The first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East has officially started welcoming guests, while Burj Al Arab has been ranked number one in the UAE.
Over in the US, an $84,000 exclusive Valentine's weekend escape is on offer and the country's first Pixar-themed hotel has opened its doors.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Dorchester Collection opens first Middle East hotel
The Lana, Dubai has started welcoming its first guests to its Marasi Bay marina location, as the Dorchester Collection arrives in the Middle East for the first time.
The upscale hotel operator, which is headquartered in London and owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, now has ten properties around the world and this is its first new opening in more than a decade.
The UAE's newest hotel makes an architectural statement, having been designed by renowned British architects Foster + Partners. It has 30 floors, 225 rooms and suites, eight dining outlets and the country's first Dior Spa, which is set to open in April.
It also features a central podium, referred to as The Lana Promenade, which houses retail outlets and restaurants, as well as an infinity rooftop pool.
The culinary offering is headlined by restaurants by Michelin-lauded chefs Jean Imbert, Martin Berasategui and pastry wunderkind Angelo Musa. This includes modern Mediterranean spot Riviera and Jara, which will serve Basque cuisine from mid February.
Room rates start from Dh3,400 ($926) per night.
Burj Al Arab named most recommended hotel in the UAE
The hotel and airline brands most recommended in the UAE have been revealed in the YouGov Hotel and Airline Advocacy Rankings 2024.
This scores brands higher in terms of recommendations among their customers from January 1 to December 31 last year. Results are based on data gathered from the YouGov BrandIndex, which tracks hundreds of brands in the UAE across 16 metrics.
Burj Al Arab, Emirates Palace and Atlantis, The Palm lead the hotel segment, while Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways are the most recommended airlines.
The Ritz-Carlton, Jumeirah, Anantara, Hilton, Shangri-La, Waldorf Astoria and Marriott round out the top 10 in the hospitality sector.
For airlines, it's Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Saudia, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Turkish Airlines and Oman Air.
New study names best skiing destinations in Europe
Aleko in Bulgaria has been named the best ski resort in Europe, according to a study conducted by winter sports insurance company SportsCover Direct.
The research looked at eight metrics from skiresort.info, including total price for a day ski pass, average star rating, number of ski lifts, highest elevation, slope lengths, median price of hotels and number of hotels within 10 kilometres.
Aleko, which is located in Vitosha, scored highly due to accessibility to hotels, elevation and an average of 22 euros ($24) for an adult day lift pass.
Hunedoara County, Romania came in second, followed by Ravna Planina in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tornik – Zlatibor in Serbia and Kolasin 1450 and Kolasin 1600 in Montenegro round out the top five.
First fully Pixar-themed hotel opens in the US
America's first fully Pixar-themed hotel has opened in a 15-storey property overlooking Disney California Adventure Park.
The 479 rooms and public spaces celebrate Pixar Animation Studios through character artwork and illustrations of the studio's stories, from Finding Nemo to Coco and many more.
The famous Pixar Lamp, in the form of a large sculpture, sits in the lobby, while a giant mobile representing the beginning stages of filmmaking floats from the skylight above.
There are two signature suites: the Coco Suite, which pays tribute to Miguel and his family's legacy through Oaxacan art; and the Incredibles Suite that features Parr family memorabilia with a spy-fi twist.
More attractions include rooftop recreation areas, the Pixar Shorts Court for outdoor games, a Pixel Pool, a Finding Nemo-themed splash pad and a water slide.
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel becomes certified autism centre
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel has become the first within the UAE's homegrown hospitality group to earn certified autism centre status, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
This demonstrates the property's commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible experience, with particular attention to fostering a welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families.
As part of the certification process, hotel staff are trained on autism and sensory awareness, while an on-site assessment is conducted to develop sensory guides, which include details regarding lighting, noise and other sensory inputs in various areas.
It comes as part of a city-wide initiative, led by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, to establish the city as the first certified autism destination in the eastern hemisphere. This designation, granted by IBCCES, is for communities offering an array of autism-certified accommodations, leisure and entertainment options.
$84,000 Valentine's weekend escape on offer in North America
Costing $84,000, a romantic getaway package on offer this week in the US includes a journey for two to Turks and Caicos aboard a private jet, with a stay in an exclusive villa.
Paramount Business Jets has teamed up with luxury villa rental agency Exceptional Villas to create the Valentine's Day experience.
It starts on February 9 in New York, where a couple will take off on a three-hour flight to the tropical archipelago, where they will stay for two nights in a two-bedroom beachfront villa on Long Bay Beach. The accommodation boasts a chef, personal butler, a heated pool, hot tub and fitness facilities.
The package also includes twice-daily housekeeping, two one-hour Swedish massages in the villa, oceanfront group yoga sessions and a choice of non-motorised water sports, from kayaking to snorkelling.
New coastal Anantara property to open in Oman
A new Anantara resort in Bandar Al Khairan, on the Omani coast about 45 minutes from Muscat, is slated to open in 2026.
The property will feature 121 rooms, chalets and one and two-bedroom villas along the mountain shoreline facing the Gulf of Oman. A selection of these will have private pools.
There will also be five dining outlets, including an all-day restaurant, signature venue, beach spot, cafe and rooftop bar. Other features include an infinity pool, children's splash pool, kids' and teens' clubs, and a helipad.
There will also be a focus on wellbeing with an Anantara Spa and fitness centre, plus a private stargazing majlis.
This will be the third Anantara resort in Oman and will be locally owned by the same company behind Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara on the country's south coast.
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')
Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)
Results
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
If you go
The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road.
The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
Sam Smith
Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday November 24
Rating: 4/5
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adil%20El%20Arbi%20and%20Bilall%20Fallah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWill%20Smith%2C%20Martin%20Lawrence%2C%20Joe%20Pantoliano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
The 15 players selected
Muzzamil Afridi, Rahman Gul, Rizwan Haider (Dezo Devils); Shahbaz Ahmed, Suneth Sampath (Glory Gladiators); Waqas Gohar, Jamshaid Butt, Shadab Ahamed (Ganga Fighters); Ali Abid, Ayaz Butt, Ghulam Farid, JD Mahesh Kumara (Hiranni Heros); Inam Faried, Mausif Khan, Ashok Kumar (Texas Titans
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Key developments in maritime dispute
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
