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DUBAI’S NEWEST DINING TREND ISN’T A DISH, IT’S AN EXPERIENCE FOR BRINGING BACK THE OLD ROMANCE

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Launching on 3rd August 2026 and running every Monday from 7pm to midnight, the restaurant’s “Bringing Back the Old Romance” transforms the restaurant into a full sensory reset for the evening, with candlelight, dimmed lighting and a slower soundtrack replacing the usual buzz. Every table is dressed for the occasion, with personalised candles carrying a single rose, and a notepad for writing messages to take home, sealed in an envelope.

In a city where restaurant tables are as likely to be shared with a phone as with a partner, Rodeo Drive at Ibn Battuta Gate has introduced a weekly ritual designed to bring couples back to each other, a chance to ditch the phone, disconnect, and reconnect with their lover.

Couples can choose from four set menu packages, priced per couple ranging from 220 AED to 499 AED. You & Me offers a pared-back shared starter, a main each and a shared dessert. Romeo & Juliet builds on this with access to the full menu, including smokehouse and live-fire dishes, alongside a house beverage each. Beauty & the Beast adds a starter and dessert per person and a bottle of house wine to share, while Bonnie & Clyde Go Crazy, the most indulgent tier, offers unlimited starters and house beverages across a relaxed 2.5-hour seating.

Dishes lean into bold, comforting flavours built for sharing, from smoked brisket queso and live-fire cedar plank salmon to rib eye topped with cowboy butter, alongside a wider selection of wings, tacos, pasta and burgers, finishing with Basque cheesecake or a s’mores brownie for two.

The host can further personalise the evening while reserving the table with add-ons including a single long-stem rose, chocolate-dipped strawberries, a smokehouse sharing board, or a romantic table upgrade complete with a bouquet, chocolates and a personalised card to surprise the other.

At the centre of the evening sits an unusual proposition: put the phone away, and be rewarded for it. The 20% Challenge invites couples to lock their phones in a table box for a full hour, receiving 20% off their bill once the hour is complete. The mechanic is built around a simple idea, rewarding couples for giving each other undivided attention.

This idea taps into something couples quietly know but rarely act on: an evening feels different when nobody reaches for their phone. By tying that hour of disconnection to a genuine reward, Rodeo Drive makes it easy to actually follow through, turning a familiar intention into a habit worth keeping. Guests can look forward to it each week, a small, standing invitation to slow down together.

Tables can be booked 24 hours in advance, with a prepayment confirming the table, the romantic set-up and the finer details. Guests are asked to share both first names when booking so candle cards are ready on arrival.

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Hospitality

Al Bustan Centre & Residence concludes successful participation  at Arabian Travel Market 2026

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Al Bustan Centre & Residence concluded a successful participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, where it connected with travel industry partners and explored new business opportunities across the GCC, Europe, CIS, Asia and other international markets.

During the exhibition, the established Dubai hotel apartment property held productive discussions with tour operators, destination management companies, travel agencies, corporate travel partners and international buyers. The meetings focused on building long-term partnerships that can generate sustainable, year-round business.

The property also highlighted the growing demand for accommodation that combines hotel services with the comfort, space and flexibility of a home. This trend is creating new opportunities across corporate accommodation, relocation, extended stays, family travel and group business.

Moussa El Hayek, Chief Operating Officer of Al Bustan Centre & Residence, said the positive response received during ATM reflected the travel industry’s continued confidence in Dubai as a global destination for tourism, business and long-term living.

“Our participation at Arabian Travel Market was highly productive and gave us an important opportunity to reconnect with existing partners while meeting new buyers and travel professionals from several international markets,” El Hayek said.

“Dubai continues to demonstrate that tourism growth is not only about increasing visitor numbers; it is about building a complete destination where people can visit, work, live and return. For hotel apartments such as Al Bustan Centre & Residence, that creates a strong opportunity to serve the evolving needs of today’s traveller.”

Dubai’s combination of tourism, business, lifestyle and residential opportunities has created a broad hospitality ecosystem. Travellers may initially visit for a holiday, meeting or event before returning for work, investment, relocation or a longer stay.

Al Bustan Centre & Residence differentiates itself by providing spacious accommodation, flexible short- and long-stay options, convenient connectivity and facilities that support guests’ everyday needs. The property continues to modernise and adapt its services in response to changing expectations.

Technology and sustainability were also central to the property’s discussions at ATM. Al Bustan believes digital solutions should simplify the guest experience and improve operational efficiency while preserving the personal service at the heart of hospitality.

The property recently received the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp 2025 – Hotel Apartment Standard, awarded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality, supported by its long-standing collaboration with Emirates Environmental Group and participation in environmental initiatives.

“Sustainability must become part of everyday hotel operations rather than simply being treated as a marketing initiative,” El Hayek added.

Following ATM 2026, Al Bustan Centre & Residence will continue discussions with potential partners while strengthening its presence across traditional and emerging source markets.

“We look forward to building on the conversations held at ATM and developing practical, long-term collaborations that create value for our partners and support Dubai’s continued tourism growth,” El Hayek concluded.

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Hospitality

Minor Hotels Signs Avani+ Hanoi in the Vietnamese Capital

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Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has signed a management agreement with Trading Construction Works Organization to operate Avani+ Hanoi, a 310-key hotel in Hanoi’s Bach Mai Ward.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel forms part of a mixed-use precinct anchored by Hinode City, a new lifestyle mall, alongside 1,099 residential and serviced apartments. Located at the intersection of Minh Khai and Kim Nguu Street, the development benefits from a vibrant neighbourhood and convenient transportation links with the city’s Old Quarter a 10-minute drive away.

Avani+ Hanoi marks a continuation of Minor Hotels’ growth in Vietnam, where the group operates four properties under its Anantara and Avani brands – Anantara Hoi An Resort, Anantara Mui Ne Resort, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas and Avani Quy Nhon Resort – along with luxury train carriages, The Vietage by Anantarav. The signing extends the group’s footprint into one of Vietnam’s key metropolitan areas and establishes its first property in the nation’s capital of Hanoi.

The premium lifestyle hotel will bring the Avani brand’s distinctive design and energy to the city, with facilities including an indoor swimming pool and deck, a fitness centre, all-day dining and specialty restaurants along with meeting and function spaces. Avani+ Hanoi’s central location caters to corporate travellers, long-stay and leisure guests.

Avani+ Hanoi and the broader Hinode City mixed-use development are among the latest projects of the Trading Construction Works Organization, a diversified corporation with a presence across real estate, industrial manufacturing and energy sectors.

“This is our first branded hotel in a major Vietnamese city, and the central Bach Mai Ward is the right place to start. Avani+ Hanoi’s prime location gives us a genuine hub in the capital, with strong appeal to both business and leisure travellers seeking a wellconnected urban base.”

Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, Minor Hotels

“This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Minor Hotels and reflects our shared vision of bringing international hospitality standards to Hinode City. We are confident that Avani+ Hanoi Hotel will set a new benchmark for premium hospitality in Hanoi while creating lasting value for guests, investors and the wider community.”

Vo Toan Cong, Chairman of Gerbera-II Hospitality One Member Company Limited, a subsidiary of Trading Construction Works Organization.

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Hospitality

Celebrate Saudi National Day in AlUla through cultural heritage activations and luxury hospitality

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Discover vibrant community events across AlManshiyah Plaza, AlUla Old Town and AlJadidah Arts District, exclusive resort stays, restorative spa experiences, and the annual date harvest season

AlUla is welcoming visitors to celebrate Saudi National Day amidst its breathtaking sandstone canyons, ancient heritage sites and lively cultural districts of the city. With activities taking place on 23rd and 24th September, this year’s celebration brings together traditional folklore, film screenings, interactive workshops, live music and world-class hospitality within one experiential destination.

Cultural Celebrations and Community Activations

Festivities across AlUla’s key districts will feature National Day decorations, illuminated gateways, standing flags along connecting pathways, and background national melodies, with operating hours varying by location and activity.

The main celebration launches on Wednesday, 23rd September across AlUla’s principal hubs. At AlManshiyah Plaza, visitors can enjoy background National Day music, dedicated children’s activities starting at 8:30pm, two live performances of the Saudi Ardah folklore sword dance at 9:00pm and 11:30pm, and vibrant Farmers Market activities.

In AlJadidah Arts District, live musical performances by the AlUla Music Hub take place at the Shurofat of AlJadidah (balconies), featuring two shows between 9:00pm and 11:00pm, while Madrasat Addeera and the AlJadidah Traditional Arts Studios host an adult embroidery workshop from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to craft a keepsake brooch inspired by Saudi motifs, alongside guided tours of the Madrasat Addeera Visitor Centre. Travelers arriving at AlUla Airport on 23rd September will also be greeted with special National Day arrival giveaways, including flowers, chocolates, and commemorative pins.

Celebrations continue Thursday, 24th September, with storytelling taking centre stage through the Qissa bi Qissa activation at Huna Space in AlUla Old Town. Inspired by UNESCO’s Story Circles methodology, this complimentary storytelling programme led by local Rawi guides offers bilingual English and Arabic sessions from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, allowing participants to connect through shared heritage and community narratives.

Across both 23rd and 24th September, film enthusiasts can gather at Cinema AlJadidah, powered by VOX in collaboration with the Saudi Cinema Association’s Shashtna initiative, presenting three nightly screenings between 8:00pm and 2:00am showcasing acclaimed Saudi short films.

Families with young children can take part in a dedicated interactive programme at the AlUla Public Library featuring face painting and creative activities across five sessions from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. Throughout both days, local Productive Families kiosks and the Green Dew booth lined across Old Town and AlJadidah will showcase regional handicrafts, local snacks, and artisanal goods.

Honouring the harvest

September also marks the annual AlUla Dates Season, running from 18th to 27th September at the Farmers Market in AlManshiyah Plaza, celebrating the destination’s deep agricultural roots and centuries-old date palm cultivation. On 24th September, AlManshiyah Plaza integrates both National Day celebrations and Dates Season activities featuring Saudi Ardah performances, children’s entertainment, and farmers market activities, giving visitors an authentic taste of AlUla’s rich oasis culture and community spirit.

Exclusive hotel stays

For Saudi National Day week, The Chedi Hegra is offering its Emerald Treasures of the Kingdom package directly inside Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests receive a traditional welcome with Arabic coffee and dates, along with a limited-edition gift. The offer includes a Hegra Heritage Bike Tour, an evening Stargazing experience, a National Day afternoon tea or dessert experience, complimentary room upgrades subject to availability, and early check-in and late check-out. Guests also enjoy savings across resort amenities, including 20% off spa treatments and 40% off dining. In addition, the resort’s Prima Classe restaurant features a dedicated Saudi National Day Sharing Experience with a multi-course menu celebrating modern Saudi flavours accompanied by specialty mocktails and Saudi coffee.

In celebration of Saudi National Day, Our Habitas AlUla offers a tranquil retreat with its Saudi National Day Stay Offer for stays between 22nd and 25th September. Guests booking prior to 25th September receive a complimentary villa upgrade, daily breakfast savings on food and beverage outlets, flexible 24-hour check-in and check-out, and a welcome drink upon arrival, while children under 12 stay and dine for free. Outside guests looking to unwind by the water can also purchase the AlUla Pool Day Pass for full access to the resort’s infinity pool.

Banyan Tree AlUla invites guests to settle into luxurious tented villas nestled beneath ancient rock formations. Valid for stays from 22nd to 26th September, the resort’s Saudi National Day package includes daily breakfast, discounts on dining, complimentary stays and meals for kids, flexible 24-hour check-in and check-out, a complimentary upgrade to a pool villa subject to availability and shared access to facilities across both Banyan Tree AlUla and Our Habitas AlUla. For a romantic retreat, couples can choose a Romantic Escape package, complete with daily breakfast, a 90-minute couples’ spa experience, a private dinner at Saffron, and an in-villa romantic bath ritual.

Surrounded by towering rock formations, Shaden Resort features a dedicated National Day promotion for stays between 23rd and 25th September across all room categories, inclusive of daily breakfast and a complimentary dinner. Guests visiting throughout September can also enjoy weekday Sky Cinema outdoor movie screenings under the stars, and weekend poolside sports match broadcasts with mocktails and light bites.

Cloud7 Residence AlUla introduces its Proudly Saudi National Day Offer for guests seeking a vibrant, community-focused bungalow stay. Available to book now for stays from 22nd to 26th September (minimum two-night stay), the package features a 25% discount on bungalow room rates. As an added cultural perk, the offer includes guided tours of the ancient heritage sites of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, alongside an immersive AlUla Old Town experience.

For Saudi National Day, Dar Tantora the House Hotel is offering its Proudly Saudi package in AlUla Old Town for stays in the Dar Al Luban room category between 22nd and 26th September (bookable until 18th September with a minimum two-night stay). The stay includes a 25% discount on room rates, a traditional five-sense welcome upon check-in, a guided heritage tour of AlUla Old Town, and flexible early check-in and late check-out.

Wellness and spa indulgences

On 23rd September, Our Habitas Spa will offer complimentary sound bath healing sessions for in-house guests, alongside a special offer where booking any massage of 60 minutes or longer unlocks an additional 30 minutes of complimentary spa pampering.

Running through 30th September, Banyan Tree Spa AlUla invites guests to experience holistic treatments combining Eastern and Western wellness philosophies. Guests booking a 60- or 90-minute massage receive 30 complimentary additional minutes or can choose a special 30% discount across 60- and 90-minute massage sessions.

Saudi National Day in AlUla offers a special union of vibrant community tradition, luxury sanctuary and timeless natural beauty, and an extraordinary setting for the national holiday.

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