Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2026, establishing a framework for collaboration to strengthen international air cargo connectivity and support the growth of aviation-related trade.

The agreement creates opportunities for the organizations to exchange market insights, explore joint initiatives, and identify opportunities to expand air cargo and passenger activity. The collaboration supports Virginia’s broader strategy to strengthen Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) as a competitive global air cargo gateway, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive supply chains serving the pharmaceutical, perishables, energy, data center, and cloud computing industries. These strategic sectors depend on reliable global connectivity to support investment, innovation, and international trade.

Etihad Cargo’s experience across specialised cargo segments complements the areas of focus identified under the MOU. Its dedicated PharmaLife and FreshForward products support the transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishables, alongside broader capabilities in handling high-value, time-sensitive and specialised cargo across its global network.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Virginia is home to industries with highly specialised logistics requirements, from pharmaceuticals and perishables to technology and data centre infrastructure. Etihad Cargo’s experience in handling temperature-sensitive, high-value and time-critical shipments gives us a strong foundation to contribute practical cargo expertise to this collaboration. Through the MOU with VEDP, we look forward to exchanging knowledge and exploring opportunities that strengthen international air cargo connectivity through Washington Dulles.”

“The value of an air cargo gateway isn’t measured simply by the freight moving through it, but by the investment and economic activity it enables,” said Eric Jehu, Vice President of Logistics at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “Virginia is building the logistics capabilities and strategic partnerships that allow our industries to compete in global markets. Our collaboration with Etihad Cargo represents another important step toward connecting Virginia businesses to global opportunities and strengthening the Commonwealth’s position as a gateway for international trade.”

A night of dark romance, dinner and dancing awaits as La Niña dresses in black for Halloween

This Halloween, La Niña invites guests to embrace the darker side of romance with The Black Wedding, a one-night-only celebration bringing together dinner, music and late-night revelry in an atmosphere of mystery and drama.

Taking place on Friday, 30 October from 8:00 PM onwards, the evening will see La Niña transform for a Halloween affair dressed entirely in black, setting the scene for an unconventional wedding celebration where dark romance meets the dancefloor.

Guests are invited to begin the evening over dinner, experiencing La Niña’s signature cuisine before the atmosphere shifts as the night unfolds. DJs will take over the soundtrack, carrying the celebration into the late hours and turning dinner into a full Halloween night out.

In keeping with The Black Wedding theme, guests are encouraged to arrive in all-black mourning attire, with veils, lace and dramatic details setting the dress code for the evening.

Elegant yet mysterious, The Black Wedding offers an alternative to the traditional Halloween party, bringing La Niña’s distinctive character to the occasion through food, music and a touch of theatricality. Gather for dinner. Stay for the celebration. Dress to kill.

EVENT DETAILS: Date: Friday, 30 October 2026 Time: 8:00 PM onwards | Dress-Code: All-black mourning attire – veils, lace and a touch of drama Venue: La Niña, Dubai | Location: ICD Brookfield Place – DIFC – Dubai

The festive season is set to take centre stage at Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah, with a line-up of celebrations designed to bring families and friends together throughout December and into the New Year.

From the moment the Christmas tree lights up in the hotel lobby on 8 December, the hotel will welcome guests into the festive spirit with a programme spanning gingerbread-making afternoons for little ones, indulgent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining, a traditional turkey takeaway for celebrations at home, and two distinct New Year’s Eve experiences culminating in views of Dubai’s spectacular fireworks from the rooftop.

A Festive Welcome

The season begins on 8 December 2026 with the hotel’s complimentary Christmas Tree Lighting, taking place from 7pm to 9pm in the lobby. Families are invited to gather for an evening of music, sparkle and festive entertainment as the magnificent Christmas tree is illuminated, officially marking the start of the celebrations at Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah.

For younger guests, the magic continues with Gingerbread House Making on 11, 13, 18 and 20 December. From 4pm to 7pm, children can create their own festive masterpieces with guidance from the hotel’s chef, alongside lively entertainment, festive cheer and a special kids’ buffet at Cuisines Restaurant. The experience is priced at AED 79 per child. 

Christmas Feasts for Every Table

For those celebrating at home, the hotel’s Turkey Takeaway brings a traditional Christmas feast to the dining table. The whole roasted turkey, weighing between 5 and 7kg, comes accompanied by festive favourites including buttery mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts, homemade sausages in blankets, braised red cabbage, traditional stuffing, cranberry sauce and giblet gravy.

Priced at AED 430, the turkey must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance. As an added festive treat, every turkey purchase comes with a complimentary 1kg Yule Log Cake. 

On Christmas Eve, guests can choose between two culinary celebrations. At Cuisines Restaurant, a lavish Christmas Eve Dinner from 7pm to 11pm will bring together roast turkey, a seafood bar, fresh sushi and an array of festive dishes, with a special visit from Santa adding to the family-friendly atmosphere. Packages start from AED 299 for adults with unlimited soft beverages, while children under six dine free and children aged six to 12 receive 50% off. 

Meanwhile, Ginger Restaurant will transport guests to Southeast Asia with its Christmas Eve Thai Market, featuring sushi and sashimi, seafood platters, Tom Yam and Pad Thai stations, hearty soups, sizzling grills, aromatic curries and festive desserts, alongside live culinary stations. Prices start at AED 299 with unlimited soft beverages and AED 399 with unlimited house beverages. For reservations, call or WhatsApp +971 50 109 0314

Christmas Day continues with two dining experiences. The Fisherman’s Market at Ginger Restaurant, taking place from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, will serve up sushi, sashimi, fresh salads, live Tom Som and Pad Thai stations, soups, grills, curries and festive desserts. 

Earlier in the day, Christmas Day Brunch at Cuisines Restaurant will bring together Pan-Asian, Middle Eastern, Western and Indian specialties, alongside fresh seafood, sushi and interactive live cooking stations. Taking place from 1pm to 4pm, the brunch is priced at AED 299 with unlimited soft drinks or AED 399 with unlimited house beverages, with children under six dining free and those aged six to 12 receiving 50% off. 

Ring in 2027

As December draws to a close, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah will continue the celebrations with two New Year’s Eve experiences.

The hotel’s New Year’s Eve Gala will take place from 7pm to 2am, combining an opulent gala dinner buffet with global flavours, live cooking stations and Cuban live music. As midnight approaches, guests can head to the rooftop to take in panoramic views of Dubai’s dazzling fireworks as the new year begins. Packages start from AED 299 with unlimited soft drinks and AED 399 with unlimited house beverages, with children under six dining free and those aged six to 12 receiving 50% off. 

Over at The Docks, the New Year’s Eve Celebration offers a more energetic way to welcome 2027, with Cuban beats, house beverages and a signature platter. Guests can choose between the terrace and pub while enjoying an evening of music and festive atmosphere. The experience is priced at AED 399 per adult and runs from 11am on 31 December until 1am on 1 January. 

The celebrations continue into the first day of 2027 with the New Year’s Day Brunch at Cuisines Restaurant. From 1pm to 4pm, guests can ease into the new year with global flavours prepared across interactive live cooking stations, alongside family and friends. Packages start from AED 299 with unlimited soft drinks or AED 399 with unlimited house beverages, with children under six dining free and those aged six to 12 receiving 50% off. 

With festive traditions, family-friendly experiences, international dining and celebrations that stretch from the first Christmas lights to the first brunch of 2027, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah is making the festive season an invitation to gather, celebrate and create memories together.