logo
ITB Asia 2025 to focus on ME and GenZ travellers

ITB Asia 2025 to focus on ME and GenZ travellers

Post Views: 28
TTME in an exclusive interview with Darren Seah – Executive Director – ITB Asia shared that this year their focus shifts in the industry—particularly the growing influence of the Middle East market and the rising power of Generation Z travellers. The Middle East continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Asia-Pacific's travel dynamics. With a reputation for luxury, experiential travel, and high-value outbound tourism, the region's significance is only increasing. Seah shared, 'Oman is joining us this year, and we're in active discussions with other Middle Eastern destinations including the UAE.' He further added, 'We were recently in the UAE, engaging with key stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration.' This growing engagement aligns with the broader tourism strategies of countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—each investing heavily in hospitality infrastructure, cultural offerings, and mega-events, as part of long-term national visions such as Saudi Vision 2030. For ITB Asia, this means not just showcasing the region as a destination, but also as a vital source of outbound travellers seeking immersive, high-quality travel experiences across Asia-Pacific.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

10 sky-high indoor Dubai restaurants that serve up the best outdoor views this summer
10 sky-high indoor Dubai restaurants that serve up the best outdoor views this summer

Emirates Woman

time17 hours ago

  • Emirates Woman

10 sky-high indoor Dubai restaurants that serve up the best outdoor views this summer

When summer heat makes outdoor dining unbearable, these indoor restaurants offer the perfect solution—spectacular views without the scorching sun. From revolving panoramas to sky-high vantage points, here are the top spots in Dubai where you can savor gourmet meals while soaking in the city's breathtaking skyline. Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant Perched on the 25th floor of Hyatt Regency Dubai, Al Dawaar is the city's only revolving restaurant, ensuring every seat comes with a 360-degree view. As you indulge in a classic buffet, the restaurant completes a full rotation in 90 minutes, showcasing Deira, the creek, and beyond. While the novelty may fade, the sweeping vistas remain unforgettable, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. The international buffet features everything from fresh seafood to Middle Eastern specialties, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Location: Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira Corniche Timings: Mon-Fri, 6:30pm–11:30pm; Sat-Sun, 12:30pm–4pm, 6:30pm–11:30pm Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab For those who can't splurge on a stay at the iconic Burj Al Arab, dining at Al Muntaha offers a taste of its luxury. Situated on the 27th floor, this fine-dining French restaurant delivers exquisite cuisine paired with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai's coastline. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service make it ideal for special occasions, while dishes like foie gras and truffle-infused creations elevate the experience. Location: Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim Timings: Daily, 12:30pm–2:30pm, 7pm–10pm Atmosphere, Burj Khalifa Occupying the 122nd floor of the world's tallest building, Atmosphere is a destination in itself. Whether for breakfast, high tea, or dinner, guests are treated to unmatched 360-degree views alongside gourmet dishes like Wagyu tomahawk and blue lobster. The lounge area offers a more relaxed setting for cocktails, while the restaurant's refined menu ensures a memorable dining experience from day to night. Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai Timings: 7:00am to 2:00am (restaurant and lounge hours vary) Bar des Prés, ICD Brookfield Place A fusion of French and East Asian flavors, Bar des Prés sits on the 51st floor with sleek Parisian-inspired interiors. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients, featuring dishes like crab and avocado galette and chocolate soufflé, all enjoyed against a backdrop of Dubai's financial district. The restaurant's chic, intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for both business lunches and romantic dinners. Location: ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC Timings: Daily, noon–3pm, 7pm–1am Sushi Samba, The Palm Soaring on the 51st floor of The St. Regis Dubai, Sushi Samba has been dazzling diners since 2021 with its vibrant fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors paired with breathtaking 360-degree Palm Jumeirah vistas. The restaurant's lush tropical aesthetic – featuring orange velvet banquettes, bamboo accents and cascading greenery – creates an immersive dining experience that transports guests from Dubai to Rio. Location: The St. Regis Dubai, Palm Jumeirah Timings: 12:00pm-3:00pm, 6:00pm to 2:00am on weekdays, 1:00pm to 3:30pm, 6:00pm to 3:00am on weekends. Birds, Address Downtown A blend of fine dining and entertainment, Birds on the 63rd floor offers Japanese-inspired dishes like Wagyu tataki alongside live performances. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Burj Khalifa and Downtown's glittering lights, creating a dramatic setting. The inventive cocktails and vibrant atmosphere make it a hotspot for both dinner and late-night gatherings. Location: Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai Timings: Tues-Sun, 5:00pm–3:00am Carna by Dario Cecchini Helmed by a legendary Tuscan butcher, Carna on the 74th floor combines sustainable meat-centric dishes with sweeping Business Bay views. Don't miss the Chianti sushi or the famed bistecca alla Fiorentina, both showcasing the chef's dedication to quality and tradition. The stylish, masculine décor and open kitchen add to the immersive dining experience. Location: SLS Dubai Hotel, Business Bay Timings: Daily, 6:30pm–1am CouCou Dubai, The Palm At 240 meters above sea level, CouCou offers a Mediterranean feast with 360-degree views of the Palm and Arabian Gulf. The elegant setting and inventive cocktails make it ideal for a romantic evening, while dishes like fresh seafood and premium cuts ensure a memorable meal. The outdoor terrace is particularly enchanting as the sun sets over the water. Location: The View at The Palm, Palm Tower Timings: Daily, 8pm–2am Row on 45, Grosvenor House Jason Atherton's two-Michelin-starred gem presents a 17-course tasting menu with Dubai Marina as its backdrop. The British-Japanese fusion dishes, paired with an award-winning wine selection, make for an extraordinary culinary journey. Each course is a work of art, and the intimate, exclusive setting ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina Timings: 7:00pm to 1:00am, (closed on Sunday and Monday) Nobu, Atlantis The Palm The legendary Nobu needs no introduction, and its Dubai outpost lives up to the global reputation. Perched in the former Royal Bridge Suite at Atlantis The Palm, this sophisticated dining destination blends exquisite Japanese-Peruvian cuisine with breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai's skyline. The terrace offers an especially magical vantage point, whether you visit by day when the turquoise waters dazzle or by night when the city lights create a dramatic backdrop. Location: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah Hours: 6:00pm to 1:00am weekdays, 12:30pm to 3:00pm, 6:00pm to 1:30am on weekends. For a summer of elevated dining and unforgettable vistas, these restaurants promise more than just a meal—they offer a feast for the eyes. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in Dubai's culinary scene, these sky-high venues deliver ambiance, flavor, and breathtaking views in equal measure. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @katieflotskaya

Barclays Taps Ex‑HSBC Banker to Accelerate Middle East Push
Barclays Taps Ex‑HSBC Banker to Accelerate Middle East Push

Arabian Post

time19 hours ago

  • Arabian Post

Barclays Taps Ex‑HSBC Banker to Accelerate Middle East Push

Barclays has appointed Farzad Billimoria as head of its private bank for the United Arab Emirates, strengthening its foothold in a region experiencing rapid wealth creation. Based in Dubai, Billimoria will report directly to Annabelle Bryde, head of Private Bank International, commencing his role on 1 July pending regulatory approval. Billimoria brings 30 years of financial services expertise, most recently serving as Senior Executive Officer and head of private banking at HSBC in the UAE. He led the establishment of HSBC Private Bank in key financial hubs such as the DIFC and ADGM, and notably launched the bank's first onshore private banking booking centre within the UAE. His deep-rooted presence in Dubai, with over two decades of local experience, positions him to drive growth within Barclays' expanding wealth management ambitions. This move occurs amid a resurgence of private banking across the Gulf, fuelled by rising regional GDP, intensifying investment from sovereign wealth and increasing interest in bespoke financial services. For Barclays, marking its 50th year of operations in the region, securing Billimoria represents a strategic play to challenge entrenched rivals and capture market share across both Middle Eastern and Asian private banking landscapes. ADVERTISEMENT Barclays has 'significant growth opportunities' in the Gulf, Bryde said, emphasising the bank's strategy to elevate the region's importance within its global private banking operations. Billimoria's leadership is expected to accelerate initiatives focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals and high-net-worth families, aligning with broader shifts in regional wealth dynamics. Economic projections show that the UAE's economy is set to expand by approximately 3.5 per cent in 2025, underpinned by technology, real estate, and infrastructure investments. Billimoria's departure from HSBC, part of a broader simplification drive, signals changing strategic priorities within global banks. HSBC has been reshaping its regional model, consolidating operations to enhance efficiency and digitalisation. His transition also reflects a wider trend of prominent private banking leaders moving across institutions, as banks vie to differentiate through personalised, tech-enabled services. Barclays' hiring aligns with senior leadership changes at the bank in the Gulf. Rasha Badawi, appointed earlier this year to lead private bank efforts in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aims to capitalise on cross-border synergies. Under her direction, Barclays is placing greater emphasis on sustainability-driven investment products and ESG-compliant offerings, responding to demand from increasingly values-conscious UHNW clients. Competition in Gulf wealth management is intensifying. Regional players like Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and QNB have ramped up their wealth divisions, while global institutions such as UBS and Credit Suisse introduce digital platforms tailored to Gulf clientele. Barclays will also challenge global peers by leveraging its UK-based banking infrastructure and cross-market services—a value proposition for Gulf clients seeking diversification beyond the region. Yet the Gulf banking landscape is not without challenges. Banks are navigating stringent anti-money‑laundering regulations and heightened transparency in tax and compliance regimes. To maintain profitability, providers must balance regulatory adherence with flexible service models. Barclays' success with Billimoria will hinge on its ability to blend local expertise with international scaffolding in a cost-effective way. Billimoria's credentials are well aligned with the trends reshaping Gulf private banking. He oversaw the onboarding of ultra-high-net-worth non-resident Indian clients during his tenure at HSBC, a segment increasingly in demand across the region. His track record in setting up offshore and onshore operations offers Barclays practical experience in integrating multi-jurisdictional banking platforms. The appointment also underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a regional wealth hub. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to draw family offices, investment firms, and global capital, bolstered by regulatory reforms and a diversified, digitised economy. Barclays' strategy involves positioning its UAE operations as a gateway for wealth originating across India, Africa, Europe, and the broader Middle East. Inside Barclays, Billimoria will lead a team focused on designing customised wealth solutions, integrating digital advisory tools and sustainability-linked offerings. Bryde has signalled that the bank will prioritise growth in Asia and the Middle East, with the UAE serving as a strategic linchpin for regional expansion.

Saudi bank credit records annual growth of over $118.13bln by end of April 2025
Saudi bank credit records annual growth of over $118.13bln by end of April 2025

Zawya

timea day ago

  • Zawya

Saudi bank credit records annual growth of over $118.13bln by end of April 2025

RIYADH — Bank credit granted to the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia reached SR3,126,381 million (over SR3.126 trillion) by the end of April 2025, according to the monthly statistical bulletin issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for April. This marks an annual growth of 16.5 percent and an increase of more than SR443.018 billion compared to the same period in 2024, when bank credit stood at SR2.683 trillion. Quarterly, bank credit continued to rise at all levels, recording a growth of five percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, increasing by SR146.411 billion. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, bank credit had grown from over SR2.955 trillion to over SR3.101 trillion. On a monthly basis, bank credit recorded a growth of 0.8 percent, rising by SR24.420 billion, compared to March 2025, when it stood at SR3,101,961 million. Bank credit granted to the public and private sectors was distributed across more than 17 diverse economic activities, serving as a key driver in achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth and contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. According to SAMA data, long-term credit (for over three years) accounted for 49 percent of total bank credit, valued at over SR1.524 trillion. Short-term credit (less than one year) represented 36 percent, amounting to over SR1.135 trillion. Medium-term credit (from one to three years) comprised about 15 percent, totaling SR465.937 billion. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store