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
CELEBRATE TOGETHERNESS THIS RAMADAN WITH AL HALLAB’S IFTAR OFFERINGS
This Ramadan, Al Hallab invites families and loved ones to come together over a generous and comforting Iftar experience inspired by time-honoured Lebanese traditions. Available across all three Al Hallab outlets and for delivery, the Ramadan offering is thoughtfully designed to celebrate togetherness with the flavours that define the holy month.
Guests can enjoy a full dine-in experience at any of Al Hallab’s three outlets, where tables are set with warm hospitality and a feast of Lebanese favorites. From comforting soups like Lentil, Chicken, or Mushroom, to cold appetizers including Hummus, Moutabal, Labneh, Fattoush, and Vine Leaves, every dish is prepared with care to celebrate the flavors of Lebanon. Hot appetizers, grilled skewers, daily mains, and fresh bread complete the spread, followed by a selection of premium Arabic sweets like Kunafa, Shaibeat, Othamlieh, Kunafa rolls, and fruits for dessert.
For those who prefer to break their fast at home, Al Hallab also offers Iftar meal boxes for delivery, making it easy to enjoy a complete Ramadan meal in the comfort of your own space. Available for one, two, or four people, each Iftar includes dates to break the fast, comforting soups, traditional juices like Kamaredine and Jallab, a selection of cold and hot appetizers, daily main dishes, and a taste of Ramadan’s sweetest delights, including Kataef Walnut and Shaibeyat Ashta.
Al Hallab’s Iftar is more than a meal; it is an invitation to gather, share, and celebrate the blessings of Ramadan with loved ones. Whether enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant or the comfort of home, every Iftar is a moment of joy, flavor, and heritage.
Hospitality
LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF LOOKUP ROOFTOP BAR WITH A REFINED MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY
La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai, Autograph Collection announces the reopening of its rooftop destination, LookUp Rooftop Bar,on 22nd January 2026. Reintroduced with a refined Mediterranean identity and a fully refreshed look, LookUp now offers a complete day-to-night experience that feels genuinely new, even for long- standing guests of the hotel.
Overlooking City Walk with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline, LookUp has been reshaped into a rooftop destination with greater depth and purpose. By day, the space centres around its infinity pool and open terraces, offering a relaxed setting for guests to unwind, swim and spend time outdoors. A strengthened food offering now plays a central role in the experience, with a full Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring wood fired pizzas and fresh sharable dishes, designed for casual dining and longer stays.
As the day moves into evening, LookUp naturally shifts in energy. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, a considered music programme and live DJs, alongside a calendar of curated experiences including fashion showcases, brand collaborations and pop ups. Morning wellness sessions such as yoga and pilates further extend the rooftop’s use beyond traditional bar hours, creating a space that works across different moments of the day.
The refreshed LookUp is designed as more than a rooftop bar. It is a lifestyle destination that brings together leisure, dining and social connection in one setting. With its updated design, stronger menu focus and varied programming, LookUp offers returning guests a new way to experience a familiar space, while welcoming new visitors into the heart of City Walk.
The reopening will welcome hotel owners, Marriott leaders, media, partners and influencers, marking the next chapter for one of City Walk’s most recognisable rooftops. With ongoing collaborations across wellness, fashion and lifestyle, LookUp Rooftop Bar is positioned as a key social destination within City Walk, offering experiences from sunrise through to late night.
Michel Nader, Regional Vice President, UAE & Levant – Premium & Select, Marriott International commented: “The return of LookUp is both timely and emblematic of Dubai’s ever-evolving social landscape. With its revitalised Mediterranean-inspired concept, the destination seamlessly combines refined charm with enhanced hospitality, embodying the city’s affinity for sophisticated and vibrant nightlife. We are confident the relaunch of this popular venue will be appreciated by local residents and international visitors.”
Roudi Soubra, Vice President – Asset Management, Dubai Holding, added: “LookUp has always been more than just a rooftop, it’s part of La Ville’s story and spirit. This reimagining represents our commitment to continuous evolution and to creating spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and joy. With its Mediterranean charm and breathtaking views, LookUp once again reflects the essence of Dubai: dynamic, sophisticated, and full of life.”
Hospitality
RAMADAN IFTAR AT OASIS TERRACE & GARDEN, MÖVENPICK DOWNTOWN
This Ramadan, Oasis Terrace & Garden at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments, Downtown Dubai invites guests to break their fast in a relaxed outdoor setting with a garden-style Iftar buffet designed for families, friends, and group gatherings.
The experience features authentic Arabian and regional favourites, complemented by interactive live cooking stations. Guests are welcomed with dates and water on arrival, followed by unlimited access to mezze, salads, hot mains, and signature Oasis desserts. Live stations include Shawarma, slow-cooked Ouzi, and BBQ specialities, alongside a dedicated dessert counter and mocktails with laban.
Set across the venue’s open-air terrace and garden, the Iftar offers a laid-back yet festive atmosphere ideal for both casual and corporate celebrations throughout the holy month.
With its combination of open-air seating, warm hospitality and thoughtfully curated buffet, Oasis Terrace & Garden offers a welcoming space to slow down and reconnect after sunset. The experience reflects the spirit of Ramadan, bringing together comforting flavours, shared plates and a setting designed for togetherness. Available throughout Ramadan 2026 (subject to official moon sighting, expected from 19 February 2026).
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