Fun City, one of the region’s most loved family entertainment destinations, has officially reopened at Andalusia court, Ibn Battuta Mall, unveiling a brighter, bolder and more exciting world designed especially for children and families. The newly upgraded centre bursts with colour and imagination, bringing together all the fun families already love, now elevated with brand-new experiences, refreshed play zones and even more joyful moments waiting to be discovered.

Stepping into the new Fun City feels like entering a world where play comes alive. A fresh, contemporary design sets the scene, wrapping the space in bold colours and dynamic details that instantly spark excitement. One of the most anticipated additions is the brand-new VR experience, bringing bigger thrills and immersive adventures that take play to an entirely new level. This sits alongside a completely revitalized play area, now larger and filled with creative structures, interactive elements and imaginative spaces that encourage children to explore, climb and let their creativity run wild.

For little ones taking their first steps into the world of play, the new Oops N’ Whoops toddler zone offers a gentle, safe and stimulating environment crafted just for them. Soft textures, cheerful colours and age-appropriate features create a welcoming space where toddlers can learn, discover and build confidence at their own pace. Families will also find more arcade fun than ever before, with a wider selection of games, rides and activities that bring children together in an atmosphere bursting with excitement. The upgraded party room adds an extra touch of magic, giving families a lively and colourful setting for birthdays and celebrations that feel truly unforgettable.

The reopening represents an important moment for the brand. “With our new and improved Fun City at Ibn Battuta, we are thrilled to offer families an elevated experience filled with joy, energy, and creativity,” says Mr. Silvio Liedtke, CEO of Landmark Leisure. “This reopening reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional family entertainment that grows with the needs of the communities we serve.”

To celebrate the reopening, Fun City has introduced special offers designed to make every visit even more rewarding. Families can enjoy unlimited play at the Play area for a month with the AED 159 Play Membership, take advantage of incredible value through the Fun Pass worth over AED 850 for only AED 75, or simply top up online to enjoy up to 20% off on value packages. Even more rewards and surprises can be unlocked through the Fun City App, making it easier than ever for families to enjoy more fun, more often.

For more than two decades, Fun City has been a trusted and beloved indoor play destination across the GCC. The refreshed Ibn Battuta Mall location continues this legacy, bringing families experiences that are not only entertaining but enriching. 

The venue is now open and ready to welcome guests daily, inviting them to explore the new space, enjoy the upgraded attractions and create joyful memories together.

This January, SHI on Bluewaters Island continues its Claypot Menu, celebrating one of the most cherished and time-honoured cooking traditions in Chinese cuisine. Available daily from lunch through dinner, the menu presents a refined selection of claypot dishes, prepared and served using traditional methods that honour authenticity, flavour, and comfort.

Deeply rooted in Chinese culinary culture, claypot cooking is revered for its ability to retain heat, intensify flavours, and creating richness in every dish. The slow, even heat of the claypot allows ingredients to cook gently, preserving their natural textures while allowing sauces, spices, and aromatics to infuse deeply. Traditionally enjoyed during cooler months and shared family-style, claypot dishes symbolise warmth, togetherness, and nourishment.

SHI’s Claypot Menu showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes, including the comforting Tofu Eggplant with Black Bean Sauce, the vegetable-forward Buddha’s Delight, tender Corn-Fed Chicken, flavour-packed Mixed Seafood in Sacha Sauce, and the richly layered Wagyu Beef Claypot. Each dish is served bubbling hot directly to the table, delivering a sensory experience that is both authentic and refined.

Perfect for sharing and lingering, the Claypot Menu at SHI offers guests a soulful winter dining experience—best enjoyed against the backdrop of Bluewaters Island, with views of the Dubai skyline and a setting that invites connection and comfort throughout the season.

By Noni Anand, Co-founder, LEVA Hotels

Hotels are no longer pit stops. They’re becoming places people actually live. By 2026, travel is no longer about short stays and quick checkouts. It’s about long-term living, hybrid work, and lifestyle-first experiences. Guests want hotels that feel like home—only better. Think functional kitchens, work-ready spaces, seamless Wi-Fi, and services that fit real daily routines.

The numbers back it up. The global extended-stay hotel market, currently valued at around USD 62 billion, is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. This isn’t a passing trend. It’s a structural shift that’s redefining how hotels are designed, operated, and experienced.

Comfort has officially beaten formality. The line between residential living and hospitality is disappearing fast. Guests no longer see hotels as temporary stopovers. They see them as places to live, work, and settle into sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months.

Comfort matters more than ever. So does personalization. Today’s traveler isn’t impressed by square footage alone. They want spaces that feel intuitive, flexible, and genuinely livable. That means smarter layouts, better storage, adaptable furniture, and technology that supports everyday life rather than just overnight stays.

For operators, this changes everything. Hotels must now be designed for continuity, not turnover. Every design decision from lighting and furniture to connectivity and service flow,needs to support long-term comfort, not just short-term convenience.

Extended stays are no longer niche. They’re mainstream. Hybrid work, digital nomadism, and lifestyle-led travel have completely changed guest expectations. People are blending business with leisure and staying longer as a result. A desk and a chair won’t cut it anymore. Guests expect zoned workspaces, full kitchens, high-speed internet, and flexible living areas that transition effortlessly from work to downtime.

Industry data shows that in many markets, average stays are now measured in weeks rather than days. That shift demands a new approach to space planning and amenities, one that supports real living, not just sleeping. Hotels that get this right aren’t just meeting expectations. They’re building loyalty.

Privacy of a home. Services of a hotel. No compromise. Guests are drawn to the idea of having the privacy and permanence of a home, paired with the consistency and service standards of a trusted hospitality brand. For investors and operators, branded residences offer stable occupancy, diversified revenue streams, and long-term value.

But this model requires careful balance. Short-term guests and long-term residents must coexist seamlessly under one roof. That means thoughtful zoning, shared amenities that actually work, and service models flexible enough to support both lifestyles. When executed well, branded residences become a powerful extension of the hospitality ecosystem, not just an add-on.

Wellness and sustainability? Now must-haves! Today’s long-stay guests actively evaluate hotels based on air quality, natural light, energy efficiency, and overall environmental impact. They want spaces that support physical and mental well-being, not just look good on arrival.

Hotels are responding with smarter systems and more personalized experiences. In-room wellness kits, locally sourced provisions, and tech-enabled personalization are becoming standard. Smart controls, predictive maintenance, and intuitive room settings help reduce friction and make stays feel effortless. The goal is simple: make guests feel at home without them having to ask.

Operationally, hospitality teams are shifting from simple service roles to lifestyle support. This means flexible cleaning schedules and new success metrics focused on guest value rather than just daily rates.

The modern hotel suite now looks a lot like a micro-apartment. Kitchens are expected. Dedicated work zones matter. Storage, flexible furniture, and multi-use layouts are essential. Guests want spaces that adapt to their day, not the other way around. Hotels that embrace this approach are seeing real results. More stable occupancy. Higher repeat rates. Stronger ancillary revenue. The ROI is clear. Designing for home-like living isn’t just a good guest experience—it’s smart business.

Home-like hospitality is no longer a concept on the horizon. It’s already here. As hybrid work and lifestyle travel continue to grow, hotels must evolve beyond short-term comfort. Guests expect spaces that support real living, real routines, and real connection over longer stays.

The future of hospitality lies in blending the warmth and familiarity of home with the reliability and professionalism of hotels. Brands that invest early in design, operations, and technology, will build deeper loyalty, stronger occupancy, and long-term value.

Those who adapt now won’t just keep up. They’ll lead the next era of hospitality.