Latest from Tourism Breaking News
Tourism Breaking News
an hour ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
The former Occidental Al Jaddaf rebrands and turns to 5-star to elevate the guest experience to exceptional standards
Post Views: 13 Barceló Hotel Group announced the rebranding of Occidental Al Jaddaf to Barceló Al Jaddaf and its upgrade to 5-star. This rebrand marks the Spanish hospitality group's first Barceló Hotel in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the group's focus on delivering exceptional guest services to the GCC market, characterised by the elevated service and personalised attention that defines the Barceló brand. Barceló Al Jaddaf ticks all the reasons why of the Barceló Hotels & Resorts DNA: an excellent location, a singular and purposeful design, a stay that never fails to surprise with all the must-haves and nice-to-haves, with a defined character, attitude and social vibes, healthy gastronomy with local flavours and genuinely local experiences. Ideally located just minutes from Dubai's cultural and business landmarks and Dubai International Airport, Barceló Al Jaddaf caters to the diverse needs of both leisure and corporate travellers. The property boasts 365 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring contemporary interiors that blend elegance with modern amenities. Barceló Al Jaddaf stands out by offering guests a uniquely tailored experience through attentive service, curated dining and leisure offerings that reflect the vibrant energy of the city. The standout feature of the Barceló Al Jaddaf rebrand is B-Heaven, a chic Mediterranean fusion restaurant with arresting views, a carefully curated menu and a privileged location in the hotel, by the swimming pool, giving it an 'urban beach club' vibe and ambience. B-Heaven is making its debut in the GCC, having already garnered acclaim at other Barceló properties worldwide. Offering a refined space for both relaxation and social gatherings, B-Heaven provides a 180-degree panorama of Dubai's Skyline, serving as an urban retreat by day and an elegant and lively haven by night. Its menu is a vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean flavours, interweaving Spanish and Arabic influences with Caribbean fusion to create a culinary journey like no other. Guests can bask in the sun with a refreshing beverage and savour a selection of exquisite dishes. As day turns to night, B-Heaven transforms into a lively dining destination with a vibrant atmosphere for socialising and enjoying Dubai's nights. Beyond B-Heaven, the property's Premium Level services are tailored to provide an exclusive retreat for guests seeking an exclusive experience and personalised care. Guests can also explore other culinary options at Barceló Al Jaddaf. Souk Restaurant provides a fusion of global and regional flavours, ideal for a range of dining occasions. Tiger Bar Stock Exchange sports bar, soon to open, will offer a lively venue for dining and socialising, with a focus on a casual yet energetic atmosphere. For evening entertainment, Jimmydixs Dubai delivers a lively ambience with live performances. The hotel's communal areas present sleek, geometric designs and calming pastel tones, creating a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere. These carefully designed spaces offer the perfect setting for relaxation and connection, whether unwinding after a day of exploration or preparing for a business meeting. Barceló Al Jaddaf features a fully equipped fitness centre and an all-year-round temperature-controlled swimming pool, perfect for health-conscious travellers. The recent incorporation into the hotel services, Dreamworks Spa, is a sanctuary of relaxation, offering a variety of revitalising treatments. Style Me Up ladies' beauty salon offers the latest hair and nail cares. For business travellers, the hotel's modern conference facilities and dedicated events team ensure a seamless experience for those visiting Dubai on corporate trips. 'Barceló Al Jaddaf embodies the group's vision to bring closer Spanish hospitality to the United Arab Emirates', said Eduardo Espiritusanto, General Manager of Barceló Al Jaddaf. 'This rebranding marks a leap forward for our brand's presence in the region and it's another milestone of the group's expansion in the Middle East. Our aim with Barceló Al Jaddaf is to bring Spanish hospitality and savoir-faire to Dubai, through our curated services and standards, renowned around Europe and the Americas, and now in the GCC. We proudly believe that Barceló Al Jaddaf represents the essence of Barceló, integrating our brand's culture into the local culture, and we are looking forward to conveying this essence to our guests'. As part of its ESG strategy, Barceló ReGen, aimed at maximising the positive impact at the destinations to advance towards more responsible and sustainable tourism, protecting its surroundings and the environment, Barceló Al Jaddaf has implemented a series of measures to reduce water consumption, such as the installation of solar panels in the hotel and the installation of high-pressure shower beads in the bathrooms of all rooms, reducing water consumption by 50%. Other measures to contribute to energy savings carried out at Barceló Al Jaddaf are the use of the LED lighting system in all common areas and in the rooms, as well as the optimization of electric ventilation systems. In addition, priority has been given to reusable materials allowing more effective waste management. All Barceló Hotel Group hotels contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of the destinations. At Barceló Al Jaddaf, all the hotel's buffets and menus offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, from local suppliers –at least 50% of the fruit and vegetables used are from local producers. The hotel also participates in activities with a positive impact on the community, such as Earth Hour, Tree Planting Day (One Root, One Communi-tree) or donations to the UAE Food Bank.
Tourism Breaking News
an hour ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Emirates boosts services to Barcelona with a third daily flight
Post Views: 31 Emirates has announced it will ramp up operations to Barcelona with the addition of a third daily flight starting from 26 October 2025. The added service will meet market demand and offer customers greater connectivity to/from the coastal city as well as access to popular destinations across Emirates' network including Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong and Singapore. Customers can look forward to the airline's award-winning service and industry-leading products across all cabins including regionally inspired meals, premium beverages, and up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on ice – the airline's inflight entertainment system. Emirates currently serves Spain with 28 weekly flights utilising a fleet mix of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, including: 14 weekly flights to Madrid; and 14 weekly flights to Barcelona including 7 weekly flights from Dubai to Mexico City via Barcelona. Tickets can be booked on the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as at Emirates retail stores. Barcelona boost flights Emirates 2025-06-20 sheharareeezly
Tourism Breaking News
11 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Seamless, Smart, and Sustainable: Honeywell's Vision for the Future of Airport Operations
Post Views: 441 As global airports continue to evolve to meet growing passenger demand and sustainability targets, Honeywell is at the forefront of shaping that transformation. TravTalkME speaks with Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation, on the sidelines of the Airport Show about the technologies which help achieve the seamless and smart services for the passengers. At the Airport Show this year, Honeywell showcased its suite of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance airport efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental responsibility. 'Our focus is based on three strategic pillars: delivering a seamless passenger journey, ensuring resilient operations, and accelerating the path to net zero,' said Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation. 'We're showcasing several innovations that are already making a significant impact in airports around the world.' A Seamless Journey: Follow the Green One of Honeywell's standout solutions is Navitas, the 'Follow the Green' technology. This system enables aircraft to taxi from runway to gate in the most efficient and safe manner possible. 'Navitas helps reduce downtime and fuel consumption, improving turnaround time while significantly cutting carbon emissions,' explained Cheqroun. Complementing this is Honeywell's latest Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS), which ensures precise docking of aircraft. 'Accuracy is critical in airport operations, and VDGS provides pilots with exact guidance to reach the correct gate position,' he added. Unified Airport Intelligence Honeywell also emphasizes integration with its Command and Control Suite, a platform that connects building management systems, fire safety, and security infrastructure. This unified view streamlines airport operations both landside and airside, enabling quicker response times and optimized resource management. 'Our Enterprise Building Integration (EBI) solution is built to manage complex airport environments. Whether it's lighting, HVAC, or emergency response, EBI brings everything under one intelligent dashboard,' said Cheqroun. Predictive Maintenance & Energy Efficiency In the realm of sustainability, Honeywell brings a tangible edge. Around 40% of its equipment is made using sustainable sources, and its building automation focuses heavily on energy efficiency and predictive maintenance. 'Our FORGE platform is agnostic, meaning it can integrate with any manufacturer's hardware,' noted Cheqroun. 'It uses data analytics to monitor asset performance and predict failures before they occur, helping operators maximize lifecycle value without impacting airport operations.' These capabilities not only support environmental goals but also reduce operational costs by optimizing energy use and improving system reliability. Supporting Regional Growth Honeywell's legacy in the region spans over seven decades, and that deep understanding of local market needs gives it a significant advantage. 'We've co-developed technologies with airport authorities in the region. That collaboration has allowed us to tailor our solutions to the specific climate, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements,' said Cheqroun. 'For airport operators looking to modernize, our long-standing presence and experience make Honeywell a trusted partner.' Looking Ahead While the focus at the Airport Show was primarily on airport operations, Honeywell's technologies also contribute to the cargo sector, offering similar operational and sustainability benefits. As airports expand to meet the demands of rising air cargo volumes, such solutions will play an even greater role. In closing, Cheqroun reinforced the company's commitment: 'Honeywell is not just showcasing technology. We are enabling airports to operate smarter, greener, and more efficiently—from gate to runway to terminal.' For stakeholders in airport infrastructure and operations across the Middle East and beyond, Honeywell's integrated solutions represent a comprehensive, future-ready approach to aviation.
Tourism Breaking News
a day ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Emirates partners with Uber, with plans to make journeys more seamless, and reward travellers when they ride
Post Views: 38 Emirates and Uber have announced a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore ways to make journeys more seamless, effortless and rewarding for travellers. This includes enhancing the on-ground mobility experience for Emirates customers, while offering Skywards members loyalty benefits when using the Uber platform across select markets within the Emirates network.* Through this partnership, Emirates and Uber will work towards introducing several initiatives to offer travellers more seamless and effortless journeys. These include; Developing an integrated booking experience that combines Uber Rides Vouchers with flight bookings for easier airport transfers or in-city rides. Additionally, Emirates and Uber will explore offering Uber rides to and from the airport for select Emirates customers, supporting a complete door-to-destination experience. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber. The partnership will explore strategic opportunities to closely collaborate on offering Skywards members in the UAE the opportunity to earn on rides or redeem their miles for Uber app credits or vouchers. Emirates Skywards will also explore ways for members in the UAE to benefit from earning Miles on Uber rides across select markets in the Emirates network. Another area of collaboration will include exploring opportunities around Last Mile delivery initiatives for Emirates Courier Express, leveraging Uber's advanced technology platform and vast network of global Delivery partners to enhance customer reach, speed and efficiency. Adnan Kazim said: 'Emirates is excited to join forces with Uber as part of our commitment to delivering seamless travel experiences. In the months ahead, we'll closely work together to leverage our combined capabilities in travel and technology to expand planning options, create more connected end-to-end journeys across our network, and introduce exciting new benefits for our Skywards members. We look forward to a successful partnership and the valuable opportunities it will create for our customers.' Commenting on the partnership, Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President, Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber said: 'We're thrilled to partner with Emirates, a global leader in aviation, to shape the future of travel. With tailored Uber airport rides offering seamless door-to-destination journeys and loyalty benefits for Uber and Emirates customers, this collaboration will redefine the travel experience for millions of passengers.' To maximise awareness around the rollout of initiatives under the partnership, Emirates and Uber will explore leveraging cross promotional marketing campaigns across the airline's network. *Commercial, technical implementation and reward structure integrations will be determined in the coming months.
Tourism Breaking News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tourism Breaking News
Over 200 hotels to participate in Dubai Summer Surprises 2025
Post Views: 21 This year's 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises will have over 200 hotels participating with 4000 plus retail outlets. The countdown is on: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 is set to take over the city for its epic edition from 27 June to 31 August, transforming the emirate into the ultimate summer destination with exceptional savings, endless excitement, and amazing new adventures. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do, see, shop, and savour for 66 non-stop days. From life-changing raffles and incredible discounts to world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and headline concerts, DSS delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether a resident, a visitor, or travelling in from across the UAE. The jam-packed DSS calendar of events was unveiled at a special press preview event held today at the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the founding property of Jumeirah, characterised by its iconic wave-like architecture and renowned façade. The preview event showcased a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new DSS experiences and returning festival favourites, showcasing summer as the best-value time of year to experience Dubai across every preference and price point, with endless reasons to stay, play, shop and celebrate together. For the first-time ever, DSS brings a brand-new shopping experience with three specially curated retail seasons designed to keep the city buzzing. Summer Holiday Offers kicks off the celebrations from 27 June to 17 July, brimming with exclusive promotions, family-friendly deals, and the first round of spectacular raffles across Dubai's top malls. Then comes the most thrilling shopping moment of the season: the Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18 July to 10 August, featuring three weeks of unbeatable value, citywide excitement, and the biggest-ever prizes. Wrapping up DSS is the Back to School period from 11 to 31 August, giving families and students the chance to save and stock up on everything they need for the new term, plus exciting giveaways and the opportunity to win scholarships to school fees. Each shopping period has been specially curated to match the rhythm of the season, helping shoppers unlock new surprises and unbeatable value across citywide malls, attractions, hotels, as well as star-powered performances, thrilling live entertainment, diverse culinary delights, enchanting experiences with everyone's favourite Modesh, and so much more. Commenting on the full calendar reveal of DSS 2025, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'This year's Dubai Summer Surprises is our most dynamic and value-packed edition to date, with thousands of unbeatable offers, compelling retail promotions, and endless experiences showcasing everything that makes the emirate a truly global, world-class, and diverse family destination. Promising a summer well spent for everyone, DSS 2025 strengthens Dubai's standing as a city brimming with unbeatable value, seamlessly bringing together every major tourism pillar – be it retail, hospitality, entertainment, gastronomy, or leisure. Our packed programme offers compelling reasons for residents and visitors alike to stay and explore unique citywide experiences that are accessible, exciting, convenient, and full of unforgettable moments at the best value time of the year. Al Khaja added: 'With the introduction of three curated shopping seasons anchoring our citywide calendar this year, the 28th edition of DSS has been specially designed to cater to every age, preference, and price-point. Thanks to the continued support of our valued partners and stakeholders, we're proud to deliver a summer where every moment has been specially designed to feel exciting, rewarding, and uniquely Dubai – ultimately reflecting the city's energy, creativity, and commitment to world-class experiences. Together, we aim to deliver unparalleled experiences for residents and visitors in line with the objectives of the D33 agenda to make Dubai one of the best places to live, visit, and work in the world.'
