June 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:
– The Dakkak Team celebrates Mr. Omran Dakkaks’ Birthday on June 5th.
– Wadi Rum Incentive: Photos from our latest incentive event setup in Wadi Rum.
– Chef Gordon Ramsay (A Royal Taste of Jordan): Chef Gordon Ramsay explores Jordan’s diverse landscapes, unearthing vibrant flavors to craft a regal feast at the ancient city of Petra.
– Aqaba, Jordan: The First Blue Economy Symposium in Jordan.
Mr. Omran Dakkak Birthday
The team prepared a surprise party for Mr. Omran Dakkak for his birthday.
We wish him all the best and to see him in good health!
Wadi Rum Incentive
We recently had the privilege of hosting an unforgettable incentive event in the heart of the majestic Wadi Rum desert. This awe-inspiring landscape, often referred to as the “Valley of the Moon,” provided the perfect backdrop for an experience that seamlessly blended adventure, luxury, and the unique charm of this iconic Jordanian destination.
From the moment our guests arrived, they were immersed in the timeless beauty of the desert, where towering sandstone mountains and expansive sand dunes create a setting like no other. Our meticulously planned event featured an array of activities and an exquisite setup that left a lasting impression on all attendees.
Below, we are thrilled to share some snapshots from this extraordinary event, showcasing the stunning setup that made the Wadi Rum experience truly magical.
Chef Gordon Ramsay (A Royal Taste of Jordan)
We are thrilled to highlight the recent visit of world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay to Jordan, where he embarked on an extraordinary culinary journey as part of his show Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted. In the episode titled “A Royal Taste of Jordan,” Ramsay explored the diverse landscapes of Jordan, from the lush north to the arid south, uncovering rich, fresh flavors unique to the region. This adventure culminated in a spectacular feast prepared at the ancient city of Petra, aimed at impressing Jordanian royalty.
- Episode airs June 23, 2024
Uncharted Season 4 Trailer
First Blue Economy Symposium in Jordan
Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence, covering 70% of our planet and providing us with food, energy, and water. The Gulf of Aqaba is home to the northern-most tropical reef systems and is a designated WWF Global 200 Ecoregion for its incredible marine biodiversity.
The reefs here support about 157 species of corals and over 100 soft corals, making Aqaba’s corals a genetic reserve and the most diverse in the world. Uniquely, these corals are showing resistance to rising water temperatures—a property not seen elsewhere.
This symposium will bring together key stakeholders to define the Blue Economy in Jordan to explore opportunities for sustainable consumption, production, and circular economy.
This big partnership making this happen:
ASEZA (Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority)
European Union in Jordan
UN Environment Programme
SwitchMed
Aqaba Development Corporation
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– Qatar Airways: Crowned Airline of the Year 2024
– The Hotel Show UAE Event: Is an essential event for professionals in the hospitality industry happening 4-6 June 2024 | 10:00 – 18:00
– Dubai to host over 40 global, local sports events in June.
– Emaar Reveals spectacular Music, Colour, and Fire Plaza in Dubai Square
Qatar Airways crowned Airline of the year 2024
Carrier regains top title in Airline Excellence Awards, plus trophies for business class and catering
Qatar Airways has been crowned Airline of the Year 2024 in the Airline Excellence Awards run by AirlineRatings.com.
The win places Qatar Airways back into pole position having won the trophy in 2021 and 2022, but losing out to Air New Zealand in 2023.
This year, Korean Air came in second, Cathay Pacific Airways third, followed by Air New Zealand in fourth place and Emirates in fifth. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad took the eighth spot.
The Australia-based aviation safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings.com bases the awards on meeting 12 key criteria that include fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, safety rating, product rating, innovation and forward fleet orders.
Alongside the top title, Qatar Airways also picked up the trophy for Best Regional Airline in the Middle East. For the fifth year running it won in the Best Business Class category and it won the gong for Best Catering.
Meanwhile, Emirates won in two categories: Best-In-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy. Etihad Airways picked up Best Environmental Airline for the third year running.
AirlineRatings.com also ranked the best low-cost airlines by region with FlyDubai winning in the Middle East.
Other notable winners include Air New Zealand (which won Best Economy Class), Singapore Airlines (Best First Class), Virgin Australia (Best Cabin Crew) and Qantas (Best Lounges).
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, chief executive for Qatar Airways Group, said: “At Qatar Airways, we stand for delivering exceptional customer experiences, and it is always reaffirming to be recognised for our relentless pursuit of service excellence.
“Receiving the Airline of the Year accolade by Airline Ratings has reinforced our commitment to innovation and customer care that defines our brand.”
Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief for AirlineRatings.com, said: “In our objective analysis Qatar Airways came out number one in many key areas although it was very close scoring for the top 10.
“The passenger reviews, however, scored Qatar Airways ahead of all airlines and its consistency and high standard of service delivery came through in the feedback.” -ConnectingTravel
Be Moved in a Thousand Ways
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled an exciting new campaign, “Be Moved in a Thousand Ways,” designed to convey the transformative power of culture. This campaign, introduced by the iconic Oprah Winfrey, philanthropist, talk show host and author, aims to inspire and unite people by showcasing the profound impact of cultural experiences.
The centerpiece of the campaign film is the breathtaking Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, a testament to the UAE capital’s rich and diverse heritage. Through this initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi seeks to open minds and hearts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and the connections they create.
In the film, Oprah takes the audience on a journey of the Saadiyat Cultural District, a voyage into the heart of curiosity and creativity. “The District is a testament to the passionate creators and curators of our generation,” she says inviting the viewer to ‘be moved in a thousand ways’.
Contributors to the campaign include HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi; HE Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE; Lord Norman Foster, Pritzker Architecture Prize-winner and architect of the Zayed National Museum; Mariët Westermann, Director and CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation; celebrated artists Mohammed Ibrahim, Najat Makki, Afra Al Dhaheri from the UAE; multi-award-winning actor, musician, and entrepreneur Idris Elba, OBE; legendary pianist Lang Lang; and many more.
The film can be viewed here.
Saadiyat Cultural District, an embodiment of empowerment, showcasing museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape, is on track for completion in 2025. -TTN News
The Hotel Show UAE Event
The Hotel Show UAE is an essential event for professionals in the hospitality industry, set to take place in Dubai. It serves as a dynamic platform where industry leaders, innovators, and professionals come together to explore the latest trends and technological advancements in the sector. This year’s event promises a comprehensive experience, featuring a diverse range of exhibitors, insightful conferences, and engaging competitions.
Event Highlights:
Exhibitor Showcase: The show will feature a vast array of global brands, presenting cutting-edge products and services in areas such as hotel technology, interior design, wellness, and facilities management (The Hotel Show Dubai).
Conferences and Forums: Attendees can benefit from various educational sessions including the Hospitality Leadership and F&B Forum, HITEC Dubai Conference, and the Engineering and Sustainability Summit. These sessions are designed to provide deep insights into current industry challenges and future trends
Competitions: One of the exciting features of the show is the Chef’s Table competition, where culinary teams from top hotels will compete to create a stunning five-course meal, vying for the title of ‘Hotel Culinary Team of the Year’.
Networking Opportunities: The event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and collaboration, allowing attendees to connect with peers, potential partners, and industry leaders from around the globe.
The Hotel Show UAE is more than just an exhibition; it’s a pivotal event that drives innovation and fosters growth within the hospitality sector. Whether you’re looking to discover new products, learn from industry experts, or forge new business connections, this event is not to be missed.
Dubai to host over 40 global, local sports events in June
More than 40 local and international sports events will take place in June in different locations of Dubai, in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and with distinctive participation of huge numbers of Emirati and expatriate athletes of various ages, multi-nationalities and different physical and technical levels.
Top on the list of the international sports events is the Asian Basketball Champions League, which will take place from June 9-24 at Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Hall in Shabab Al-Ahli Club – Al-Mamzar, with participation of Shabab Al-Ahli Club besides other eight clubs from Malaysia, Indonesia and Korea and the two teams qualifying from the West Asia Basketball Premier League Final.
The Du Gym International Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship will be held from June 8-9 at the Collegiate International School in Umm Suqeim with participation of Olympic female champions.
The King of Table International Arm-wrestling Championship is scheduled from June 1-2 at Dubai Investment Park, and the WBA Strike International Padel Championship will also be held.
The Nightshot International Open Billiards Tournament to be organized from June 12-15 at Armada Hotel in Barsha 1, while the Dynasty International Gymnastics Championship will be arranged from June 28-30, at Hamdan Sports Complex.
Dubai will celebrate the World Cycling Day, coinciding with June 2, every year, through organisation of the Cycling Community Race at the Cycling Racetrack in Dubai Investment Park.
The Paltoon Cycling Race to be held at the DX Bike in Nad Al-Sheba, while the Vice President’s Cup of Jiu-Jitsu is scheduled from June 1-2, at Shabab Al-Ahli in Al-Nahda.
The Lululemon Yoga Event will take place on June 1, at Asateer Tent in Atlantis Palm Hotel, on the occasion of the celebrations of the International Yoga Day.
The FCC Boxing will be arranged on June 1, at FCC Club in Al-Quoz Industrial, with Participation of 28 boxers of various ages and multi-nationalities who will compete in 14 bouts in different weights.
The Experts Artistic Gymnastics Championship is scheduled from June 1-2 at the Sports Hall in Jumeirah Secondary School – Jumeirah Street. Damac Automobile Race will be organized at Dubai Autodrome.
The Professionals Fly Disc League is scheduled from June 1-30, at Zaabeel Park, and the Barsha Running to be arranged at Barsha South Park. The Fortuna Badminton Championship will also be organised.
Lina Deeb, the prominent Female Fitness Trainer & Celebrity in Social Media, will organise a sports day for ladies of various ages and different levels at Toda Hall in Madinat Jumeirah, where she will present intensive trainings.
The Dunes Run Football & Athletics Championships will take place at Dubai International Academy Stadium in the Emirates Hills.
Hamdan Sports Complex will host six international & local championships as follows:
The Swimming Champions Cup on June 1
The Pirate Diving Cup on June 4
Hamilton Aquatics Swimming on June 8
The Open Development Swimming Championship on June 15 and 16
The Summer Swimming Championship from June 22-23
Dynasty Gymnastics Championship.
The Ski Dubai Hall in the Mall of the Emirates will host the Alpine Ski Championship for Schools on June 8-9.
The Legends Boxing Championship will be arranged at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The European Council Community Padel Championship is held at the Rally Padel Club in Al Quoz 3.
The Pirate Diving Cup Finals are held at Deep Dive Dubai in Nad Al Sheba.
The ASEX Badminton Championship to be arranged at the Engage Sports Academy in Al Qusais Industrial Area 3, while the Aspire Artistic Gymnastics Championship will take place at the Aspire Club in Dubai Investment Park 2, and the Open Gymnastics Championship will be organized at the Grand Dance Academy in Al Quoz 3.
The Wellman Summer Running will be held in Al-Barari Dubai, and the Badminton Championship is scheduled from June 10-13, at the pitches of Dubai Sports World in Dubai World Trade Center as part of Dubai School Games Tournament, the biggest of its kind.
The Summer Running inside Shopping Malls will take place on June 16 at Wafi City in Oud Maitha. The Grand Prix Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding will be held on June 22, and the Alpine Ski Race for Professionals will be organised on June 23 at the Ski Dubai Snow Hall in Mall of the Emirates.
The Cricket Tournament will be held at the Indoor Hall of United Pro Sports Club in Al Quoz area, while the Mixed Games Tournament for People of Determination will be organized at the pitches of Dubai Sports World, as part of Dubai Schools Games Tournament.
Dubai Canal Night Run will launch on June 29 from the front of the Pullman Hotel in the Business Bay area along Dubai Water Canal. – TradeArabia News Service
Music, Colour, and Fire Plaza in Dubai Square
Have you ever imagined a street that performs for you? Let us introduce you to an extraordinary concept coming to life in Dubai.
As part of the ambitious Dubai Square development, a mesmerizing Music, Colour, and Fire Plaza is being constructed. This plaza promises to captivate visitors with dazzling displays of fire, vibrant hues, and synchronized music, transforming the Creek area into a dynamic entertainment hub.
When you visit, you’ll be treated to a stunning spectacle of lights and sounds. If you find yourself without your earphones, just head to the plaza – the music will keep you entertained. When the music pauses, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the functional and beautifully designed surroundings.
This innovative project is being developed by Emaar Properties in collaboration with a renowned Chinese technology company known for their expertise in music and fire features. Located near the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower, the plaza will enhance the area’s appeal and provide a new gathering space for the community.
Emaar’s founder, Mohamed Alabbar, emphasizes that this project is more than just a landmark. “Dubai Creek Tower is more than a landmark; it’s a hub for community interaction. The Music, Colour, and Fire Plaza, with its advanced technology, embodies our commitment to enhancing Dubai’s landscape through innovative design.”
The Dubai Creek Tower, initially planned to surpass the Burj Khalifa in height, is now scaled back but remains a central part of the extensive Dubai Creek Harbour project. This development will include a massive drive-through mall, 7.4 million square meters of residential space, and 500,000 square meters of gardens and open areas, redefining urban living in Dubai. -Timeout Dubai
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA): issues the first maritime tourism license for cruise ships to Jeddah-based company Cruise Saudi.
– KSA celebrates 100m visitors
– Hilton signs three farm-based resorts in Al Ahsa
Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA)
KSA celebrates 100 Million visitors
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia announced the landmark achievement of reaching 100 million (domestic and international) tourists in 2023 – seven years ahead of schedule. This places Saudi well ahead of the original 100 million target set out under Vision 2030 and has accelerated progress towards a new increased target of 150 million tourists by 2030.
Tourism has proven to be a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, with domestic and international tourists spending over 250 billion riyals in 2023. This expenditure represents over 4% of GDP and 7% of the non-oil GDP, reflecting the crucial role of tourism in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy. -TTN
Hilton signs three farm-based resorts in Al Ahsa
Hilton and Dan Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company specialising in agritourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism signed an agreement with Hilton to operate three resorts in Al Ahsa.
Al-Ahsa Agritourism Resort, LXR Hotels & Resorts; Al-Ahsa Eco Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton; and Al-Ahsa Adventure Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and UNESCO World Heritage site, which is home to Al Ahsa Oasis – the largest date palm oasis in the world.
With lush surroundings and homegrown farms at its doorstep, the 1.8 million square metre master development aims to create a premium farm-based tourism destination in the heart of Al-Ahsa, attracting visitors looking to connect with nature and enjoy a diverse range of experiences.
Each resort will have a distinct offering, from luxury at the LXR Hotels & Resorts Agritourism Resort, wellness and wellbeing at the Curio Collection by Hilton Eco Resort, and outdoor adventure at the Curio Collection by Hilton Adventure Resort. A central activation area will also be available to guests and the public, which will include a nature garden, an amphitheatre, dining and retail options, a farmers’ market, and other multi-purpose spaces for local agricultural vendors and retailers to exhibit.
The resorts will be easily accessible via main roads, with Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, Bahrain, and Qatar within a one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-hour drive away. -TTN
We hope you enjoyed our newsletter & Thank you for choosing Dakkak DMC as your partner!
Dakkak DMC Previous Newsletter (May 2024): https://www.dakkakjordan.com/May-2024-newsletter