September 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 Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa: Grand opening September 4th 2024.
– Ayla Earns International ‘Clean Marinas’ Certification
– Radisson signs two new hotels in Amman
-Featured Experience: Beit Al-Aseilat in Jerash
The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort Grand Opening
We are excited to announce the grand opening of The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa, marking the debut of Westin Hotels & Resorts in Jordan!
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea, our 289-room resort is a serene escape where modern indulgence meets the rich cultural heritage of Aqaba.
From rejuvenating treatments at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ to energizing workouts at our WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, every detail is designed with your well-being in mind.
Discover a coastal sanctuary where relaxation, wellness, and wholesome dining experiences come together to redefine luxury in Aqaba.
Ayla (Aqaba) Earns International ‘Clean Marinas’ Certification
Ayla Marina has been awarded the prestigious Clean Marinas certification, highlighting its commitment to environmental and health standards. This recognition reflects Ayla’s adherence to global regulations and dedication to sustainability.
Adel Ma’ani, Marina Manager at Ayla Development Company, expressed pride in this achievement and praised the team’s efforts in maintaining high environmental standards. He emphasized that the marina plays a key role in Ayla’s vision of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly destination.
Ayla’s sustainability efforts include preserving biodiversity, reducing carbon footprints, expanding green spaces, and earning accolades like the Blue Flag and Green Key certifications. The Clean Marinas certification underscores Ayla Marina’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its ongoing dedication to preserving natural resources.
Radisson signs two new hotels in Amman
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of two new properties in Jordan: Radisson Collection Residence, Amman Abdoun, and Radisson RED Amman Downtown, both set to open in 2028. This expansion, in partnership with developer Thabat, reflects the group’s commitment to growth in key markets.
Radisson Collection Residence, Amman Abdoun, will feature 128 luxury units, including 18 two-bedroom apartments. The property will offer dining options, a pool lounge, and versatile meeting spaces, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Located in the upscale Abdoun district near the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, it offers easy access to the city center.
Radisson RED Amman Downtown will bring a vibrant, unconventional style to the city, with 197 rooms, including suites and two-bedroom apartments. The hotel will feature dining outlets, a co-working space, a fitness center, and a pool. Its location near popular tourist sites like the Roman Theatre and Amman Citadel makes it a convenient choice for visitors.
This expansion builds on Radisson’s existing presence in Jordan, including the Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall. Elie Milky, VP of Business Development for Radisson, and Thabat’s leadership emphasized their excitement about the partnership, highlighting the positive impact on Amman’s hospitality sector and the city’s growth as a premier international destination.
Featured Experience: Beit Al-Aseilat in Jerash
Beit Al-Aseilat ‘The Residence of Native Women‘ is the first restaurant in Jerash, if not in Jordan to highlight the history of olive trees and olive oil of Jordan.
After visiting the ancient Byzantine Olive press in the historic site of Jerash, they decided to shine a light on the economic aspect of olive oil, which Jerash relied on for almost 3,000 years.
Beit Al Aseilat offers local traditional cuisine, olive oil tasting, and cooking classes.
You can also learn how Za’tar (Thyme) and Sumac are made. These herbs are a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend that varies from country to country.
Add Beit Al Aseilat experience to your visit to Jerash to enhance your knowledge of Jordans history and cuisine.
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– Resorts World One cruise to debut in Gulf on Nov 1
– Global Village Season 29 (Dubai) to open in October
– Wynn Resorts Ras Al Khaimah: Opening of first Casino Mega Resort
– Delano Miami comes to Dubai
Resorts World One cruise to debut in Gulf on Nov 1
Resorts World Cruises has announced the debut of Resorts World One in the Gulf, starting November 1. The Resorts World One will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures.
These include:
- 2 Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise (Friday departures)
- 3 Night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) Cruise (Sunday departures)
- 2 Night Doha Cruise (Wednesday departures)
For a longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4-, 5-, or 7-Night Cruise.
This was revealed at a press conference in Dubai, hosted with the support of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Global Village Season 29 (Dubai) to open in October
Global Village, the region’s premier multicultural family destination for entertainment, dining, shopping and attractions, has revealed the dates for its highly anticipated Season 29.
Following the remarkable success of Season 28, which set a brand-new record with over 10 million visitors, Global Village will reopen its doors to the public from October 16, 2024 to May 11, 2025.
For over 25 years, Global Village has been a prominent destination in the UAE, offering an authentic showcase of international cultures, cuisines, and thrilling entertainment.
This season, Global Village is expanding its offerings, featuring more cultural representations, never-before-seen entertainment, and exciting infrastructure upgrades.
Fans of this family-friendly destination are eagerly awaiting the new season, where visitors from around the world will gather to experience the park’s diverse range of captivating performances, along with an extensive selection of shopping and dining options from across the globe. – TradeArabia News Service
Wynn Resorts Ras Al Khaimah: Opening of first Casino Mega Resort
Wynn Resorts is set to become the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Nestled on the stunning Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, this billion-dollar project promises to redefine luxury hospitality in the UAE.
Designed by Wynn’s in-house team of world-renowned architects and creative visionaries, the resort’s towering 300-meter structure will serve as a new landmark, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s historic role as a navigational beacon. Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,542 luxurious rooms, suites, and private Villa Estates, alongside a 3.6-hectare poolscape, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Hajar Mountains.
The resort will offer 22 uniquely designed dining and bar experiences, an extensive shopping esplanade with top luxury brands, a world-class theater for bespoke shows, and a five-star spa. The meetings and events center will cater to large-scale conferences and celebrations, with ample outdoor spaces for weddings and other events.
CEO Craig Billings expressed his excitement about the project’s progress, highlighting the additional 70 acres of land acquired for future development on Al Marjan Island. He emphasized that the resort will combine Wynn’s legacy of rich, thoughtful design with the serene beauty of Ras Al Khaimah’s beachside setting.
Set to open in early 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to significantly boost tourism and local real estate, with 56% of survey participants anticipating substantial economic benefits. However, the introduction of a gaming element has sparked mixed reactions, with 34% expressing concerns about its social impact.
Thomas Schoen has been appointed as the President of Wynn Al Marjan Island. With over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, Schoen will oversee the resort’s operations, which include a luxury hotel, gaming area, theater, and an array of exclusive dining and spa offerings.
As the tallest structure on Al Marjan Island, Wynn Al Marjan is poised to become a major tourism hub in the region, offering guests a world-class experience with nightly laser and light shows, professional flowboarding, and more. Construction is led by ALEC Engineering and Contracting and Bauer International FZE, with completion expected by 2026.
Delano Miami comes to Dubai
Delano, the iconic Miami hotel synonymous with luxury and effortless cool, is set to make waves in Dubai this October. The brand’s signature blend of understated elegance and vibrant energy will be transplanted to the shores of Bluewaters, promising a new era of lifestyle hospitality.
The Dubai outpost will mirror its Miami predecessor, offering a haven of contemporary design and impeccable service. With 167 guestrooms and 84 suites, including a five-bedroom penthouse, the hotel promises an exclusive retreat. At its heart, three distinct dining and bar concepts, including a revival of the legendary Rose Bar, will create a vibrant social hub.
Set on 250m of private beach on the pristine shores of Bluewaters Dubai, Delano Dubai boasts a spectacular five-bedroom Delano Penthouse and three distinct restaurant and bar concepts, including a reimagining of the iconic Blue Door and Rose Bar.
“Delano Dubai will bring a new level of luxury and vibrant energy to the city, which people will want to be a part of.”-TTN
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– Virgin Atlantic to start London – Riyadh flights in March
– SEVEN Partners with FlowRider to Bring Flow House to 3 Cities in Saudi Arabia
– Saudi launches “Tourism Education Initiative”
TIME Magazine: 2024 World’s Greatest Places
Virgin Atalntic will operate daily flights between London Heathrow Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh starting March next year.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb oversaw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and Virgin Atlantic Airlines in this regard at the Ministry of Tourism’s headquarters on Monday, a Saudi Press Agency report said.
The service will utilize an Airbus A330 aircraft.
Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the Saudi market marks the 10th airline collaboration with the ACP since the start of the year, underscoring ongoing efforts to boost air connectivity in the Kingdom.
SEVEN Partners with FlowRider to Bring Flow House to 3 Cities in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), part of the Qiddiya Investment Company, has partnered with Flow House by FlowRider to introduce its unique entertainment concept to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Flow House combines FlowRider’s famous stationary wave technology with indoor surfing, live music, upscale dining, and tropical-themed retail, offering a year-round surf culture experience.
Guests can enjoy flowboarding, high-stakes competitions, and professional demonstrations while relaxing to island beats. The venue also features plant-based food options and fresh ingredients, making it a vibrant hangout spot for friends and families.
Damien Latham, Chief Attractions Officer at SEVEN, emphasized that the partnership aligns with SEVEN’s mission to redefine entertainment in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. FlowRider’s President, Marshall Myrman, highlighted the excitement of bringing this world-class attraction to Saudi Arabia for the first time.
SEVEN is investing over SAR50 billion to build 21 entertainment destinations across 14 cities, offering innovative, global entertainment experiences.
Saudi launches “Tourism Education Initiative”
Saudi Arabia is looking to enhance the quality of its tourism education by evaluating the quality of 102 national tourism education and training programmes.
According to Saudi’s Vice-Minister of Tourism, Princess Haifa Mohammed Al Saud, the initiative will also improve local job prospects.
The assessment will be conducted in partnership with three organisations to measure the quality of the tourism programmes, including UN Tourism, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
The programme aims to accomplish various short- and long-term objectives, which include:
- 31 tourism education and training programmes and institutions receiving national and international accreditation by 2024
- 200 trainers and educational and administrative staff earning professional certificates to deliver new tourism programmes developed by the Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for the year 2024
- 37 Ministry of Tourism employees will obtain professional certification to manage tourism programmes
By 2025
The initiative will target 27 tourism education and training programmes and institutions to achieve both international and local accreditations.
This initiative marks the first national effort to establish specialised professional standards aimed at enhancing the quality of tourism education and training outcomes and bridging the gap between supply and demand.
We hope you enjoyed our newsletter & Thank you for choosing Dakkak DMC as your partner!
Dakkak DMC Previous Newsletter (August 2024): https://www.dakkakjordan.com/August-2024-newsletter