Hilton Malaysia invites guests to plan ahead and save

With early booking savings, enhanced Hilton Honors benefits and stays designed for every traveller, Hilton invites guests to plan ahead and make the most of Malaysia's 2026 long weekends.

The Plan Ahead and Save 2026 campaign encourages travellers to book early and enjoy up to 25% savings on stays during Malaysia's long weekends and public holidays throughout 2026.

To qualify, guests should book their preferred travel dates by 10 March, for stays valid through 31 December 2026.

In addition to early booking savings, guests can enjoy an enhanced Hilton Honors loyalty programme, including a faster path to Elite status, simplified paths to earning points, and the introduction of Diamond Reserve, a new premium tier offering even more benefits.

With Plan Ahead and Save, guests enjoy up to 25% savings during these peak periods for Malaysia such as:

14 - 18 Feb: Chinese New Year 
Hilton Petaling Jaya – Features connected rooms.
DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka – Close to heritage attractions. 

Source: Hilton website. The Hilton Kota Kinabalu.

21 - 23 Mar: Hari Raya Aidilfitri 
Hilton Kota Kinabalu – Relaxed stay.

1 - 3 May: Labour Day 
DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur – Convenient for shopping, dining, and short breaks. 

30 May–2 Jun: Wesak & Agong's Birthday 
DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort – Beachfront and Pangkor island activities. 

29 - 31 Aug: Merdeka Day 
DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside – Scenic lakeside escape.
Hilton Kuching – Laidback riverfront retreat. 

7- 9 Nov: Deepavali 
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang – Beachside fun. 

25–27 Dec: Christmas
DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort – Festive beachfront stay. 
DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam iCity – Seasonal dining and city celebrations 

Details 

To book, visit https://asiapac.hilton.com/en/country/malaysia

Hashtags: #HiltonForTheStay, #PlanAheadAndSave

Kaspersky uncovers how people use AI during the holidays

Kaspersky has illuminated a shift in AI usage during the holiday season. Besides being a reliable shopping or planning assistant, AI has emerged as capable of delivering emotional support – particularly among the Gen Z and Millennial cohorts. However, Kaspersky experts warn that placing too much trust in AI can threaten data security.

In the run-up to the Christmas holidays, Kaspersky conducted a survey* to find out how people leverage AI-powered tools to make the most of their free time and streamline holiday preparations, and to highlight the potential cyberthreats that result.

It turns out that AI’s popularity in the 2025/2026 holiday is rather high, with 74% of survey participants indicating they plan to incorporate AI into their holiday activities. The younger generation demonstrated the strongest enthusiasm for AI usage, with 86% of respondents aged 18-34 expressing their intention to resort to AI during the holiday period.

According to the survey, more than half of AI users planned to use the tools during the holidays to search for recipes (56%) or restaurants and accommodation (54%), underscoring AI's ongoing significance in simplifying research processes and reducing search-related time commitments. 

However, AI-as-idea generator also received a great response from the audience. The survey found that 50% of users rely on AI assistance for brainstorming gift ideas, ways to celebrate, or tips on Christmas decoration. The same number of respondents plan to ask AI to generate ideas on how to spend their free time.

During the holidays half of respondents regard AI as a shopping assistant, which can help them to create shopping lists, find the best deals or analyse reviews. The younger generation showed high interest in AI as a budget planner (50%), while older people (aged 55+) are less passionate about allowing AI to manage their expenses (31%), preferring to use it to search for recipes (59%) and generate gift ideas (41%).

Modern AI tools enable holiday shoppers to find offers that perfectly match individual preferences and budget constraints with just a few clicks. However, the reliability of chatbot-generated information remains a significant concern. Kaspersky recommended that shoppers check all links provided by AI before clicking on them, as they may contain malicious or phishing content. To mitigate this risk, cybersecurity experts recommend employing a security solution empowered with AI-based phishing detection tools.

Beyond its capacity to tackle diverse challenges and generate new ideas, AI has assumed a new role: serving as a virtual companion capable of offering emotional assistance. Nearly three in 10 (29%) of those who use AI during holidays consider talking to it when they feel unhappy. Zoomers (Gen Zers) and Millennials show the biggest interest in AI-powered support among all ages, with 35% of respondents voting for this option. The older generation demonstrated a more restrained interest – only 19% of respondents aged 55 and older consider talking to AI when they're upset.

Kaspersky highlighted that while communication with AI services may seem personal and private, most chatbots are owned by commercial companies with their own data collection and processing policies. To enhance data privacy the company suggested:

- Before starting any conversation, review the privacy policy of the AI tool you’re using. Some AI providers may use your emotional conversations to infer information about you, which can be used for targeted advertising or even sold to third-party marketing firms. Check whether you can opt out of using your chats for such purposes as model training or marketing to minimise the amount of data collected.

- Try to avoid sharing deeply personal, identifying, or financial information with AI chatbots. Treat your messages as you would a public social post – never assume absolute confidentiality.

- Stick to AI services from reputable companies with strong privacy and security track records. Avoid using anonymous or unknown bots that could be designed to harvest data. Malicious or fake AI bots may attempt to extract personal information to commit fraud, phishing, or blackmail. To protect your data, use a security solution that prevents clicking on unreliable links.

“As LLM models rapidly evolve, their potential for engaging in meaningful dialogue with users grows as well. However, it's important to bear in mind that they learn to answer from data, most of which is sourced from the Internet, meaning they are prone to regurgitate the error and biases from the text used for training. It’s highly recommended to approach AI suggestions with a healthy dose of scepticism and try to avoid oversharing,” commented Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center.

*The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research centre in November 2025. Three thousand respondents from 15 countries (Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, KSA, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK, and the UAE) took part in the survey.

Experience a wild Christmas at Singapore's first rainforest resort

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is set to enchant guests with A Wild Christmas, which reimagines festive traditions through the lens of nature.  

Celebrations at Planter’s Shed 

Planter's Shed will offer a rainforest-inspired feast featuring premium ingredients and timeless holiday favourites from 4 December 2025. Guests can enjoy a four-course set lunch:

• Winter jewel kale salad featuring butternut squash, pomegranate, and feta
• Roasted tomato & fennel soup finished with crème fraîche
• Option of slow-cooked beef cheek with port wine jus or pistachio-crusted Norwegian salmon, paired with a citrus champagne sauce 
• Christmas citrus pudding with a vanilla dark rum sauce

Source: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. The Dinner Buffet at Planter’s Shed.

At dinner, Planter's Shed sets out a festive buffet dinner, where guests can indulge in the premium chilled seafood, including Boston lobster, snow crab legs, and scallops. At the festive carving station, diners can request roasted Christmas turkey with caramelised chestnuts, honey-glazed boneless ham with sweet citrus notes, and Creole-spiced Angus oven-prepared (OP) ribs that fall off the bone. A separate live station will serve Planter's Shed's signature lobster laksa.

The festive dessert station offers sweets like panna cotta, chocolate fondue, pecan pie, and traditional Christmas pudding. 

Details

Festive set lunch 

S$58++ per person
12 pm to 3 pm

Festive dinner buffet 

4 to 23 and 26 to 30 December
S$68++ Monday to Thursday
S$78++ Friday to Sunday
6 pm to 9.30 pm

*Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day brunch, and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets are each priced at S$158++ per adult, while the Christmas dinner buffet costs S$128++ per adult.

There will also be carollers on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, in addition to a visit from Santa Claus, to usher in the festive season. 

Go intimate at Forage 

Forage presents an eight-course tasting menu (S$238++) for the season. Available throughout December, each course is inspired by the rainforest, crafted with ingredients from the resort's own edible garden as part of its sustainable harvest to table philosophy. 

Rooted in respect for the environment, Forage champions local sourcing, waste reduction, and the use of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified seafood. Garden-grown herbs enrich its infusions and garnishes, while trimmings are repurposed in sauces and gels—reflecting a culinary philosophy defined by craftsmanship and care for the planet.

Begin the journey with borscht reimagined, featuring beetroot, hand-cultivated mushrooms grown on-site, and gochujang (Korean red chilli paste). Yellowtail with orange and tarragon features in-season fish brightened with citrus and ginger flowers from the edible garden. The red grouper, from the tropical waters of Malaysia, is served with a tableside pour of a broth inspired by phở. Meanwhile, the spiny lobster, sourced from the Indo-West Pacific, is paired with vermouth sauce and fresh dill. 

Paying homage to traditional Christmas flavours is the yellow chicken, roasted with thyme and rosemary from the garden and served with braised red cabbage and Brussels sprouts. The wagyu beef striploin, made with Tajima wagyu, is renowned for its ethical farming practices and lower carbon footprint. It is enriched with truffle and Madeira sauce, then garnished with in-house-grown mushrooms. 

Refreshing the palate towards the end of the meal is the Amalfi lemon, cucumber & mint, which incorporates calamansi and lemongrass from the edible garden. The Conference pear—spiced with ginger and garden tarragon, and paired with tangy blackberry sorbet and sweet glazed chestnuts over vanilla yoghurt meringue—brings a comforting warmth. A selection of mignardises (bite-sized sweets) from Chef Marcus serves as a finale. 

Details

For reservations, email forage-mandairainforest@banyantree.com 

Festive takeaways 

Great for six to eight guests, the Banyan Noël Luxe Collection Pack (S$288++) includes a classical whole roasted turkey, pineapple orange glazed boneless ham, a woody Yule dark chocolate log, traditional marzipan stollen, and a selection of festive sides and sauces.

Standalone takeaway offerings are also available, including the Creole spice rub Angus beef ribeye (S$188++), the classical whole roasted turkey (S$158++), and the clementine & herb roasted duck (S$108++). Yule logs, ranging from the classic dark chocolate to the locally-influenced durian coconut flavour, are available from S$68++, along with festive bakes such as traditional mixed fruit cake, panettone, and traditional marzipan stollen, priced from S$38++.

Details

Orders are accepted from now till 20 December 2025 at https://www.banyantree.com/singapore/mandai-rainforest-resort-by-banyan-tree/rainforest-wonders-a-wild-christmas (minimum of three days’ advance notice). 

Collections can be made at the festive booth located at the Level 1 coach bay, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, from 4 to 23 December 2025. 

For enquiries, call +65 6038 3999 or email plantersshed-mandairainforest@banyantree.com

Countdown to 2026

On the final day of the year, guests can ring in the New Year with the Dinner and Countdown Combo Package (S$250++ per adult). Start with a dinner buffet at Planter’s Shed from 7 pm to 10 pm, then proceed to the Meranti Ballroom for New Year's Eve celebrations from 9 pm onwards. 

Guests can raise their glasses with free-flow Mumm champagne, Mionetto prosecco, wines, draft beer, and selected cocktails as the night unfolds with a live band and DJ performances. A lucky draw, with prizes including stays at other Banyan Tree destinations in the region, will be held during the countdown.

Celebrate serenity

The Banyan Tree spa’s Tailored to Your Senses packages are designed for two to four guests. Guests booking a 90-minute experience will enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea at Forage, while those opting for a 120-minute session may choose between afternoon tea or a two-course set lunch per person at Forage. 

Details

Learn more at https://www.banyantree.com/singapore/mandai-rainforest-resort-by-banyan-tree/spa/banyan-tree-spa-mandai-rainforest-resort

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
60 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729979 

Get in the festive mood with Pan Pacific Singapore

This festive season at Pan Pacific Singapore, enjoy a range of festive offerings, including rejuvenating treatments at St Gregory, staycations, and diverse dining options across their restaurants and bar.

Festive takeaways 

The Pan Pacific culinary team has crafted traditional festive dishes available for takeaway, alongside a selection of festive goodies and hampers for gifting.

Said Pan Pacific Singapore Executive Chef Andy Oh: "Every dish is an art, plated with finesse, creativity, and passion."

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. Festive hamper selection.

Festive hampers available in 2025, each presented in a luxe gift box, include:

The Pacific Festive Hamper (S$499 nett) 

The Pacific Festive Hamper includes a bottle of Taittinger Brut Réserve champagne, homemade christstollen, homemade Myers rum fruit cake, soft nougats presented in a Christmas box, panettone figs and raisins, Bacha Coffee Sidamo Mountain, and an assortment of Christmas homemade pralines.

The Delicatessen Deluxe Hamper (S$330 nett) 

The Delicatessen Deluxe Hamper offers savoury artisanal delights, including basil pesto pork sausage (400 g), chicken garlic butter sausage (300 g), Christmas salami sticks (200 g), baby honey ham (1 kg), 5J premium Iberico de Bellota, duck rillettes with espelette, duck pate with figs, duck pate with smoked duck breast and basil, as well as a bottle of Château Larose-Trintaudon Haut-Médoc. Espelette is a pepper that comes from a Basque village in France.

The classic Pacific Yuletide Hamper (S$150 nett) 

The classic Pacific Yuletide Hamper comprises traditional festive treats, including a gingerbread boy (100 g), acorn festive snack mix, homemade christstollen (300 g), festive cookies, mini panettone in assorted flavours, assorted Christmas homemade pralines, and Natureo sparkling non-alcoholic semi-seco.

Festive takeaways

Gourmet roasts, gourmet seafood and sides, curated festive bundles, log cakes, and more are available for celebrating elsewhere. 

Gourmet roasts, seafood, and sides 

Pan Pacific Singapore's Master Butcher Chef Haiko Mayer has introduced a new series of gourmet roasts, including Master Butcher’s pork roulade (S$227 nett), 4-hour braised lamb shank (S$172 nett), smoked gammon ham (bone-in) (S$172 nett), as well as meat ‘hammer’ beef shank (S$249 nett). 

Enjoy signature gourmet roasts, such as a traditional roasted turkey (S$216 nett), boneless honey-glazed ham (S$140 nett), and Australian beef cheek vin rouge (S$172 nett). 

Master Butcher Mayer said: "Our festive takeaways, all made fresh in-house, are a true labour of love." 

Indulge in a curated array of gourmet seafood and sides, such as newly debuted oven-baked whole red snapper (S$249 nett), cheese-baked lobster thermidor (S$249 nett), roasted winter vegetables with dried cranberry and chestnuts (S$49 nett), honey-glazed Brussel sprouts with caramelised onion and bacon (S$44 nett), as well as potato ‘mille-feuille’ with mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano (S$60 nett). 

All gourmet roasts and seafood are accompanied with a side of Brussel sprouts, tiny heirloom carrots, and broccolini.  

Festive bundles 

This year, Executive Pastry Chef Edina Si and her culinary team present two brand-new log cake flavours - the rich and indulgent pure chocolate log cake (S$88 nett), as well as a pretty-in-pink white peach tea log cake (S$88 nett). 

The Premium Festive Bundle (S$576 nett) features a traditional roasted turkey, cheese-baked lobster thermidor, 4-hour braised lamb shank, and the pure chocolate log cake. 

The Traditional Festive Bundle (S$358 nett) is a timeless selection. Enjoy the traditional roasted turkey with an oven-baked whole red snapper, and a homemade Myers rum-infused fruit cake. 

Traditional festive sweets and log cakes

Make your holidays even sweeter with Pacific Emporium’s festive sweet delights, including the homemade traditional christstollen (S$55 nett), a homemade Myers rum infused fruit cake (S$62 nett), a homemade large gingerbread House (S$110 nett), and homemade Christmas pralines (six pieces / 12 pieces / 24 pieces) (S$22/ S$39/ S$65 nett respectively). 

Details

The festive offerings can be ordered through panpacificsingapore.oddle.me/en_SG till 26 December 2025. Enjoy the convenience of delivery or opt for self-collection from the festive booth located on level 1 of Pan Pacific Singapore till 26 December 2025.

Early bird discounts of up to 30% off end on 30 November 2025. From 1 December until 26 December 2025, enjoy discounts of up to 25% off.

View the festive brochure

Festive dining at PLUME

Get the festive celebrations going at PLUME with Head Mixologist Akmal Haqim and Bar Manager Siew Han Jun. Indulge in Head Mixologist Akmal Haqim’s selection of festive cocktails, such as the classic PLUME mulled wine (S$20++), a warming blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cointreau, festive spices, ginger flower, and honey, and the nostalgic Christmas favourite, classic egg nog (S$20++, Bourbon, egg, milk, sugar, and festive spices). A satisfying non-alcoholic option, the No Fly Nog (S$15++), is also available. 

The experience will be elevated by live band performances on 24 and 25 December 2025. 

Details 

From now to 25 December 2025
5 pm – 1 am
Live band performances on 24 and 25 December 2025: 8:30 pm – 11:45 pm

Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars, and are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

For reservations, call +65 9459 7165 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Embrace the season at Edge

Executive Chef Oh and his culinary team have curated an extravagant buffet spread comprising classic festive delights, alongside Edge’s signature international buffet spread. Served across live kitchens, diners can savour a premium seafood selection, succulent roasts, and the season’s favourites, such as oven-roasted grass-fed lamb leg with ras el hanout spices, maple-glazed gammon ham with spiced pineapple marmalade, chicken leg confit with savoy cabbage, and Mediterranean turkey pizza. The grill station features more delights: a slow-roasted ribeye, Yorkshire pudding, and truffle jus.

Seafood lovers will relish the expansive spread of fresh seafood, including freshly-shucked seasonal oysters, king crab leg, Boston lobster, tiger prawns, Pacific clams, scallops on the half-shell, sea conch, black mussel, and crawfish. Also available are cold cuts made in-house by Master Butcher Mayer, such as homecured beef salami, Virginia ham, pastrami, mortadella, paprika lyoner, and Black Forest ham. 

An irresistible variety of festive treats are set out at the dessert bar, including dark chocolate log cake, homemade Christmas stollen, rum-soaked fruit cake, and more.

Executive Sous Chef Patrick Ooi observed: "This season, Edge’s festive buffet spread is inspired by nostalgic, comforting flavours, infused with the spirit of the holidays."

Details

For reservations, please call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Weekday lunch
(Except on 24, 25, or 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026)

12 pm - 2:30 pm
Adult: S$88++

Daily dinner
(Except on 24, 25, or 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026)

6 pm - 10 pm 
Adult: S$128++*

Saturday lunch 
29 November, 6, 13, 20, 27 December 2025 

12 pm - 3 pm 
Adult: S$108++*

Sunday brunch
30 November, 7, 14, 21, 28 December 2025

12 pm - 3:30 pm
Adult: S$138++*, S$198++**

Christmas Eve lunch
24 December 2025

12 pm - 3 pm
Adult: S$118++*

Christmas Eve dinner
24 December 2025

6 pm - 10 pm
Adult: S$198++*, S$278++**

Christmas Day brunch
25 December 2025

1st seating: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm | 2nd seating: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Adult: S$198++*, S$278++**
Enjoy a live band performance by Myra and Band, meet-and-greet Santa, and be entertained by a roving balloon sculptor. 

Christmas Day dinner
25 December 2025

6 pm - 10 pm
Adult: S$198++*, S$278++**

New Year’s Eve lunch
31 December 2025

12 pm - 3 pm
Adult: S$108++*

*Inclusive of free flow of chilled juices and soft drinks

New Year’s Eve dinner
31 December 2025

6 pm - 10 pm
Adult: S$208++*, S$288++**
Enjoy a live band performance by Myra and Band, photobooth, as well as a roving magician.

New Year’s Day brunch
1 January 2026

12 pm - 3:30 pm
Adult: S$138++*, S$198++**

New Year’s Day dinner
1 January 2026

6 pm - 10 pm
Adult: S$128++*

*Inclusive of free flow of chilled juices and soft drinks

**Beverage package – Inclusive of free flow of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, house red wine, house white wine, a selection of house spirits, cocktails, chilled juices, and soft drinks

Holiday dining at Hai Tien Lo 

Hai Tien Lo’s six-course festive menu, priced at $208++ per person, is curated by Executive Chinese Chef Edden Yap and his culinary team. The menu will be available till 1 January 2026 and includes:

• Chilled seasonal turkey salad with passion fruit sauce
• Combination of sliced barbecued suckling pig and black caviar, with swan puff wanton and bonito flakes
• Nutritious double-boiled fish bone broth with fish maw and lobster
• Steamed sea perch fillet with asparagus, lily bulbs, crab meat, and roe
• Wok-fried rice with egg white, ham, and dried scallops
• Chilled cream of avocado and chocolate ice cream, with macarons

Details

Lunch | 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner | 6 pm – 10:30 pm
S$208++ per person
Minimum of two persons
Beverage packages are available at a supplement from S$48++

For reservations, please call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Elegant artistry at Keyaki

Embark on a culinary discovery of Japanese cuisine through seasonal flavours, precise preparation methods, and presentations that reflect nature at Keyaki, brought to you by Executive Japanese Chef Teruya Noriyoshi and his culinary team.

Chef Noriyoshi said: "I created these menus to share a taste of my heritage and warmth wth my diners during this festive season."

Winter Kaiseki Experience

Enjoy two curated winter kaiseki menus, Shimotsuki (S$250++ per person) and Shiwasu (S$330++ per person), available for both lunch and dinner.

The Shimotsuki menu* features:

• Foie gras pâté and jimami tofu, with raspberry pearls and Alba white truffles 
• Mozuku-su with snow crab
• Sweet corn flan with Bafun uni 
• Kuruma-ebi with asparagus and mango, in kimizu 
• Seasonal premium sashimi 
• Spiny lobster ravioli with umami ankake and Alba white truffles 
• Roasted A4 Kyushu wagyu in egg yolk sukiyaki sauce 
• Premium fish nigiri sushi (three pieces) 
• Japanese seasonal fruits

Treat tastebuds with the Shiwasu Menu, which features: 

• Foie gras pâté and jimami tofu, with raspberry pearls and Alba white truffles
• Shiro-ebi with caviar
• Hokkaido kegani in shiro miso Americaine bavarois
• Sweet corn flan with Bafun uni, akagai and junsai, in yuzu sanbaizu
• Seasonal premium sashimi
• Uni shiso tempura with seasonal Japanese vegetables
• Pan-seared half Normandy blue lobster in kimizu sauce 
• Premium fish nigiri sushi (three pieces)

The set includes a choice of one main course: Amiyaki A4 Kyushu wagyu marinated in kome-koji with Alba white truffles, or Lumina rack of lamb with Alba white truffles in egg yolk sukiyaki sauce. 

Conclude the dining experience with Japanese seasonal fruits and Hokkaido cheesecake.

New Year Kaiseki Experience

From 31 December 2025, relish the New Year Kaiseki (S$270++ per person). Alternatively, guests may enjoy the Keyaki-style osechi (S$118++) and ozoni (S$35++) à la carte.

The New Year Kaiseki features***: 

• Kouhaku sashimi of akami, toro, tai, and kimedai 
• Keyaki-style osechi set of simmered tiger prawn, roasted wagyu, and foie gras monaka, with black beans
• Uni rolled in shiso tempura
• Grilled cod with Saikyo miso paste 
• Grilled scallop and burdock wrapped with sea eel and carrot, with bamboo shoot and plum 
• Pan-seared Normandy blue lobster in kimizu sauce
• Five kinds of premium nigiri sushi
• Ozoni 
• Musk melon

Details

Winter Kaiseki Experience

Till 31 January 2026
Lunch | 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner | 6 pm – 10:30 pm
From S$250++ per person

New Year Kaiseki Experience

31 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
Lunch | 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner | 6 pm – 10:30 pm
S$270++ per person 

For reservations, please call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

*A4 wagyu is premium high-quality wagyu beef. In general, the higher the number, the better the quality of the beef. Ankake style cooking involves a thick sauce poured over the food. Jimami tofu is an Okinawan specialty made with peanut milk, while mozuku-su refers to mozoku seaweed from Okinawa marinated in vinegar. Kimizu is a sauce made from egg yolks and rice vinegar, and kuruma ebi are Japanese tiger prawns. 

**Amiyaki is a Japanese grilling method. Junsai is a water vegetable. Kegani is the horsehair crab, and kimedai is the golden eye snapper. Kome-koji is fermented steamed rice. Osechi refers to a traditional Japanese new year feast while ozoni is the soup prepared for the Japanese new year. Sanbaizu is a vinegar-based seasoning. Shiro ebi are baby white shrimp.

***Akami is the red meat from tuna. Monaka is a traditional wafer sandwich. Saikyo miso is a white miso from Kyoto.

Seasonal indulgences at Pacific Emporium

Guests are invited to enjoy an exquisite festive afternoon tea, or to savour the festive set menus, curated to showcase the finest flavours of the season.

Festive afternoon tea

Executive Pastry Chef Si said: "The collection of sweet delights featured in our festive afternoon tea menu delivers a festive twist, celebrating a balance of citrusy freshness and sweet, comforting notes."

On weekdays (S$68++ per person), guests can enjoy a selection of savoury and sweet delights presented on a three-tiered stand. 

Start with a complimentary welcome drink of cinnamon spark, a blend of cinnamon honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters. Festive creations on the menu include lobster salad with crispy crousta, salmon and cheese roulade, and apple and walnut savoury tart. Sweet treats include hazelnut passion fruit log cake, raspberry rosella choux, mixed fruit and classic scones, and more.

Guests are also invited to select a main course, such as Master Butcher’s pork roulade, turkey Slider and Penang Prawn noodle soup to complement the afternoon tea. 

On weekends and Christmas Day (S$78++ per adult), the afternoon tea experience is a buffet-style affair, alongside a Chef’s Speciality Showcase, including the Master Butcher’s pork roulade, festive Beef Wellington, Traditional Roasted Turkey Breast, Penang Prawn Noodle Soup, and assorted sticky toffee puddings. 

Details

Festive set menus 

Executive Sous Chef Cheah Hun Leong commented: "This festive season, I wanted to take those quintessential holiday flavours, the spices, the richness, and the warming aromas, to the festive dining table."

Pick from the two-course (S$35++ per person) or three-course (S$45++ per person) festive lunch set menu. Highlights include salmon carpaccio, Pacific prawn katafi, Pacific Emporium turkey burger, as well as truffle and fungi tortellacci. Katafi is delicately-shredded pastry, while tortellacci is a large, ring-shaped stuffed pasta.

The three-course festive dinner set menu (S$55++ per person) features scallop crudo, bisque de homard (lobster), sous-vide grain-fed beef cuberoll, and oven-baked turkey roulade. Scallop crudo is typically thinly-sliced raw scallops.

Details

Festive afternoon tea 
Till 31 December 2025 

1st seating: 1 pm to 3 pm | 2nd seating: 4 pm to 6 pm
Mondays to Fridays: S$68++
Saturdays & Sundays, and 25 December 2025 (buffet-style) S$78++ 

Festive set menus 
Till 31 December 2025 

Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays) 
Lunch | 11 am – 3 pm 
2-course festive lunch set menu: S$35++ per person 
3-course festive lunch set menu: S$45++ per person   

Mondays to Sundays 
Dinner | 5 pm – 10 pm 
3-course festive dinner set menu: S$55++ per person

For reservations, call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

Festive entertainment

The lobby of Pan Pacific Singapore has been transformed into a hub of holiday cheer. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the festive ambiance will be elevated by a live performance from 20 talented carollers from One Choral Company, a registered charity, which is dedicated to promoting choral excellence, education, and community engagement the power of music.

In addition to the carolling, Santa Claus and Santarina will be making special appearances.

Carolling on 24 December 2025
7 pm - 7:30 pm
Christmas eve Santa and Santarina meet-and-greet 
7 pm – 8 pm

Carolling on 25 December 2025
12:45 pm - 1:15 pm
Christmas Santa and Santarina meet-and-greet
11:45 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm

St Gregory

Tinsel Tranquillity Package 

St Gregory’s Tinsel Tranquillity Package includes a choice of Thalion Oceanic Bliss, a 75-minute massage tailored to your preference, or Thalion Intense Revitalisation, a 75-minute session for deep muscle relief. Conclude the treatment with a 15-minute scalp massage, designed to ease tension. 

Details

The Tinsel Tranquillity package (S$250 nett) is available until 31 December 2025 from 11 am - 8 pm. 

For reservations, please call +65 6826 8140 or email stgregory.ppsin@panpacific.com

Festive e-gifting 

Give the gift of the Pan Pacific experience, from revitalising wellness, luxurious room stays, and dining experiences:

Indulge in the Weekend Spacation Voucher (S$680++), featuring a Deluxe Panoramic Room with day access, a choice of a 60-minute Relaxing Aromatic Body Bliss or Indonesian Balinese Massage for two, a buffet-style afternoon tea for two at Pacific Emporium, and more!

The Festive Staycation Voucher, on the other hand, begins from S$400++ and comes with breakfast at Edge, and a welcome drink for two at PLUME.

Celebrate the weekend at Keyaki with a Japanese Weekend Brunch (Kaiseki-style) Voucher (S$79.20++). Presented okonomi ("as you like") style, diners can decide from selected perennial Japanese culinary favourites and speciality dishes.

Details

Select experiences at the eShop at eshop-ppsin.panpacific.com 

New Year's Eve celebrations

Fireworks by the Bay on New Year’s Eve room package

The Fireworks by the Bay offer includes front-row room views of the new year fireworks. Elevate the celebration with a stay in a Pacific Club room or Panoramic suite, that comes with exclusive access to the Pacific Club Lounge on level 38. Package privileges include a champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, and Evening Cocktails, accompanied by panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. 

Details

Valid for bookings from now until 31 December 2025 for stays on 31 December 2025. Terms and conditions apply - visit https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp- marina/offers/fireworks-by-the-bay.html to learn more.

Countdown Party at PLUME on New Year’s Eve 

Indulge in a countdown celebration with handcrafted cocktails and gourmet canapés, accompanied by live performances by Rock Rosette and DJ Amanda. As Bar Manager Siew Han Jun said, it's a party for a "New Year, new beginnings! Toast to the exciting new journey ahead!"

Details

Table of two persons at S$388++
Table of four persons at S$688++
Table of eight persons at S$1,188++
Table of 10 – 15 persons at S$1,988++ 

The above packages include a selection of spirits, beers, wines, cocktails, and food. 

The Nest Private Countdown 

This exclusive arrangement serves a table of 20 persons with a minimum spend of S$8,800++. The package includes a private bartender and three litres of champagne. 

Details

31 December 2025
5 pm – 3 am
Rock Rosettes live band | 9:30 pm - 12:15 pm
DJ Amanda | 12:15 am – 2:30 am
For reservations, please call +65 9459 7165 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

All prices quoted are in Singapore dollars, and are inclusive of prevailing government taxes.  

Hashtags: #PanPacificSingapore, #ShareYourMoments, #EdgeSG, #HaiTienLoSG, #KeyakiSG, #PacificEmporiumSG, #PLUMESG

Baccarat and the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore present a season of enchantment

Source: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Baccarat and Mandarin Oriental, Singapore collaborate to present a season of enchantment.

Baccarat, the French house renowned for its crystal creations and Mandarin Oriental, Singapore will run a festive collaboration across 29 November 2024 - 5 January 2025 featuring cocktails, afternoon tea sets, exhibits and a room package. 

Conceived as part of Baccarat's 260th anniversary with exclusive experiences across the globe, the collaboration with Mandarin Oriental, Singapore continues the successful Baccarat Cocktail World Tour with MO BAR in Q124.

Upon stepping into Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, guests will find themselves surrounded by elements in Baccarat's iconic red, which represents its passion for craftsmanship and the Christmas spirit. A Christmas tree comprising two Baccarat x Marcel Wanders 24 l and 40 l Le Roi Soleil chandeliers will showcase the allure of Baccarat crystals, complete with branches, tassels and octagons.

Accompanied with an amalgamation of red gift boxes at the lobby to the photo wall placed at the entrance of MO BAR, guests can also spot collections showcased on panelled bar shelves, pedestals and lounge tables that convey Baccarat's joie de vivre.

There will be exclusive festive cocktails at MO BAR, two designed by Kim Jung Hoo, Head Bartender at MO BAR Singapore and two crafted by Hidenori Fukuda, Head Bartender of B Bar, Tokyo. Each incorporates Christmas-sy notes, and will be served in Baccarat glassware.

A Christmas edition of an afternoon tea experience is to be launched as well. In honour of Baccarat's 260 years in craft excellence, Christmas-themed savouries and sweets will include a collaboration cake - Baccarat Gem - presented on Baccarat crystalware.

Displayed on tiered trays and wares from Baccarat, curated savouries in the Enchanted Festive Tea Soirée (S$88++ per person) include foie gras logs with Christmas berries, Grand Marnier spiked nougat de Sainte-Maure and Dungeness Crab Gâteau with xérès-infused watermelon; while the sweet spectrum features red wine granite, Moss for a green tea travel cake coated in dacquoise and the 'petit' Baccarat gem. 

The Baccarat Gem (S$18++) is a limited-edition cake available at The Mandarin Cake Shop in the shape of an octagon fashioned after Baccarat's crystals. Crafted by Mandarin Oriental, Singapore's team of pastry chefs, the cake in Baccarat's iconic red brings together luxurious flavours in every bite with rosemary cream, wild strawberry compote, eglantine coulis, and a delicate layer of Earl Grey tea mousse.

A curated selection of Baccarat products including tumblers, vases and tea sets will be available, complete with gift boxes. Those who wish to learn more about each product can scan tableside QR codes, or speak directly with Baccarat sales representation. 

In celebration of the holiday season, a room package has been introduced. Guests can obtain two nights' stay in luxurious suites, complemented by an exclusive in-room amenity, Baccarat x Mandarin Oriental afternoon tea and cocktail experiences, and a Baccarat Gift Set featuring a pair of crystal tumblers to take home.

Details

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 63380066

For reservations and bookings enquiries at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/singapore/marina-bay/festive-season#baccarat .

Baccarat Boutiques Singapore
The Baccarat Boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is at Galleria Level,B1-68, 2 Bayfront Avenue, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
Tel: +65 6688 7168
Takashimaya Department Store Singapore, Basement 1, 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City,
Tel: +65 6835 1252

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore hotel guests can enjoy 10% savings when shopping at the Baccarat pop-up at The Mandarin Cake Shop and Baccarat boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Hashtags: #MandarinOrientalSingapore, #BaccaratSG, #Baccarat260years, #EverythingTastesBetterinBaccarat

Take a rail journey to festivities at The Peninsula, Hong Kong

Kick off the festive season in grand Peninsula style in Hong Kong on 21 November 2024, with The Peninsula Express – Festive Extravaganza, an evening comprising of a musical performance followed by a feast in the form of a culinary festive market.

Celebrating the glamour and excitement of vintage rail travel, The Peninsula Express pays tribute to the legacy of The Peninsula Hong Kong, which has welcomed guests after a long rail journey from Europe to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, once situated across the road from the hotel. The Peninsula Express will return to the hotel this festive season for the third and final year.

Taking place in the iconic lobby of The Peninsula Hong Kong, guests for A Culinary Journey Aboard The Peninsula Express will be taken on a train journey from Beijing to Shanghai with its final stop in Hong Kong through music and dance, with a surprise appearance by a celebrity. 

Guests will step into Grand Salisbury Station, where the custom-built Peninsula Express train carriage awaits its guests for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. With its exterior painted in signature Peninsula Green, and wood panelling, vintage light fixtures and elegantly-set dining tables inside, the carriage gives diners the sense of journeying through iconic destinations inspired by The Peninsula Beijing and The Peninsula Shanghai.

The festivities will include a time-honoured tradition at all Peninsula hotels - the tree-lighting ceremony. After the ceremony, guests are invited to continue their evening with a feast featuring delights from Swiss chalet Chesa, The Verandah, Michelin-starred Spring Moon, and Imasa.

Source: The Peninsula, Hong Kong. The Peninsula Express will return to The Peninsula, Hong Kong this festive season for the third and final year.

Details

The Peninsula Express – Festive Extravaganza

21 November 2024

5:15 pm at the hotel’s forecourt

The festive performance begins at 6 pm, followed by the festive feast at 7:30 pm.

HK$10,000 per person, covering the performance, the tree-lighting ceremony, a surprise appearance by a celebrit artist, and a selection of dishes from each of the hotel's restaurants. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For general enquiries or reservations, please contact The Lobby at +852 2696 6772, or by email at thelobbyphk@peninsula.com.

For performance enquiries or reservations, please contact The Verandah by phone at +852 2696 6766, or email at theverandah@peninsula.com.

*Reservations may only be booked on a per table basis. Price shown is the minimum charge per table, for seating up to four guests. Pre-payment is required within 24 hours upon receiving the online payment link to secure the reservation. Exclusive private or corporate charters are available upon request. The Peninsula Express seats up to a maximum of 24 guests.

More details about the festive programmes at The Peninsula Hong Kong are available on the hotel’s festive webpage at https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/special-offers/festive/the-peninsula-concert-2024

Holiday dining is also available at:

Gaddi’s 

The Michelin-starred French restaurant Gaddi’s features Chef de Cuisine Anne-Sophie Nicolas’ French haute-cuisine specialities, served together with a sophisticated wine list. 

Felix 

On the 28th floor, Chef de Cuisine Aurélie Altemaire curates a selection of seasonal flavours, complemented by creative cocktails and spectacular Victoria Harbour views over the city skyline. 

Spring Moon 

Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine and a refined Art Deco-style setting have made Spring Moon a longtime favourite. Chinese Cuisine Executive Chef Lam Yuk Ming and his culinary team present dishes to celebrate the Winter Solstice, Christmas and the New Year. 

Chesa 

This Michelin-selected Swiss restaurant offers charming ambiance reminiscent of a traditional alpine chalet. Known for its warming fare and cozy decor, Chesa features iconic dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette. 

The Lobby 

Always decorated in grand classical Peninsula style, with a picture-perfect Christmas tree as its focal point, The Lobby provides a sophisticated backdrop for guests to indulge in refined global cuisine – at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a signature afternoon tea throughout the festive season. 

This experience is complemented by live carol performances by local choirs, creating a truly magical atmosphere. 

The Verandah 

Bountiful buffet offerings, warm service, and a relaxed ambiance combine at the holiday season with a miniature railway that is set up at the restaurant’s entrance every year. Originally designed and built by The Peninsula’s craftsmen, the mini train has become a cherished symbol of the festive season at the hotel. 

Imasa 

Japanese-food enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with a menu that includes kaiseki set dinners and osechi menus, in which each dish has is an auspicious wish for the coming year. 

Teas of Hope afternoon tea 

To celebrate the season of sharing, The Peninsula Hong Kong also invites holiday guests to enjoy Teas of Hope, featuring sweet and savoury festive delights curated by The Lobby’s Chef de Cuisine Kay Ng. Guests can enjoy the tea either at The Lobby or aboard The Peninsula Express. 

Available up to 13 December 2024 and from 27 to 30 December 2024, the Teas of Hope is priced at HK$550* per person. For each afternoon tea served, US$5 will be donated to Make-A-Wish International.

Yuletide delights

Experience the essence of Christmas at The Peninsula with a festive log cake. As with last year, this year’s log cake derived inspiration from The Peninsula Express train and is priced at HK$888 each. Orders can be placed at the hotel’s online shop.

Staying in style

Guests who stay for two or more consecutive nights will enjoy: 

- Daily buffet breakfast at The Verandah for two 

- HK$1,000 hotel credits (room guests) or HK$ ,000 hotel credits (suite guests) to be redeemed at hotel restaurants and The Peninsula Spa (treatments only) during the stay, per guestroom per night (except Imasa and The Peninsula Boutique & Café) 

- Third adult guest supplement charge of HK$ 1,100* 

- One bottle of Peninsula Champagne per guestroom per stay 

- Priority festive dining reservations for any of the hotel restaurants before 21 November 

- Priority festive dining waitlists for any of the hotel restaurants after 21 November 

- Peninsula Time – flexible check-in from 6 am and check-out time until 10 pm (blackout dates apply, including 22-25 and 28-31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025)

Booking period: Ends 30 December 2024

Stay period: From 9 December 2024 to 1 January 2025

Book now on peninsula.com, or call The Peninsula Global Customer Service Centre at +852 2910 1628 for more details.

Peninsula Festive Hamper

Each hamper is inspired by the steamer trunks that travellers once packed for round-the-world voyages. The seasonal delicacies within include The Peninsula Champagne Brut by Deutz, handmade chocolates, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cakes, smoked almonds, wasabi nuts, and duck rillettes, as well as Christmas crackers, and a Peninsula Bear with Christmas stocking. The hamper is priced at HK$3,388.

For more information, please contact the Concierge at + 852 2696 6527, or email hamperphk@peninsula.com.

The gift of Peninsula luxury

A Peninsula Gift Card lets recipients choose from a variety of signature experiences at The Peninsula Hong Kong – including dining experiences and therapeutic treatments. For more information, please visit gifts.peninsula.com/hongkong.

*All prices listed are in Hong Kong dollars and are subject to a 10% service charge.

New South Wales is Australia's favourite regional holiday destination

Regional NSW was Australia's favourite regional holiday destination in the year ending March 2024, attracting 66 million domestic visitors. 

Source: TRA. International tourism trends for NSW as of December 2023.

The latest data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows regional NSW also recorded the highest year-on-year growth in regional Australia during the period and experienced the best post-pandemic recovery. Domestic overnight visitor numbers to regional NSW in the year ending March 2024 were the second highest on record at 27.1 million.

When compared with the closest corresponding period pre-pandemic (year ending March 2020), visitation was up 4.9%. The top three regions were the Hunter at 114.7% of March 2020 results, the South Coast at 113.2%, and New England North West at 112.3%.

Domestic overnight visitor growth was up 3.3% year on year for regional NSW. New England North West had the strongest growth (up 16.5%), followed by the Central Coast (11.2%).

Destination NSW Acting CEO Ian Maltman said: “These results confirm regional NSW is leading post-pandemic visitor economy rebound in regional Australia.

“Destination NSW has a laser focus on ensuring the visitor economy continues to grow in regional NSW through its capability-building NSW First industry programme, marketing initiatives and vibrant events calendar.”

“NSW is home to Australia's most diverse landscapes - visitors can drive from the Snowys to the Sapphire Coast in a few hours, experience the vastly different climates of Byron Bay and Broken Hill, the sandstone cliffs of the Blue Mountains to the volcanic rock of The Warrumbungles," Maltman added.

“In addition to its spectacular geography, regional NSW is also home to some of Australia's most iconic events, ranging from the Tamworth Country Music Festival to the Narooma Oyster Festival and the world's biggest ute muster in Deniliquin.

“This collision of diverse natural wonders and vibrant culture energises visitors and ensures they return over and over again.”

Regional NSW was also the domestic daytrip capital of Australia in the year ending March 2024, recording 38.9 million domestic daytrips, 84.8 % of March 2020 levels.

The top destination for domestic daytrips were the Hunter, which welcomed 7.27 million trips (up 5.3%) and the North Coast, which hosted 7.25 million trips (up 17.6%). The North Coast and the Hunter were also the top destinations for international visitors to NSW, with 275,400 visits and 156,800 visits respectively.

Regional NSW received 694,400 international visitors who stayed 15.3 million nights and spent an estimated A$1.1 billion. The fastest-growing source markets for Asian visitors to regional NSW were India (up 15.8%) and Indonesia (up 116.5%).

Qantas lets travellers link Instagram snaps with out-of-office email responses

Source: Qantas Out of Office website.

Qantas has launched Qantas Out Of Office, a new service that transforms the generic out-of-office email reply into a real-time photographic travel journal.

Qantas Out of Office connects an email address with Instagram and updates the auto reply message with holiday Instagram photos that are tagged with the hashtag #qantasoutofoffice.

To set it up, people need to go to qantasoutofoffice.com, connect their Instagram account and email address, enter the dates that they are out of the office, where they are travelling to, and a simple message.

Qantas Group Executive Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs Olivia Wirth said the airline hoped the new out of office travelogue would inspire more colleagues, friends and family to travel the world.

“The traditional out of office message can be both generic and impersonal in nature and from our research, 60% of employees say they appreciate receiving something more creative,” she said.

“We know that tips from friends and colleagues are the highest driver for people when choosing their next holiday destination, so we saw an opportunity to encourage travel through the millions of out of office emails being sent every day.

“There’s no better real-time platform than Instagram to promote global travel, especially when combined with Qantas’ vast domestic and international network which offers endless opportunities for original and inspirational images.

“Whether it’s a snap of a traveller relaxing under a palm tree in the Whitsundays or sampling dumplings in Hong Kong, the images will create travel envy and travel aspirations.”

Instagram Brand Development Lead, Australia and New Zealand Sophie Blachford said Qantas Out of Office is a unique and clever platform for an airline because most people who are travelling will activate their out of office as their final gesture before jetting off.

“With this new service, moments from the holiday you’re on will provide colour and personalisation to what’s otherwise a rather mundane computer generated email,” she said.

How it works:

+ The application features only the photos tagged with #qantasoutofoffice, so people can choose which photos make up their auto reply message. The service also works with private Instagram accounts.

+ Qantas Out of Office is available globally to anyone with Hotmail and Gmail, including other domains that use the Gmail inbox.

+ The auto reply message for people using email through the Outlook desktop application will feature a link that takes recipients to a webpage collection of their Instagrammed holiday photos.


Interested?

Activate Qantas Out of Office

Watch the how-to video for Qantas Out of Office

Dubai RTA details timings for transport services during Eid al Fitr holiday

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the timings of its services during the Eid al-Fitr holidays, covering customer service centres, car parks, public buses, Dubai Metro & Tram services, marine transit, driving institutes, as well as vehicles testing & registration centres.

Source: RTA. Al Marri.

Moaza Al Marri, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication, RTA Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, said: “Customer Service Centers will be off-duty the during Eid al-Fitr holiday from Sunday 3rd July 2016 and will resume duty on Sunday 10 July 2016. All paid parking zones in Dubai will be free of charge except for the parking lots of the Fish Market and the Multi-level Parking terminal starting from Sunday 3rd July, and fees will be activated on Saturday 9 July."

Al Marri added that trains will be running almost 24 hours during the holidays. 

Red Line stations

Tuesday 5 July: 5.30am to 11.59pm.

Wednesday 6 July: 12am to 2am; 5.50am to 11.59pm.

Thursday 7 July: 12am to 2am; 5.30am to 11.59pm.

Friday 8 July: 12am to 2am; 10am to 11.59pm.

Saturday 9 July: 12am to 2am.

Green Line stations

5 July:  5.50am to 11.59pm

6, 7 July: 12am to 2am; 5.50am to 11.59pm

8 July: 12am to 2am; 10am to 11.59pm

9 July: 12am to 2am.

The tram service will operate from 5 to 7 July from 6:30am to 1am the next day. On 8 July, the tram service will start at 9am and continue up to 1am on 9 July.

The Route C01 bus will operate around the clock. Other public buses will have varied timings:

Main bus stations, e.g. the Gold Souk

6, 7 July: 5.20am to 12 midnight (next day)

Al Ghubaiba Station; subsidiary stations, such as Al Qusais and Satwa

6, 7 July: 5am to 12 midnight (next day)

Al Quoz Industrial Area station

6, 7 July: 5.30am to 11.30pm

Jebel Ali station 

6, 7 July: 6am to 10.15pm 

Metro feeder service stations such as Rashidiya, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Abu Hail, Etisalat, and Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall

6, 7 July: 5.15am to 1.10am (next day)

The service timing of commercial transport and inter-city bus services will be as follows: 

Main stations, such as Ghubaiba to:

Sharjah (Jubail): 24 hours 

Abu Dhabi: 5am to 12:50am the following day

Subsidiary stations, such as Sabkha will start at 6.30am and continue to 12 midnight. 

Union Square Station: 5am to 12:30am the next day. 

Deira City Center: 6:55am to 10pm. 

Karama Station: 6:10am to 10:15pm. 

Al Ahli Club Station: 7am to 11pm. 

External stations: 

Sharjah (Al Taawon): 7am to 11:30pm.

Al Fujairah Station: 6:45am to 10:30pm.

Ajman Station: 6am to 11:30pm.

Hatta Station: 6:30am to 10:40pm.

From 5 to 7 July, water buses at Marina Stations (Marina Mall, Marina Walk, Marina Terrace, and Marina Promenade) will run from 12 noon to 12 midnight. 

Water taxis will operate daily from 9am to 10pm. 

At Al Ghubaiba Station, the water taxi will operate from 4pm to 10pm

At Dubai Marina station it will operate from 2pm to 10pm. 

From Jumeirah Palm Atlantis, the service timings will be from 4pm to 10pm. 

From Jumeirah Palm Station (Rexos) it will run from 11am to 5pm.

Dubai Ferry will operate at Al Ghubaiba and Marina stations during the Eid holidays at 11am, 1pm, and then at 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm.

The working hours of traditional abra (boats) at Dubai Creek Stations (Al Ghubaiba, Al Sabkha, Baniyas, and Dubai Old Souk) will be from 10am to 12 midnight. The Blue (electrical) abra will operate at Burj Khalifa from 6pm up to 11pm, at Al Mamzar from 2pm to 12 midnight, and at Atlantis from 1pm to 9pm. The air-conditioned abra at Al Jaddaf will operate from 7am to 12 midnight.

All service providers and partner centres will be closed from 5 to 7 July 2016.
Interested?

View detailed Eid al Fitr timings for all RTA services

Adobe Digital Index ranks Chinese as biggest holiday spenders for 2015

New research from the Adobe Digital Index predicts China will lead the Asia Pacific (APAC) region in online spending this holiday season, with US$150 billion in sales forecast.

China leads with the highest anticipated online spend in the region (55%), Adobe said, with nearly half of the country’s consumers surveyed (49%) predicting an increase in their online spend for the period. The average Chinese Internet user is predicted to spend a total of US$210 online during November and December, driving one-fifth of total online sales for the year.

Japan is expected to see the second highest online spend in the region with US$37 billion in online sales (a 5% growth year-on-year) predicted, followed by Australia at US$7 billion. Fourteen percent of Australians and 16% of Singaporeans anticipate they will increase their total spend this holiday season. 

Across the rest of APAC, consumer spend is expected to remain steady year-on-year. 

Adobe’s global Online Shopping Prediction is based on an analysis of 55 million product SKUs and aggregated and anonymous data of more than one trillion retail websites over the last seven years. The holiday season represents 20% of worldwide online spending – with Austria and the US at the top of the list.

Consumers in APAC are not only shopping online more, they are also becoming increasingly efficient, with 20% or more in each country surveyed saying they expect to spend less time holiday shopping this year compared to last – a saving that could give them more time to spend with their families and friends.

“Holiday shopping is a huge investment and consumers get more sophisticated every year with their online and mobile shopping in order to secure the most popular gifts at the best prices,” said Tamara Gaffney, principal research analyst, Adobe Digital Index.

Gaffney said mobile is playing a significant role in holiday shopping behaviour. “Over the next two months we expect Southeast Asia to lead the charge in mobile shopping with 21% of e-commerce purchases to be transacted via smartphones and around 10% via tablets. Japanese shoppers won’t be too far behind, with 24% of e-commerce purchases predicted to be made via smartphones and 6% via tablets.”

Consumers are also finding online shopping less stressful than heading to the stores. In Australia, almost one-in-five (19%) consumers rated offline shopping as extremely stressful, compared to only 6% who said the same about online shopping. China is the only country in the region where online and offline shopping are seen as equally stressful.

Additional findings include:

· Across APAC, lower prices and good deals are important motivators for consumers to shop online, with free shipping a particularly strong driver for shoppers in Australia and Singapore.

· While online shopping during the holiday season is increasingly attractive, when it comes to logging on, most APAC consumers find shopping via mobile phone more stressful than shopping on their desktop, laptop or tablet device.

· Product reviews are among the top two influencers for shoppers when considering a major purchase, according to 36% of consumers in Australia, 43% in China and 44% in Singapore.

· Consumers in Singapore and China are more likely to leverage social media when they shop, with 41% of Singaporean and 49% of Chinese shoppers saying they consult social media to help make holiday shopping decisions. Interestingly, Australian respondents are far less likely to use social media as a tool for shopping (23%).

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about the 2015 festive season, including:

Singapore Gift Guide 2015, the pleasure edition
Singapore Gift Guide 2015, the tech edition

How Facebook sees mobile redefining the season

Hong Kong's Winter Wonderland experience
The City of Sydney's Christmas programme

Sofitel So Singapore's French fusion Christmas menu
The launch of Casa Ferrero, Ferrero Rocher's popup store
House of Sillage launches the Holiday by House of Sillage fragrance

Mobile is redefining the festive experience: Facebook

People in Southeast Asia* are sharing more during the festive year-end season on Facebook, the social media platform and on their preferred device - and that device is mobile, says Facebook, the company. Compared to the rest of the year, people share 30% more mobile content during the festive period** and 75% of posts created were on mobile, the company said in a blog post.

"...People share more mobile posts on New Year’s Eve (68% more) and Christmas Eve (36% more) compared to the rest of the season," stated Facebook in the blog post.

Facebook also found that people across demographics are sharing more on Facebook during the season, including youths*** (19% more), Millennials**** (23% more), parents (17% more) and mums (19% more).

"Across Southeast Asia, Facebook conversations during the period are centred on greetings and festive activities in the Philippines (84% of Facebook chatter), Indonesia (90%) and Singapore (52%)," Facebook said.

Shopping peaks in December, the company observed. Retail store check-ins on Facebook spike by 14% compared to the rest of the season, with 39% of check-ins taking place on Saturdays and Sundays. "Over 50% of people in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand said they are intending to shop online more this season, according to Facebook-commissioned polls*****... Over four out of five people in the Philippines (91%), Indonesia (83%) and Thailand (84%) said Facebook is influential to their shopping during the season. More than one in two people in the Philippines (63%), Indonesia (56%) and Thailand (52%) also said that Facebook is the preferred platform to seek advice about what to buy from others," said Facebook in the blog post.

There are geographic differences in shopping days of choice however. Mondays are most popular for online shopping in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, Facebook said, whilst Vietnamese prefer Thursdays and Singaporeans prefer Sundays. When it comes to shopping on mobile, Fridays are the most popular day across the region.

Facebook has observed that the shopping frenzy continues into the New Year. While the company attributes the upswing - it notes that in January 2015, users shopped online 19% more compared to the festive season on average - to good post-Christmas deals, Chinese New Year could also be a big reason. Chinese New Year, when new clothes must be worn and home interiors refreshed before relatives and friends visit, is celebrated in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam (as Tet), as well as anywhere there is a sizeable ethnic Chinese community. It always falls on January or February; it was on February 19 in 2015, and will start on February 8 in 2016.

The breakdown across countries:

Indonesia

• 80% of festive season posts were created on mobile
• Indonesians share 87% more video content and 24% more photo content than the rest of the year
• Shopping peaks on New Year’s Eve with 57% more retail store check-ins, and continues into the New Year with 30% more online shopping in January

The Philippines

• 70% of festive season posts were created on mobile
• Filipinos share 50% more video content and 37% more photo content than the rest of the year
• Shopping peaks on Christmas Day with 59% more retail store check-ins, and continues into the New Year with 16% more online shopping in January

Thailand

• 80% of festive season posts were created on mobile
• Thais share 20% more video content and 30% more photo content than the rest of the year
• Shopping peaks on New Year’s Eve with 98% more retail store check-ins, and continues into the New Year with 7% more online shopping in January

Vietnam

• 70% of festive season posts were created on mobile
• Vietnamese share 100% more video and photo content than the rest of the year
• Shopping peaks on Christmas Eve with 82% more retail store check-ins, and continues into the New Year with 38% more online shopping in January

Singapore

• 79% of festive season posts were created on mobile
• Singaporeans share 22% more video content and 13% more photo content than the rest of the year
• Shopping peaks on Christmas Day with 85% more retail store check-ins, and continues into the new year with 7% more online shopping in January

Source: Facebook. Sourced from Facebook internal data based on inferred and reported data, January 2014 – January 2015 (accessed June 2015).

Interested?

View a regional infographic and link to other country-specific infographics

Facebook recommends that marketers reach out first on mobile with "eye-catching ads with concise copy for the small screen". Read tips for Facebook ads. Facebook also suggests using the Custom Audiences feature to reach potential customers, as well as to reach new audiences similar to current customers with the Lookalike Audiences feature.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about the 2015 festive season, including:

Singapore Gift Guide 2015, the pleasure edition
Singapore Gift Guide 2015, the tech edition

Who in APAC will be spending the most online, according to the Adobe Digital Index

Hong Kong's Winter Wonderland experience
The City of Sydney's Christmas programme

Sofitel So Singapore's French fusion Christmas menu
The launch of Casa Ferrero, Ferrero Rocher's popup store
House of Sillage launches the Holiday by House of Sillage fragrance

*Includes the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore
**October 2014 to January 2015
***Aged 18 to 24
****Aged 18 to 34
*****Separate polls in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, each with 500 respondents ages 18+, selected as a representative sample of the online population, July 2015.

Get in the Christmas mood with Holiday by House of Sillage parfum

Source: House of Sillage.

House of Sillage, a specialist in haute parfumerie, celebrates the Christmas season with Holiday by House of Sillage, which features the festive scents of mandarin, peach and vetiver.

Inspired by the bright lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City, the snow globe cap showcases sparkling scenery plated in 18 karat gold and white gold, showing freshly fallen snow descending. The floral and citrus fragrance comes in a glass bottle that is hand-polished, ombre-lacquered and adorned with 63 hand-placed, custom-coloured Swarovski crystals.

House of Sillage pays homage to the artistry, traditions and unmatched expertise of the classic parfumerie, while transcending modern conventions. The company creates fragrances which are rivalled only by their bottles. “We have created a line of luxurious and sophisticated fragrances, gathering wisdom from people who have devoted their lives to this particular kind of beauty,” explains founder Nicole Mather.

Interested?

House of Sillage parfums are available in the GCC and in Indonesia.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about the 2015 festive season, including:

Singapore Gift Guide 2015, the pleasure edition
Singapore Gift Guide 2015, the tech edition

Who in APAC will be spending the most online, according to the Adobe Digital Index
How Facebook sees mobile redefining the season

Hong Kong's Winter Wonderland experience
The City of Sydney's Christmas programme

Sofitel So Singapore's French fusion Christmas menu
The launch of Casa Ferrero, Ferrero Rocher's popup store

Add your own branding to SPD paper and electronic greeting cards

Source: SPD website.

SPD, an organisation dedicated to working with people with disabilities to develop their potential to the fullest, has a sheltered workshop* that produces both paper and electronic greeting cards for various occasions, including birthdays, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Cards can be customised with corporate logos, specific messages, or designed for other occasions.

Interested?

Visit the e-shop to view the full range of cards. Christmas 2015 and Chinese New Year 2016 cards are already available
Enquire at +65 6579 0742

*A sheltered workshop is a work environment for people with disabilities. 

McAfee provides safety tips against holiday scams

McAfee, part of Intel Security, has released its annual 12 Scams of the Holidays list to explain how cybercriminals take advantage of the holiday mood to scam people during the festive season.

Source: McAfee.

Said David Freer, Vice President, Consumer, APAC, McAfee, part of Intel Security: “All it takes is awareness and some simple precautionary measures to keep.. digital lives safe and not spoil the year end spirit.”

This year’s top 12 Scams of the Holidays include several that could impact employees:

Scam no. 4, termed 'buyer beware', notes that point of sale malware could lead to exposed credit card information. The only way to tell is through credit card statements and sometimes, breaking news reports.

If sending corporate e-cards through a third party service, scam no. 6, 'getting carded', is relevant. McAfee notes that well-known e-card sites are safe, cautions that scams could still dupe users into downloading malware.

Scam no. 8, the 'bank robocall scam', could happen to corporate accounts as well as personal accounts. In this scam, phone calls purportedly from a financial institution inform the employee that a bank account has been compromised, and request information such as the account password to make changes.

The tenth scam is about Year in Review traps — the risks of clicking on these feature stories from work emails is that they could infect and compromise the security of company devices.

And lastly, scam no. 12, 'bad USB blues'. Companies which receive gift hampers from vendors may be saddled with infected USB drives. 

McAfee has also shared these safety tips:

· Do your research to make sure the company you are working with is legitimate.

• Do an online search of the company you’re buying items from to see if there’s any news about recent risks
• Go to the company’s homepage to make sure it is a genuine business 
• Instead of clicking on a link in an email for a shopping deal, visit the site directly

· Bank carefully

• If your bank calls requesting information, hang up and call them back through the official main phone number. It’s important to talk to your banker through the official number so you know it is legitimate
• Inspect the ATM for loose wires or machine parts that may have been tampered with. This could indicate hackers trying to fix the machine for their benefit

· Stay informed

• Follow breaking news stories for new security breaches to stay alert
• Only shop at retailers you know have not been compromised
• Check all credit card statements for any suspicious entries 

· Educate employees

• Ensure devices are secured with complex passcodes to allow access to smartphones, tablets or laptops 
• Share the most common scams that exist around the holidays with your employees so they know what to be on the lookout for and how to stay protected

Hashtag: #12scams