Kempinski Floating Palace is one of the properties whose opening in the UAE has been delayed. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Kempinski Floating Palace is one of the properties whose opening in the UAE has been delayed. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Kempinski Floating Palace is one of the properties whose opening in the UAE has been delayed. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
Kempinski Floating Palace is one of the properties whose opening in the UAE has been delayed. Photo: Kempinski Hotels

At least 10 hotel openings in the UAE on hold, cancelled or delayed


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Dozens of hotels were scheduled to open in the UAE next year, but several of these projects have now been delayed, put on hold or even cancelled, The National has found.

In Dubai, Kempinski Floating Palace, Six Senses The Palm and Mandarin Oriental Al Wasl can no longer confirm opening dates.

In the capital, Mondrian Abu Dhabi and Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels & Resorts have had expected launch dates postponed until 2025.

Meanwhile, in Ras Al Khaimah, two glamping retreats from Cloud7 Hotels have been put on hold. Eco-friendly hotel Earth Altitude, which was set to open on Jebel Jais, has also been cancelled.

Delays in Dubai

When Kempinski Floating Palace, touted as the world's first floating resort, was announced, it had an opening date set for this year. But now the Swiss hotel group, which is working with a local owner on the project, cannot confirm when it will launch, a representative told The National.

The hotel, which is meant to have 156 keys, is to be anchored next to a stretch of shore on Jumeirah Beach Road, with guests being brought to the property or directly to their villas by speedboat or even their own vessels. As part of the plans, 12 exclusive villas are connected by pontoons and can be moved to other anchorage points, while the main building also doubles up as a floating helipad and there's parking for up to 16 yachts.

Mandarin Oriental Wasl Tower, meanwhile, which would be the city's second property from the international hotel group, also doesn't have an opening date "due to delays", the reason for which could not be confirmed.

The striking twisted building, on Sheikh Zayed Road, was planned to open by the second quarter of 2024, developers Wasl Asset Management announced last year. It's set to encompass 64 floors, with 358 hotel rooms and 229 resident units.

A representative from Six Senses told The National they also cannot confirm a launch date for Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, which was scheduled to open for bookings late next year. A 61-room hotel and 162 branded residences, of which the architecture is inspired by the UAE's coral reefs, are planned to sit along a private stretch of beach on Palm Jumeirah's West Crescent.

The hotel group, which merges wellness with sustainability in its ethos, has new properties opening in Grenada, London, Kyoto, Bangkok and Norway listed on its website, but nothing in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi postponements

Mondrian's first foray into the UAE was welcomed with much anticipation when it was announced earlier this year.

Mondrian Abu Dhabi will boast contemporary, design-led rooms and suites. Photo: Mondrian
Mondrian Abu Dhabi will boast contemporary, design-led rooms and suites. Photo: Mondrian

The 221-room property, to be located on the waterfront in the heart of Downtown Abu Dhabi with views reaching across to Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, was meant to open next year and the project has already broken ground, according to a statement.

However, the team from Ennismore, the hospitality group behind the brand, is now looking at a 2025 opening, it confirmed.

Elsewhere, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's collection of independent luxury properties, announced earlier this year it would be opening an all-villa resort with a private golf course on Abu Dhabi's Al Nawras Island in 2024.

“We’re excited to be growing our portfolio in Abu Dhabi and look forward to welcoming guests at Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels & Resorts, which is expected to open in 2025," a representative has since told The National.

Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah faces delays and cancellations

Marriott International and Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) signed a franchise agreement in January last year to bring the hotel brand's Autograph Collection to Sharjah for the first time. This is to encompass two five-star properties, in Kalba and Khor Fakkan, on the emirate's scenic east coast.

The Khorfakkan Hotel will feature 75 rooms and suites, the first waterpark in the area, a yacht club and residences, while the Kalba Hotel will incorporate 80 units, including one with four bedrooms.

These were scheduled to open next year, but neither Shurooq nor Marriott were able to provide updates on the project when asked by The National.

Khorfakkan Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, will have the first waterpark on the UAE's east coast. Photo: Shurooq
Khorfakkan Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, will have the first waterpark on the UAE's east coast. Photo: Shurooq

In Ras Al Khaimah, it's a similar story. Two glamping retreats called Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais and Cloud7 Camp AlSawan were originally planned to open at the end of last year, offering 60 accommodation units crafted from sustainable materials. The launches were then moved to this year, but now the project is on hold, a representative of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Company confirmed.

Earth Altitude, an eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to open permanently on the UAE's highest mountain last year, is also now cancelled.

The boutique-style resort, from local group Earth Hotels, was to offer stunning views over Jebel Jais and encompass an activity centre where guests could book hiking, trekking, cycling and more. It was also set to offer homegrown restaurants and an infinity-style swimming pool with views over the peak.

Plenty more hotels to open in the UAE in 2023 and 2024

Despite the delays, there are numerous hotels still opening across the UAE, including One&Only One Za'abeel, Siro One Za'abeel and Five Luxe in Dubai this year.

The much-anticipated, superyacht-inspired Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will also begin to open in phases, starting with branded residences at the end of this year.

Next year, Ciel Tower, Mama Shelter Dubai and Fairmont Dubai Skyline remain on schedule.

In Abu Dhabi, we can expect the 22-bedroom Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, which was only recently announced, to stick to its opening date.

Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is inspired by the Greek island it's named after. Photo: Minor Hotels
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is inspired by the Greek island it's named after. Photo: Minor Hotels

Another Anantara property in Ras Al Khaimah will also open before the end of this year, alongside Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, with 70 luxury lodges offering a mountain retreat experience with guided treks and more.

Next year, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort is still scheduled to open on time in the northern emirate.

Meanwhile, in Sharjah, having partnered with the Lux Collective – a Singaporean hotel company that’s behind swanky resorts in the Maldives and Mauritius – Shurooq will open the Lux* Al Bridi Resort inside the Sharjah Safari project in autumn next year. As the only luxury retreat inside the 800-hectares Al Bridi Reserve, the resort will offer visitors access to unique experiences including opportunities to spot the Big Five – rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, lions and leopards.

In Khor Fakkan, Lux* Al Jabal Resort is on track to open in the second quarter of next year. The nature-surrounded resort is set on a hillside overlooking Soueifa beach and villas that offer picturesque views over the bay.

Nomad, a new adventure travel experience consisting of 20 gleaming Airstream trailers set up at various locations across Sharjah, is also scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In numbers

1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:

  • 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
  • 150 tonnes to landfill
  • 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal

800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal

Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year

25 staff on site

 

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2-litre%204-cylinder%20mild%20hybrid%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20S%20tronic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E265hp%20%2F%20195kW%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20370Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh260%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio

Price, base Dh485,000 (GranTurismo) and Dh575,000 (GranCabrio)

Engine 4.7L V8

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Power 460hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 520Nm @ 4,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.3L (GranTurismo) and 14.5L (GranCabrio) / 100km

Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
  • SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. 
  • Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet

The Birkin bag is made by Hermès. 
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.

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MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPAD%20PRO%20(12.9%22%2C%202022)
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HyveGeo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abdulaziz%20bin%20Redha%2C%20Dr%20Samsurin%20Welch%2C%20Eva%20Morales%20and%20Dr%20Harjit%20Singh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECambridge%20and%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESustainability%20%26amp%3B%20Environment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%20plus%20undisclosed%20grant%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVenture%20capital%20and%20government%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Match info

Australia 580
Pakistan 240 and 335

Result: Australia win by an innings and five runs

Buy farm-fresh food

The UAE is stepping up its game when it comes to platforms for local farms to show off and sell their produce.

In Dubai, visit Emirati Farmers Souq at The Pointe every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, which has produce from Al Ammar Farm, Omar Al Katri Farm, Hikarivege Vegetables, Rashed Farms and Al Khaleej Honey Trading, among others. 

In Sharjah, the Aljada residential community will launch a new outdoor farmers’ market every Friday starting this weekend. Manbat will be held from 3pm to 8pm, and will host 30 farmers, local home-grown entrepreneurs and food stalls from the teams behind Badia Farms; Emirates Hydroponics Farms; Modern Organic Farm; Revolution Real; Astraea Farms; and Al Khaleej Food. 

In Abu Dhabi, order farm produce from Food Crowd, an online grocery platform that supplies fresh and organic ingredients directly from farms such as Emirates Bio Farm, TFC, Armela Farms and mother company Al Dahra. 

Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:

1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition

THE SPECS

Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre

Transmission: Seven-speed auto

Power: 165hp

Torque: 241Nm

Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000

On sale: now

Company profile: buybackbazaar.com

Name: buybackbazaar.com

Started: January 2018

Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini

Based: Dubai

Sector: FinTech, micro finance

Initial investment: $1 million

Updated: October 26, 2023, 10:57 AM`