Hospitality News
Abu Dhabi Now Available for Virtual Exploration

Yas Island is ready to be discovered by a global online audience as it launches unique virtual experiences today, allowing users from around the world to digitally explore Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment and leisure hub and other iconic landmarks in the emirate. The initiative is part of a pioneering collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54, and Ethara (formerly Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Flash Entertainment).
The virtual Yas Island experience was developed by Super League and initially breaks through on leading platform Roblox, accessible at Yas Island Tycoon – Roblox. Users’ digital avatars take a thrilling journey through key Abu Dhabi landmarks on Yas Island and beyond, including SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Aldar Square, twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub, and an Experience Abu Dhabi dedicated area featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort. Players will be able to traverse the 25-square-kilometre virtual site and experience a playable, socially engaging world designed to entertain and inform audiences globally.
Throughout a blend of interactive experiences, immersive environments, games, and soon to come one-of-a-kind events, players can explore and build cultural and entertainment attractions within Abu Dhabi. As players progress through the virtual destination and its attractions, they will experience more adventures such as theme park rides, driving across Yas Island in race cars and constructing virtual homes, to name a few. Customisable avatars and surprise awards are part of every player’s personalised adventure. This gamified experience will continually evolve with new partnerships, collaborations and experiences.
HE Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This immersive adventure in the virtual realm is the latest example of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to utilising innovation and creativity to reach ever wider audiences. While we have shared Abu Dhabi with millions of visitors in the real world, today marks the start of a new phase in our journey. Everyone, wherever they are, can experience the emirate from the comfort of their own home. At DCT Abu Dhabi, we have been on a mission to progress, protect and promote the emirate as a leading tourism destination, and by offering virtual experiences, we aim to share Abu Dhabi with the world in a new way, inspiring curiosity and excitement about everything the UAE capital has to offer.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, added: “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to remain relevant to all guests, including those in the virtual realm. The launch of Yas Island’s digital experience is an exciting step in Miral’s commitment to digital transformation, harnessing advanced technology to deliver highly personalized and memorable experiences. While Yas Island has already solidified its position as a global entertainment and leisure destination, we are excited to be able to welcome a new category of customers, and we look forward to offering exceptional and immersive digital experiences that redefine the boundaries of entertainment.”
Rashed Al Omaira, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldar Development, said: “The virtual Yas Island experience unlocks new opportunities for a global audience to explore the island as a world-class destination to live, visit, and work. The effective use of innovative content creation not only enables us to tell the story of Abu Dhabi but also allows people around the world to become immersed in it. We are excited to see people interact with Aldar’s assets on Yas Island in the virtual world and hope it inspires them to take a trip to Abu Dhabi soon.”
Mark Whitehead, CEO of twofour54, said: “Through our community of leading international and regional media businesses, we see first-hand that demand for content that tells Abu Dhabi’s inspiring story has never been higher. The opportunity to explore one of the emirate’s most vibrant destinations using a highly interactive platform is a perfect way to meet this demand. It is yet another demonstration of virtual content creation happening in Abu Dhabi.”
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said “At Ethara, our ambition is to be the gatekeepers of first-to-market events and to unlock unique opportunities in events, activations, and entertainment. We are delighted to be part of this unique and innovative experience and are proud to be leading the way for the event industry in the region. The virtual Yas Island experience is in line with both our vision at Ethara and Yas Island’s to highlight itself as a global creative hub and leading entertainment destination. We are constantly seeking ways to deliver thrilling experiences for our fans, and delivering moments that matter.”
Hospitality
Coop House weekly offers: your new go-to in Mirdif

The Coop House is turning weekdays and weekends into mini occasions. With the Coop House weekly offers, the Mediterranean-meets-Italian favourite at Mirdif City Centre now pairs comfort dishes with sharp value and a touch of theatre. Moreover, the space mixes rustic textures and modern lines, so families, foodies, and casual diners feel instantly at home. Meanwhile, the menu still delivers its signatures—wood-fired pizzas, rich pastas, coastal seafood, and playful crossovers like the Risotto Biryani—yet the new line-up adds a rhythm to every day.
Coop House weekly offers: Pizza & Pasta Night (Thursdays)

Every Thursday from 6 PM, dinner shifts into comfort mode. Guests choose from creamy Penne Alfredo, bubbling Lasagna al Forno, classic Spaghetti Bolognese, or aromatic Truffle Mushroom Risotto. For pizza lovers, options include a blistered Margherita, smoky Pepperoni, and earthy Spinach & Mushroom Bianca. Even better, the Live Pasta Station brings flair as the chef finishes dishes to order—steam, sizzle, and all. Each main comes with a soft drink for AED 69, so you can wind down the week with flavour and fun.
Coop House weekly offers: Seafood Nights (Fridays)
Fridays from 3 PM, the kitchen leans into seaside comfort. The Seafood Linguine is generously tossed with prawns, calamari, and mussels in a light cherry-tomato sauce. Meanwhile, the Pan-Seared Salmon with herbed roast vegetables keeps things wholesome. For bolder palates, Chargrilled Prawns with lemon butter or Grilled Calamari with spicy salsa deliver a satisfying kick. Naturally, each seafood dish with a soft drink is AED 79, turning Friday into your coastal reset.
Business Lunch that feels special (Mon–Thu)

Weekdays from 12 PM to 3 PM, the Business Lunch brings a three-course menu that’s anything but routine. Start with Figs & Walnut Salad or creamy Tomato Burrata, then move to Rotisserie Chicken with velvety hummus and freshly baked fuchsia bread, or Basil Pesto Linguine. To finish, pick a rich Chocolate Fondant or a light Tiramisu. Thoughtfully portioned and swiftly served, the set menu lands at AED 79—perfect for colleagues, client catch-ups, or a solo upgrade to your workday.
Happy Hours, happier afternoons (Mon–Wed)
From Monday to Wednesday, 4 PM to 6 PM, take a well-earned pause. With 40% off the total bill, you can graze on crispy Dynamite Prawns, Feta & Beetroot Salad, golden Fried Calamari, or indulgent Truffle Fries topped with cheese and herbs. Pair your picks with an iced tea, a classic mocktail, or a freshly brewed coffee. Because the window sits before dinner, it’s an easy meet-up slot for friends and families alike.
Breakfast Tray for Two (daily)

From 9 AM to 1 PM, mornings start strong. The Breakfast Tray for Two blends Mediterranean and Arabic favourites: fluffy scrambled eggs, warm shakshouka, creamy labneh, hummus, foul medames, mini croissants, soft breads, jams, and marinated olives. It arrives with freshly brewed coffee or signature iced tea—all for AED 99. It’s abundant, shareable, and perfect for a relaxed start.
Spin the Wheel surprises (select days)
On quieter days, spending AED 75 or more earns a spin at The Coop House prize wheel. You might land exclusive discounts, complimentary bites, or a sweet treat to take home. It’s a simple touch, yet it keeps the experience playful and rewarding.
Plan your visit
You’ll find The Coop House at Mirdif City Centre, an easy stop for families and after-work diners. Because the venue is equally suited to quick lunches and long catch-ups, it works for almost any plan. And since the Coop House weekly offers run across multiple dayparts, you can pick the moment that fits—Thursday pasta theatre, Friday seafood, a weekday power lunch, or a leisurely breakfast.
Ultimately, the new offers are about more than price points. They’re about rhythm—adding dependable moments of flavour to your week. Come for the pizzas and pastas; stay for the seafood and sweets; return for the service and the way the room feels when the plates hit the table. That’s how regulars are made.
Check out our previous post, DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan: Hilton’s first hotel
Hospitality
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan

Hilton has marked a milestone with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali—its first hotel in Pakistan—bringing the brand’s signature welcome to one of the country’s most beloved hill stations. Set in the Galiyat region, roughly 85 kilometers from Islamabad, the mountain retreat blends contemporary comforts with alpine scenery, offering a year-round base for families, couples, adventurers, and business travelers.
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan: Hilton’s first foothold
The debut signals clear confidence in Pakistan’s tourism trajectory. As Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, notes, destinations with rich heritage and natural charm are primed for growth. Therefore, placing Hilton’s first flag in Nathiagali feels both strategic and guest-centric: travelers gain access to an international hospitality standard, while local tourism benefits from global visibility and jobs.
Where alpine scenery meets warm hospitality
Steps from Lalazar Park, the hotel sits within easy reach of Mushkpuri Top, Miranjani Peak, Ayubia National Park, the Dunga Gali Pipeline Track, and St. Matthew’s Church—many within five kilometers. Consequently, guests can plan mellow strolls, scenic drives, or summit days without long transfers. Meanwhile, pine forests and rolling meadows frame the property, creating postcard views in every season—from crisp summers to snow-blanketed winters.
Rooms, dining, and wellness for every season
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan features 110 rooms, including 14 suites that look toward the Mushkpuri and Miranjani hills. Thoughtful layouts, plush bedding, and mountain-view nooks make downtime feel restorative after a day outdoors. For dining, the lobby-level Coffee Shop serves fresh brews and gourmet bites; Shogun brings a refined Pan-Asian menu; and Zareen on the third floor spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a global touch. At the Lalazar Terrace Café, guests can linger over specialty teas, high tea, or a barbecue buffet under an open sky.
Wellbeing is central here. A curated spa menu covers soothing massages and holistic therapies, while a fully equipped fitness center supports daily routines. Additionally, the indoor infinity pool—with floor-to-ceiling panoramas—turns every swim into a viewpoint.
Meetings, celebrations, and memorable gatherings
Whether you are planning a board meeting or a mountain wedding, the property offers flexible venues and experienced support. Two signature banquet halls—Mushkpuri and Miranjani—each host up to 200 guests, ideal for receptions, conferences, or gala dinners. For more intimate sessions, Sohni and Nouri provide smaller meeting rooms. Moreover, tailored catering, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and in-house audiovisual support help events run smoothly from first brief to final toast.
New experiences on the horizon
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan will soon introduce the country’s first mountain padel court, a private-cinema lounge, a children’s zone, and beauty salon services—enhancing the “all-ages, all-seasons” profile. Additionally, the on-site helipad simplifies arrivals and departures, particularly for celebratory occasions or executive retreats that benefit from time-saving transfers.
Hospitality with local impact
Partnerships shape successful openings. Owned and managed by The Baron Pakistan (Pvt) Limited, the hotel aligns international brand standards with local stewardship. As Managing Director Imtiaz Muslim underscores, the collaboration supports regional tourism while delivering lasting value to guests and communities. In practice, that means more training, broader career pathways, and a hospitality experience that honors place as much as it embraces polish.
Hilton Honors benefits, made simple
Members of Hilton Honors can unlock familiar advantages when booking directly via Hilton’s preferred channels. Because the app streamlines check-in, room selection, and Digital Key access, guests can move from arrival to relaxation quickly. Furthermore, the flexible Points-and-money slider helps members tailor stays to their budget—useful for families or groups planning longer mountain breaks.
Plan your Nathiagali escape
The Galiyat hills combine fresh air, pine scent, and sweeping viewpoints with easy access from Islamabad. Therefore, DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan makes a compelling base: mornings can start with a summit walk; afternoons might drift into spa time; evenings can stretch over terrace tea as the valleys glow. With new activities debuting soon, travelers will find more reasons to return—across seasons and occasions.
Check out our previous post Atlantis Dubai Executive Director of Sales: Dean Walsh Appointed
Hospitality
Atlantis Dubai Executive Director of Sales: Dean Walsh Appointed


Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Atlantis Dubai has named Dean Walsh as its new Executive Director of Sales, a promotion that reflects his proven leadership and impressive track record. In this role, he will spearhead global leisure market growth for both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, two of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations.
Driving Leisure Market Growth for Atlantis Dubai
Since joining Atlantis Dubai in August 2023, Dean Walsh has enhanced the resort’s presence in key markets such as the UK, Europe, and Australasia. By aligning sales strategies with the brand’s commercial vision, he boosted market share across major leisure segments. Leading a global team of 15, he drove strong revenue growth while fostering collaboration and ensuring sales execution stayed aligned with broader business goals.
Expanding Responsibilities as Executive Director of Sales
In his new position, Walsh will direct and oversee Atlantis Dubai’s leisure sales strategy across both domestic and international markets. He will also manage Directors and Managers responsible for leisure segments worldwide, reporting directly to Kyp Charalambous, Vice President of Sales.
Charalambous praised the appointment, stating: “Dean’s proven track record, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him the ideal leader to guide our sales team through its next chapter of growth.”
Experience Across Global Luxury Hospitality
With nearly 20 years of hospitality experience, Dean Walsh brings extensive expertise to Atlantis Dubai. He has held senior sales roles at leading brands such as InterContinental, One&Only Resorts, Viceroy, W Hotels, and Jumeirah. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing teams, forged strong partnerships, and consistently delivered revenue growth across competitive markets.
Strengthening Atlantis Dubai’s Global Position
The appointment underscores Atlantis Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its commercial success while continuing to deliver world-class guest experiences. By placing Walsh at the helm of its leisure sales strategy, Atlantis Dubai is preparing to expand further into international markets and attract a new wave of travelers to its extraordinary resorts.
Check out our previous post on Kempinski Hotels Guest Experience Elevated with New Leadership
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