Vakkaru Maldives Launching Sister Resort in UAE

S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the international hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives’ Ministry of Climate Change, Environment & Energy to preserve this idyllic island nation’s natural environment, share knowledge about the importance of conservation, and support CROSSROADS Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity in an area covering 3.15km² – about 31% of the total project size – as part of an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) programme.

A host of VIPs from the skydiving world – including Red Bull aerial athlete Fred Fugen and multiple world record holder David Nimmo – have taken to the skies above Ifuru Island Maldives to launch the destination’s first permanent skydiving dropzone.

Home to the most developed hiking trail network in the UAE of 80km on Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah is excited to announce that HIGHLANDER – the region’s ultimate hiking challenge – is confirmed to make a welcome return to the Emirate on February 2-4, 2024. Drawing hundreds of participants from around the world when it was last staged in November 2022, the adventure challenge offers hikers and adventure lovers the chance to physically test themselves on the Emirate’s spectacular trails while exploring the Hajar Mountains’ impressive rockscapes, rugged canyons and famous wadis.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to make history once again by attempting to break two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ with its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display featuring novel choreography and groundbreaking techniques that have never been attempted before. The awe-inspiring showcase spanning eight minutes of pure enchantment will unfold along 4.5KM of shoreline stretching from Al Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village, providing a stunning backdrop to the celebrations.

The Maldives or Barbados? Even muttering their names can unknot the most tense of shoulders.

Holiday Inn has introduced a new open lobby concept at the 275 room Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, located in the United Arab Emirates. 

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.

The upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council unified visa, which would ease crossing borders like in the Schengen Zone, is forecast to supercharge inter-regional travel in the Gulf states, according to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism boss.

Saudi Arabia is truly leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit to become a tourism superpower. The kingdom’s latest move is to create the “Dan Company”, an organization under the sovereign wealth fund designed to promote and develop agritourism and eco-tourism.

Consider Gold List the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: What are your favorite places to stay? Our 30th annual iteration of the world’s greatest hotels and cruises captures nearly a year’s worth of work: This collection of 75 resorts and hotels represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting, and impassioned debating by our team of editors in seven cities across the globe. But more than that, it reflects our ongoing love affair with the places where we stay, which often become our gateways to entire destinations. Read on to inspire your next trip.

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.

Yes, it's true that some of the world's best all-inclusive resorts cost thousands of dollars per night. Still, there are also plenty of affordable vacation properties available for every type of traveler. Whether you are planning a Maldives trip on points and miles, a safari with the kids or a rejuvenating getaway to the Caribbean — and need to stick to a budget — you'll be happy to know that affordable all-inclusive resorts exist in all these dreamy destinations.