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The Secret to Happiness? It’s Called Party Time!

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By Jay Wynne, Director of Secret Parties

There are many questions in life where the answer escapes us. We can spend our lives on a fruitless search for meaning where the result only yields more questions.  What is the meaning of life? To be or not to be? Why are we here? What is our purpose? Thankfully, my assignment isn’t to tackle those and it’s a rather more familiar subject that I find myself pondering today.

The Secret to Happiness

If you asked a group of ten, one hundred, one million people what their secret to happiness is, I can almost guarantee that each answer would be unique and different to all of the others. Happiness is deeply personal to each individual and is, more often than not, in context and specific to their unique situation in life. So, while the billionaire owner of Amazon, Jeff Bezos’, version of happiness might be finding an even bigger, more shinier mega yacht (to clarify – that would make me happy too), another person’s version may simply be that they were able to put food on the table for their family.

Human Connection

Something that became abundantly clear in 2020 when the pandemic hit was that the vast majority of us crave human connection and togetherness. Not only do we crave it, we need it to survive. For some, the various lockdowns were a lonely time filled with empty days and little to no human contact. It is no surprise that in the 12 month period from 2020-2021 Zoom’s revenue amounted to $2.65 billion, up more than 300 percent from just $623 million the year before.

Though many of us may have used Zoom for various work calls, it felt that connecting with friends and family was the overwhelming use for the software in this period. A number of us will have stories about “virtual” quizzes, parties, weddings, birthdays and more during lockdown, tales of dancing in your living room while loved ones on the screen were doing the same. Technology was specifically developed for the purpose of people being able to party together in a virtual setting, over the fence “gatherings” with socially distanced neighbours became the norm.

So, why would we jump through these hoops and do these things simply to connect with others? Because the secret to happiness is human connection.  And the greatest human connection is having fun together. Or in other words – partying.

Secret Parties

Our brand is parties. We exist for parties. What makes us happy…..is people, together, partying. And quite simply, we do what we do – because people love to party.

While I won’t go into the ins and outs with our own struggles of owning a party brand when partying was banned, we could not have been more certain of our purpose during that time.

So many of us can relate to the issues faced in this time, we remember going to bars with no music, sitting a metre apart, no dancing.  But we couldn’t help ourselves, could we? No dancing standing up? No problem – waist up, seated, upper body dance moves only (admit it, we all did it)!

Our events were busy, in spite of these restrictions, in spite of the unnerving time we found ourselves in. And why? People sought fun, people sought togetherness, people sought happiness. Thankfully, it transpired that the secret to that happiness was, and still is, partying!

The Party

.When we develop and concept a new event, our number one objective is delivering an excellent customer experience.  Of course, this is subjective and not everyone’s idea of the perfect day or night out is the same, but the formula remains the same. Our guests want a great party.  They want to wake up the next day still buzzing from The Party, the group chat blowing up with stories surfacing from what happened at The Party.  And then what happened at the After-Party.

Creating the perfect party is conducting an orchestra.  Everything is designed and composed to reach the crescendo. All the moves made, and elements brought in are carefully thought of to induce happiness.

To make a great party, you’ve got to think about a perfect marriage of the senses. Our senses are the gateway to a great party.

Taste = food = happiness

Sight = visuals / entertainment / venue aesthetic = happiness

Touch = dancing = happiness

Sound = music = happiness

On a weekly and almost daily basis we witness guests in what appears to be their happiest state of being. Chatting, dancing, laughing, singing, smiling, flirting are just a handful of actions occurring as we scan the room at any of our events.  Noise levels go through the roof with the sound of people having the time of their lives, laughing louder than they’ve ever laughed, creating memories with friends or loved ones they’ll remember forever.

While it would be impossible for me to generalise an entire world’s population and say we all have the same thoughts on what happiness is, I am fairly certain it is the minority that don’t enjoy a great party.

Dancing and singing are our global shared language of unity, togetherness and of course, happiness. Babies find their rhythm before they find their words. It is built within us to party.

To seek joy. To find happiness.

Hospitality

Bobi Bowl Celebrates Hari Kemerdekaan Indonesia with Free Dessert on August 17

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Dubai-based Indonesian restaurant Bobi Bowl is marking Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia, or Indonesian Independence Day, on August 17 with a sweet thank-you to the UAE community that has supported its journey.

Guests dining in at Bobi Bowl on August 17 will receive a complimentary serving of Klepon Merah Putih, a special edition of the traditional Indonesian dessert created for the occasion. The chewy glutinous rice balls are filled with palm sugar and coated in freshly grated coconut. While klepon is traditionally green, Bobi Bowl has coloured this special version red to reflect the colours of the Indonesian flag.

The celebration comes as Bobi Bowl reflects on the past few months, which have not always been easy, but were made possible by the incredible support of the UAE community. As part of the occasion, Bobi Bowl also hopes to continue sharing the flavours of Indonesia with more people across the country.

Among its Indonesian best sellers are Beef Rendang, tender beef slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices and coconut; Beef Empal Gepuk, a sweet and savoury Indonesian beef dish cooked for 18 hours until exceptionally tender; and Nasi Ayam Geprek, crispy fried chicken served with fiery sambal.

This August 17, Bobi Bowl invites the community to celebrate Indonesia’s independence, one bowl and one sweet ending at a time. Bobi Bowl is located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 12, Wasl Port Views Building 5, Al Mina Street, opposite the Port Police HQ, Dubai.

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Hospitality

Radisson Hotel Group introduces Türkiye’s first Radisson Blu branded residence with the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal.

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Radisson Hotel Group announces the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal, the first Radisson Blu branded residence in Türkiye, further strengthening its presence in the country, with a property combining the flexibility of long-stay living with the services and standards of the Radisson Blu brand. Located on Istanbul’s rapidly developing Asian side, the new property offers spacious contemporary residences, extensive wellness facilities and convenient access to the city’s major business districts, transportation hubs and leisure attractions.

Offering 200 contemporary serviced apartments, including one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal is designed for both short and extended stays. Guests can enjoy all-day dining, a lobby lounge, flexible meeting facilities, a fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, while many residences offer panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands.

Accommodation

Designed around the needs of today’s modern traveler, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal offers much more than accommodation. Whether visiting Istanbul for a short business trip, an extended assignment or a family getaway, guests can enjoy spacious living areas, thoughtfully designed interiors and personalized hospitality in surroundings that offer both flexibility and comfort. With contemporary social spaces, premium amenities and seamless connectivity throughout the city, the hotel provides a residential experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Meetings & Events

Whether hosting a board meeting, workshop or private event, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal offers six contemporary meeting spaces, including two boardrooms and four flexible event rooms. Supported by the Radisson Meetings concept and modern audiovisual technology, every event is delivered with seamless service and personalized hospitality.

“With Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal, our goal was to create more than just a place to stay—we wanted to create a place where guests truly feel at home while enjoying the quality, comfort and personalized service that define the Radisson Blu experience. Whether visiting for business, an extended stay or leisure, guests can enjoy the flexibility of a residential setting together with the trusted standards of the Radisson Blu brand. We look forward to welcoming our guests to a new residential hospitality experience on Istanbul’s Asian side,” says Burak Aydın, General Manager of Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal.

Dining

Dining at Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal has been designed to complement the hotel’s residential concept, creating welcoming spaces where guests can enjoy everything from a relaxed breakfast to informal business meetings and evening gatherings.

The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant offers a carefully curated menu featuring both international favorites and locally inspired cuisine in a contemporary setting. Whether starting the day with a generous breakfast or enjoying dinner after a busy day in the city, the restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the warm hospitality of the Radisson Blu brand.

At the heart of the hotel, the Lobby Lounge & Bar serves as a natural meeting point for guests throughout the day. Designed as a comfortable social space, it offers premium coffee, light bites, signature beverages and a welcoming environment for informal meetings, casual conversations or moments of relaxation.

Wellness & Leisure

The hotel features modern fitness facilities, indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna, spa facilities and dedicated relaxation areas designed to promote wellbeing in a calm and elegant environment. Panoramic views across the Marmara Sea further enhance the experience, creating an atmosphere where guests can disconnect from the city’s pace while enjoying moments of tranquility.

The introduction of Radisson Blu Residences to Türkiye marks an exciting new chapter for our portfolio in one of our most important growth markets. Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal demonstrates our commitment to bringing diversified hospitality offerings to the country while continuing to create long-term value for our owners, guests and local communities,” says Baran Türkel, Managing Director, Development & Franchise Services, Türkiye.

Location

Ideally positioned on Istanbul’s Asian side, Radisson Blu Residences, Istanbul Kartal offers excellent connectivity to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, the M4 Metro Line, Marmaray and Istanbul’s major motorway network. Guests can easily reach the Istanbul Financial Center, Pendik Marina, Bağdat Avenue and the Princes’ Islands, making the property an ideal base for both business and leisure travel.

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Hospitality

Address Jabal Omar Makkah Enhances Summer Pilgrimage Experiences with Night Umrah Stays

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As the summer evenings bring cooler temperatures to the Holy City, Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites pilgrims to experience the tranquility of Night Umrah, where worship, reflection, and comfort come together in one of Makkah’s most sought-after locations.

Located just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the spiritually centered luxury hotel offers guests the opportunity to perform Umrah during the peaceful evening hours before returning to refined hospitality, panoramic Haram-view accommodation, and thoughtfully designed experiences that place spirituality at the heart of every stay. Drawing on its exceptional location and guest-focused hospitality, the hotel continues to offer an experience centered on ease, comfort, and meaningful spiritual connection.

A Peaceful Time for Night Umrah

As temperatures become more comfortable after sunset, many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the evening, when the atmosphere around Al Masjid Al Haram becomes calmer and more serene. With its unrivalled proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, Address Jabal Omar Makkah allows guests to move effortlessly between worship and rest, making the Night Umrah experience both convenient and deeply meaningful.

Whether preparing for evening prayers, returning after Tawaf and Sa’i, or embracing quiet moments of reflection, guests are welcomed into an environment thoughtfully designed around the rhythm of pilgrimage, allowing more time to focus on what matters most.

Moments Above the Holy City

Among the hotel’s most remarkable experiences is the iconic Sky Musallah, an elevated prayer hall set on a skybridge between the 36th and 38th floors. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest suspended prayer hall overlooking the Holy Kaaba, the Sky Musallah offers panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing an extraordinary setting for prayer and quiet contemplation above the city.

As evening falls and Al Masjid Al Haram is illuminated, guests can experience moments of serenity in one of Makkah’s most distinctive spiritual landmarks, creating memories that remain long after their pilgrimage has ended.

An Experience Rooted in Comfort and Spiritual Connection

Following moments of worship at Al Masjid Al Haram, guests can retreat to elegantly appointed Haram-view rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, tranquility, and uninterrupted views of the Holy Kaaba and the city skyline. Dining experiences at The Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge celebrate Saudi and Hejazi flavors, with menus thoughtfully structured around prayer and fasting schedules.

Combining exceptional proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, refined hospitality, and experiences inspired by the spiritual rhythm of Makkah, Address Jabal Omar Makkah provides an ideal setting for pilgrims seeking a meaningful Night Umrah experience this summer. The hotel’s recent international recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards further reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

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