Hospitality News
Abu Dhabi Now Available for Virtual Exploration
Yas Island is ready to be discovered by a global online audience as it launches unique virtual experiences today, allowing users from around the world to digitally explore Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment and leisure hub and other iconic landmarks in the emirate. The initiative is part of a pioneering collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54, and Ethara (formerly Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Flash Entertainment).
The virtual Yas Island experience was developed by Super League and initially breaks through on leading platform Roblox, accessible at Yas Island Tycoon – Roblox. Users’ digital avatars take a thrilling journey through key Abu Dhabi landmarks on Yas Island and beyond, including SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Aldar Square, twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub, and an Experience Abu Dhabi dedicated area featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort. Players will be able to traverse the 25-square-kilometre virtual site and experience a playable, socially engaging world designed to entertain and inform audiences globally.
Throughout a blend of interactive experiences, immersive environments, games, and soon to come one-of-a-kind events, players can explore and build cultural and entertainment attractions within Abu Dhabi. As players progress through the virtual destination and its attractions, they will experience more adventures such as theme park rides, driving across Yas Island in race cars and constructing virtual homes, to name a few. Customisable avatars and surprise awards are part of every player’s personalised adventure. This gamified experience will continually evolve with new partnerships, collaborations and experiences.
HE Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This immersive adventure in the virtual realm is the latest example of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to utilising innovation and creativity to reach ever wider audiences. While we have shared Abu Dhabi with millions of visitors in the real world, today marks the start of a new phase in our journey. Everyone, wherever they are, can experience the emirate from the comfort of their own home. At DCT Abu Dhabi, we have been on a mission to progress, protect and promote the emirate as a leading tourism destination, and by offering virtual experiences, we aim to share Abu Dhabi with the world in a new way, inspiring curiosity and excitement about everything the UAE capital has to offer.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, added: “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to remain relevant to all guests, including those in the virtual realm. The launch of Yas Island’s digital experience is an exciting step in Miral’s commitment to digital transformation, harnessing advanced technology to deliver highly personalized and memorable experiences. While Yas Island has already solidified its position as a global entertainment and leisure destination, we are excited to be able to welcome a new category of customers, and we look forward to offering exceptional and immersive digital experiences that redefine the boundaries of entertainment.”
Rashed Al Omaira, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldar Development, said: “The virtual Yas Island experience unlocks new opportunities for a global audience to explore the island as a world-class destination to live, visit, and work. The effective use of innovative content creation not only enables us to tell the story of Abu Dhabi but also allows people around the world to become immersed in it. We are excited to see people interact with Aldar’s assets on Yas Island in the virtual world and hope it inspires them to take a trip to Abu Dhabi soon.”
Mark Whitehead, CEO of twofour54, said: “Through our community of leading international and regional media businesses, we see first-hand that demand for content that tells Abu Dhabi’s inspiring story has never been higher. The opportunity to explore one of the emirate’s most vibrant destinations using a highly interactive platform is a perfect way to meet this demand. It is yet another demonstration of virtual content creation happening in Abu Dhabi.”
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said “At Ethara, our ambition is to be the gatekeepers of first-to-market events and to unlock unique opportunities in events, activations, and entertainment. We are delighted to be part of this unique and innovative experience and are proud to be leading the way for the event industry in the region. The virtual Yas Island experience is in line with both our vision at Ethara and Yas Island’s to highlight itself as a global creative hub and leading entertainment destination. We are constantly seeking ways to deliver thrilling experiences for our fans, and delivering moments that matter.”
Hospitality
DECEMBER’S MUST-SEE MUSIC NIGHTS AT HONEYCOMB HI-FI
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is turning December into a month-long celebration of international sound. The venue has announced a trio of standout DJ nights, each spotlighting deep grooves, eclectic vibes and artists who really know what they’re doing.
The series opens on Friday, 5 December, with WASS & NESTA. Known for their dynamic, rhythm-driven sets and the ability to read the room, the duo is set to ignite the dancefloor, turning the night into a serious dialogue between DJs and the crowd.
On Thursday, 11 December, the spotlight turns to a Jazz Kissa-inspired evening featuring Dan Greenpeace, Frezidante and Amir. Each brings a distinctly different musical lens, resulting in a flowy blend of jazz influences, broken beats and soulful house.
Rounding out the month is “Italian Job” on Friday, 19 December, led by LTJ and Tommy Outside. The pair will deliver a tribute to Italy’s influential electronic music with warm textures, timeless grooves and the kind of sophisticated selections that have made Italian DJs beloved around the world.
Throughout all three nights, guests can enjoy Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s Japanese-inspired menu along with its standout drinks. Music starts from 9 pm onwards, and there’s an entry fee of AED 120, which includes a complimentary drink token, while table reservations require a minimum spend of AED 350 per person from 9:30 pm.
For those unable to join the international nights, Honeycomb Hi-Fi will still be buzzing throughout the month with its local programming. Upcoming December highlights include PEPELZ on Monday, 15 December, a MONILE guest shift with Raiza Carrera on Wednesday, 17 December, and an NYE takeover with N-You-Up on Wednesday, 31 December.
Hospitality
EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF INDO-PAK DINING AT WAGAH BORDER DUBAI
Bringing the vibrant streets and soulful flavours of India and Pakistan to the heart of Dubai, Wagah Border opens its doors at Four Points by Sheraton Production City, offering a unique dining experience where culture, comfort, and cuisine come together.
“Our vision was to bring the essence of Indo-Pak dining to Dubai — an experience that feels like home yet offers something fresh and exciting,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, Wagah Border. “From our Desi Brunch and High Tea to our themed nights, every element is crafted to celebrate the bond of food and culture.”

Designed as a tribute to the shared heritage of the two nations, Wagah Border recreates the charm of street food with a contemporary twist — from sizzling kebabs and flavour-packed chaats to signature grills and hearty curries. The restaurant’s ambiance evokes nostalgia and community, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, and weekend indulgence.
Signature Experiences at Wagah Border:
- Desi Brunch – A weekend feast featuring traditional favourites from both sides of the border.
- Street Food Brunch – A lively themed night with live music, vibrant décor, and an irresistible array of street eats.
- Festive Buffets – Special menus curated for Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, and cultural festivals, blending regional authenticity with creative presentation.
- Ghazal night and Bollywood night – Evenings filled with music, nostalgia, and soulful entertainment.
Nestled within Four Points by Sheraton Production City, Wagah Border offers guests a warm, family-friendly setting that balances tradition with modern comfort.
Whether you’re craving nostalgic flavours or exploring Indo-Pak cuisine for the first time, Wagah Border promises an unforgettable journey — one plate at a time.
Hospitality
Excellence combined: A powerhouse week of hospitality and foodservice events as HORECA and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh return
With the strategic partnership of the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), HORECA Riyadh and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh will be held from 15–17 December 2025 at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Together with Saudi Elite Chefs and Host Arabia, they will create the biggest hospitality and foodservice week in the kingdom’s capital, with four events attracting 50,000 professionals and gathering 500 exhibitors across 42,000 sqm.
Organized by Semark Group, Jad Taktak, CEO of the company, said: “This edition marks the greatest alliance of hospitality exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. We are thrilled to join over 100 years of combined experience, bringing together the region’s leading brands, experts and innovators under one roof. The expectations are very high, and we are confident that this collaboration will elevate industry standards, create exceptional business opportunities and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hospitality landscape.”
Transforming Riyadh into the kingdom’s premier stage for foodservice and hospitality excellence, HORECA Riyadh’s 14th edition will showcase cutting-edge products, advanced technologies and world-class culinary talent across all areas of hospitality, from hotel and restaurant management to catering, design and F&B innovation, creating unparalleled opportunities for business growth and networking.
At the heart of the show lies a rich calendar of competitions and activities that honor excellence, creativity, talent and knowledge, with 40 international and local judges, experts and speakers. More than 100 participants will take part in contests, including the Hospitality Salon Culinaire, HORECA Barista Competition Riyadh and the Mocktail Competition, while HORECA Talks, a platform for thought leadership and exchange, will host expert-led sessions on emerging trends in hospitality and F&B, investment and the what’s next for the sectors in Saudi Arabia. These talks are organized by Hospitality News Middle East and Hodema Consulting Services.
HORECA Riyadh 2025 welcomes back Guillaume Gomez, president of Groupe Gastronomie and former French ambassador for gastronomy, as guest of honor.
Running alongside HORECA Riyadh is the third edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, an extension of the iconic French Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie, renowned globally as a premier event dedicated to chocolate and pastry excellence. Co-organized by Semark Group and Hospitality Services, this year’s show promises an immersive journey into the world of cocoa and confectionery, with over 40 live demonstrations, workshops and competitions. A dedicated Pastry Show will gather acclaimed chefs and artisans from around the region and beyond, while competitions across multiple categories will spotlight the talents of more than 50 participants.
Among the 30 pastry chefs and experts, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh proudly announces renowned Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini as guest of honor. Marcolini will host a special chocolate masterclass and join a discussion on chocolate innovation and trends at The Talks.
“As part of the HORECA Network, with annual events in cities across the Middle East – Kuwait, Beirut, Amman, Muscat and Riyadh – HORECA Riyadh is a pivotal platform that brings together the region’s leading hospitality and foodservice professionals, innovators and investors. In parallel, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh celebrates the artistry and creativity of chocolate and pastry while inspiring innovation and showcasing trends in the Saudi market,” said Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the company behind the HORECA Network and co-organizer of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh.
Held concurrently, the second edition of Saudi Elite Chefs, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), will gathers the kingdom’s top culinary talents for the second consecutive year. This prestigious event will highlight the diversity of Saudi cuisine, celebrate world-class culinary craftsmanship and provide a dynamic platform for chefs to demonstrate their expertise through challenging, high-level competitions that aim to elevate the national culinary scene, inspire future generations of Saudi chefs and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global gastronomic destination.
Making its debut, Host Arabia – the international extension of Milan’s world-leading hospitality exhibition, HostMilano – brings the global hospitality ecosystem to Riyadh, connecting regional decision-makers with international suppliers and innovators.
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