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FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village become first hotels to purchase i-RECs

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Coinciding with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability, FIVE has become the first and only hotels in the UAE to obtain the International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) to achieve 100% renewable electricity for 2022. These Certificates were received from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which Dubai Electricity and Water Authority P.J.S.C (DEWA) is implementing. The solar park is the largest single-site solar park in the world, using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. It will have a production capacity of 5,000MW by 2030 with a total investment of AED 50 billion.

FIVE’s single delivery I-REC agreement was subsequently verified through the International Renewable Energy Certification Foundation (I-REC), the global leader in standardized renewable energy schemes and sustainability claims. FIVE’s latest achievement of tapping into future-focused solutions for Sustainable Development distinguishes its unwavering commitment to Sustainable Hospitality.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) said, “I congratulate FIVE on becoming the first and only hotel in the UAE to obtain the International Renewable Energy Certification Foundation (I-REC) to achieve 100% renewable electricity for 2022. FIVE’s commitment to sustainability is a role model for other businesses in the UAE and around the world at all levels.”

HE Al Tayer added, “At DEWA, we promote sustainability and the shift towards a sustainable green economy by increasing the share of renewable and clean energy within Dubai’s energy mix. The current production capacity of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, whichh DEWA is implementing, is 2,327MW using photovoltaic solar panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies. This is about 15.7% of the total production capacity of energy in Dubai. We continue our efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.”

Continuing the cutting-edge of trailblazing luxury and entertainment in harmony with social and environmental responsibility, FIVE aims to inspire the world through its innovative platform dubbed, in classic FIVE Flair, ‘Sustainable Indulgence’.

As the only hotels in the UAE to purchase i-RECs from DEWA to achieve 100% solar powered electricity for its hotels, FIVE demonstrates the potential of working with stakeholders to spark innovation on the path towards decarbonization. This achievement propels FIVE’s Sustainability Objective of Vibrant Communities and Partnerships to ‘Innovate to address social and environmental challenges’.

FIVE’s Future-Focused Vision

In 2022, FIVE achieved colossal carbon use intensity reduction of 76.2% (MtCO2e/AED mn), electricity consumed per capita by 35.3% (kWh/cover) and water use intensity by 36.2% (litres/cover) compared to 2020 baseline. In relentless pursuit of continual improvement, FIVE will seek to increase its energy and environmental efficiencies while lowering its carbon footprint through ambitious action plans including a commitment to setting Science Based Targets (SBTi) in line with a 1.5°C scenario by 2025. The company is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and continuing to expand its participation in key environmental and social alliances through a global community engagement.

Kabir Mulchandani, Chairman and Founder, FIVE comments on FIVE’s stellar achievement, “Ahead of COP28, FIVE’s electric milestone demonstrates the power of collaborative innovation when two future-focused changemakers (FIVE and DEWA) come together in pursuit of Sustainable Development. As the first hotel group in the UAE to receive 100% renewable electricity from DEWA, we share a great honor amidst this historic ‘Year of Sustainability.’ I hope that this achievement sets an example on how conviction in vision and commitment to action can create a reality where we continue to dream audaciously, build creatively, and pursue life vigorously within a world that moves closer to climate revitalization.

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Qatar Airways Unveils Onboard Signature Music Created in Partnership with Award-Winning Composer Hans Zimmer

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Qatar Airways today unveiled its new onboard signature music, created in partnership with world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer.

Inspired by Qatar and its culture, Qatar Airways’ new onboard music brings a distinctive sound identity to the passenger experience through its collaboration with the iconic composition of Hans Zimmer. The music is also featured on the ‘Burgundy Symphony’ album, a bespoke five-track album that encapsulates the airline’s wider sound identity and signature sound elements.

The collaboration brings together Zimmer’s acclaimed cinematic storytelling and Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering memorable experiences, creating a recognisable sound that reflects the emotions, moments and memories that define travel.

The launch was celebrated at Hans Zimmer’s highly-anticipated concert in Doha on 6 November, where audiences were given an exclusive first look at the story behind the collaboration through a specially created film on the creative process and inspiration behind Burgundy Symphony, alongside a preview of the music. Qatar Airways passengers can experience the new composition onboard from today.

The Burgundy Symphony album captures the rhythm of travel through five original tracks, each reflecting a different stage of the journey:

Dawn opens the collection with a sense of anticipation and possibility experienced when stepping beyond the daily routine and discovering new horizons.

Dusk reflects the tranquillity of flight as daylight fades and travellers are carried above the clouds beneath a sky illuminated by stars.

The Orchard introduces a restorative pause, inspired by moments of calm and reflection amidst the pace of everyday life. The inspiration for the composition is drawn from the sense of escape offered by the ORCHARD – one of Hamad International Airport’s most distinctive passenger experiences.

Homecoming reflects the quiet gift of returning home and the small but lasting ways travel enriches life. The track encapsulates the adventure continues beyond touchdown, with memories of places and skies keeping moments of wonder alive long after the journey ends.

An Ode to Qatar, concludes the album with a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and forward-looking vision. The piece brings together a sense of history, culture, and ambition, reflecting a country where tradition and progress exist in harmony.

Following the unveiling, Burgundy Symphony is now available on the Qatar Airways YouTube channel, inviting audiences around the world to experience Hans Zimmer’s original compositions inspired by the journey of travel and the spirit of Qatar Airways.

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Coral Beach Resort Sharjah Wins Sustain Sharjah Award for Second Year Running

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Coral Beach Resort Sharjah has won the Sustain Sharjah award for Hotel Properties at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). This marks the resort’s second consecutive recognition under the initiative.

The accolade acknowledges the property’s progress at Level 2 of the programme’s Explorers journey, structured around four core pillars: Guest, Experience, Local, and Story. Across each pillar, the resort has prioritised measurable, practical measures that engage guests, support the surrounding community, and ensure transparent sustainability reporting.

Central to this achievement are three primary operational initiatives:

  • Onsite water bottling plant: Replaces single-use plastics with reusable glass bottles, eliminating approximately 300,672 plastic bottles annually.
  • Winnow AI food-waste system: Weighs and monitors kitchen waste in real time, enabling culinary teams to curb excess directly at source.
  • Onsite biodigester: Installed in 2026, making the property the first hotel in Sharjah to process organic waste entirely on site.

Commenting on the achievement, Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: “Securing the Sustain Sharjah award for the second consecutive year is an honour for our entire team. Initiatives such as our water bottling plant, AI-driven waste monitoring, and onsite biodigester reflect our daily operational commitment—one shared with our guests, partners, and the local community. We thank the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority for this recognition and for their steady leadership in advancing sustainable tourism across the emirate.”

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and continues to align its operations with broader international climate targets.

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Qatar Airways Connects Doha to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia with First Flight

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Qatar Airways has inaugurated its new twice-weekly service connecting Doha with Caracas and Bogotá. The service represents a significant milestone for the airline, as Qatar Airways becomes the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to operate nonstop services from the Middle East to both Bogotá and Caracas. The new route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening global connectivity for the region and is operated on Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.

Qatar Airways flights to Caracas (CCS) and Bogotá (BOG)

Qatar Airways’ flight schedule has been designed to provide smooth onward connections through Hamad International Airport to key markets including Australia, China, Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. This offers passengers greater flexibility and seamless transfer options across Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations.

Departing every Wednesday and Sunday:

Doha (DOH) to Bogotá (BOG) – Flight QR783: Departure 07:35; Arrival 16:25

Bogotá (BOG) to Caracas (CCS) – Flight QR783: Departure 17:55; Arrival 21:00

Caracas (CCS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR783: Departure 23:30; Arrival 20:35

The addition of Caracas and Bogotá marks the 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas served by Qatar Airways. The airline began serving South America in 2010 with its inaugural flight to Brazil’s São Paulo.

The airline has recently expanded its partnership with LATAM to include LATAM Airlines Colombia, offering travellers greater access to the region. Qatar Airways will place its code on LATAM-operated flights between Bogotá and key domestic destinations including Cartagena, Armenia, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cúcuta, Ibagué, Leticia, Medellín, Montería, Neiva, Pereira, Pasto, Riohacha, San Andrés Island, Santa Marta, and Yopal.

Qatar Airways continues to strengthen global connectivity, serving more than 170 destinations this winter. Bookings can be made at qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile app.

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