Hospitality
Kleindienst Group launches AED1 Bn Marbella Resort Hotel, offering Coral Reef Diving and Snow Year-Round
Kleindienst Group, a leading global business conglomerate and master developer behind The Heart of Europe, announced the launch of Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts, on the World Islands, Dubai. The AED 1 billion five-star hotel draws inspiration from the architectural marvels of the Spanish resort town of Marbella and is poised to bring the complete Costa Del Sol experience to the UAE with its distinct Andalusian-inspired design.
The hotel is surrounded by half a million square metres of 9 different types of coral reefs that house over 30 types of fish. The kilometre long raining street winds around the hotel, bringing a cooling downpour on the streets every few minutes.
Guests can experience authentic European cuisines at one its 6 restaurants: Descanso, its signature restaurant that offers Live cooking stations, Live entertainment and signature sangrias; Casa Bougainville, that offers small, somewhat delicate appearing tapas that burst with flavours and texture; The Citrus Gem with its unique café experience, offers its guests a selection of light bites, pastries, and authentic Spanish coffee; Arenda Dorada, meaning ‘beautiful sand’ is the hotel’s beach and pool restaurant that transports guests back to the idyllic beach clubs of Marbella; the Challet Sierra, hotel’s Après ski bar is further enhanced by the Snow Plaza experience, adding an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the après-ski ambiance.
Crowning the gastronomic possibilities, is the Carmen Amaya Bodega bar, named after the famous Spanish Flamenco dancer. This venue is intended to be a hidden gem offering a unique experience as a destination for wine, cheese, and bites, in which the passion behind the Flamenco comes to life and immerses the guests into a true and authentic Spanish Bodega Bar experience. For its guests seeking wellness time out, the hotel also brings an authentic hammam experience at The Arabian spa. There is solace to be found in its cave-like architectural style and a menu of multiple massage treatments.
The property will feature various pricing options, catering to diverse preferences and requirements. Investors into the project will find it highly rewarding as well, with assured and guaranteed returns on investment of 8.33% per annum, for 12 years. With only limited units being released, and the prices on The World Islands on a continuous upward trajectory, this opportunity is likely to be extremely popular with investors from UAE and overseas markets alike.
Josef Kleindienst, Chairman of Kleindienst Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating: “We could not be prouder of this new project. The Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection is a testament to our commitment of delivering exceptional experiences that are also true to our commitment to sustainability. We envisioned a destination that provides a unique cultural escape with experiences that are authentically Spanish, right here in Dubai. We have been conscious of our commitment to making our projects environment friendly, with employment of solar power and adoption of policies aimed at zero discharge of microplastics. This is just the beginning of our journey to redefine regional hospitality standards.”
The 150-key luxury hotel will be IHG Hotels and Resorts’ first Vignette Collection on the World Islands, and is set to bring Spanish living with its gardens that provide an oasis of calm for daily meditation, sunken courtyards, citrus and olive groves and the Après Ski bar that bring alive the magic of Andalusia. Guests at The Marbella Resort Hotel will have the option of choosing from any of the suites, chalets or cabanas that face the sea, the snow plaza or the famous raining street.
Guests can experience a distinctive boutique retreat, where beach parties, water sports, open-air sea-breeze restaurants, pristine beaches, mesmerising sunsets, vibrant coral reefs, exhilarating diving adventures, and authentic culinary delights converge seamlessly with signature spa offerings for a truly unforgettable Spanish escape.
Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection, will have the distinction of being the first hotel with private coral reefs for its guests, allowing them to explore the stunning underwater world in a truly immersive manner. Visitors will also experience snorkelling and diving. These reefs will attract diverse marine species, including angelfish, anemonefish, lionfish, and green turtles, as part of the broader coral reef master plan for The Heart of Europe.
Kleindienst Group is renowned for its commitment to creating ground-breaking and sustainable developments. With Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection, the group continues its legacy of offering unparalleled experiences. The group has sustainability as a cornerstone of its values, integrating eco-friendly practices such as 100% solar power utilization, zero microplastic discharge policies, sustainable landscaping with no pesticides or fungicides, and employment of techniques for coral breeding to aid in reef restoration and marine biodiversity conservation.
Hospitality
A NEW YEAR OF INDULGENCE: ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI INTRODUCES JANUARY’S MUST-EXPERIENCE MOMENTS
The New Year marks a time to reconnect, explore new experiences, and enjoy the region at its best during the winter season. This year, ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to ease into the months ahead with a thoughtfully curated collection of seasonal experiences designed to be enjoyed at any pace.
Whether it’s discovering a brand-new daytime brunch, enjoying relaxed dining under the stars, stepping away from the workday for a leisurely business lunch, unwinding with indulgent spa rituals, or beginning to plan Iftar gatherings ahead of the holy month, there is something to suit every mood and moment as the year begins.
BRUNCH:ED
Just launched, BRUNCH:ED is ME by Meliá Dubai’s newest Saturday experience, an elevated daytime brunch set on the hotel’s terrace. Guests are invited to enjoy a carefully curated international buffet featuring hot and cold selections, interactive live cooking stations, and vibrant live entertainment, all set against stunning panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline.
The experience includes a generous spread of freshly prepared dishes, from vibrant seasonal salads and handmade pasta crafted at live stations to perfectly grilled favourites hot off the flame, all finished with an irresistible selection of decadent desserts designed to satisfy every sweet craving.
For those looking to extend the experience, the afternoon continues with an after-party, allowing guests to soak up the atmosphere and keep the energy going well beyond brunch.
After Dusk Ramadan Edition
Experience the spirit of Ramadan at ME by Meliá Dubai’s Level 1 terrace, where guests are invited to gather for a heartwarming Iftar served at sunset. Set within an elegant and refined setting, the experience features a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional and contemporary flavours, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere that makes each evening of the holy month truly special.
Wellness by ME – AWAKEN
After the busy festive period, it’s time to slow down, unwind, and truly rejuvenate. Wellness by ME, the hotel’s spa, invites guests to fully restore with a 60-minute Tailor-Made Royal Massage, a therapeutic treatment combining dry techniques and deep oil stretching to release muscular tension, improve flexibility, and respond to each body’s individual needs.
To elevate the experience further, guests may enjoy a complimentary add-on of either a 30-minute body scrub or an additional 30-minute massage. The wellness journey also includes full access to the pool and sauna, along with a refreshing beverage to complete this moment of relaxation.
Central Restaurant – Business Lunch
This January, Central Restaurant welcomes guests to step away from the hustle and enjoy a well-deserved pause with its Business Lunch, a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to inspire warmth, connection, and culinary delight. Curated by the Executive Chef, the seasonal menu highlights comforting flavours and refined touches, celebrating the very best of the season in every dish.
Guests can savour standout creations such as the Charming Broccoli, featuring smoky charred broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon; the luxuriously smooth Golden Velvet Soup; the refreshing Papaya Mist, with delicate smoked salmon and vibrant edamame; the Coral Catch, a warm, succulent grilled prawn and nutty bulgur salad; the aromatic Sun Souvlaki, with tender chicken, soft pita, and creamy tatziki; and the decadent Ricotta Fold, silky spinach and ricotta ravioli finished with butter and parmesan.
For a comforting finish, an assortment of desserts provides the perfect sweet ending. This midday experience is the ideal retreat from a busy day, offering both flavour and relaxation.
Whether dining solo, taking a well-earned break from the day or gathering colleagues for a networking lunch, this midday experience offers a deliciously memorable way to savour the season.
Grill by ME
January is the perfect season for al-fresco dining! Guests are encouraged to enjoy a relaxed yet elegant evening at ME by Meliá Dubai’s striking Pool Terrace with Grill by ME. Set inside the architectural icon that redefined the city’s skyline, this new open-air dining experience pairs contemporary style with effortless comfort – the kind of place where chilled beats, live grill stations, and ME Dubai’s signature modern energy come together seamlessly. Guests can explore a thoughtfully curated buffet featuring fresh salads, handmade pasta crafted at interactive stations, sizzling grilled favourites, and decadent desserts, all designed to elevate simple flavours with finesse.
Perfect for intimate evenings or vibrant gatherings with family and friends, Grill by ME offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Dubai after dark.
The Cabana Experience
Soak up the winter sunshine in ultimate style with the Cabana Experience. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the pool, or simply lounging in comfort, each cabana is designed to be a private oasis. Standard room guests can enjoy a cabana for AED 250 (for two people), complete with two refreshing beverages of choice, mineral water, cooling towels and a hand fan, plus sun protection by Deeper Beauty to keep everyone perfectly pampered under the sun. Suite guests receive a complimentary cabana with the same indulgent inclusions. Whether it’s sipping a chilled drink poolside, cooling off in the pool, or simply basking in the rays, the Cabana Experience transforms an ordinary day into a sun-soaked escape full of relaxation, fun, and effortless luxury.
Deeper Beauty – Sun Care Elevated
ME by Meliá Dubai proudly continues it’s collaboration with Deeper Beauty, a UAE-born SPF brand that seamlessly blends inclusivity, sustainability, and high-performance skincare. Crafted to protect and celebrate every skin tone, Deeper Beauty’s lightweight, non-white cast formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without compromise, making it especially suited for darker complexions. Perfect for sun-soaked days by the pool or outdoor adventures, it ensures skin stays nourished, protected, and radiant.
Whether applied before a relaxing cabana day or on-the-go, Deeper Beauty makes sun protection effortless, effective, and suitable for every skin tone.
Whatever the experience, ME by Meliá Dubai is the perfect place to spend January – a destination to indulge, unwind, relax, and reconnect.
Hospitality
EMAAR AND LOOTAH BIOFUELS INTRODUCE SUSTAINABLE BIO YACHT FUEL AT DUBAI MARINA YACHT CLUB AND CREEK MARINA YACHT CLUB
Emaar Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Lootah Biofuels, announced the rollout of a sustainable yacht fuel offering at Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) and Creek Marina Yacht Club (CMYC); marking one of the first such initiatives within the GCC’s Leisure Marine sector.
This initiative positions both DMYC and CMYC among the region’s early adopters of sustainable bio yacht fuel solutions for recreational vessels, reinforcing Emaar’s practical approach to sustainability and its alignment with the UAE Net Zero 2050 vision.
Under this collaboration, DMYC and CMYC will begin supplying Sustainable Bio Yacht Fuel (SBYF) produced by Lootah Biofuels, made from recycled cooking oil collected from hotels, residences, and Emaar’s integrated developments. The circular process converts waste oil into a marine-grade biofuel, offering yacht owners a more environmentally considerate fueling option directly at their home marinas.
Nicolas Belleton, of Emaar Hospitality Group, commented: “Sustainability is at the heart of how we operate across our Marinas and Hospitality assets. By introducing Sustainable Bio Yacht Fuel, we are giving our members a tangible, responsible choice that aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals, while setting a new standard for eco-innovation in the leisure marine sector.”
The introduction of SBYF will follow a phased, operational rollout to ensure logistical reliability, consistent fuel quality, and long-term sustainability across marina operations. Yacht owners and club members will have access to SBYF at dedicated refueling points within DMYC and CMYC, providing both convenience and a tangible step toward lower-carbon marine leisure activity.
By implementing this initiative across its Marina portfolio, Emaar continues to take a measured, regionally relevant approach to decarbonisation, focusing on actionable, locally sourced solutions rather than broad claims. The collaboration highlights how circular economy principles can be integrated into Emaar’s Hospitality, Leisure, and Marine operations.
Lootah Biofuels, a UAE-based company specialising in biodiesel blends derived from used cooking oil, will oversee the collection, processing, and supply of SBYF to both Marinas. Its solutions have demonstrated meaningful reductions in carbon emission compared with conventional Marine fuel.
Yousif Saeed Lootah, CEO of Lootah Biofuels, commented: “We are proud to partner with Emaar to bring Sustainable Bio Yacht Fuel to Dubai’s Leisure Marine sector. This initiative demonstrates how locally sourced waste materials can be transformed into high-value energy solutions, supporting both environmental and operational progress across the UAE.”
In its initial phase, sustainable fueling operations at DMYC and CMYC will take place on a scheduled basis, with potential expansion based on uptake and demand. The move is expected to contribute incrementally to reducing CO2 emissions from the region’s Leisure Marine activities.
DMYC already holds esteemed environmental recognitions through its Fish Friendly and Clean Marina accreditations, reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable marine practices. Furthering these efforts, DMYC has introduced a sustainable drinking water initiative through “air water” technology, which converts humidity from the atmosphere into potable water. This environmentally conscious solution has been supplying captains and crew at the marina for the past year. The launch of SBYF builds on this strong foundation, further advancing Emaar’s sustainability agenda within the marine leisure sector in a measurable and impactful manner.
This step forms part of Emaar’s ongoing effort to introduce sustainability across its operations and offerings. By partnering with Lootah Biofuels at Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Creek Marina Yacht Club, the company aims to support the UAE’s climate goals while providing yacht owners and members with a practical, responsible fueling alternative.
“Our goal is to make sustainability actionable, not just aspirational. This partnership is a concrete step toward a cleaner, greener marine experience for all our guests.”, Nicolas Belleton concluded.
Hospitality
WHERE PLAY COMES ALIVE: FUN CITY REOPENS WITH A VIBRANT NEW LOOK AND NEXT-LEVEL EXPERIENCES
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.
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