Hospitality
QE2 HOSPITALITY ACADEMY ANNOUNCES THE 2026 FUTURE LEADERS CHALLENGE FINALS IN DUBAI
QE2 Hospitality Academy, the region’s renowned cruise-liner-based hospitality training institution, announces the hosting of the finals of the Future Leaders challenge (FLC) 2026, aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship. The international, multi-day summit will take place from 9 to 11 February 2026 under the theme “building bridges”: strategizing the human capital plan. Empowering tomorrow’s tourism and hospitality leaders.
Encouraging an integrated community model for talent growth and advancement, the FLC provides a forum for students and young professionals from all backgrounds to engage in career development and networking opportunities. Its mission is to position the MEA region as a global hub for developing innovative, collaborative leaders in hospitality and tourism. With a strong focus on mentorship, sustainability, and experiential learning, FLC goes beyond traditional career development to cultivate a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious leaders, aligning with the region’s vision for sustainable growth.
With participation from 30 schools worldwide, the event is expected to welcome more than 100 students, young leaders, educators, and industry professionals from over 30 countries, creating a truly global platform for leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. The event provides an essential forum for global decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of hospitality, where ideas are exchanged and growth is inspired.
Commenting on the announcement, Patrick Coodien, Director of QE2 Hospitality Academy, said: “We are immensely proud to host the Future Leaders Challenge, an event that perfectly reflects our mission at QE2 Hospitality Academy. This platform allows us to shape future-ready hospitality and tourism talent by offering meaningful learning experiences, opening real career pathways, and connecting young leaders directly with industry. Hosting this global initiative in Dubai reinforces our commitment to strengthening the city’s position as a leader in tourism excellence and innovation.”

Supported by more than 32 sponsors and partners, the Future Leaders Challenge 2026 will open on 9 February with participant arrival aboard the QE2. The official programme begins on 10 February under the patronage of QE2 Hospitality Academy and will feature keynote addresses, inspirational panel discussion, future-skills workshops, and a bespoke immersive experience, “Voyage of Leadership”, followed by a sunset reception on the open deck.
The event will conclude on 11 February with global-citizenship workshops, industry-led mentorship sessions, youth awards. The programme will reach its grand finale on the evening of 11 February with the presentation of the Final Project Awards, followed by an exclusive gala dinner. A gala dinner will be held to conclude the event, featuring the official announcement of the winner. This distinguished evening will take place in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DTCM)and the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), underscoring the significance of the occasion and celebrating excellence, innovation, and future leadership.
The event aims to position the MEA region as a global hub for innovative and sustainable hospitality leadership. Through hosting this event, QE2 Hospitality Academy reaffirms its commitment to the UAE and Dubai Vision 2030 and Agenda D33, with a focus on digital innovation and economic growth, offering meaningful opportunities for education providers that embrace emerging technologies.
Since its establishment at Dubai’s iconic waterfront, the Academy has grown into a recognized center of excellence, known for combining academic rigor with immersive, real-world experience. Operated under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, it offers internationally accredited programs in hospitality, culinary arts, and related fields. Students benefit from a unique learning environment aboard the historic QE2, as well as placements with five-star hotels across the UAE, ensuring they graduate with the global skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to excel in the industry.
Hospitality
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.
Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.
Hospitality
Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam



This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.
Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.


For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.
Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.
For Adventure from Morning to Night
Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.
Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.
The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves
For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.
With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.
With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com
Hospitality
Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food
Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”
Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai
Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:
- Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
- House — AED 450 per person
- Premium — AED 650 per person
The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.
Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing
- Location: SANA Restaurant – Jumeirah Mina Al Salam – Dubai
-
News11 years ago
SENDQUICK (TALARIAX) INTRODUCES SQOOPE – THE BREAKTHROUGH IN MOBILE MESSAGING
-
Trending11 months agoOPPO A6 Pro 5G Review: Reliable Daily Driver
-
Tech News2 years agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR1 year agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Automotive2 years agoAGMC Launches the RIDDARA RD6 High Performance Fully Electric 4×4 Pickup
-
Tech Interviews2 years ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News1 year agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
VAR2 years agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms


