Hospitality News
The H Dubai Hotel – Earns the Certified Autism Center Designation
The H Dubai Hotel Becomes the First Hotel in the City to Earn the Certified Autism Center™ Designation and Joins the City-Wide Accessibility Movement
Dubai, UAE – The H Dubai hotel is proud to announce that it has become the first hotel in Dubai to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation. This designation is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that demonstrate a high level of commitment to ensuring their services are accessible and accommodating to autistic and sensory sensitive individuals. This process ensures that the hotel’s staff are better equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to provide a great experience for autistic guests and their families as well as other people of determination.
Sophie Blondel, General Manager of The H Dubai said, “We are incredibly proud to be the first hotel in Dubai to receive the Certified Autism Centre™ designation. This program holds immense significance for our hotel as it reflects our deep commitment to inclusivity and providing exceptional experiences for all our guests. We have already been working towards this goal by collaborating with Georgetown Early Intervention Centre during Ramadan to host an awareness session for the team and an inclusive Iftar for the families. By completing the Autism & Sensory Awareness training and partnering with esteemed institutions like IBCCES, we aim to create a safe, welcoming environment where families and individuals can relax and enjoy their stay with confidence and understanding.”
The H Dubai’s achievement is part of a wider initiative by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation in Dubai. This designation is awarded to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options that are accessible and accommodating to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. Once achieved, this would mark the first CAD in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, commented, “We are delighted the team at The H Dubai Hotel have completed our new ‘Autism and Sensory Awareness’ course. This is an important step towards achieving our goal of becoming a certified autism destination. By equipping our tourist-facing workforce with the knowledge and tools to better serve visitors with autism, we are ensuring that all travellers to Dubai have a positive and enjoyable experience.”
As part of the Certified Autism Center™ designation, The H Dubai underwent an on-site assessment by IBCCES to provide recommendations and sensory guides to help enhance the guest experience. These guides will enable guests to understand the sensory intensity for each area of the hotel such as noise level, lighting, and impact on other senses, so informed decisions can be made prior to entering an area.
“The H Dubai’s achievement is a significant milestone in Dubai’s efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive destination. As the first hotel to earn the Certified Autism Center™ Designation, The H Dubai Hotel is setting an example for other hotels and organizations in the city to follow,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.
IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
Hospitality
Orange Hub Unveils Flagship Family Entertainment Center at WTC Mall, Abu Dhabi
Orange Hub, the high-energy entertainment concept by IdeaCrate, proudly announces the grand opening of its fifth UAE center—and third in Abu Dhabi—at WTC Mall. This flagship venue cements Orange Hub’s position as a rising leader in the UAE’s family entertainment sector, bringing a new era of immersive fun, adrenaline-filled games, and elevated dining to the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi.
Located in a central, high-traffic hub, Orange Hub WTC Mall introduces next-generation attractions not seen in other branches, including a four-lane interactive bowling alley, a state-of-the-art Laser Tag Avenue, a motion-sensitive Pixel Floor Game, and a giant volcano slide in the expanded soft play area. Families, teens, and young adults can also enjoy an expansive arcade and carnival games with high-value redemption rewards.
For the first time, Orange Hub debuts a fully reimagined Orange Café, offering an elevated dining experience with a robust menu designed for comfort, variety, and style—perfect for families and youth looking for the ultimate hangout.
Signature weekly promotions return, including:
- Hi5 Tuesday: AED 5 games (select games, excluding bowling and laser tag)
- Half Price Thursday: 50% off blue reader games
- Double Dirham Friday: Double credit on spend
Shifa Yusuffali, CEO of IdeaCrate said: “Our mission is to create a next-generation family entertainment center where thrill meets play and every visit feels like a win. With cutting-edge attractions, immersive games, and our signature ‘Play. Win. Feast. Repeat.’ experience, Orange Hub is designed for kids, teens, and families to come together, have fun, and make lasting memories—all under one vibrant roof.”

Orange Hub at WTC Mall is now open and ready to welcome families, youth, and anyone seeking the best in urban leisure culture. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual outing, or a new spot to feast and play, Orange Hub promises a rewarding experience for all.
Hospitality
RIVA BEACH CLUB WELCOMES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH UNFORGETTABLE BEACHFRONT EVENTS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
The festive season in Dubai is here, and there’s no better place to embrace the celebrations than Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. Blending golden sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed spirit, Riva is turning up the fun with a sparkling lineup of events, from weekly experiences to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Early bird offers are available until 10 November 2025 – because who doesn’t love a good discount?
Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style
Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive cheer. Indulge in an unlimited buffet of holiday classics and sweet treats, all paired with free-flowing drinks and live entertainment. Little ones will be thrilled with the dedicated kids’ fun zone and crafts, while adults can toast the day with complimentary wine on arrival.
For those looking to welcome 2026 in style, the New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a vibrant beachfront evening with panoramic skyline views, live music, festive décor, and free-flowing drinks under the stars. It’s the ultimate way to ring in the New Year with friends and family right on the sand!
In addition to its festive offerings, Riva Beach Club continues to host a variety of weekly experiences designed for every guest.
UAE Resident Offer (Every Monday): Start the week with sunshine and flavour. Residents enjoy 50% off the à la carte menu, perfect for a midweek pause with Mediterranean favourites and waterfront vibes.
Mankind Tuesdays (Every Tuesday): Turn a regular Tuesday into an adventure. Men get full beach and pool access, curated dining, up to 50% off water sports rentals with Ignite Water Sports, and 30% off at Kalm Grooming Salon – all for AED 99 per person. Paddleboards, kayaks, and e-foils bring adrenaline and fun, making it the ultimate weekday escape.
The Great Family Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Weekends just got better. Families can enjoy pool and beach access, curated dining, and kids’ entertainment. The package is AED 399 for two adults and AED 99 per child, with night swim access until 10 PM, because the fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Located along Palm Jumeirah’s scenic coastline, Riva Beach Club continues to define the city’s beach lifestyle. With Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, relaxed energy, and stunning views, it remains a favourite destination to celebrate, dine, and unwind for all ages.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON AT VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI
‘Tis the season to sparkle and voco Bonnington Dubai is wrapping up the year with a line-up of festive feasts and celebrations that promise to make this holiday season your most memorable yet. From lavish brunches and glittering gala dinners to gourmet takeaways that bring the magic home, every moment at voco Bonnington is designed to be merry, bright and full of flavour!
Festive Takeaways – A Feast to Remember (with a 20% Early Bird Offer!)
Why cook when you can celebrate? This year, voco Bonnington Dubai is serving up the ultimate festive feast to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Choose between a succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings (AED 849) or a perfectly cooked roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy (AED 549) – both crafted by the hotel’s culinary team to perfection.
Make it extra jolly with the Early Bird 20% discount on all takeaway orders placed before 10th December – the perfect excuse to start celebrating early!
Christmas Day Brunch at The Cavendish Restaurant
Unwrap joy this Christmas Day with a spectacular international buffet spread, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that feels like home – only better. Whether you’re toasting with bubbles or keeping it family-style, The Cavendish sets the scene for a day of good food, great company and endless cheer.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner – Countdown in Style
Say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with an evening to remember at The Cavendish. Enjoy a decadent international buffet, live entertainment, and the perfect setting to toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes midnight.
Festive Group Bookings – Gather, Feast, and Celebrate Together
Whether it’s an office party or a year-end get-together with friends, The Cavendish Restaurant is the perfect spot for festive group celebrations. Enjoy a specially curated menu starting from AED 149 per person (minimum 20 guests) and raise a glass to togetherness in true voco style.
This season, let voco Bonnington Dubai take care of the details so you can focus on what really matters — celebrating with the people you love, in a place where every moment feels special.
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