Hospitality
MAG Group Holding Appointed as Lead Developer for Marsa Zayed Beachfront Development by AD Ports Group
MAG Group Holding has been selected as lead developer to realise the first phase of Marsa Zayed, a major beachfront resort and residential community planned on the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan.
Marsa Zayed is a transformational project to turn a 320-hectare (3.2 million m2) section of Red Sea beachfront into a tourism and business hub and a southern gateway to Jordan’s principle attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra and the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
MAG Group Holding was selected as the lead developer of Marsa Zayed by AD Ports Group, the integrated trade, transport and logistics group based in Abu Dhabi that is the land owner for the project. AD Ports Group developed and is operating the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, which opened in January 2023, under an agreement signed with and Jordanian state-run Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) in 2021.
Marsa Zayed is a beachside real estate project collaboration strongly backed by the UAE and Jordanian governments to bolster the Jordanian coastal city’s position as a regional tourism centre and a gateway for travellers visiting the Red Sea.
MAG Holding will attract investors and oversee the development of Phase 1 of Marsa Zayed, which will span 1.2 km of Red Sea beachfront, and include Zayed Riviera, which will house four residential towers, a Marina with around 1,260 residential and 117 retail units, a hotel and hotel apartment with a beach club, an Old Souq marketplace with 50 retail shops, restoration of iconic Aqaba ’Minerat, and a yacht club and marina, as well as a visitors’ centre.
At the project initiation ceremony in Aqaba, AD Ports Group and MAG Group launched an international campaign to promote the first phase of Marsa Zayed, which the organisers expect will be one of the Middle East’s most exciting tourist destinations.
Adding pace to its strategic plan to enhance maritime and tourism in Aqaba, AD Ports Group signed in January 2024 a shareholders’ agreement between its digital arm, Maqta Technologies, and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) for their existing joint venture company, Maqta Ayla. The joint venture will revolutionise Aqaba’s port operations by implementing a Port Community System (PCS) that leverages Maqta Gateway’s expertise, marking the first-ever export of Abu Dhabi’s port digitalisation solution.
An active investor in the Red Sea region, AD Ports Group has also signed long-term concessions to develop and operate cruise terminals at the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, Al Sokhna, and Sharm El-Sheikh, and to build and operate a multipurpose port in Safaga and a Ro-Ro terminal in Al Sokhna.
Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah, Chairman and Founder of MAG Group Holding, said: “We are excited to be part of what I consider to be one of the most exciting real estate development projects in the Red Sea region, one that not only will transform the economic potential of Jordan’s maritime resources, but lead to a vibrant coastal ecosystem that stimulates economic growth across this part of the Middle East. We deliver our award-winning services to local and international customers in such a way that they most importantly benefit our customers and the communities in which we operate.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Today’s ceremony is a significant step in our strategic plan to support the Government of Jordan in developing Aqaba into a premier world-class destination for tourism and economic development. This first phase of Marsa Zayed will enable AD Ports Group to deliver on our wise leadership’s vision to add economic value to this lively region. We are grateful for the support and assistance of our valued partner, ADC, and to our valued real estate development partner MAG Holding, for this collaborative effort to advance the growth of Aqaba.’’
Hospitality
KEETA TEAMS UP WITH EMPIRE ENTERTAINMENT TO LAUNCH SONY PICTURES’ SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY CAMPAIGN IN THE UAE
Keeta, the international on-demand food delivery platform backed by global technology leader Meituan, announced an exciting co-promotion with Empire Entertainment to launch a UAE campaign inspired by Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing in cinemas July 30th bringing together entertainment and everyday convenience in a unique experience for customers across the UAE.
Built around the campaign theme “Delivering A Brand New Day,” the collaboration is designed to make every day easier, brighter, and more rewarding through memorable experiences that go beyond food delivery.
Running throughout the campaign, customers can take part in a series of interactive experiences, including in-app challenges, exclusive rewards, mall activations, and the chance to win cinema experiences inspired by the highly anticipated theatrical release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The campaign will also feature immersive pop-up experiences at some of the UAE’s most popular shopping destinations, allowing families, movie fans, and customers to engage with the brand through interactive games, exclusive prizes, and entertainment-led experiences.
The collaboration reflects Keeta’s commitment to creating memorable experiences that go beyond everyday delivery, connecting customers with the moments, brands, and experiences they love.
As Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in cinemas on July 30th, Keeta invites customers across the UAE to join the celebration and discover how every order can help deliver a brand new day. For additional information about Keeta, download the app from [HERE].
Hospitality
JAMES CAFÉ UNVEILS NEW SEASONAL BEVERAGES INSPIRED BY SUMMER FLAVOURS
From floral matcha blends to bold espresso creations, the new line-up captures the essence of the season in every sip
James Café introduces a new collection of seasonal beverages, bringing together vibrant flavours, elevated ingredients, and a fresh take on café classics.
At the heart of the new menu is a creative exploration of matcha, reimagined through a series of distinctive flavour pairings. From the tangy brightness of Hibiscus Matcha to the soft, aromatic notes of Lavender Matcha, each drink balances the earthy depth of ceremonial-grade matcha with a unique seasonal twist. Variations such as Vanilla Matcha and Berry Matcha introduce a smoother, more indulgent profile, combining creamy textures with subtle sweetness.

For coffee lovers, the offering leans into both comfort and experimentation. The Crème Espresso delivers a rich, full-bodied coffee topped with a silky foam and a hint of vanilla, while the more adventurous Volcano Espresso pairs bold espresso with ginger ale and vanilla, creating a layered drink with a distinctive, slightly smoky finish.


Each beverage is priced at AED 32 and is available across all James Café locations in Abu Dhabi. Designed to reflect the lighter, brighter mood of the season, the menu blends delicate florals, fruity notes, and bold coffee profiles, offering something for every palate, whether you’re looking for something refreshing, indulgent, or quietly comforting.
Highlights from the seasonal menu:
- Hibiscus Matcha — a bright, lightly tart blend of green tea and hibiscus
- Lavender Matcha — a delicate floral infusion with a smooth, creamy finish
- Berry Matcha — a fruity, vibrant take on ceremonial matcha
- Vanilla Matcha — soft, comforting, and subtly sweet
- Crème Espresso — rich espresso topped with silky foam and vanilla notes
- Volcano Espresso — bold espresso with ginger ale and a smoky finish
Locations:
James Café, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi
James Café, Shams Boutik, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
Hospitality
A Guide to What’s On Across the Next Two Weeks in Abu Dhabi
Experience the thrill of world-class MMA as the Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for a night of high-intensity matchups and unforgettable sporting moments. The blockbuster card is headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and “Hitman” Bogdan Guskov, with an equally exciting co-main event clash between ranked flyweight Steve Erceg and the undefeated Ramazan Temirov.
Don’t miss: The action-packed preliminary bouts, where rising global talent look to shine in the spotlight and deliver spectacular finishes before the main card begins.
Family-friendly fun
- Desert Legacy Summer Camp at Al Ain Zoo, until 24 July – Let children aged 6-12 discover the wonders of the UAE’s desert world through a five-day educational journey inspired by the vision of Sheikh Zayed. Campers can enjoy hands-on activities, from volcano building and fossil digging to Sadu weaving and animal enrichment, with a 20% sibling discount available when using the promo code AAZSUMMERCAMP20.
- Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Summer Camp ‘We Discover Talents’, until 6 August – Keep kids active at this dynamic camp in Al Muzoun, offering an engaging mix of sports like basketball and martial arts alongside confidence-building creative workshops.
- Manchester City Football Schools Summer Camp, until 27 August – Young athletes born between 2010 and 2020 can train like champions in this camp led by Manchester City Football School coaches. Taking place at ACTIVE Al Maryah, players can sharpen their technical skills in a professional, fun, and highly engaging environment.
- Kids Palace Summer Camp at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, until 4 September – An adventure-filled retreat for kids aged 3-12 featuring mindful activities, Palace explorations, and poolside games, with special savings when enrolling a sibling or a friend.
Culture and discovery
- Liwa Date Festival, until 23 July – Discover one of Abu Dhabi’s most celebrated cultural events in the heart of Al Dhafra Region, bringing the UAE’s rich agricultural heritage to life through bustling traditional markets, live Emirati performing arts, and heritage competitions. It’s a family-friendly celebration of heritage that honours the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
- Workshop: Dhiyafa: Creating an Emirati Coffee Blend, Wednesdays & Fridays, until 28 August – Discover the art of traditional hospitality at Zayed National Museum (Studio Al Thuraya) as guests grind ingredients with a traditional menhas and craft their own signature Arabic coffee blend to take home.
Summer tip: Abu Dhabi’s museums and cultural spaces are a cool and comfortable way to spend a summer afternoon.
For couples, friends and solo travellers
- Mazaj Sunday Brunch at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, every Sunday (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM), until 30 July – Spend a Sunday savouring Lebanese cuisine, live music and scenic waterfront views, complete with complimentary pool and beach access for the rest of the day.
- Fairmont Grand Brunch, Every Saturday (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM), until 31 July – Experience the ultimate weekend gathering with access to three distinct dining experiences across CuiScene, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, and Marco’s Italian.
- Summer Spa Experience at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, until 30 September – Rebalance and relax with bespoke treatments at the Spa, starting at the Apothecary Bar to craft a custom body scrub and personalised aromatherapy oils.
- A Daycation at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, until 31 December – Escape the everyday with a curated day pass, offering pool and beach relaxation and fitness classes at the Exclusive Sports Club.
Summer tip: Reset with a spa treatment, a relaxing day pass or an island staycation, with many summer offers featuring flexible 24-hour cancellation until 30 September.
Looking for a place to stay?
With Kids Go Free at 40 hotels, there’s never been an easier time to plan a short summer escape in Abu Dhabi. Whether booking at a Yas Island resort or a city-centre staycation, many of the emirate’s top attractions are just moments away. Here are a few offers to explore:
- Rosewood Abu Dhabi Summer Staycation Experience, until 31 August – Escape to Al Maryah Island with up to 30% savings on luxury accommodations, 20% off treatments at Sense Spa, and AED 350 dining/spa credit for suite bookings.
- UAE Residents’ Half Board Exclusive at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, until 31 August – Indulge in pristine beach access, the signature St. Regis Butler Service, daily half-board dining at Oléa, and complimentary dining for kids under 12.
- Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Summer Staycation, until 31 August – Book a 3-night minimum stay where up to two children aged 11 and under stay free, featuring daily breakfast and theme park ticket inclusions.
- UAE Residents Staycation at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, until 30 September – Enjoy a prime half-board package where up to two children under 8 stay free, complete with unlimited access to the resort’s newly opened Aqua Park.
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