July 2024
Greetings Partners! Welcome to the Dakkak Newsletter, a curated resource crafted exclusively for our valued partners to explore updates, gain insights, and embark on extraordinary journeys through our exceptional destinations.
Dakkak Jordan
News & Events:
– Aqaba new Tourism Identity: Aqaba launches new website and identity “By Nature”
– JR (Jordan River) Wines now in Petra: JR Wines open a Wine Tasting experience in Petra.
– Karak Castle: A weekly market in Kerak Castle Plaza to boost the region’s tourism, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Aqaba new Tourism Identity “By Nature”
Under the patronage of the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Nayef Hamidi Al-Fayez, the Directorate of Tourism at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority announced the launch of Aqaba’s new tourism identity “By Nature” and the tourism website to highlight the splendor of Aqaba and Wadi Rum’s landmarks, its attractive nature, and its hospitable residents, and focusing on the main tourism experiences.
This came during a ceremony held in Aqaba, where several tourism sector representatives and those interested in tourism affairs gathered to attend the launch of the new transformational concept for the Aqaba region, supported by the “Promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for Employment” project, which is implemented by (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, embodying the expertise of the Tourism Directorate of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and its commitment to the Aqaba region.
Visit the newly created website of Visit Aqaba: https://www.visitaqaba.com
JR (Jordan River) Wines now in Petra
We are thrilled to share the exciting news with you!
The Jordan River Wines have opened a new tasting room and experience in Little Petra, more accurately in the heart of the new cultural village in Petra.
The tasting room will offer a new unique experience where you can savor exquisite JR Wines and local beer from CARAKALE while surrounded by the stunning beauty and rich history of ancient Petra. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a memorable experience, the tasting room promises to be an unforgettable moment.
Want to visit the source of these wines?
Compliment the experience with a visit of the JR Wines Vineyard where you can also taste and savor more Wine in addition to a delicious lunch!
Weekly Market in Karak Castle Plaza
This weekly market in Karak Castle Plaza was created to boost the region’s tourism, sustainability, and cultural heritage. The market provides a unique cultural experience, entertainment, and activities, in addition to a heritage food exhibition.
The weekly Karak Market (Souq) – “Jarat Qalaa” puts heritage, cultural products and craftsmanship at the centre of community action, while encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Implemented by Karak Castle Centre for Consultations and Training, with support from USAID’s Municipal Support Programme, the market is considered as a weekly platform for showcasing the products of 70 participants.
The market is open every Friday from 11am up until 8pm, being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiques, and Karak Municipality.
Karak Municipality is facing tremendous economic and social challenges, with unemployment being among the most central issues, according to a statement by Karak Castle Centre that was shared with The Jordan Times.
The weekly market therefore is aimed to generate job opportunities for the local community, and to drive tourism growth, promoting economic development and improving the livelihoods of families in Karak, the statement added.
“We are looking to collaborate and engage with Karak’s local community meaningfully, in order to preserve and promote cultural heritage while also creating sustainable job opportunities.” Founder and Executive Director of Karak Castle Centre Israa Mahadeen, told The Jordan Times.
Moreover, the project is focused on empowering women, youth and locals with disabilities, according to Mahadeen who said that the market is situated at Karak Castle’s square due to being a strategic location for attracting new visitors. -Jordan Times
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– 2024 Michelin Guide: Dubai winners revealed and a restaurant becomes 4th to recieve Two Michelin Stars.
– Gulf Air: New direct flights from Bahrain to Munich
– St. Regis Oman: the St. Regis brand’s first property in Oman opened on July 1st, 2024.
– KRASOTA Dubai: IMAGINARY ART, an Artistic Gastro Show.
2024 Dubai Michelin Guide
Housed within Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, Row on 45 has become the fourth restaurant in Dubai in the UAE to receive two Michelin stars.
Having only opened in September 2023, Jason Atherton and his accomplished team are celebrating a record debut.
Announced on July 4th, the Michelin Guide Dubai 2024 was revealed at an event held at the newly opened One&Only One Za’abeel hotel.
Four new one-star winners were also announced: La Dame de Pic, Sagetsu by Tetsuya, Smoked Room and Orfali Bros.
Here are all of the 2024 Michelin star winners.
2024’s Two Michelin Star Restaurants in Dubai:
- Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Bulgari Dubai
Romito’s menu features modern Italian fare with high-quality ingredients flown in from Italy. Highlights include fish and pasta dishes. His flagship Reale restaurant in Castel di Sangro, Italy has already earned three Michelin stars. - Row on 45, Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
Jason Atherton is rewarded for elevating Dubai’s dining scene with addictive tasting menus served at his intimate and elegant ‘apartment’ styled restaurant, set above his more casual gathering spot, City Social, in one of Dubai’s most refined five-star hotels. - Stay by Yannick Alléno, One&Only The Palm
Versions of dishes from Yannick’s highly acclaimed three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen, such as the langoustine and caviar tartlet with a warm lemon butter sauce, can also be sampled in Dubai at Stay by Yanick Alléno. Expect French cooking at its finest. - Trèsind Studio, St Regis Gardens
Helmed by local celebrity chef Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio is famous for serving elevated Indian cuisine made with passion by this outstanding chef. Expect umami-loaded mushroom broth, juicy spiced lamb ‘scarpetta’ that demands to be mopped up with bread and an eclectic range of reimagined panipuri.
2024’s One Michelin Star Restaurants in Dubai:
- 11 Woodfire
- Al Muntaha
- Armani Ristorante
- Avatāra
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
- Hakkasan
- Hoseki
- La Dame de Pic – new entry
- Moonrise
- Orfali Bros – new entry
- Ossiano
- Sagetsu by Tetsuya – new entry
- Smoked Room – new entry
- Tasca by Jose Avillez
- Torno Subito
Among the new entries, La Dame de Pic by chef Anne-Sophie Pic debuted in Dubai earlier this year and is rewarded with a Michelin star for its modern French cuisine.
Smoked Room also opened in 2024, helmed by chef Dani García following the success of the sister restaurant and flagship in Madrid. Fire and grills are the focus.
Sagetsu by Tetsuya, led by chef Tetsuya Wakuda fuses Japanese and French delicacies.
Orfali Bros, run by the locally renowned Orfali brothers from Syria, delivers bold and balanced dishes inspired by the trio’s homeland with global influences. Previously awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, this star is another step up for the eatery already recognized as the number one winner on Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024. -CT News
For more information, visit guide.michelin.com/en/ae/dubai-emirate/dubai/restaurants
Gulf Air: New direct flights from Bahrain to Munich
St. Regis Al Mouj, Oman
Seamlessly blending Omani heritage, striking architecture and the cherished rituals and glamour of the St. Regis brand, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort brings an unrivaled Riviera lifestyle to the city’s urban waterfront.
Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighborhoods known for its luxurious beachfront living, the exquisite resort is a gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Al Hajar Mountains, the natural pools of Wadi Shab, and the crystal water of Daymaniyat Islands.
The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort features 250 lavishly appointed guestrooms and suites including one-to-three-bedroom duplexes, offering expansive ocean, golf course or city views, along with private balconies and The St. Regis Butler Service.
The resort’s curved superyacht-style architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding environment and features a unique wave design. A soothing palette of oceanic tones imbued with rich tan and local natural stone set the tone for the design, a nod to Oman’s breathtaking landscape. The hotel is home to the first Guerlain Spa in the country, offering a place of serenity and rejuvenation inspired by Omani philosophy and traditions.
Fitness and recreation facilities include a fully equipped gym, personal training and yoga sessions, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, a padel court, and access to the Al Mouj Golf course designed by Greg Norman.
Nine compelling culinary destinations include international names such as Hakkasan, Em Sherif, Roberto’s, Coya and Novikov Café, paired with signature brand experiences including Karibu, a fusion of Zanzibari and Omani cuisine; and Zorba which offers a menu of Greek specialties.
Photos: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mctxr-the-st-regis-al-mouj-muscat-resort/photos/
KRASOTA Dubai: IMAGINARY ART, an Artistic Gastro Show.
Indulge in an exquisite artful performance with the “Imaginary Art” show – an unparalleled, AI-empowered multisensory dining experience that showcases the masterpieces of eight world-renowned artists from the late 19th and early 20th century.
Specially created by Michelin-starred chef Vladimir Mukhin, the menu includes eight courses, each inspired by a particular masterpiece, ensuring a sensory delight that is unparalleled and unforgettable.
Schedule:
- Welcome section: You will be greeted with utmost elegance in the opulent pink hall, where you will be served 3 lavish appetizers.
- Show section: Following the warm welcome, you will be ushered into a private room with an intimate capacity of 20 guests, where you will be transported to the enchanting world of artistry, and indulge in the imaginative creations of the artists paired with the set menu. The team of experienced waiters will take you on a storytelling adventure, narrating the meaning of every scene and dish.
- Terrace access: guests of the shows have exclusive access to the terrace with Burj Khalifa views, which seamlessly extends the cozy and luxurious ambiance of the KRASOTA itself and offers a relaxed space to continue the evening, with free delights and an extended bar menu.
Welcome Part: 30 minutes duration.
Main Show: 1.5 hours duration.
Terrace Access: until 00:00
- Drinks are not included in the ticket price.
- All food allergies and intolerances are considered in tailored menu preparation.
- See more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krasota.restaurant.dubai
To book this experience and add it to your itinerary please contact us at:
dubai@dakkak.com or contact your tour manager directly.
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia up 23% in 2024
– AROYA Cruises: To set sail this year
– NEOM: CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts announces new Wellness centered Resort at NEOM
Tourist spending in Saudi Arabia up 23% in 2024
Q1 spend reached US$12 billion
Inbound tourists to Saudi Arabia have outlaid more than US$12 billion in the first quarter of 2024, according to new data released by the Saudi Central Bank.
The figures showed that tourist spending had grown by 22.9% compared with the same period in 2023.
The balance of payments for travel, encompassing foreign tourist expenditures and resident spending abroad, recorded a surplus of US$6.4 billion, marking a 46% increase from the first quarter of 2023.
The increase in spending by inbound tourists is attributed to the continued efforts to meet Saudi’s goal to rank among the top 10 global tourist destinations in 2024 as the country works towards its ultimate Vision 2030 strategy.
During the same period, outbound travellers spent an estimated US$5.6 billion, according to preliminary data from Saudi Central Bank.
As a country, Saudi Arabia has ranked first for growth rates of international tourists by the United Nations. The growth rate of tourism revenues was also among the top major tourist destinations globally in 2023. -CT News
AROYA Cruises To set sail this year
Cruise Saudi, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has launched AROYA Cruises, now open for bookings. This new venture aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to become a top global tourism destination.
AROYA Cruises, the world’s first Arabian cruise line, promises year-round exceptional experiences for Saudi and GCC nationals and residents. The first ship, named AROYA, can accommodate 3,362 passengers and features 1,678 cabins, including Balcony and Sea View Cabins, Suites, and Villas. The ship offers diverse entertainment across 18 decks, including a 1,018-seater theatre, kids’ zone, and a large Souq AROYA retail area.
Cultural needs are a priority, with dedicated female-only pool hours and Arabian-style facilities. AROYA also partners with Heinemann for a significant duty-free shopping experience. Onboard relaxation options include the Blossom by AROYA spa, featuring a thermal suite, snow room, and beauty clinic.
Dining options are extensive, with five complimentary restaurants, 11 specialty restaurants, and 12 cafés and lounges, including IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea. For a premium experience, the AROYA VIP package offers exclusive areas and services.
AROYA Cruises aims to redefine Arabian holidays with its inaugural sailings in the Red Sea set for December 2024. Itineraries will include stops at a private island and destinations in Egypt and Jordan. Cabin fares start at SAR 558 (USD 148.67) per person, per night.
“WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH HEINEMANN, ONE OF THE LEADING DUTY-FREE OPERATORS GLOBALLY. OUR RETAIL AREA IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST AVAILABLE AT SEA” – TURKY KARI
CAPELLA Hotels and Resorts announces new Wellness centered Resort at NEOM
Located at Elanan, one of Magna’s destinations on the Gulf of Aqaba coast, this coastal sanctuary offers rest and relaxation, infused with innovative design.
Singapore, June 13, 2024: Capella Hotels and Resorts announces its first coastal destination in Saudi Arabia, set within NEOM at Elanan, one of Magna’s destinations, against the backdrop of stunning desert mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. The resort will open an exclusive wellness retreat as part of the sustainable development unfolding in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Emerging from a lush oasis embracing the landscape’s ancient natural springs, the resort features 80 bespoke rooms and suites. Guests are enveloped in a world of tranquillity where contemporary design meets the beauty of the environment. Capella’s craft of hospitality is further enriched by a holistic wellness experience and innovation driven by Capella Wellness, creating a sanctuary for relaxation infused with innovative design.
A Haven for Rejuvenation
Paying homage to the region, Capella at Elanan incorporates interlocking geometric shapes that evoke a modern aesthetic reminiscent of nature. From the moment visitors set foot into Elanan, they embark on a journey enveloped in the soothing embrace of nature’s beauty. Guests can explore the expansive plazas, unwind amidst the sun-kissed gardens, or marvel at the breathtaking views from the observation tower’s summit.
Wellness Offerings
From healing therapies to world-class facilities, Capella is synonymous with enriching wellness — where every experience is meticulously tailored to meet guests’ needs. The resort invites guests to enjoy an extensive menu of wellness offerings based on phases of the moon. Each treatment is crafted with authentic Arabian wellness practices and modern therapies for guests to embark on wellness journeys based on ingredients and rituals passed down through the generations.
Cristiano Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel Group, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with NEOM in unveiling our second property in the Middle East: Capella at Elanan, on the Gulf of Aqaba coast. Combining Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking natural landscapes with NEOM’s innovative technology, we are poised to provide guests with an unparalleled wellness experience that promises delight and discovery. This sanctuary will elevate Capella Hotels and Resorts’ esteemed wellness offering, featuring a curated series of exciting programs.”
Jeremy Lester, NEOM Executive Director, Magna, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Capella Hotels and Resorts at Elanan, a stunning haven blending luxury with the spectacular landscape, providing an exclusive sustainable retreat dedicated to holistic wellness. It’s a fusion of aligned values and aspirations. Together, we’ll craft an environment to set a new standard in luxury guest experiences.”
Culinary Experiences Redefined
Home to four concepts, gastronomy at the resort sits at the intersection of rejuvenation and culinary innovation. Influenced by its coastal region, guests can indulge in a variety of unique flavours crafted by an international line-up of master chefs helming the kitchen. Private dining options are also available, with bespoke experiences extended for special occasions.
“The partnership with Capella Hotels and Resorts seamlessly combines their esteemed luxury, wellness, and exceptional culinary experiences with NEOM’s dedication to regenerative tourism, ensuring guests an innovative and revitalizing escape on the stunning shores of the Red Sea,” shares Chris Newman, Executive Director, NEOM Hotel Division.
Visit www.CapellaHotels.com and www.neom.com/en-us/regions/elanan for updates on the opening of Elanan.
We hope you enjoyed our newsletter & Thank you for choosing Dakkak DMC as your partner!
Dakkak DMC Previous Newsletter (June 2024): https://www.dakkakjordan.com/June-2024-newsletter