Hospitality
LIWA VILLAGE RETURNS WITH NEW ACTIVATIONS AND EXPERIENCES AT LIWA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced programming details and the impressive lineup of partners for this year’s Liwa Village at Liwa International Festival 2026, which continues until 3 January 2026. Set within Al Dhafra Region’s iconic desert landscape, the festival is one of Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated winter celebrations, presenting thrilling motorsports challenges and honouring the UAE’s heritage through culture, entertainment, and family experiences.
Liwa Village: The Festival’s Cultural & Entertainment Heartbeat
Located at the heart of the Liwa International Festival, cultural and entertainment destination Liwa Village is an expansive space where heritage, creativity, adventure, and family experiences come together in one seamlessly curated journey. Built around six immersive zones – Shams Liwa, Wanasa, Meydan, Souk, Adrenaline, and Auto – the Village offers a rich lineup of activities designed to engage every age group and interest, inviting visitors to explore a world that celebrates the UAE’s traditions while embracing the energy of modern entertainment.
Shams Liwa, crowned by its iconic Ferris Wheel, provides sweeping views of the Village and the golden dunes surrounding it, setting the tone for a memorable visit. The cultural heart of the Village is the Souk, inspired by traditional Emirati markets, bringing heritage to life through pottery workshops, weaving, henna, live cooking sessions, artisan showcases, and sensory cultural experiences that resonate with both residents and tourists.
For younger visitors, Wanasa delivers a vibrant mix of creative workshops, carnival rides, maze adventures, and play parks crafted to spark imagination and connection. Meydan, the dynamic teen zone, enhances this year’s programme with immersive challenges including smash rooms, horror escape rooms, strategic games, and interactive stage moments tailored to bold, expressive youth.
Adventure-seekers will enjoy the Adrenaline Zone, home to high-energy rides, carnival attractions, and thrilling games that add momentum to the Village’s lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, motoring fans will find a dedicated haven in the Auto Zone, featuring a rotating exhibition of classic cars, RC racing tracks, jeep experiences, and hands-on motoring-themed activations that celebrate the UAE’s strong automotive culture.
Beyond its core zones, this year’s Liwa Village expands with signature attractions including the Monster Jam Arena, the family-friendly Petting Zoo & Pony Grove, and the adrenaline-fuelled Desert Rally and Water Karting experiences, ensuring every visitor can navigate their own adventure across the Village’s extended footprint.
Across the festival’s 23 days, the Village will host live shows, hands-on workshops, interactive installations, cultural showcases, and exclusive partner activations, creating a deeply engaging, accessible, and family-friendly environment. With its diversity, scale, and heritage-driven design, Liwa Village promises an unmissable experience that brings culture, entertainment, and community together on The Desert’s Grand Stage.
A destination brought to life through partnerships
As Liwa Village expands its offering for the 2026 edition, this year’s partners will introduce a selection of dedicated activities, displays, and guest experiences. Emirates NBD joins as Zone Presenting Partner, alongside Official Partners Noon, CFI Financial Group, Al Masaood Equipment Rental, Ma Hawa, Yango Group, and Al Ain Zoo, each contributing engaging touchpoints designed to amplify the Village atmosphere. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi returns as Medical Partner, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all visitors across the Village grounds.
A focus on sustainability
LIWA Village is setting a new benchmark in sustainability this year, powering the venue with clean mobile energy. DCT Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with event organiser LINKVIVA and their energy partner Kilo Energy, set up a large temporary solar farm at the festival grounds, proving not only that renewable energy can powering entire events, but also that such solutions are more convenient for event guests, as they are free of noise and emissions.
The system, developed by Kilo Energy, combines a large-scale portable solar farm with high-end Huawei energy storage systems, ensuring a steady supply of clean energy day and night.The deployed clean mobile energy system is optimised for use at events of any size, and reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s leadership in adopting innovative, future-ready energy infrastructure to redefine how events can be powered.
A Beloved Tradition for Over Two Decades
For more than 20 years, the Liwa International Festival has been a cherished annual event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from the UAE, region and around the world. Each year the event continues to grow and evolve, offering an experience that blends tradition with modern-day appeal, ensuring it remains the ultimate winter destination in Abu Dhabi.
Whether visiting for a day or staying for an extended desert escape, Liwa International Festival 2026 provides a unique opportunity to connect with the UAE’s heritage, create unforgettable memories with loved ones, and enjoy an authentic celebration of Emirati culture.
Hospitality
GODIVA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF CHOCOLATE ARTISTRY WITH A NEW ERA
GODIVA, the iconic Belgian chocolatier, proudly announces the next chapter in its century-long journey of chocolate artistry. Since 1926, GODIVA has been reimagining chocolate with innovation, Belgian mastery and craftsmanship, elevating it from a simple indulgence into a multisensory experience that stirs the soul, lifts the spirit, and creates moments of pure joy.
As GODIVA turns 100, the brand enters a new era – reimagining its iconic collections with new designs, new flavours, new recipes, and storytelling that celebrate its Belgian heritage and elevate its craftsmanship. Each element is a tribute to a century of chocolate artistry and creativity, and a renewed commitment to creating irresistible experiences for chocolate lovers worldwide.

From the moment founders Pierre and Eugénie Draps chose Lady Godiva as their muse, the brand has embodied elegance, creativity, and courage. She has symbolized strength and the power of breaking boundaries – values that continue to inspire GODIVA as it steps into its second century. For 100 years, GODIVA has blended tradition with creativity to craft collections that delight every sense.
THE CENTENNIAL PRALINE COLLECTION
The collection features ten chocolates – nine iconic creations that have stood the test of time, each representing a defining moment in GODIVA’s rich legacy and one brand‑new masterpiece crafted to mark the beginning of the next century. Many of these beloved pralines have been lovingly recreated from their original recipes, preserving the craftsmanship and character that defined their era. At once nostalgic and innovative, the collection celebrates GODIVA’s Belgian roots while showcasing the evolution of chocolate and design across the decades.

- Dark & White Chocolate Lady Godiva (1926) – The smooth embrace of fine white chocolate ganache, gently infused with vanilla and wrapped in a dark chocolate shell. Finished with the iconic Lady Godiva imprint, this piece reflects the elegance and craftsmanship that began with the Draps family in 1926.
- Mirror (1939) – The enchanting allure of fruity apple ganache, perfectly balanced within a 50% cacao dark chocolate shell, inspired by classic fairytales. A blend of flavours that transports you to a world of magic and wonder.
- Vintage Heart (1945) – Marking the year GODIVA opened its first boutique in Brussels. A white chocolate shell with hazelnut praliné in the shape of a heart – a sweet symbol of love, tradition and Belgian artistry.
- GODIVA Vacances Élégantes (1959) – Creamy milk and dark chocolate hazelnut praliné, inspired by the Draps family’s cherished holidays to Italy. Skillfully crafted with aromatic hazelnuts, this elegant creation captures unforgettable flavour in every bite.
- Fabiola (1960) – Smooth almond praliné, delicately coated in silky milk chocolate. This refined piece honors Queen Fabiola of Belgium, celebrating timeless elegance and regal tradition.
- Salted Caramel Lion of Belgium (1968) – Commemorating a proud chapter in GODIVA’s story with velvety salted caramel enrobed in milk chocolate. Finished with Belgium’s heraldic lion, it pays tribute to GODIVA’snoble roots and royal recognition.
- Nippon (1972) – Celebrating GODIVA’s arrival in Japan with a blend of hazelnut praliné and crisp puffed rice. Covered in dark chocolate and topped with milk chocolate and glitter sprinkles, it’s a joyful nod to cultural harmony.
- Heritage (2026) – Newly developed for the Centennial to mark a century of excellence, an exquisite expression of GODIVA’s legacy and future. Crafted in honour of Pierre Draps, this pistachio and almond praliné with crisped rice and caramelised cocoa nibs blends timeless tradition with modern artistry to celebrate 100 years of chocolate excellence.
- Seashell Nordic Charm (2008) – Capturing the nostalgic delight of Belgian summers with almond biscuit praliné cloaked in bold dark chocolate. Inspired by the Draps family’s seaside holidays at the Mer du Nord, this piece captures the sweet spirit of coastal escapes.
Raspberry Rose Delight (2016) – Created for GODIVA’s 90th anniversary in 2016 – lush raspberry ganache accented with a hint of rose, enclosed in dark chocolate. A refined celebration of nine decades of passion and innovation.
The collection is a celebration of GODIVA’s legacy, a century of chocolate artistry and creativity brought to life.
As GODIVA steps into its second century, the brand remains anchored in its Belgian heritage while embracing renewed imagination and cultural connection, continuing to delight chocolate lovers around the world.
The Centennial Praline Collection will be available at all GODIVA boutiques across the UAE and KSA.
Hospitality
Radisson Hotel Group expands French Riviera footprint with Cannes Seaside opening
Set against the sparkling backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside welcomes guests to one of the French Riviera’s most iconic destinations. The contemporary 100-room hotel marks the latest addition to Radisson Hotel Group’s growing portfolio in France, combining Radisson’s signature hospitality with relaxed Riviera charm and offering effortless access to Cannes’ celebrated beaches, cultural landmarks and year-round events.

Location
Located on Avenue du Docteur Raymond Picaud, just minutes from La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and the historic quarter of Le Suquet, the hotel is equally suited to business travelers attending international congresses as it is to leisure guests discovering one of Europe’s most glamorous seaside destinations.
“France remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most important strategic markets, and Cannes is one of Europe’s most recognised leisure and events destinations. The opening of Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside further strengthens our presence on the French Riviera while offering guests a contemporary hotel in an exceptional seaside setting. We are delighted to continue growing our portfolio in destinations that combine international appeal with authentic local experiences,” said Yilmaz Yildirimlar, COO Managed Hotels, Europe, Radisson Hotel Group
Accommodation
Inspired by the Riviera lifestyle, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside has been designed to create a welcoming atmosphere where contemporary comfort meets Mediterranean refinement. Bright interiors, calming coastal tones and thoughtfully designed social spaces are complemented by sea views and landscaped surroundings, creating an inviting destination throughout the year.
The hotel features 100 guestrooms across four room categories, including Standard, Superior and Premium Rooms, together with Junior Suites. Many rooms include private balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the hotel’s gardens, allowing guests to fully embrace the relaxed rhythm of the destination.

Dining and Bars
Dining takes center stage at La Palma Restaurant & Bar, where Mediterranean flavors are served throughout the day in a bright and welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy generous breakfast buffets, seasonal dishes inspired by regional ingredients and handcrafted cocktails while taking in panoramic sea views from the outdoor terrace.
Whether gathering with family, meeting colleagues over lunch or unwinding after a day exploring Cannes, La Palma Restaurant & Bar provides a vibrant social hub overlooking the Mediterranean.
Meetings & Events
In addition to its leisure offering, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside provides flexible spaces for meetings, conferences and private events. Two naturally lit meeting rooms can accommodate up to 150 guests and are equipped with modern audiovisual technology, flexible layouts and tailored catering options.
The hotel also offers distinctive outdoor venues, including its terraces and seasonal swimming pool with sunbeds, creating memorable settings for receptions, celebrations and special occasions by the sea.
The Destination
From the hotel, guests are perfectly positioned to discover everything Cannes has to offer. Wander along the iconic palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, browse luxury boutiques, explore the charming cobbled streets of Le Suquet or visit the renowned Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.
Just offshore, the tranquil Lérins Islands provide a peaceful contrast to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, while museums, local markets and waterfront cafés showcase the authentic character of the French Riviera throughout the year.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside. Every aspect of the hotel has been designed to reflect the warmth and relaxed elegance of Mediterranean hospitality. Whether guests are visiting for business, leisure or a special celebration, we look forward to creating memorable experiences in one of France’s most iconic destinations,” said Samia Briki, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside
Hospitality
MAJESTIC HOTELS INVITES FAMILIES TO ENJOY A SUMMER GETAWAY WITH THE “KIDS GO FREE” PROMOTION
Majestic Hotels is welcoming families this summer with the launch of its “Kids Go Free” promotion, offering guests the chance to enjoy a memorable getaway without the added cost of accommodating young travelers.


Under the promotion, one (1) child aged 12 years and below can stay free of charge with the addition of an extra bed at the following participating properties:
- Majestic City Retreat Hotel, Mankhool
- Majestic Premier Hotel, Bur Dubai
- Majestic Cove Hotel, Garhoud
What’s Included
- Bed & Breakfast bookings: Guests will receive a complimentary extra bed and breakfast for the child.
- Room Only bookings: Guests will receive a complimentary extra bed for the child.
Promotion Details
- Stay Period: Until 31 August 2026
- Booking Period: Reservations must be made by 31 July 2026
The offer is applicable across all room categories, with the exception of Economy Rooms at Majestic City Retreat Hotel, and is subject to availability.
Families are encouraged to book early, as the offer is subject to availability and rooms are expected to fill quickly during the summer season. Website- https://majestichotels.com/central-hotel/
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