World Chocolate Day, celebrated globally on 7th July, commemorates the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550 and shines a spotlight on the world’s enduring love affair with chocolate. As consumers increasingly seek healthier ways to enjoy chocolate, UAE-founded healthy snack brand Rashtions is highlighting a more nutritious way to enjoy the occasion with its 100% Cocoa Truffle, a protein-rich snack that combines the rich taste of 100% cocoa with the natural goodness of dates and camel milk.

Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash and proudly made in the UAE, Rashtions is redefining modern nutrition by transforming locally inspired ingredients into convenient, clean-label snacks designed for today’s lifestyles.

The 100% Cocoa Truffle offers a rich chocolate flavour without relying on added sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Crafted using a simple blend of dates, camel milk, ghee and 100% cocoa, it delivers natural energy, healthy fats and up to 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying alternative to conventional chocolate snacks.

As consumers increasingly seek better-for-you treats that do not compromise on taste, Rashtions’ 100% Cocoa Truffle demonstrates how indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand. Whether enjoyed as a mid-day pick-me-up, post-workout snack or healthier chocolate fix, it provides a convenient option for health-conscious consumers celebrating World Chocolate Day.

Alongside the 100% Cocoa Truffle, Rashtions is also available in Date Truffle, Brazilian Coffee Truffle and Date Original varieties, offering a range of flavours inspired by the UAE’s heritage and modern nutritional needs.

Available across the UAE through ADNOC and Emarat service stations, Union Coop, Deliveroo, Noon and via the brand’s website, Rashtions makes it easy for consumers to discover a homegrown alternative to traditional snack options.

​Level 43 Sky Lounge introduces Skyline Draw, a new weekly social media-driven promotion offering guests with a selected surname a complimentary first drink and 30% off their total bill. The winning surname will be announced every Monday at 12:00 PM via the venue’s Instagram Stories.

The selected surname will be determined based on a random selection of guest surnames from those who dined at Level 43 in the previous week.

Guests who share the chosen surname can enjoy the exclusive offer, adding an interactive and engaging element to their dining and social experience at the venue.

Details:
• Offer: Complimentary first drink and 30% off the total bill for guests with the selected surname
• Announcement: Every Monday at 12:00 PM via Instagram Stories
• Location: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• For reservations: +971 56 414 2213

Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, introducing the brand’s premium lifestyle hospitality to the Lao capital. Set on Fa Ngum Road, overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, the 197-key hotel offers a fresh base for business trips, city breaks and riverside stays in Vientiane.

The opening marks Avani’s second hotel in Laos, following Avani+ Luang Prabang, and brings the brand’s practical, upbeat approach to the country’s capital. Designed for travellers who want comfort, flexibility and a sense of place, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel combines smart Page 1 of 5 guestrooms, connected social spaces, relaxed dining, wellness facilities and meetings and events spaces designed for both local and international guests.

Guestrooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to a Presidential Suite, with layouts that support both work and downtime. Clean lines, efficient space planning and warm contemporary details reflect Avani’s easy-going style, creating a stay that feels polished without being overcomplicated.

The hotel is opening in phases, with a curated selection of rooms, dining, leisure and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the months ahead.

Dining will play a central role in the hotel experience, with four venues launching in stages. Mekong Mosaic, opening on 1 July 2026, is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving international comfort cuisine alongside Lao-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, wellnessfocused options and flexible formats including in-room and poolside dining. Sabaidee Social will follow in Q3 2026, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired tapas and bar concept to Vientiane, with casual dining, drinks and live entertainment. The Pantry will offer a relaxed café and co-working space, serving specialty coffee, bakery items, desserts and grab-and-go options throughout the day. Salongxay, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, will present a refined Thai-Lao dining experience, with contemporary takes on traditional recipes, a strong wine programme and an intimate setting for dinners and special occasions.

Wellness facilities are also being introduced in phases. During the first stage of opening, guests can access the outdoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. AvaniSpa and expanded wellness experiences will be added as the hotel moves toward its full launch, bringing Avani’s balanced approach to wellbeing to the centre of Vientiane.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel is set to become a key address for meetings, events and celebrations in the capital. Lanexang Hall can accommodate up to 320 guests, supported by additional meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces. Select event facilities are available during the first phase of opening, with the full meetings and events offering to be introduced progressively.

Guests can also tap into curated local experiences and personalised concierge services, connecting them with Vientiane’s cultural heritage, riverside lifestyle and evolving urban scene. The hotel supports Avani’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients, support for local producers and artisans, seasonal menus, the reduction of single-use plastics where possible and thoughtful operational practices.