February 2025
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.
News & Events:
– Ceasefire Press Release
– Aqaba: To host world’s biggest Destination Wedding planners congress
– Petra Canyon Hotel: Achieves Green Key Accreditation
– Dakkak will attend Bit 2025: Feb 09-11, Sunday – Tuesday. Pavillion 9P Stand (B15 B29 C16 C28).
– Dakkak will attend ITB 2025: Mar 04-06, Tuesday – Thursday. Hall 4.2 Stand 100.
Ceasefire Press Release
Dear Partners,
We are overjoyed by the recent Ceasefire Agreement, bringing hope and positivity to the region. Through every challenge, the Dakkak DMC team has stood strong, always ready to provide exceptional service with open arms and warm Jordanian hospitality.
We are thrilled to share that interest in Jordan is growing rapidly, with travelers excited to explore the country’s unique beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. This growing excitement is highlighted by the increase in bookings, showing that Jordan is once again a top choice for unforgettable travel experiences!
Exciting updates make it even easier to visit Jordan!
- Wizz Air has officially resumed its operations to Amman, starting Mid March and Early April bringing more budget-friendly travel options to Jordan.
- Ryanair fully reinstating its services to Jordan with 13 routes coming back soon, boosting accessibility and tourism.
- Royal Jordanian Airlines is expanding its network with direct flights connecting Amman to Mumbai and New Delhi during the second and third quarters of 2025, strengthening ties with India.
- Royal Jordanian Airlines is also launching a nonstop service from Amman to Washington Dulles (IAD) starting March 23, 2025—a major milestone in Jordan’s aviation history.
Jordan is ready, and so is the Dakkak team—your clients’ satisfaction and safety remain at the heart of everything we do.
Jordan awaits—Dakkak delivers!
Ahlan wa Sahlan!
Aqaba To host world’s biggest Destination Wedding planners congress
Aqaba, Jordan, has been chosen as the host city for the prestigious 11th Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress, set to take place from October 7-9, 2025. This event, organized by QNA International, is the world’s largest B2B platform for the luxury wedding industry and will bring over 500 top wedding planners and industry experts from 70+ countries to Jordan.
Why This Matters for Jordan:
- Global Exposure: Showcasing Aqaba as a prime wedding destination.
- Luxury Tourism Growth: Strengthening Jordan’s position in high-end travel experiences.
- Economic Impact: Boosting local businesses, hotels, and event services.
What Makes Aqaba the Perfect Host?
✔ Stunning seaside landscapes with year-round sunshine.
✔ World-class hospitality and luxury wedding venues.
✔ Proximity to iconic destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
This is a milestone moment for Jordan’s tourism sector, further cementing its reputation as a top-tier destination for luxury weddings and exclusive events. Stay tuned for more updates!
Petra Canyon Hotel: Achieves Green Key Accreditation
” Greetings from Petra Canyon Hotel!
We’re delighted to share that Petra Canyon Hotel has achieved the Green Key Accreditation, a global recognition of our dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly hospitality. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment while delivering outstanding experiences for our guests. A huge thank you to our team and guests for supporting our green initiatives—together, we’re creating a more sustainable future!” – Petra Canyon Hotel
Dakkak will attend Bit 2025, Feb 09-11, Sunday – Tuesday. Pavillion 9P Stand (B15 B29 C16 C28).
Dakkak will attend ITB 2025, Mar 04-06, Tuesday – Thursday. Hall 4.2 Stand 100.
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– Dubai Named World’s Safest Cruise Stopover
– Dubai to Welcome World’s Tallest Wellbeing Resort by 2028
– Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Now Accepting Reservations – Latest ultra-luxury hotel
Dubai Named World’s Safest Cruise Stopover
Dubai has been ranked the safest cruise ship stopover in a global study by InsureMyTrip, beating 51 other destinations based on crime rates, hospital quality, safety incidents, and tourism offerings.
Why Dubai Stands Out:
✔ Low Crime & High Safety – Only two recorded safety incidents in a year.
✔ Top-Tier Medical Facilities – Ensuring a secure and comfortable visit.
✔ 3,000+ Activities – From desert safaris to luxury shopping, offering endless experiences.
✔ Warm Waters & Year-Round Sunshine – Perfect for water activities.
Dubai: A Leading Cruise Hub
- Hosted 187 cruise ships & 280,000+ passengers in 2024.
- Welcoming world-class operators, including Celestyal, Resorts World Cruises, and Aroya Cruises.
- Key stop on Arabian Gulf itineraries, linking Dubai to Muscat, Bahrain, and Dammam.
With its unmatched safety, diverse attractions, and expanding cruise industry, Dubai continues to set the gold standard for global cruise tourism.
Dubai to Welcome World’s Tallest Wellbeing Resort by 2028
Dubai is set to enhance its skyline with the introduction of Therme Dubai, the world’s tallest wellbeing resort, scheduled to open in 2028 at Zabeel Park. Announced by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, this AED2 billion project will rise to 100 meters and cover 500,000 square feet.
Key Features:
Interactive Park & Botanical Garden: Home to the world’s largest indoor botanical garden, designed to host 1.7 million visitors annually.
Wellbeing Zones: Three distinct areas focusing on restoration, relaxation, and play, featuring:
- Mineral pools
- Thermal complexes
- Multi-sensory saunas
- Wave pools
- Water slides
- Spa treatments inspired by global bathing traditions, including Roman and Turkish baths, Japanese hot springs, Turkish hammams, and Nordic saunas
Additional Attractions: A Michelin-starred restaurant, three 18-meter waterfalls, and a garden boasting over 200 plant species.
Therme Dubai aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, aiming to establish the city as the world’s best place to live and visit. This initiative includes over 200 projects prioritizing wellbeing, such as transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city by 2040, expanding green spaces, and developing more than 200 parks and cycling tracks.
This development underscores Dubai’s commitment to enhancing urban biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and providing enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Now Accepting Reservations
Dubai’s latest ultra-luxury hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, is now open for bookings ahead of its official opening on 14 March 2025. Strategically located between the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this architectural marvel is designed to resemble a futuristic superyacht, complementing the nautical themes of its neighboring landmarks.
Key Features:
Accommodations: The resort offers 300 rooms and 86 suites, each exuding “nautical glamour” with soft color palettes and spacious terraces that provide panoramic views of the ocean, marina, and Dubai’s skyline.
Dining: Guests can indulge in 11 diverse restaurants, featuring Japanese, Greek, and Indian cuisines, along with four distinctive bars.
Amenities: The property boasts four swimming pools, a private beach, and a superyacht marina complemented by six waterfront dining venues.
Wellness: The signature Talise Spa spans three floors, offering a comprehensive range of wellness facilities.
This launch coincides with Jumeirah Group’s 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Burj Al Arab and marks a significant milestone in their ambitious plan to double their portfolio to 60 properties by 2030.
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– Desert Rock Resort, The Red Sea: Now Accepting Reservations
– 3 New Hyatt hotels by 2026
– Saudi Arabia to Launch Luxury ‘Dream of the Desert’ Train in 2026
– Riyadh Air Postpones Launch Due to Boeing Delivery Delays
Desert Rock Resort, The Red Sea: Now Accepting Reservations
Desert Rock Resort Now Accepting Reservations
The Red Sea’s Desert Rock Resort in Saudi Arabia is now open for bookings. Located within a volcanic valley, the resort offers 54 unique accommodations, including:
Mountain Cave Suites: Carved into ancient caves, these suites feature private pools and desert-inspired designs.
Cliff Hanging Villas: Perched atop cliffs, these villas provide panoramic valley views and private pools.
Culinary Experiences:
Nyra: Specializes in wood-fire cooking.
Basalt: Offers modern Indian cuisine accompanied by fire shows.
Mica: Serves mocktails around outdoor fire pits.
Amenities:
Spa: Provides treatments inspired by the desert.
Fitness Centre
Observatory: Situated high above the resort for stargazing.
Cultural Activities:
Workshops led by Bedouin artists.
Cooking classes with Saudi chefs.
Storytelling sessions by the pool.
Desert Rock Resort is located approximately 20 minutes from the Red Sea International Airport.
3 New Hyatt hotels by 2026
Hyatt is set to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of three new properties by 2026:
Hyatt Place AlUla: Expected to open this year in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, adding 215 rooms.
Grand Hyatt The Red Sea: A luxury resort planned for the Red Sea region.
Miraval The Red Sea: A wellness-focused resort marking the Miraval brand’s debut in the Middle East, slated to open in late 2025.
These developments are part of Hyatt’s strategy to triple its number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia by 2030. The company also plans to enter 13 new markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East by 2028.
Saudi Arabia to Launch Luxury ‘Dream of the Desert’ Train in 2026
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), in partnership with Italian hospitality firm Arsenale, has unveiled the ‘Dream of the Desert’, a luxury train experience set to launch in Q3 2026. This five-star rail journey will redefine travel in the kingdom, blending heritage, luxury, and breathtaking landscapes.
What to Expect:
14 carriages with 34 luxury suites, inspired by Saudi’s rich architectural heritage.
1,250 km route, covering Riyadh, Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Jouf, and Qurayyat.
Curated cultural experiences onboard, offering guests a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s traditions.
A one-of-a-kind rail journey, merging opulence with adventure across the Saudi desert.
This landmark project is set to position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for luxury rail tourism, catering to high-end travelers seeking unique and exclusive experiences.
Riyadh Air Postpones Launch Due to Boeing Delivery Delays
Saudi Arabia’s new premium international airline, Riyadh Air, has announced a delay in its inaugural operations. Initially scheduled to commence in early 2025, the launch is now anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. This postponement is attributed to Boeing’s inability to meet aircraft delivery targets. The airline had expected to receive eight 787 Dreamliners but now anticipates no more than four deliveries this year, starting in Q3.
Riyadh Air has an order for 72 aircraft with Boeing; however, the American aviation giant continues to struggle with manufacturing and supply chain issues, which have persisted since the pandemic. In 2024, Boeing delivered just 348 aircraft, while its European competitor Airbus handed over 766.