The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East and Africa (MEA) has successfully concluded its 7th annual Commercial Strategy Conference in Dubai with record numbers in attendance, speakers and sessions. The action-packed two-day event saw 300+ delegates, 91 speakers, 56 different discussions across 7 formats, 40 ROCKSTAR award submissions and a 15 percent increase in attendance compared to last year. The speakers took the stage in a wide variety of sessions ranging from keynote presentations and fireside chats to masterclasses, panel discussions and interactive roundtables. 

Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company) and Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) are entering into a partnership with the introduction of Bahrain’s first Azure Beach Club. This dynamic new addition to Bilal Al Jazayer and Bahrain’s hospitality scene is set for Q2 2026, promising a world-class beachfront experience. Azure Beach Bahrain will also house Ammos restaurant, with a configuration mirroring the successful pairing of Azure Beach and Ammos in Dubai. Adding to the allure of the Azure Beach experience, Ammos, meaning “sand” in Greek, serves traditional Greek island fare in a setting that reflects chic coastal ambiance. 

Dubai Safari Park starting December 13, 2024, extended its timings, enabling visitors to enjoy night safaris. The novel experience offers residents and visitors a chance to appreciate wildlife by night-time. The night safari welcomes visitors for a limited period – from December 13, 2024, to January 12, 2025. During the course of two nightly safaris led by expert wildlife guides, visitors can expect to catch a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species besides participating in interactive activities involving animals. In addition, an array of live performances, including an African fire show and a neon show, will mesmerise visitors. 

A new desert dining and entertainment destination, ‘The Fort – Lisaili’ opens in Dubai. Alaa AlKhatib, Vice President of Destination Management at the dnata Travel Group, commented: “The Fort – Lisaili marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Arabian Adventures and the Dubai desert’s entertainment landscape. It is designed to offer a customisable experience, where visitors can explore the beauty of the desert on their own terms. Our vision is to create an exciting and unique ‘desert destination’ with a diverse range of activities, attractions and events, creating a memorable experience for both Dubai residents and tourists.” 

A new desert dining and entertainment destination, ‘The Fort – Lisaili’ opens in Dubai. Alaa AlKhatib, Vice President of Destination Management at the dnata Travel Group, commented: “The Fort – Lisaili marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Arabian Adventures and the Dubai desert’s entertainment landscape. It is designed to offer a customisable experience, where visitors can explore the beauty of the desert on their own terms. Our vision is to create an exciting and unique ‘desert destination’ with a diverse range of activities, attractions and events, creating a memorable experience for both Dubai residents and tourists.” 

Hilton recently signed an agreement with Al-Gharaa International for Real Estate Development to open three hotels in the Islamic World District of Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, representatives from Knowledge Economic City and Hilton. The agreement marks the debut of Hilton’s award-winning extended stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and reaffirms the global hospitality company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio to meet the increasing demand for hospitality offerings across the Kingdom.

Dubai’s iconic skyline witnessed another marvel as part of the UAE’s 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations. The breathtaking aerial display was delivered by a trio of wingsuit athletes from Skydive Dubai - the world-renowned skydiving destination. At the heart of the spectacle stood the iconic 301-metre-tall Address Beach Resort, a key partner of Skydive Dubai, where athletes achieved the first-ever wingsuit flight through the landmark’s famous 25-metre gap. Soaring at speeds of up to 240 km/h, the athletes leapt from an aircraft at 5,000 feet, creating a three-way wingsuit formation. The team left vibrant trails of red, black, and green smoke, symbolising the UAE flag. 

The 36th World Tourism Film Awards gathered leaders from the tourism and creative industries to celebrate the year’s most inspiring and innovative tourism campaigns. Held in Valencia, Spain, the event showcased the power of storytelling, honouring productions that set new standards in tourism promotion and elevated the global industry. This year’s awards recognised 27 outstanding productions from 16 countries as the World’s Best Tourism Films in the five competitive categories of City, Region, and Country Promotion, Tourism Products, and Tourism Services. Switzerland Tourism led the accolades with The Ride of a Lifetime, featuring the charismatic duo Roger Federer and Trevor Noah.