IDEAS: Holiday Inn Launches Open Lobby Concept in Dubai

On 20th December, Skydive Dubai, owned by Shamal Holding, celebrated its 13th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind BASE jump featuring a record-holding skydiver jumping out of an inflatable cake lifted by balloons, at the Dubai Dropzone.

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), today launched the third edition of the #DubaiDestinations winter campaign. The campaign puts the spotlight on the unique places, activities and attractions that make Dubai one of the world’s most-loved winter getaways.

Soaring 828 meters over Dubai, the Burj Khalifa has clung to its status as the world’s tallest building for more than a decade. Levels 124 and 125 are dedicated to 360-degree observation decks although the viewpoints from the waterside parks will leave you equally agog. Even better, how about from the balcony or rooftop pool of your accommodation in Downtown Dubai? These dazzling Dubai Airbnbs near the Burj Khalifa are worth shelling out for – especially when they come with a view.

Dubai is one city with endless things to do and is home to some of the grandest activities. After all, it's where you'll find the tallest building in the world and a "seven-star hotel." So, understandably, it's hard to narrow the choices and budget them accordingly. Do you go shopping? Do you splurge on fine dining? Do you ride a 4x4 in the desert or go to a theme park? Well, I'm here to let you in on a tip: Emirates Airlines is making it easier (and cheaper) to experience the best of the city with the recently unveiled My Emirates Pass for a limited time.

What brands come to mind when you think “luxury”? Rolls Royce, Rolex, Chanel? “Dubai” is going to be the next one, as the modern emirate’s premier luxury hoteliers gear up to expand their properties across the region and then the world.

Dubai has completed its journey from the “dot in the desert” to a truly global city that more than 200 nationalities call home. The modern emirate is now so well-connected and cosmopolitan, that its large number of expat residents are truly “global citizens” rather than “Dubians.”

In the dynamic world of air travel, sustainable growth and adapting to shifting demographics stand as both opportunities and challenges.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, December 14. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

When choosing a hotel for your December vacation, “sterile” and “corporate” simply won’t do. Winter is upon us. Christmastime is here. The holiday spirit should ooze through every check-in kiosk, ice machine and fitness center―the more, the merrier.

Qatar Airways has launched twice-weekly flights to Neom, the $500 billion anchor of Saudi Arabia’s tourism push. The first of Neom’s destinations – Sindalalah – is expected to open partially next year. For now, these two flights are intended to connect Neom staff with their families outside of Saudi Arabia.

The $1,500-a-night Vakkaru Maldives resort in the Baa Atoll will launch a sister resort in the UAE’s relatively quiet emirate of Fujairah. The project is called Naama Beach Villas and Spa, vying to become the most luxurious property in the emirate.

John Raffoul joins the group at a time when trading at the property, which opened in April this year, is exceeding expectations.