UPFRONT

EMIRATES’ PREMIUM ECONOMY SEATS ■ Anti-stain leather ■ Wood panel finishing ■ Six-way adjustable headrests ■ Calf rests and footrest ■ 40-inch pitch ■ 19.5 inches wide ■ 8-inch recline to cradle position ■ In-seat charging points ■ Wide dining table and side cocktail table. ■ 13.3-inch personal seat-back

EMIRATES WILL RETROFIT 105 of its modern wide-body aircraft with its Premium Economy product. FLYNAS, A SAUDI ARABIAN

The 18-month retrofit programme, national air carrier, launched the scheduled to begin at the end of 2022, rst direct international ights will see 52 Emirates A380s and 53 Boeing into AlUla International Airport 777s fitted with the new cabin class. on November 19, with services

The airline is also considering installing operating three times weekly from a new Business Class product on its Dubai International and twice Boeing 777 aircraft, with customised weekly from Kuwait International seats configured in a 1-2-1 layout. Airport. An expansion of domestic

At the end of the retrofit programme, services to AlUla increases Emirates will have 111 Boeing 777 and Airbus frequencies to four times weekly A380 aircraft o ering Premium Economy from Riyadh and three times weekly seats, including the six A380s that would from both Jeddah and Dammam.

Emirates to roll out Premium Economy across fleet flynas launches first international have been delivered to the airline with four flights to AlUla cabin classes by December 2021. On the Emirates Boeing 777, five rows of Economy class seats located just behind Business Class will be removed to install 24 Premium Economy seats laid out in 2-4-2 configuration. On the Emirates A380, 56 Premium Economy seats will be installed at the front of the main deck, also in 2-4-2 configuration. By the end of December 2021, Emirates’ A380s with Premium Economy will be operating on the airline’s flights to Frankfurt, London Heathrow, New York JFK and Paris.

DXB PASSENGER TRAFFIC SURGES

PASSENGER TRAFFIC at Dubai International (DXB) reached 20.7 million in the year to date to October, which operator Dubai Airports attributes to “changes in travel restrictions in key global markets”, generating “renewed con dence in the prospects of international travel”.

“Signi cant market developments such as the UK’s vaccination-based travel programme, the resumption of ights to several important destinations in Australasia and the relaxation of restrictions for travel between India and the USA have all contributed to an upward revision in our forecast for the year by an additional two million passengers to 28.7 million,” said Dubai Airports CEO Paul Gri ths. He added that it was in response to this sustained increase in demand that the nal piece of aviation infrastructure at DXB that was hibernated in response to the global pandemic, Concourse A, would reopen before the end of November 2021.

DXB FAST FACTS ■ The airport is currently serving 83 per cent of the destinations in 99 per cent of the countries on 108 per cent of the airlines compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. ■ Flight movements in Q3 surged to 56,266, propelling the number of flight movements recorded between January and September to 155,706, up 17.1 per cent. ■ South Asia retained its rank as DXB’s largest contributor of tra ic led by India (2.8 million pax) and Pakistan (one million pax). Egypt was ranked third with 753,000 passengers.

HOTEL OPENINGS

The David Kempinski Tel Aviv to open in February

STEIGENBERGER HOTEL DOHA The Steigenberger Hotel Doha has opened to guests featuring 206 keys, including 28 suites, deluxe and premium king-size rooms and a lavish Royal Suite. Facilities include five distinct dining experiences; the GOCO spa with a Turkish bath, sauna and steam rooms, private suites with plunge pools, and private secret gardens; a top-floor gym; four meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 350 guests. The property is close to Hamad International Airport.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT CULTURE VILLAGE Marriott Bonvoy has opened Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai, with 168 guestrooms and suites that combine “comfort and functionality”. The property is located in Al Jaddaf’s Culture Village, overlooking the Dubai Creek and features all-day dining restaurant MoMo Bistro, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa. KEMPINSKI HOTELS will open The David Kempinski Tel Aviv in February, hot on the heels of Israel opening its international borders. Housed in the city’s newest skyscraper, the 250-room-and-suite property is located across the street from Mediterranean Sea promenade. Highlights will include 56 suites of an “unprecedented grandeur”, including the property’s triplexpenthouse suite, the largest of its kind in Tel Aviv, spanning more than 4,000-square-feet, including 1200-square-foot rooftop terrace and infinity pool. Guests of the hotel’s top 14 suites will have exclusive access to the 34th floor outdoor lounge, featuring a private rooftop pool, relaxation area with sunbeds and cabanas, and a fully serviced lounge restaurant and bar. Five unique dining venues will serve gourmet Kosher cuisine. Other facilities include a spa, gym, sauna and a relaxation area, and state-of-the-art meeting and banquet venues.

Plans revealed for W Dubai – Mina Seyahi

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL will open the 31-storey W Dubai – Mina Seyahi on e Palm Jumeirah next year. It will feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite), plus a W Lounge (lobby) inspired by the Middle East Majlis, a sunset destination experience by the pool overlooking the Mina Seyahi bay, as well as a signature dining venue on the 31st oor.

Serviced apartment excellence in Jeddah

Ascott takes luxury living to new heights in Saudi Arabia’s vibrant Red Sea city

The Ascott Limited is renowned for its upscale serviced apartments, located in global gateways and appealing to expats and travellers alike. In Saudi Arabia’s thriving Red Sea city Jeddah, the company’s four prestigious properties offer luxury living at its best.

The ornate and sophisticated Ascott Sari Jeddah provides a Parisian-inspired setting for business and leisure travellers featuring impeccably furnished studios and one- and twobedroom apartments. Steeped in grandeur, the Ascott Tahlia Jeddah is one of the brand’s most highly regarded addresses in the city, offering studios and apartments with one-, two- or three-bedroom options. Lifestyle and business amenities designed for work and play are highlights at both properties.

Ascott also has a strong presence in the city’s Al Salamah district, home to Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah and Spectrums Residence Jeddah. The Citadines property is ideal for savvy travellers who enjoy stylish spaces such as studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, while the Spectrums property is the perfect choice for large groups of travellers with exclusive two-bedroom apartments available.

All of Ascott’s Jeddah properties follow the brand’s global ‘Ascott Cares’ programme, assuring guests and staff of seven commitments to hygiene and safety excellence. In addition, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah and Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah participate in Ascott’s global partnership with International SOS, offering 24/7 on-call support for wellness and security.

The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand Investment. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with properties across Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its portfolio of serviced apartment, co-living and hotel brands includes Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello, Fox Lite and POP!.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The swimming pool at Ascott Sari Jeddah; Ascott Tahlia Jeddah; Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah; Ascott Sari Jeddah

TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH DRESOS

IF YOU’RE IN NEED of a wardrobe overhaul or a re-style, but can’t face the mall trawl, a new Dubai-based fashion tech start-up will come to your home – or your hotel room. DRESOS provides curated styling services for men and women, on-demand, without upfront fees, leveraging new technologies to personalise the shopping and styling experience. Highly experienced stylists come to you and with access to thousands of styles and trends, available in all sizes and colours, can tailor your look, according to your style and budget. Thanks to its partnerships with leading retailers and brands, DRESOS moves UAE mega malls into its customers extended closets. The company plans to launch its services in Saudi Arabia soon. dresos.com

Zulal Wellness Resort now open

ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT, managed by Chiva-Som, a globally acclaimed pioneer in wellness and lifestyle transformation with 26 years’ experience honed at its agship resort in Hua Hin, ailand, has opened in Qatar. e region’s largest wellness resort is the rst in the world to feature traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) and holistic wellness and has a focus on healing through connection with nature, with a digital-detox policy applied to all public areas, encouraging guests to enjoy ocean views. Located in the Al Khasooma private coastal area in the north of the country it features 120 rooms and suites; hydrotherapy suites, indoor and outdoor pools and a lagoon suitable for swimming; health and wellness centres with treatment rooms, a tness pavilion, Pilates studio, physiotherapy suite, and cooking studio; an aesthetic centre; a ballroom for private and corporate functions; as well as Arabian, Mediterranean and ne-dining restaurants with a wellness focus, and a hands-on demonstration kitchen. Guests embark on a customised wellness journey, with customised retreats. zulal.com

Luxury Explorers expands luxury holiday home collection

LUXURY EXPLORERS’ COLLECTION is expanding its portfolio of luxury holiday home rentals in the UAE as tourism starts to rebound. Upcoming property debuts include an ultra-luxe penthouse in the heart of Dubai Marina. Spread across the entire top floor of the iconic Cayan Tower, the penthouse o ers a 360-degree panoramic view and a stunningly chic interior to complement the first-rate amenities and the brand’s renowned full-service VIP concierge. The company, which has 20 listings in operation, is set to unveil multiple villa rentals in other high-end locations in Dubai, including beachfront properties in Palm Jumeirah and a grandiose mansion in Emirates Hills. Luxury Explorers’ Collection recently made headlines when one of its Palm Jumeirah villas fetched a recordbreaking rental deal at AED 3.88 million.

Zipline dining takes to the skies

SONEVA FUSHI, THE MALDIVES’ original barefoot luxury hideaway, has unveiled a new and exhilarating dining experience high among the treetops – Flying Sauces, the world’s first fine-dining zipline experience. After being securely strapped into safety harnesses, diners soar along a 200-metre zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, enjoying an amuse bouche, refreshing shooters and other gastronomic surprises along the way. Once they arrive, Chef Rasal prepares a delectable seasonal menu in the open kitchen, high above the ground, paired with a selection of more than 9,000 fine wines from Soneva Fushi’s extensive cellar.

The Red Sea EDITION

Nine hotels announced for the Red Sea Project

Properties will be operated by Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG and Jumeirah

FIVE HOTEL management companies have signed agreements to operate nine properties in one of Saudi Arabia’s ‘giga’ developments, the Red Sea Project. ey will account for 1,700 hotel keys, according to developer e Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), with some properties ready to welcome guests by the end of 2022 when the project’s international airport will also be launched.

e nine properties are: Edition and St Regis by Marriott International; Fairmont, Ra es and SLS, part of Accor; a Grand Hyatt by Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts and Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts; and a property by Dubaiheadquartered Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.

TRSDC Chief Executive John Pagano said the collection of “unique and diverse hospitality brands” underpinned the project’s commitment to creating “a worldleading barefoot luxury destination, which will soon serve as a gateway to one of the last undiscovered places on the planet”.

Launched in 2017, the Red Sea Project is regenerative tourism focused.

It plans to have 50 hotels and around 1,000 residences on 22 islands and six inland sites by 2030, with the aim of attracting one million visitors annually.

ST. REGIS RED SEA RESORT Situated on a private island, this resort is expected to feature 90 villas, two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa, plus a kids’ club, and is expected to open in 2023. A SNEAK PEEK

FAIRMONT RED SEA A luxurious family, wellness and nature focused resort featuring 200 rooms, seven dining outlets, including overwater restaurants, meetings and event space, a greenhouse and a spa centre. It will be situated next to an 18hole championship golf course. RAFFLES RED SEA Ra les Red Sea will o er its signature personalised hospitality across its room and suite options, plus six dining destinations, a spa and several meeting venues. GRAND HYATT THE RED SEA The 430-room Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be located on Shaura Island, the project’s hub on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The luxury resort will be the largest of 11 hotels set to open on the island and will be located near the Red Sea International Airport.