Emaar Hospitality Group, the developer behind properties such as Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, as well as Armani Hotels and Resorts, announced at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market event in Dubai that it is adding several new hotels to its portfolio, with most scheduled to open in the second half of the year or in 2024.
The eight new properties are: Address Jabal Omar Makkah in Saudi Arabia, Vida Dubai Mall, Vida Creek Beach, Palace Dubai Creek Harbour, Address Marassi Beach Resort in Egypt, Vida Marina Resort & Yacht Club Marassi in Egypt, Vida Aljada in Sharjah and Vida Residences Cairo Gate.
Address Jabal Omar Makkah is Emaar’s first property to open in Saudi Arabia. As previously reported, it will have 1,484 rooms and suites in the heart of the holy city. It consists of two towers that form a gateway leading to the courtyard of the Grand Mosque for those coming from the city's Masar development.
In Egypt, Address Marassi Beach Resort and Vida Marina Resort & Yacht Club Marassi will open later this year, while Vida Residences Cairo Gate will open in 2024.
Meanwhile, the UAE will be home to another Vida property with Vida Dubai Mall set to open later in the year. It will be adjacent to the mall while Vida Aljada in Sharjah is scheduled to open next year.
Palace Dubai Creek Harbour and Vida Creek Beach will also open later this year. These additions will bring the total number of Emaar Hospitality Group’s hotels in this cluster to four, including Vida Creek Harbour and Address Grand Creek that are already open.
“We are thrilled to announce expansion to key destinations like Marassi in Egypt, and Makkah in Saudi Arabia, in addition to expansions within the Dubai Creek Harbour in the UAE, showcasing how the landscape for hospitality in these booming countries is revolutionising,” a spokesperson for Emaar said.
“We have witnessed successful growth in occupancy rates, with 2022 rates going up from 60 per cent in 2021 to 65 per cent and to 74 per cent in 2023 thus far. With the increasing demand for hospitality in the region, our expansion plans are aligned to welcome local and international tourists.”
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
Grand Slam Los Angeles results
Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos
Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha
The biog
Born: High Wycombe, England
Favourite vehicle: One with solid axels
Favourite camping spot: Anywhere I can get to.
Favourite road trip: My first trip to Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan. The desert they have over there is different and the language made it a bit more challenging.
Favourite spot in the UAE: Al Dhafra. It’s unique, natural, inaccessible, unspoilt.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
MORE ON THE US DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA