highest New Entry Award.

Details

Browse the list at https://www.theworlds50best.com/mena/en/lists/1-50

Three new celebrity chefs at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Source: Jumeirah Group. From left: Costa, Joinie-Maurin, Kurdahl, Semblat and Silva.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has had three new chefs join its celebrity restaurants as part of its aims to create elevated dining experiences for its guests.

Jose Silva, Jumeirah Group's CEO said: "We are very proud to announce the arrival of three new culinary experts at our flagship hotel in Dubai. This appointment reveals the start of a more diversified and innovative culinary offering, in addition to our continued focus on the guest experiences, which is a core element of the luxury industry. Dubai's diverse culinary scene will be a delight for Expo2020 visitors next year, and with over 60 restaurants in Dubai, we are ready to welcome its epicurean guests. This is the start of several other exciting culinary and customer experiences we plan to announce in the near future."

The news follows the recent milestone recruitment of Michael Ellis as Chief Culinary Officer, the former MD of the Michelin Guide.

Francky Semblat, Kim Joinie-Maurin and Kasper Kurdahl have a combined seven Michelin stars at their most recent culinary appointments. Semblat and Joinie-Maurin are both protégés of Joël Robuchon's school of excellence, while Kurdahl has worked alongside Roger Souvereyns.

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah's contemporary French diner Al Muntaha welcomes Semblat and Sky View cocktail bar & restaurant Joinie-Maurin. Kurdahl joins the Al Mahara seafood restaurant.

Anthony Costa, Regional VP, Jumeirah Group and MD Burj al Arab, said of the three: "Their experience at some of the world's best restaurants coupled with their diverse backgrounds and entrepreneurial adventures will pave the path to a wonderful gastronomic journey."

Dubai attracted over 1,000 millionaire residents in 2018

- Hamdan bin Mohammed: "The leadership’s clear vision for the future has transformed the UAE into a leading global lifestyle and business destination”

- More than 1,000 millionaires chose to move to Dubai in 2018

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said that the UAE has been able to create a robust investment and economic environment due to the clear vision of the country’s leaders. Their keenness to ensure high levels of happiness for residents, visitors and investors, and create a supportive environment for ideas and innovation, have helped make the UAE a leading lifestyle and business destination.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai seeks to make Dubai and the UAE a land of opportunity for talent and a magnet for investments that can benefit not only the region but all of humanity, Sheikh Hamdan added.

Sheikh Hamdan’s comments came on the back of a new report that shows Dubai was a major beneficiary of changing global wealth trends in 2018. The Global Wealth Migration Report for 2019, developed by AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth, says that Dubai attracted more than 1,000 millionaires from outside the country, surpassing major cities like Los Angeles (US), Melbourne (Australia), Miami (US), New York (US), San Francisco (US) and Sydney (Australia).

The report described Dubai as the most prominent financial centre in the Middle East, and one of the safest cities in the region as well as a popular destination for high-net worth individuals (HNWIs) and wealthy expatriates. It also said that Dubai is an example of the power that business incentives have in encouraging business formation.  

Approximately 2,000 HNWIs, each with at least US$1 million worth of net assets, moved into the UAE in 2018, boosting the local economy. The number of affluent migrants in the UAE rose 2% in 2018 compared to the previous year, according to the report.

The 2019 Global Wealth Migration Report said that global wealth migration saw an acceleration in 2018. Approximately 108,000 millionaires (HNWIs) migrated in 2018, compared to 95,000 in 2017. China saw a mass exodus of 15,000 millionaires in 2018, the most significant of any country in the world. India saw an exodus of about 7,000 millionaires, while Turkey saw 4,000.

The report also found that HNWIs migrate because they are looking for security and safety, modern lifestyle, high standards of living, better educational opportunities and healthcare. Driven by its success as a focal point for global trade, and as an important transportation hub, Dubai offers many advantages that make it a haven for the world's wealthy.

Based on an ethos of peaceful coexistence and tolerance, the UAE is home to people of over 200 nationalities. Its strong legislative framework provides high levels of safety and security while its infrastructure incudes high-quality tourism facilities, service levels and entertainment offerings. Dubai has built a global reputation as a city with a highly developed infrastructure, and attracts millionaires due to business incentives, robust foreign trade and international connectivity.

Dubai Chamber white paper analyses Dubai startup funding environment

Source: Dubai Chamber. Cover for the white paper.

Startups in the UAE need a practical guide to help them navigate the UAE’s funding landscape along with access to a wider network of investors who are eager to finance new business ventures, a new white paper published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said.

The report, Helping Startups Access Funding, was published in collaboration with Roland Berger, and released during Dubai Startup Hub’s Entrepreneurship Advocacy Series event in March. Dubai Startup Hub is the entrepreneurship arm of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The initiative provides clarity and direction in the journey of a startup entrepreneur through a wide range of programmes, workshops and training.

The white paper also called for allocation of more investment for startup incubators and accelerators, as well as for closer cooperation between universities, government agencies and investment funds to expand the scope of investments, to support the growth of startups in the UAE.

Navigating the complex local funding ecosystem, high hurdle rates to qualify for equity capital, and insufficient risk appetite of debt lenders were listed as key challenges for startups in the UAE. In addition, many banks still require startups to have an established company track record of at least three years before they can qualify for funding. The report also found that investor appetite is limited to a select number of business models, technologies and sectors.

Although the UAE has successfully attracted a diverse set of investors, interest in startups as an asset class is still relatively new, the white paper noted, with the bulk of investment still primarily directed towards other asset classes such as real estate and commodities. The document added that a lack of reliable market data adds complexity, cost and uncertainty when it comes to due diligence.

Building sector and technology specific ecosystems is the way forward to further elevate the role of startups in the economy, the report said. This in turn would help drive the UAE forward in its mission to be a world leader in innovation, and develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem where startups, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and major corporations can promote the use of modern technology, leading to the diversification of the economy, and the creation of new job opportunities.

The white paper also underlined the need to build more incubator capacity to cater to the growing number of entrepreneurs, adding that most of the currently available spaces still come at a cost that require start-ups to run on a self-financed basis for a fair period.

Startups still continue to experience some degree of difficulty in opening a bank account in the UAE, largely due to the various risk policies adopted by banks, the report said, calling on government entities to play a leading role in reducing the risks incurred by banks in financing early-stage startups.
On a positive note, the report said the building blocks for a thriving ecosystem are now in place, noting that the number of startups in the UAE has grown considerably in recent years as the country has become a preferred regional destination for entrepreneurs operating across a wide variety of sectors and fields.

Results of the new white paper were based on insights obtained by a survey of banks, startups, venture capital firms, angel investors, incubators, accelerators, and government entities in the UAE.

Explore:

Download the Helping Startups Access Funding white paper (PDF)

Winners for MRM Business Award and MRM Business Innovation Award announced

Source: Dubai Chamber. HH Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum
honoured winners of the 10th MRM Awards.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, who is also Chairman & Chief Executive of the Emirates Airline & Group, has honoured the winners of the 10th Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business Award and the 2nd MRM Business Innovation Award in Dubai, UAE.

The awards ceremony, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The MRM Business Award, which is part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, was presented to:

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB);
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC);
Al Khaleej Sugar Company;
All Food For Food Stuff;
Apparel Group;
Arabian Automobiles Company;
ASGC Construction;
British Orchard Nursery;
China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East);
Doka Gulf;
Gulf Extrusions;
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC);
Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel;
Network International;
RAK Hospital;
Tablix Technology;
TASC Outsourcing; and
Transguard Group.

The MRM Business Innovation Award was presented to:

Al Ansari Exchange;
ALEC Engineering and Contracting;
Almajdouie Logistics Company;
ASGC Construction;
Aster Pharmacy Group;
DuBox;
ENOC Retail;
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC);
Jebel Ali Free Zone;
Network International;
Samsotech;
Sharjah Islamic Bank; and
Transguard Group.

Gulf Petrochemicals Industries Co. (GPIC) was presented with the Outstanding Award for Business Excellence, while the Outstanding Award for Business Innovation went to ENOC Retail.

HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of judging panel for the MRM Business Award and MRM Business Innovation Award, said the MRM Business Awards have fostered a culture of excellence within business communities in the UAE and GCC, facilitated the adoption of best practices and raised industry standards. He noted that the MRM Business Innovation Award, which was launched in 2015 by Dubai Chamber and the UAE Ministry of Economy during the Year of Innovation, reflects the vision of the UAE’s leadership to encourage companies to make innovation a major part of their organisational cultures.

HE Al Mansoori said the second cycle of the MRM Business Innovation Award registered a 21% increase in the number of participants, reflecting the growing importance that companies in the region attach to innovation excellence.

Source: Dubai Chamber. HE Al Ghurair.

In welcome remarks, HE Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Since the establishment of the MRM Business Awards, we have worked to develop and improve the award programme in line with the changing needs of maturing business communities in the UAE and GCC. I am very proud at the progress that has been achieved by the outstanding companies that have participated in the programme to date.”

Dubai Chamber’s Chairman explained that the awards have served as a catalyst for enhancing business performance and boosting innovation activity on a regional level. He revealed that more than 1,800 companies have benefitted from the award programme since its establishment while 181 winning companies have been recognised for their outstanding achievements.

During the ceremony, HE Al Ghurair launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Customer Excellence Award, a new award under the MRM Business Awards platform. The award aims to recognise the efforts of outstanding companies and organisations in the UAE and GCC that are adopting innovative strategies to improve customer experiences.

“The MRM Customer Excellence Award will provide companies with another incentive to apply and participate in the MRM Business Award programme, enhance their customer approach and adopt best practices in line with international standards. The launch of this award stems from our strong belief that customer experience is among the most crucial factors impacting business performance,” said HE Al Ghurair.

HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the MRM Business Award said: “Over the years, the MRM Business Awards have become benchmarks for business and innovation excellence and they remain the highest level of recognition in these areas within the GCC. With UAE Innovation Month upon us, it is an opportune time to put the spotlight on the outstanding companies we are recognising today that are driving innovation in a wide range of economic sectors.”

HE Buamim noted Dubai Chamber had received an overwhelming number of strong applications for both awards, with a 46% increase in the number of applications. He added that the awards support Dubai Chamber’s efforts to fulfill the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and lead the business community to a brighter future.

The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences to host Ariana's Persian Kitchen

The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences and Iranian-American celebrity chef Ariana Bundy have announced that her debut restaurant, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, will launch at the destination property late 2019.

Served family style, Persian classics will be given a modern twist in terms of textures, ingredients and presentation. Guests can sample signature dishes such as Ariana’s Caspian-style filet kabab, rose-scented sea bass, a colorful array of new mezze dishes, and her take on classic Persian ice cream with saffron, pistachios and rosewater. Meals will be complemented by a range of specially created cordials and drinks as well as traditional Persian tea and baqlava (baklava).

An elegant, light yet relaxed and intimate setting, the restaurant will seat more than 140 guests offering sea views over the Dubai skyline from wooden ‘day beds’ in a garden terrace. Features of note include a cordial bar, vaulted domes and a masculine private dining room. At the heart of the restaurant is a show kitchen featuring a massive charcoal grill and fire pit tanoor serving fresh breads.

A TV chef and cookbook author, Bundy is on a mission to bring Persian cuisine to a wider audience.
“The stunning design of the resort, combined with the professionalism of the Atlantis and Kerzner teams, convinced me that this was the ideal time and place to open my first restaurant,” she said. 

Source: Kerzner International Holdings.
Bundy. 

“Ariana’s Persian Kitchen will bring to life the untold stories of Persian culture through plentiful and beautifully presented dishes. Complex, yet comforting flavours will work alongside an interplay of textures, spices and tastes, all served with charming and generous hospitality.”

Martin Chung, SVP, Global Development at The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences said: “We have big expectations for Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, there is really nothing in the region that fuses a contemporary dining experience with the authenticity of the Persian cuisine. Joining the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Heston Blumenthal, Giorgio Locatelli and José Andrés, Ariana Bundy is another iconic addition to the Atlantis family.”

Bundy was first exposed to the food business by her restaurateur father, who owned French dining establishments in pre-revolution Iran and later Beverly Hills in the US. After learning her craft at Le Cordon Bleu and Le Notre in Paris and training at Fauchon Patisserie, Bundy became the head pastry chef for the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles, the US, catering for the Oscars and Golden Globes as well as movie premieres. 

Shortly after, Bundy published her first book, Sweet Alternative that features desserts using alternatives to dairy, gluten, or soy, inspired by her own food intolerances. Following the success of her book Pomegranates and Roses: My Persian Family Recipes in 2012 she went on to write, produce and present the cookery and travel series, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen on NatGeo People, in 2015. 

Kerzner International Holdings owns the Atlantis brand, which includes Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, a 1,500-room, water-themed resort on The Palm; Atlantis Sanya Hainan in China; and in development, The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai, UAE. 

Atlantis, The Palm brings back Cirque de Cuisine: The Festive Edition

Source: Atlantis, The Palm. Cirque
de Cuisine.

Cirque de Cuisine will kick off Dubai’s festive season with a Winter Wonderland theme. Taking place in The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm on 6 December, early bird tickets for the all you can eat and drink concept start at AED495 and will include four hours of festive fun.

Cirque de Cuisine allows diners to wander from restaurant to restaurant, enjoying signature dishes, live cooking stations, buffets, drinks and live entertainment. This enables the exploration of some of the worlds’ top restaurants, including Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Gregoire Berger’s underwater restaurant Ossiano, Ronda Locatelli by Giorgio Locatelli and the recently-opened Michelin star Cantonese restaurant brand, Hakkasan.

All signature restaurants are open exclusively for Cirque De Cuisine ticketholders. The venues are located within two minutes of one another.

This year, The Avenues will be transformed into a winter wonderland hosting Cirque le Soir. The event will see fire eaters and fire blowers, feather fan dancers, magicians and the human pin cushion join winter acrobats as they roam snowy walkways. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed by a choir singing Christmas carols under a giant wreath arch constructed at the entrance and decorated with festive ribbons and bells. The Avenues will be lined with Christmas trees, snow-capped street lamps, fairy lights and life-sized nutcrackers.

Beverages will be available at eight different bars throughout the venues including a ‘feature bar’ located in the centre of The Avenues. Those looking to continue the night will be treated to a festive after party from 11 pm to 3 am in Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, where resident DJs will blast Christmas classics.

Festive inspired food on offer includes:

Nobu Dubai
Sushi via roaming trays in the venue and a selection of Nobu signatures including Nobu tacos, yellow tail sushi jalapeno, black cod butter lettuce and beef tenderloin anticucho*, a ceviche and mochi bar will be available as well with a selection of beverages. The evening will feature Nobu’s resident DJ accompanied by an electronic violinist.

Hakkasan Dubai
Hakkasan will feature signature dishes, as well as selected dishes exclusive to the Dubai location.

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
Guests who enter Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant can feast on British favourites with a festive twist including the signature mini turkey Wellington, and truffle mac & cheese fritters with chestnuts and roasted veal carpaccio. Entertainment will include a British inspired Christmas soundtrack from Bread Street Kitchen’s resident busker.

Ronda Locatelli
Offering a traditional taste of Italy, guests can feast on truffle risotto, baby spinach salad, and homemade ravioli and caserecce** pasta with duck ragu. A selection of Ronda Locatelli’s signature wood-fired pizzas will be available. The evening’s entertainment will feature an Italian duo playing the best in Italian festive classics.

Seafire Steakhouse and Bar
Guests who visit will enjoy live cooking stations serving roast turkey and an Atlantis beef carvery. Savoury short rib donuts and Seafire rossini*** will be available as well as numerous signature dishes from the a la carte menu. Entertainment will include a five-piece jazz band, providing a festive soundtrack all evening long.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Dine under the sea with a selection of desserts by Ossiano’s Chef de Cuisine, Gregoire Berger and the in-house pastry team. In addition, there will be numerous live cooking stations serving caramelised “Smores” marshmallows, French croissant toast and the smoked nitro popcorn. There are also freak shakes**** and a designated Atlantis chocolate praline and roasted chestnuts station.

Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region and located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai, UAE. The ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 17 hectares of waterscape amusement at Aquaventure Waterpark, within a 46-hectare site. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with over 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

Details:

Buy tickets

Make reservations at +971 4426 2626

*Meat-based snacks, served on a skewer.

**The pasta is shaped somewhat like a scroll folded back on itself.

***Steak with foie gras.

****A milkshake decorated with toppings such as cake slices and pretzels.

Art to blanket Dubai

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have announced a strategic partnership to jointly undertake city beautification projects across the city over the next three years. 

The first project under partnership is the Dubai Metro Murals Project, under which Peruvian Daniel Cortez and Dominican-born, US-based artist Evoca1 - also known as Elio Mercado - will paint murals on pillars of the Dubai Metro on Sheikh Zayed Road between the Dubai International Financial Centre and Emirates Towers stations. The themes of the murals have been chosen to inspire creativity and spread happiness while also reflecting Dubai’s character, vision and future aspirations.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said: “We are very happy to partner with Brand Dubai to execute this truly unique mural project in Dubai. Many of RTA’s projects have incorporated a strong aesthetic dimension and we are now working closely with Brand Dubai to enhance the experience that Dubai offers. 

"The project will not only transform the urban ambience along Sheikh Zayed Road but also bring art closer to the community. In cooperation with Brand Dubai, we are seeking to implement a series of projects like this that will make public spaces more appealing and create a distinct visual identity that fosters a sense of belonging and pride within the community.”

The Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office HE Mona Al Marri said: “This project is part of our effort to create public artworks across the city to support the vision of VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into an open-air museum. This project is also aligned with our mission of launching art projects that capture Dubai’s unique character, not only as a leading global city, but also a culturally vibrant city that promotes diversity and innovation.

“The project aims to create beautiful artwork that makes public spaces in Dubai more exciting and infuse them with a sense of creative dynamism. The murals being created will enhance the way both residents and visitors relate to the city. By revitalising the urban atmosphere, projects like these will help sustain stronger and more close-knit communities.” 

Under the agreement, the two organisations will establish strategic cooperation to implement public art projects aimed at enhancing the city’s aesthetic environment. The beautification projects will cover bridges, tunnels, walking tracks, bus stops and other public facilities and areas throughout Dubai. Accomplished artists from the UAE, the region and across the world will be invited to create public artworks in the city.

Dubai shares upbeat FDI outlook

Increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reflect growing investor confidence in Dubai, UAE, said HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of The Executive Council.

HH said that FDI into Dubai had grown in 1H18, reaching US$4.84 billion. This is a 26% increase compared to the first half of last year, while the number of FDI projects surged to 248, an increase of 40% over the same period last year,. The figures are from Dubai FDI Monitor data issued by the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai.

"The rise in FDI capital and projects reinforces Dubai’s leading position as the preferred global location for global businesses and startups pursuing growth and expansion and clearly reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s economy,” Sheikh Hamdan added. Dubai’s ability to maintain its position as one of the top FDI destinations in the world reflects the confidence of the global investor community in its business environment and its ability to offer diversified investment opportunities in key growth sectors, especially knowledge and technology, he said.

The Dubai FDI Monitor shows that 43% of all FDI projects in 1H18 use high and medium technology, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)*. Strategic projects accounted for 56% of total investment projects that Dubai attracted in 1H18. India and Thailand were in the top five list of source countries for FDI capital. India was also one of the top five countries initiating investment projects.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai's success in attracting investments from both developed and developing markets and providing a platform for businesses to serve markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. This has enhanced the emirate’s status as a strategic gateway to regional and international markets and a pivotal hub in the global economy, he said.

He also commended Dubai FDI’s role in increasing global awareness of the advantages Dubai provides as a smart and sustainable city of the future, a gateway to regional growth markets and a global business hub, as well as a city that attracts FDI which can contribute positively to sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, DED, said: “FDI flows in the first half of 2018 reaffirm the sustained growth of Dubai economy, and the diversity, competitiveness and attractiveness of the emirate.” He said the 2018 results follow on from Dubai's achievements in 2017, which include being ranked 4th in greenfield FDI projects, 10th in FDI capital flows and 5th in FDI reinvestment projects globally.

He also stressed that Dubai's economy is confident of boosting FDI flows, backed by the strengthening of its economic stimulus, closer cooperation and partnership within the business community and new laws that enhance Dubai's competitiveness as a preferred FDI destination and leading incubator for innovation.

Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI said growth of foreign investments into Dubai and new projects and investments based on advanced technology underlines Dubai’s significant role in driving the 4th Industrial Revolution and its ability to be prepared for future economic shifts. The emirate’s strategic approach of encouraging investment in industries based on innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have also proved attractive for investors, he said.

Al Gergawi added: “We are confident about the future prospects for enhancing FDI flows, especially following the issuance of new laws that enhance Dubai's competitiveness as a preferred global destination for investment and an incubator for innovation and creativity, including laws allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies, (and) 10-year residency visas for investors, innovators, professionals and top-performing students.”

Dubai has witnessed an increase in FDI capital inflows in the past year, despite the decline in global FDI flows. Total FDI flows reached AED27.3 billion in 2017, a 7% increase compared to 2016.

*OECD classifies technology as high, medium-high, medium-low and low-technology. The classification is based on the importance of expenditures on research and development relative to the gross output and value added of different types of industries that produce goods for export. Examples of high-technology industries are aircraft, computers, and pharmaceuticals; medium-high-technology includes motor vehicles, electrical equipment and most chemicals; medium-low-technology includes rubber, plastics, basic metals and ship construction; low-technology industries include food processing, textiles, clothing and footwear.

Talent will be key to Dubai's success as a business hub

The Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said during a visit to the regional headquarters of LinkedIn that developing people’s skills, finding ways to discover creative talent and attracting the most productive minds are critical to Dubai’s strategy of becoming a leader in building the future.

HH said that Dubai’s success in becoming a destination of choice for entrepreneurs and major companies from across the globe is testimony to Dubai’s ability to create an attractive investment environment. This has allowed it to create a pool of exceptional talent that can support the effort to realise the vision of VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

“Dubai has received a high ranking in various competitiveness reports, which reflects the effectiveness of its investment policy, and the success of its strategy to attract investors and international firms. We are seeking to strengthen Dubai’s foundations for sustainable economic environment and further enhance the financial, legal and technical environment in Dubai to support investment and enhance business,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

MGallery enters Middle East with The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel

MGallery has opened The Retreat Palm Dubai, marking the brand's first step into the Middle East. The hotel already rates a 3.9 stars out of five on its website.

Part of the MGallery by Sofitel “Serenity” collection, The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is a holistic wellbeing resort on the East Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah in the UAE, and less than an hour from two of Dubai's major airports. It is a 25-minute drive to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, 20 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport, and 35 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. 

The beachfront resort features 255 non-smoking rooms and suites, including four rooms for people with reduced mobility, as well as a Club Lounge. Exclusive touches include a turndown gift, a special pillow menu and a range of organic-certified bath products. The rooms and suites also have state-of-the-art in-room entertainment and the latest connectivity facilities, including a dedicated app that includes room service ordering functions. 

The classic room offers 35 m² of space, zip beds convertible to twin or king configurations, sea views, balconies, free Wi-Fi, a 42" TV, minibar, shower and bath tub, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. The Club One bedroom suite, on the other hand, is 80 m² with a twin or king Sofitel MyBed.

Source: The Retreat Palm Dubai website. The Club Lounge.

Guests staying in Club rooms and suites enjoy complimentary access to the Club Lounge. The lounge offers armchairs indoors, a roof terrace, as well as exclusive privileges such as private check-in and check-out, access to a business centre and dedicated meeting room, as well as complimentary fresh juices, coffee, tea and afternoon snacks.

There are a variety of dining venues and the world's first Rayya Wellness Center offering 360-degree wellness solutions. The All-Day Dining Restaurant features live cooking stations and a dedicated BBQ station, offering hearty, healthy meals prepared a la minute with the freshest ingredients. Various theme nights are offered throughout the week. The Pool Bar serves snacks, savouries and salads. 

Source: Accor Hotels website on The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel. Meetings can be accommodated in a 15-man meeting room. 

MGallery has 90 addresses in 24 countries around the world, and is the fastest-growing brand within the AccorHotels luxury brands. Another 32 hotels are planned in the five years.

Details:

The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel is at the East Crescent, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.

Call + 971 4 524 7777 with enquiries.

Gain knowledge to succeed in the fourth industrial age

Source: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. The summit was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (6th from left). He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (2nd from right), and Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right).

Knowledge will be key to succeeding a digital world, said speakers at the opening ceremony of the fourth Knowledge Summit in the UAE. The fourth edition of the summit, under the theme Knowledge and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is studying the impact of the new industrial revolution on individuals, institutions and nations.

Dr Hani Al Mulki, PM of Jordan and the guest of honour, told the audience that the Arab world must continue to embrace change caused by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). “The digital revolution is a competitive and collaborative campaign between man and machine,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki said the 4IR is an opportunity for all nations to develop expertise on human development, technological change and sustainability. “The question is, are we ready to absorb [the impact of the 4IR] and use it for the development of our countries?” he asked.

He stressed that emerging technologies such as drones, autonomous vehicles and 3D printers are meant to empower humans. “This revolution is not taking place to empower machinery, but to collaborate with people in order to empower them and to result in higher levels of productivity, and less pressure on natural resources — and accordingly, a better living standard for everyone,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki also emphasised on education in the Arab world and referred to the global initiatives launched by HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Education is the true indicator of a country’s progress and success in addressing the fourth industrial revolution,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki predicted that the Arab world will see more education and less unemployment as it embraces the digital revolution. “We will witness smart projects, digital marketing projects, flying cars, driverless cars, and a world without disease,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki also spoke of the need to empower Arab youth with technological skills. He pointed out that job requirements in the near future will differ from those needed in the traditional job market. “The economic, social and human structure must be developed,” he said.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) separately announced that Switzerland tops the Global Knowledge Index, followed by Singapore, Finland, and the Netherlands. The Global Knowledge Index 2017 was launched by the Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to study knowledge at an international level, identify opportunities and challenges in the Arab world and compare them with those of other countries around the world. The Index studies 131 countries over six categories, namely ICT, research and innovation, the economy, pre-university education, technical education and training, and higher education.

Hashtags: #KnowledgeSummit, #4IR

Key figures in knowledge promotion win Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Awards

Source: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. A representative from the MiSK Foundation accepts the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. 

Winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award, honoured on 21 November, all aim to build the future. The award recognises contributions to the production and promotion of knowledge around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s MiSK Foundation, which was among the winners, specialises in developing educational institutions and supporting scientific research.

“Knowledge is vital in this world,” said Ohoud Alarfaj, Project Manager at the foundation. “We’ve done a lot of initiatives towards encouraging the youth in Saudi and globally in education, media, culture and technology. We have scholarships for Saudi and international youth with Cisco, Bloomberg and many high-level companies and educational institutes to provide scholarships and high quality education for the new generation.”

Youth constitute more than 50% of the KSA population. “We know the future is the youth as they will be the leaders,” she said. “So we have to focus on how to empower them and (help) them gain the knowledge and skills they will need in the future to lead to more sustainable development.”

Winner Wendy Kopp, Chief Executive and co-founder of Teach For All, who also founded Teach fo America, works to address educational inequality and groom future leaders. “It’s a very deep rooted challenge and we believe the only way to address it is cultivating collective leadership for change at every level,” she said. 

“Teach For All is a network of independent organisations in 46 countries...brought together by a shared commitment to...ensure all children fulfill their potential. Each of these organisations are galvanising the rising generation of promising future leaders in their countries, whether in Lebanon, India or Peru, to channel their energy into the arena of working with their countries’ most marginalised kids.”

Participants in the Teach For All programme are asked to commit two years to teaching children. Kopp said the aim was to “cultivate a generation of leaders who have the foundational experience of teaching and will go on and exert real leadership for change.”

Hiroshi Komiyama, Japanese scientist and global authority on sustainability, also won an award.

Hashtags: #KnowledgeAward, #KnowledgeSummit, #4IR

Chinese Business Hub opens in Dubai

Source: CBH. The Business Centre opening ceremony was attended by Dubai South’s Shoaib Alrahimi, VP, Business Park (second from left), Mohsen Ahmad, VP, Logistics District (right) and Justin Wilshaw, SVP Commercial (left) along with senior officials and association representatives. 

Chinese Business Hub (CBH), the UAE’s first dedicated business centre for new Chinese startup companies and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), has officially opened its headquarters in Dubai South Business Park.

CBH assists Chinese companies and entrepreneurs to set up a business presence in the UAE and provide full business setup services from start to finish, including fully furnished and equipped office space, procurement support, trade license and visa issuance and dedicated receptionists and conference facilities. The 30,000 sq ft business facility boasts a state-of-the-art working environment for its occupants.

HE Madam Li Ling Bing, Consulate General for China in Dubai, stated that she “hoped the Chinese Business Hub was a successful model for the long-term continued economic cooperation between the UAE and China”.

Key to the long-term success of the Chinese Business Hub is its strategic location in Dubai South, home to Dubai Expo 2020 and where Al Maktoum International Airport is situated. Dubai South is viewed as the new investment, business and transport epicentre of the UAE and is integral to maintaining Dubai’s position as a global destination for investment. There are currently 4,500 companies registered at Dubai South, making it the preferred gateway to the emerging markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

The opening of CBH represents Dubai South’s efforts in attracting more Chinese investment into Dubai and also boost the presence of Chinese businesses in the region. 

Dubai South VP – Business Park, Shoaib Alrahimi said: “We are thrilled to have CBH as part of our vibrant business community. Our commitment is to provide the necessary ground for such a great investment.” 

Alex Chen, GM, CBH, added, “At Chinese Business Hub, the strategic location and visionary planning of Dubai South has made it one of the most popular investment destinations for Chinese companies and we are very pleased to have our business HQ at the centre of the Emirate’s flagship masterplan city within a city. Dubai South is set to thrive and we expect our business centre and our clients to thrive with it. Dubai South really is the future of Dubai!”

Dubai South’s logistical, investment and strategic advantages for Chinese companies allow them to use Dubai as a bridge to access wider markets both regionally and internationally. China is the UAE’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade between the two countries standing at US$64.4 billion in 2016. China’s top four banks also all have branches in Dubai.

A total of 13 Chinese cities are also connected to Dubai with more than 100 weekly flights, with the Dubai government’s announcement that all Chinese visitors to the UAE are granted visa’s upon arrival.

With 2,829 Chinese companies currently registered with the Dubai Chamber, a total of 4,500 Chinese-owned businesses in the city and Chinese nationals making up an estimated 10% of Dubai’s population, there remains many strong pull factors ensuring Chinese companies remain highly interested in the UAE markets.

Dubai CommerCity to promote Dubai as an e-commerce hub

Dubai CommerCity, an AED2.7 billion, 2.1-million sq ft joint venture between Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and wasl Asset Management Group, has been launched. This is the first free zone dedicated to e-commerce in the MENA region, intended to promote Dubai’s position as a leading platform for international e-commerce and to support economic diversification and smart transformation strategies.

The project will accelerate the growth of the e-commerce market which is expected to reach US$20 billion in 2020 in the GCC countries. It will provide an environment that stimulates creativity and attracts more direct foreign investments in line with Dubai Plan 2021.

Source: Dubai CommerCity website. Artist's impression of Dubai CommerCity.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, DAFZA Chairman, said that free zones enjoy flexible and adaptable legislations and business systems – a unique feature that empowers economic clusters and accelerates their growth. He added that free zones also play strategic roles locally and regionally in enhancing global trade routes and supply chains. DAFZA, he noted, has all the elements and factors to achieve success, pointing out that for the last two decades its remarkable achievements have earned the confidence of the international business community and its leaders.

Dubai CommerCity is strategically located near the Dubai International Airport, and close to major local and national highways. It offers world-class cargo and logistics services and an integrated infrastructure with easy access to land and seaports, enabling swift and efficient distribution and delivery of services which are essential to competing in the world of e-commerce as well as minimising supply chain costs.

HE Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of DAFZA, said: “Dubai CommerCity will enhance the role of e-commerce as a key driver of Dubai’s sustainable economy. DAFZA will apply its leading experiences and services based on comprehensive studies on the future of e-commerce in the MENA region. Dubai CommerCity complements the expansion plans and achievements led by DAFZA aimed at attracting foreign direct investments to Dubai, driven by its vision, The free zone that goes beyond, in cooperation with wasl Asset Management Group with which we have a successful partnership. Through Dubai CommerCity, we aim to play an organisational, operational and knowledge-based role that will contribute to the building of a new world-class free zone and the creation of a unified platform for government, administrative, customs and logistics services that meet the needs of the e-commerce sector, in response to the vision of the wise leadership of achieving sustainable development.”

HE Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, commented: “We look forward to partnering with DAFZA to translate the vision of our wise leadership to make Dubai one of the best investment destinations in the world. Our joint venture supports the national economic diversification strategy and the creation of a sustainable economy based on innovation and competitiveness. The new free zone is strategically located near to Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, offering attractive investment opportunities to reputed e-commerce companies that are seeking to establish a presence and expand in the MENA and South Asia regions.”

Dubai CommerCity takes up 427,000 sq m inclusive of office spaces and logistics units covering 207,000 sq m. There will be 4,000 parking slots for its customers. The free zone is divided into three clusters designed in to achieve environmental and investment sustainability.

The Business Cluster includes 13 office buildings with a total leasable area of 108,000 sq m and a total built-up area of 136,000 sq m. It features modern buildings and landscapes within the interior and exterior areas to encourage customers to adopt a healthy and active approach while doing business and to make work routines interesting. The cluster is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified.

The Logistics Cluster consists of 84 logistic units with a total built-up area of 71,000 sq m and a leasable area of 68,000 sq m equipped with the latest technologies to meet the needs of logistics services providers and customers. The main feature of the cluster is its rooftop PVC solar panels for generating clean energy.

The Social Cluster is the heart of Dubai CommerCity, with its art galleries, a range of luxury restaurants and cafés, and facilities for e-commerce companies wishing to establish regional headquarters in Dubai.

The project will be an ideal opportunity for major regional and international manufacturers to store their goods, products and spare parts in state-of-the-art, fully-equipped, technology-enabled warehouses, to be shipped to the local markets in record time.

The new free zone will also drive private investment supporting the region’s startups. Over the next five years, the e-commerce sector is projected to account for 10% of the emirate of Dubai’s retail sales, which are in turn expected to reach AED200 billion by the end of 2017.

Dubai CommerCity is fully committed to supporting the goal of the wise leadership to reduce the UAE carbon footprint by 25% within 2030 in accordance with global standards for a sustainable environment and a green economy. It will reduce electricity consumption by using solar energy; lower water wastage by 40% through the treatment of polluted water and the collection and reuse of storm water. Strategies also include the reduction of pollution and implementation of global environmental standards related to the construction of light industrial units and buildings as well as the use of environmentally-friendly building materials and recycled resources.

The free zone is committed to modernising and updating the regional e-commerce legislative system. It will benefit from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between DAFZA and the Arab Federation for e-Commerce, an organisation under the Arab League’s Council of Arab Economic Unity, stipulating cooperation with Arab governments in developing and harmonising legislation and laws designed to facilitate the practice of e-commerce and drive the growth of the digital economy.

Salary transfer promotion in full swing at DIB

Source: DIB. Winners of the first salary transfer
promotion.

- Grand prize winner each month is eligible for one extra salary, up to a maximum of AED100,000

- Ten monthly prize winners will receive AED5,000 preloaded on DIB credit cards

- New customers qualify by transferring a salary of AED8,000 or above

As part of its commitment to the government’s agenda of making the emirate of Dubai the happiest place on the planet, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has announced the first set of monthly winners of its salary transfer promotion, Double Your Salary. Double Your Joy.

The campaign was launched in September 2017 and is focused on new customers who move their payroll or salary account to the bank. Under the promotion, a monthly draw is held with the grand prize winner winning one month’s salary, equivalent to the amount transferred to the bank, up to a maximum of AED100,000. Ten runners-up will receive AED5,000 each, preloaded onto DIB credit cards. New customers who transfer a salary of AED8,000 or more qualify for the prize draws.

Salary Transfer Account customers can also enjoy a range of benefits such as free remittances to their home country, a one month salary in advance facility with a fee discount, an auto finance facility at a competitive profit rate and more. DIB will seamlessly facilitate the opening of a salary transfer account through its branches and digital portals.

Sanjay Malhotra, Chief of Consumer Banking, DIB said, "Imagine your salary doubles in a given month. It would be a dream scenario for anyone. At DIB, we measure our service quality with the happiness of our customers and this desire is intricately linked to our mission to support their financial future, stability, and aspirations. We look forward to welcoming many new customers to the bank as part of this initiative.”

Air Arabia opens new sales office and adds city check-in services in Dubai

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), has opened a new sales office and city terminal check-in services in Dubai, UAE.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO, Air Arabia commented saying: “We are pleased to further strengthening our services in Dubai and the UAE through the new sales office. This step further underpins our commitment to continuously invest in providing our customers with value and convenience across all the countries we operate in.”

The sales and city check-in office will be able to assist customers with booking flights and accessing the latest deals across Air Arabia’s global network.

Passengers can also use the facility to drop off their bags and collect their boarding pass 24 hours before departure. A shuttle bus to Sharjah International Airport airport is also available for added passenger convenience.

Air Arabia currently operates flights to 130 routes across the globe from five hubs located in the Middle East and North Africa.

Details:

The new office is located at Emaar Towers in Deira and will be open from Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm.

SalamAir introduces flights from Oman to Dubai, UAE

SalamAir, Oman’s first budget airline, has started offering daily flights between the Sultanate’s capital Muscat (MCT) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The new route, beginning 8 October, will complement SalamAir’s current flight to Al Maktoum International Airport in the Jebel Ali (DWC), 37km from Dubai, until October 28 when the airline has set plans re-route all flights to DXB. SalamAir will be operating daily morning and evening services to and from Terminal 2 with the first flight departing DXB at 10:50am and returning at 5:30pm.

Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said “The number of passengers travelling between Muscat and Dubai has been growing exponentially over the past several years. In addition to being the gateway to one of the world’s leading business and leisure destinations, Dubai International Airport is one of the most prominent hubs in the region, connecting people to an even wider network of destinations around the world.

"Our decision to introduce these direct flights between DXB and Muscat International Airport is a result of the increasing demand from our guests and we are confident that, backed by our easy fare options and convenient travel times, we will further help increase the connectivity between Oman and the UAE.”

The budget airline has been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism in Oman to help create memorable experiences for guests traveling to the Sultanate. A representative from the Omani Ministry of Tourism commented, “To many world travellers, Oman remains an untouched gem, offering a wide spectrum of activities ranging from family holidays, romantic getaways, unique adventures to ecotravel opportunities and cultural journeys. We are excited to be joining hands with SalamAir who will provide an alternative budget travel options to people in the UAE to visit Oman and enjoy what our country has to offer.”

SalamAir’s network includes Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar in Oman; Dubai in the UAE; Jeddah, KSA, as well as Karachi and Sialkot in Pakistan.

Interested?

With prices starting from just under AED252 (one way). Book online

Bayara hits on brilliant digital engagement activity

Bayara, known for its dried fruits, nuts and spices in the Middle East, has organised an iftar (breaking of fast meal during Ramadhan) at The Oberoi, Dubai with a twist - the dishes on the buffet menu were created from recipes crowdsourced from their social media fans.

Source: Bayara. Jean-Marc Lourau, CEO of Bayara, congratulated the winners
whose dishes were featured at the buffet and also shared the progress that
Bayara has made over the last 25 years that they have been in the market.

The invite-only iftar on June 21, 2017 took place at Nine7One restaurant at The Oberoi, Dubai. Fans and their families graced the iftar along with the management of Bayara and media personalities.

Bayara's Head of Marketing, Sylvain Joyau commented, "As a brand we have always focused on connecting with our fans and giving them the best. Driven by this passion, we came up with the idea of Social Iftar, an online-offline activity that helped us have a more intimate relationship with our customers. The event was a huge success only because of our fans and we would like to thank them for their support and love."

With a legacy of 25 years in the region, Bayara has been able to successfully build on the expertise and heritage of Gyma Food Industries, in manufacturing and distributing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products across the Middle East and North Africa region. Bayara is looking forward to have many more social events for its fans in the near future to make it a brand that is Full of Life.

Explore Emaar hotels via virtual tours

Source: Emaar. Each virtual tour, assembled through panoramic photography and videography, shares the features of the hotel in vivid detail. 

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, has introduced panoramic, 360 virtual tours of its hotels in Dubai, UAE. The 360 virtual tours, captured in high-definition photographs and videos, offer visitors the opportunity to experience the unique value propositions of each hotel, discover its myriad facets and make a more informed decision.

The 360 virtual tours cover properties under the premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts; the upscale lifestyle hotel and serviced residences brand, Vida Hotels and Resorts; and the new contemporary mid-scale hotel and serviced residences brand, Rove Hotels.

Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Introducing innovative digital experiences is part of our strategy to further enhance the guest experience. The 360 virtual tours open doors to the delightful and exceptional lifestyle offerings at our hotels, enabling visitors anywhere in the world to make informed decisions and plan their stay in vivid detail. We will continue to explore newer opportunities to strengthen our online engagement with our guests, underlining our commitment to provide value-added customer-centric experiences.”

The 360 virtual tours take visitors through the architecture that define properties under Address Hotel + Resorts, including Address Boulevard, Address Dubai Marina, Address Dubai Mall, Address Montgomerie, and Palace Downtown. The 360 virtual tours also take visitors through the ambience offered by Vida Downtown and Manzil Downtown, as well as the three Rove Hotels that are currently operational in central locations across the city – Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre and Rove Healthcare City.

The launch of the 360 virtual tours of all hotels is part of the digital transformation that Emaar Hospitality Group is bringing through several initiatives. The objective is to enable visitors to become familiar with the hotels and understand the real value that awaits them.

Interested?

To view, go to the websites for Address Hotels + Resorts; Vida Hotels and Resorts; and Rove Hotels to get to individual hotel sites and interactive tours. 

The virtual tours can also be experienced over smartphones through the new native apps that Emaar Hospitality Group has launched. The apps for Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Palace Downtown and Manzil Downtown have gone live with the Rove Hotels App to go live shortly.