Hospitality News

A Trip to the Titanic Wrecks: Five Lives at Stake in a Missing Submarine

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

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Canadian search mission aircraft have recently detected banging noises from a location near the vicinity where the submarine was last seen.

The search operators reported hearing the banging sound after every 30 minutes, but the source has yet to be found.

There are 40 hours of oxygen remaining in the submersible, giving the rescuers less than two days to locate it.

What Is The Story Behind The Missing Titanic Submarine?

On Sunday, a submarine started its journey with five tourists towards the Titanic Wrecks, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The wrecks lie approximately 12,500 feet below the ocean’s surface. The submersible remained in direct contact with the Polar Prince, the support ship that transported it near the destination. After 1 hour and 45 minutes, the connection with the Polar Prince was lost.

The submersible is designed to accommodate up to five people at a time and provides 96 hours of oxygen. Currently, there are 40 hours of oxygen remaining, leaving the rescue operations less than two days to locate the missing submarine. Each person in the submersible paid a sum of $250,000 for one seat to embark on this unique journey and experience the Titanic wreck site.

Who Is On Board?

The submersible departed for the Titanic wrecks with 5 individuals on board:

Hamish Harding

A 58-year-old businessman known for his involvement in numerous adventurous expeditions. He has previously traveled to space and has visited the South Pole multiple times.

Paul Henry Nargeolet

A 77-year-old former French Navy diver who has explored the Titanic wrecks on multiple occasions. He was also part of the first expedition that visited the site in 1987.

Stockton Rush

A 61-year-old CEO of OceanGate, the company responsible for manufacturing and operating the submersible. The missing submarine, Titan, is also manufactured by OceanGate.

Shahzada Dawood

A 48-year-old Pakistani businessman belonging to one of the country’s wealthiest families. He is also a supporter of two charities founded by King Charles. According to sources, King Charles has requested timely updates on the mission from the rescue operators.

Suleman Dawood

A 19-year-old student and the son of Shahzada Dawood. The father-son duo embarked on this journey to seek a new adventure.

What Is The Submersible Like From The Inside?

A submersible differs from a submarine in that it requires a support ship to launch it in the ocean. It also has limited reserves compared to a submarine and cannot remain underwater for extended periods. This submersible weighs around 25,000 pounds and has a titanium crew compartment.

The missing submersible, Titan, is equipped with basic emergency medical supplies and has 96 hours of oxygen for five people. The total size of the submersible is similar to a minivan. There is one toilet and there are no seats. All the passengers have to sit cross legged on the floor. For the view, there is only one porthole from where the passengers can view the site, apart from that there are no windows. The entire journey was expected to last 10-12 hours.

Who Owns The Submarine? Is It Safe For Such Operations?

The submersible is owned by OceanGate, a private company that provides submersible assets and crew members for research, commercial and military purposes. The company previously visited the Titanic wreck site in 2021 and 2022. Following two successful attempts, Titan was sent to the Titanic site again.

OceanGate has faced criticism in the past regarding deep-sea tourism. Two employees have also raised concerns about the safety of the submersible. The primary concerns revolve around the thickness of Titan’s hull, which could pose a significant challenge during rescue operations once it is located.

According to the company’s legal representative, OceanGate claims to have collaborated with the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory in building the vessel. However, university officials deny any involvement in the design, engineering, or testing of Titan.

How To Recover The Submarine Once Found?

Till now all the rescue operating companies have searched more than 10,000 miles. In this mission, the US Coast Guard, US Air Force, Canadian Military, US Navy, and Canadian Coast Guard, are working together. After the news break, France has also sent their research ships which has an underwater robot to help in this search. As per the reports, finding the submersible is just a first step. Rescuing it is another big challenge.

Hospitality

PIZZAEXPRESS UNVEILS FESTIVE MENUS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Festive PizzaExpress holiday spread featuring sparkling wine, mashed potatoes with turkey, creamy sauce, signature Dough Balls with dip, Christmas-themed decorations, and a pizza topped with cherry tomatoes and basil, alongside pasta dishes on a marble table.

PizzaExpress invites guests to celebrate the festive season with specially curated Christmas and New Year dining experiences, combining seasonal flavours, signature dishes, and a lively social atmosphere. Available throughout December and culminating in a vibrant New Year celebration, the festive menus have been designed to bring people together over food, music, and celebration.

“As the festive season approaches, we wanted to create menus that feel celebratory, comforting, and perfect for sharing,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, PizzaExpress. “Our Christmas and New Year offerings bring together seasonal ingredients, familiar favourites, and a vibrant atmosphere, making PizzaExpress a welcoming place for guests to celebrate with friends and family.”

For Christmas, guests can enjoy a festive set menu, offering a selection of seasonal starters, mains, and desserts inspired by classic holiday flavours. Highlights include creamy Cranberry Brussels Sprouts, Turkey Truffle Dough Balls, festive pizzas such as the Christmas Feast and Brussels & Porcini Truffle, and indulgent desserts including Speculoos Gingerbread Tiramisu and KitKat Stuffed Dough Balls

A selection of festive beverages and cocktails are also available to complement the dining experience.

The celebrations continue into New Year’s Eve, where guests can look forward to an extended festive menu featuring unlimited starters, seasonal pizzas, delicious pastas, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts, paired with a wide selection of beverages

From savoury dishes like Barbecue Burnt Ends pizza and creamy Cajun Chicken pizza to festive desserts and signature cocktails, the New Year menu is designed for relaxed, social dining as guests countdown to midnight.

Blending festive flavours with its signature dining experience, PizzaExpress offers a relaxed yet energetic setting for both Christmas gatherings and New Year celebrations, making it a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy great food and a lively atmosphere during the holiday season.

Hospitality

DINE WITH FRONT-ROW VIEWS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE BEACH JBR

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Night view of JBR Beach in Dubai with colorful fireworks lighting up the sky above Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, illuminated waterfront buildings, and palm trees in the foreground.

As December unfolds and temperatures drop, evenings at The Beach JBR are best spent outdoors. With open-air terraces, beachfront tables and uninterrupted sea views, the destination comes alive after dark, accompanied by live local musicians, nightly drone shows and a midnight fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Against this backdrop, dining takes center stage, with restaurants across The Beach JBR rolling out curated New Year’s Eve menus designed for long, celebratory evenings by the water.

New Year’s Eve Dining Highlights

Bombay Bungalow

Bombay Bungalow hosts New Year’s Eve dining indoors and outdoors, offering vegetarian, non-vegetarian and kids’ menus. Indoor dining is priced from AED 500 for vegetarian and AED 575 for non-vegetarian, while outdoor dining is available from AED 600 for vegetarian and AED 650 for non-vegetarian. Menus feature classic Indian dishes designed for sharing, making it well suited to family and group celebrations.

Eataly at The Beach

Eataly welcomes the New Year with a celebratory dining experience on 31 December from 8 PM to 1 AM. Guests can enjoy a specially curated New Year’s Eve menu, with minimum spend ranging from AED 550 to AED 1,950, depending on seating location, for an unhurried Italian dinner to close out the year.

Claw BBQ

Claw BBQ brings comfort-driven dining to New Year’s Eve with a three-course turkey menu priced at AED 125, featuring a starter, traditional turkey with all the trimmings and dessert. For those continuing the celebrations into the night, New Year’s Eve party packages are available from AED 475.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s presents a curated New Year’s Eve set menu priced at AED 799 for adults and AED 399 for children, featuring appetisers, mains, rice or noodles, dessert and mocktails in a festive setting.

La Mezcaleria

La Mezcaleria marks New Year’s Eve with its Midnight Glitz celebration on 31 December, offering a high-energy dining and party experience. Packages start from AED 800, combining bold Mexican flavours with live entertainment in an open-air setting.

Zou Zou

Zou Zou’s New Year’s Eve special menu showcases Turkish and Lebanese flavors, beginning with cold and hot mezze, followed by mixed grills, lamb shank with saffron rice and indulgent desserts such as baklava. Packages are priced at AED 699 (indoor), AED 999 (indoor with view) and AED 1,199 (outdoor view).

Awani

Awani’s New Year’s Eve set menu features a generous selection of cold and hot mezze, followed by a choice of mains including mixed grill, kebabs, fish sayadiyeh or signature chicken dishes. Indoor dining is priced at AED 900, while outdoor dining is AED 1,100.

Eat Greek Kouzina

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR offers an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetizers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, making it a lively, casual way to count down to midnight.

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetisers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, paired with front-row views of the fireworks.

Bla Bla

Bla Bla’s New Year’s Eve celebration, “A BLA-st from the Past,” combines dining and entertainment across the Restaurant, Rooftop, Pool Area and Tent. Restaurant dining is priced at AED 900 indoors and AED 1,300 outdoors, with rooftop and pool minimum spends available, alongside VIP options.

Yula Lounge

Yula offers a New Year’s Eve experience with entry tickets priced between AED 950 and AED 1,200, depending on seating location. Food and drinks are available à la carte, with premium areas offering prime positioning for the evening celebrations.

With midnight fireworks overhead, drones lighting up the sky at 8PM and 10PM and festive menus served by the panoramic sea views, The Beach JBR sets the stage for a New Year’s Eve that’s best enjoyed outdoors, around the table and in good company.

Hospitality

BIG SAM TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS CITY WALK UNPLUGGED KEEPS THE FESTIVE ENERGY GOING

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Close-up of a person wearing a black hoodie against a vibrant red and white gradient background with dramatic lighting effects.”

City Walk Unplugged turns up the festive atmosphere this week with a run of live performances across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, led by a standout headline set from Big Sam. Part of Dubai Shopping Festival and now in its fourth season, the open-air music series continues to transform City Walk into a vibrant evening destination, bringing together live sound, roaming entertainment, and a lively open-air atmosphere.

This Week at City Walk

Wednesday, 24 December

Sound Avenue Band – Live Performances

Christmas Eve at City Walk sets the tone with Sound Avenue Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their feel-good sound creates a relaxed yet festive backdrop as visitors gather to dine, stroll, and ease into the holiday evening.

Thursday, 25 December

RedLine Band – Live Performances
Redline Band brings live music to Christmas Day with performances at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm, adding warmth and energy to the destination. Their sets offer an easy-going soundtrack for a laid-back Christmas evening by the fountain and indoor Courtyard.

Friday, 26 December

MK Band – Live Performances
The weekend begins with MK Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their upbeat sound helps carry the festive momentum into Friday night, setting the pace for an evening of music and a lively open-air atmosphere.

Saturday, 27 December

Maya Mashhour and Band – Live Performances
Earlier in the evening, Maya Mashhour and Band set the tone with live performances at 6:20pm and 7:30pm, delivering a smooth and melodic sound that eases the destination into the night ahead of the headline act.

Big Sam – Live Performance
Big Sam headlines the weekend with a standout live performance at 8:30pm, bringing his signature soulful sound and strong stage presence to City Walk Unplugged. Known for his powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences, his set is expected to be one of the defining moments of the week, drawing visitors together for a high-energy yet intimate evening in the indoor Courtyard and fountain area.

Roaming Performances & Dance Shows

Across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, specially choreographed dance performances will appear throughout City Walk, adding spontaneous bursts of movement and energy across key areas of the destination.

Festive Setting Across City Walk

The destination continues to embrace the season with festive décor, including the signature Christmas Tree at the fountain, decorative installations at key entrances and enhanced seasonal touches throughout the C2 licensed dining district.

Shop, Dine & WIN During DSF

Win the new ARCFOX Alpha S when you spend AED 300 or more at participating City Walk outlets using the TICKIT Rewards App and enjoy an added highlight to your weekend at the destination.