December 2024 - Christmas Edition
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.
End of the year greetings
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of growth. It has been a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the enduring allure of Jordan as a beacon of safety and hospitality in the region.
Despite some obstacles due to the conflict in the region, Jordan has stood strong as a safe haven, welcoming tourists from around the globe. Visitors were able to experience the beauty, history, and hospitality of Jordan without compromise, and we are proud to have played a role in showcasing our incredible country.
It has been a meaningful year for Dakkak DMC, filled with resilience, new opportunities, and cherished partnerships. We’ve continued to grow as a team, strengthen our network, and deliver exceptional services that reflect our commitment to excellence.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and clients for their trust and support. Your confidence in us fuels our drive to innovate and elevate our offerings every year.
As December begins, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May 2025 bring health, prosperity, love, and happiness to all. Let’s make it a year to remember!
Dakkak Jordan
News & Events:
– Royal Jordanian Airlines: Launching a nonstop service to Washington, D.C. mid-March 2025.
– Aqaba: Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon starts December 6th.
– Petra Canyon Hotel: Sustainability report published.
– Christmas Markets: List of Christmas Markets happening November – December.
Royal Jordanian Launching a nonstop service to Washington, D.C. mid-March 2025.
The Washington, D.C. route complements Royal Jordanian’s existing direct flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Together, these routes highlight RJ’s pivotal role in connecting the Levant with key cities across North America.
Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon starts December 6th
This marathon is an exciting opportunity for both professional runners and amateurs to experience Aqaba’s charm while supporting meaningful causes.
Petra Canyon Hotel Sustainability report published
Petra Canyon Hotel has published a comprehensive sustainability report outlining its ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The hotel emphasizes collaboration with local communities and government agencies to preserve the Petra UNESCO World Heritage site as a world-class example of sustainable tourism.
Key highlights of their sustainability efforts include:
- Implementation of an Environmental Management System to minimize ecological impact.
- Initiatives such as waste management, energy and water conservation, and a recycling program.
- Solar energy solutions, an electric vehicle station, and on-site water bottling.
- Community-focused projects like a local Hospitality Apprenticeship Scheme, health initiatives, and outreach programs.
- Emphasis on sourcing products locally in line with Fair Trade principles and employing local staff.
The report underlines Petra Canyon Hotel’s dedication to continuous improvement, international best practices, and engaging staff, guests, and partners in sustainability actions. The hotel aims to make sustainable practices not just an ideal but a standard in tourism.
This initiative reaffirms the hotel’s mission to balance hospitality excellence with a positive environmental and social footprint.
PDF Report below:
Christmas Markets happening November – December
Jordan transforms into a festive haven during the holiday season with various Christmas markets and events that bring joy to locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the must-visit Christmas markets:
Amman Christmas Market at The Abdali (November 11 – December 8)
Organized by 165 Entertainment, this market features a wide range of holiday attractions, including artisan crafts, festive food, and live performances in the heart of Amman at Abdali Boulevard. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit early.Santa’s Village Market 2024 (December 5–7, Golden Gate Amman)
A family-friendly event filled with holiday cheer, Santa’s Village offers a mix of festive booths, Christmas carols, and activities for children.AHS Annual Charity Bazaar (December 9, Amman)
Hosted by embassies and diplomatic corporations, this bazaar combines a global shopping experience with the holiday spirit. Proceeds support charitable causes.Romero’s Christmas Market (December 8–10, Amman)
Bringing a slice of European charm to Amman, this market is a cozy retreat filled with roasted chestnuts, handmade crafts, and festive music.Amman Market at Kempinski Hotel Amman (December 20–22)
Known for its upscale ambiance, this market offers luxurious holiday shopping options alongside gourmet food and entertainment.St. Joseph Church Christmas Village (Amman)
This annual event features live music, festive performances, and plenty of holiday items for visitors to enjoy.
These markets are not only a great way to experience Jordan’s unique take on Christmas but also an opportunity to support local businesses and artisans while enjoying festive delights.
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– UAE 53rd National Day: Happy National Day!
– Emirates Airlines: Officially unveils its first A350 aircraft
– Dubai: Banyan Tree Dubai Introduces Upgraded Luxury Spa Facilities
– Dubai: “Dubai Parks & Resorts” opens Real Madrid World
– Abu Dhabi Unveils Major Developments Ahead of 2025
– Christmas Markets: List of Christmas Markets happening in December
🎉 Happy UAE National Day!
On this joyous occasion, we extend our heartfelt wishes to the United Arab Emirates as it celebrates its 53rd National Day!
This day marks a momentous occasion of unity, progress, and pride for the UAE, honoring its incredible journey of development and the visionary leadership that continues to inspire the nation.
As we join in the celebrations, we reflect on the UAE’s remarkable achievements and its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Here’s to a future filled with prosperity, peace, and continued success for the UAE and its people!
Happy National Day! 🎇
Emirates Airlines officially unveils its first A350 Aircraft
Emirates has officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai.
The event, led by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, was attended by VIP guests, aerospace partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media, as well as aviation enthusiasts. Guests were able to experience the aircraft’s interiors, equipped with its next generation products and latest technologies.
The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimising operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008.
Apart from its newly delivered A350, Emirates operates two other aircraft types around the world to 140 destinations – the widebody Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic ‘double decker’ Airbus A380 aircraft. The A350’s introduction will enable Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports unsuited for larger aircraft. The Emirates A350 will be delivered in two versions – one for regional routes and one for ultra long-haul routes.
The airline plans to make its first scheduled commercial A350 flight to Edinburgh on 3 January 2025. In the months to follow, customers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 in existing GCC points like Bahrain, Muscat and Kuwait, Lyon and Bologna in Europe, and Colombo, Mumbai and Ahmedabad in West Asia in addition to new travel opportunities that are up to 15 hours from Dubai– to be announced in 2025.
Banyan Tree Dubai Introduces Upgraded Luxury Spa Facilities
Banyan Tree Dubai has introduced its revamped spa on Bluewaters Island. The spa features seven treatment rooms, vitality pools, heated loungers, and the signature Rainforest experience—a unique hydrothermal therapy journey. The spa incorporates the Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, blending Asian wellness philosophies with European hydrotherapy.
Guests can also enjoy the Tranquillity Garden and barefoot pathways for grounding. Therapists trained at the Banyan Spa Academy ensure high-quality holistic treatments. The spa complements a recently renovated fitness center with wellness classes, offering a complete journey toward relaxation and well-being.
Dubai Parks & Resorts opens Real Madrid World
The largest theme park in the Middle East has officially opened the world’s first football-inspired theme park.
The opening was attended by former team players Emilio Butraghino and Roberto Carlos.
With more than 40 indoor and outdoor adventures and entertainment destinations, guests can enjoy a variety of interactive games and activities including the Real Challenge or the Bernabéu experience showcasing the club’s 15 European Cups in football competitions.
Real Madrid World will also offer broadcast matches and offer club fans 20% discount on admission, food and drink.
In addition, Real Madrid World will host an ‘Inclusive Sports Day’, which will be organised specifically for people of determination to celebrate sport and promote the integration of this group into society.
Fernando Eroa, CEO of Dubai Entertainment Holding, said: “Real Madrid World is more than just an amusement park, it is the perfect destination to celebrate the splendor and magic of football.” -CT news
Abu Dhabi Unveils Major Developments Ahead of 2025
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for significant tourism growth, aligning with its Tourism Strategy 2030 to boost annual visitor numbers from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million. Key attractions set to open include:
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Showcasing art collections, exhibitions, and a children’s education facility.
- Zayed National Museum: Celebrating Emirati history and culture.
- Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: Exploring the region’s geological past.
- TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi: Immersive art installations focusing on environmental themes.
Additionally, Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi will expand with a Harry Potter attraction, and the world’s second Sphere for concerts and events will debut in the city.
The strategy also aims to increase hotel rooms to 52,000 and extend international stays to 3.9 nights. Upcoming properties include Liwa Hotel by Autograph Collection (2025) and Nobu Hotel Abu Dhabi (2027), further enhancing the city’s luxury offerings.
Abu Dhabi continues to blend its cultural heritage with global innovations, ensuring a vibrant and diverse year-round tourism experience.
Christmas Markets happening in December
Here are some popular Christmas markets in the UAE for December 2024:
- Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market: This market transforms Fort Island into a magical winter wonderland, with festive decorations, entertainment, and a variety of stalls selling gifts, food, and drinks.
- Winter City at Expo City: This festive extravaganza features a variety of winter-themed activities, including ice skating, snow play, and a Christmas market with unique gifts and treats.
- Al Barari Winter Fest: This winter wonderland offers snow-themed fun for the whole family, including a giant gingerbread house, ice skating, and a snow tubing slide.
- Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre: This festive market features a variety of stalls selling Christmas gifts, decorations, and food, as well as live music and entertainment.
- Winter Garden at Habtoor City: This festive market offers a variety of winter-themed activities, including ice skating, snow play, and a Christmas market with unique gifts and treats.
These are just a few of the many Christmas markets that will be taking place in the UAE this December. Be sure to check local listings for the most up-to-date information on dates, times, and locations.
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– AROYA Cruises: First trip launches this December
– Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Achieves Record Growth in 2024
– Riyadh Metro Officially Inaugurated
– Gulf Air returns to AlUla as a seasonal destination
AROYA Cruises launches its First trip this December
Cruise Saudi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) specializing in developing the cruise sector within Saudi Arabia, has announced the commercial launch of its new cruise line, Aroya Cruises.
The first tourist trips are scheduled to commence in the Red Sea in December 2024. These inaugural voyages will include visits to Aroya Cruises’ private island and excursions to popular destinations in Egypt and Jordan. This strategic itinerary is designed to showcase the natural beauty and rich history of the region, offering passengers a unique and immersive travel experience.
Aroya Cruises’ launch marks a significant milestone for Cruise Saudi and the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and promote tourism.
By introducing a luxury cruise line that embodies the essence of Arabian culture and hospitality, Cruise Saudi is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the global cruise industry with a spectacular cruise experience with its blend of Arabian tradition and modern luxury.
With immediate bookings available, travellers can now secure their place on this groundbreaking new cruise line and look forward to an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and historic locations in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Achieves Record Growth in 2024
Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with incoming tourist numbers rising by 27% in the first nine months compared to the same period in 2023, according to Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb.
Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum in Riyadh, Al Khateeb highlighted a 600% increase in international leisure tourists since 2018. Religious tourism also surged, with pilgrims encouraged to explore Saudi Arabia’s natural and archaeological sites.
Key achievements include:
- Job creation: Tourism employment rose from 750,000 in 2018 to 960,000 in 2024, with localization in hospitality reaching 35%.
- Training initiatives: SAR375 million has been allocated annually to train 100,000 Saudis, including opportunities at world-class institutes, developing future leaders in the sector.
- Economic impact: Tourism’s GDP contribution reached 5% in 2023, with aims to increase it to 10% by 2030. The sector generated a surplus of SAR41 billion in the balance of payments for H1 2024, a significant improvement from a SAR10 billion deficit in 2018.
With its Vision 2030 initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a leading global tourism destination.
Riyadh Metro Officially Inaugurated
The Riyadh Metro, a transformative public transport system in Saudi Arabia, was inaugurated on November 27, 2024, by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Spanning 176 km across six lines and 85 stations, this state-of-the-art project features iconic designs and advanced technology, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
The Riyadh Public Transport Project, encompassing both metro and bus networks, was meticulously planned to address the capital’s urban and mobility needs. Developed through extensive studies, it integrates a sustainable and efficient transit system tailored to Riyadh’s growing population and traffic demands.
This ambitious project, executed in a single phase, is among the world’s largest and involved contributions from over 19 global companies across 13 countries. The metro aims to enhance Riyadh’s quality of life, ensuring smooth mobility for residents and visitors while supporting the city’s urban development.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud hailed the project as a testament to visionary leadership and a cornerstone of Riyadh’s future growth and modernization.
Gulf Air Returns to AlUla as a seasonal destination
We hope you enjoyed our newsletter & Thank you for choosing Dakkak DMC as your partner!