Hospitality
ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO ‘GET FESTIVE WITH ME’: WINTER DINING, SPA ESCAPES & SUNLIT CELEBRATIONS
As Dubai’s perfect winter weather arrives and the festive season comes to life, ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to embrace December with a curated lineup of seasonal experiences. Guests can savour comforting holiday flavours with Central Restaurant’s Festive Business Lunch, enjoy relaxed evenings under the stars with the newly launched Grill by ME, an elegant daily al-fresco dining experience that also offers a special New Year’s Eve celebration – or unwind with indulgent spa rituals designed to restore balance during the busiest time of year.
With its chic atmosphere, thoughtful dining concepts, wellness-led offerings, and sun-soaked cabana moments by the pool, December at ME by Meliá Dubai is an invitation to celebrate the season and indulge in the art of living well.
New Year’s Eve at ME by Meliá Dubai
Ring in 2026 in true ME style as the Pool Terrace transforms into a vibrant open-air celebration beneath Dubai’s glittering skyline. With the city’s glittering lights as the backdrop, guests can look forward to an evening filled with flavour, music, and memorable moments shared among friends and loved ones.
Savour an international feast featuring live cooking stations, indulge in festive favourites thoughtfully prepared by the culinary team, and enjoy dynamic live entertainment that sets the tone for a night of joyful anticipation. As midnight approaches, gather for an electrifying countdown as we welcome the arrival of 2026 in signature ME fashion.
Marc-Antoine Barrois x ME by Meliá Dubai – A New Creative Collaboration
ME by Meliá Dubai welcomes an exclusive collaboration with Maison Marc-Antoine Barrois, the independent French couture and fragrance house renowned for its poetic surrealism, refined craftsmanship, and singular artistic universe. Known for modern olfactory icons such as B683, Ganymede, Encélade, and the Maison’s newest creation, Tilia, the brand brings its imaginative aesthetic into the hotel’s architectural landmark.
As part of the collaboration, guests will discover a Marc-Antoine Barrois–designed Christmas tree displayed in the hotel’s dramatic atrium, an installation that reflects the Maison’s timeless elegance and its distinctive blend of creativity and wonder.
In addition, a curated selection of Marc-Antoine Barrois fragrances will be available for purchase daily from 12pm to 8pm, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the brand’s celebrated creations within ME by Meliá Dubai’s vibrant cultural setting.
Festive Business Lunch at Central Restaurant
This December, Central Restaurant invites guests to take a well-deserved pause from the seasonal rush and indulge in a Festive Business Lunch crafted to inspire warmth, connection, and culinary delight. Thoughtfully curated by the Executive Chef, the menu showcases the very best of the season with dishes that celebrate comforting flavours and elegant festive flair. Guests can begin with the velvety Velouté of Chestnut & Pumpkin soup, a rich blend of roasted pumpkin and chestnut that captures the essence of winter, or opt for the vibrant Mediterranean Octopus, paired with potato, baby romaine, and a bold black garlic emulsion for a fresh, refined start.
For the main course, highlights include the beautifully Herbed Turkey Roulade, served with rosemary-roasted root vegetables and a bright cranberry reduction, a sophisticated take on a holiday classic, alongside the indulgent Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder, finished with parsnip purée, roasted baby carrots, and a deep, aromatic jus. Guests seeking a meat-free option will enjoy the comforting Artichoke Risotto, finished with parmesan, mushroom, and parsley for a fragrant, creamy finish.
To end on a sweet, celebratory note, desserts offer a truly festive finale: the decadent Buche de Noël with dark chocolate and kirsch-soaked cherries, the delicate Festive Triffle layered with vanilla meringue and berries, and the beautifully spiced Winter Ginger Mille-Feuille, infused with warm winter spices and caramel.
Whether dining solo, taking a well-earned break from festive shopping with friends, or gathering colleagues for a cheerful Christmas lunch, this midday experience offers a deliciously memorable way to savour the season.
Wellness by ME – Get Festive with ME
This festive season, Wellness by ME invites guests to step into a world of serene indulgence with Get Festive With ME – a curated collection of joyful spa experiences designed to inspire relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being. From hydrating facials to warm, aromatic massages, each treatment promises moments of pure bliss, complemented by complimentary access to the pool, sauna, and gym with every spa booking.
Guests can immerse themselves in Holiday Bliss (AED 500), featuring a 60-minute Hydra Boost Facial paired with a 30-minute Rescue Release Massage, or unwind with the Winter Warmer (AED 450), combining a soothing 60-minute Recovery Warm Oil Massage with a 30-minute Lavender Luxe Buff Body Scrub for ultimate seasonal comfort. For the generous gifter, For Your Santa offers exceptional value with packages of five 60-minute massages or four 90-minute massages, both at AED 1,750, delivering substantial savings and unforgettable relaxation.
For those looking to treat someone special this season but unsure what to gift, spa gift certificates, starting from AED 450 – offer the perfect gesture of indulgence.
Grill by ME
As the weather turns perfect for al-fresco dining, enjoy a relaxed yet elegant evening at ME by Meliá Dubai’s striking Pool Terrace with Grill by ME. Set inside the architectural icon that redefined the city’s skyline, this new open-air dining experience pairs contemporary style with effortless comfort – the kind of place where chilled beats, live grill stations, and ME Dubai’s signature modern energy come together seamlessly. Guests can explore a thoughtfully curated buffet featuring fresh salads, handmade pasta crafted at interactive stations, sizzling grilled favourites, and decadent desserts, all designed to elevate simple flavours with finesse.
Perfect for intimate evenings or vibrant gatherings with family and friends, Grill by ME offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Dubai after dark.
The Cabana Experience
Soak up the winter sunshine in ultimate style with the Cabana Experience. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the pool, or simply lounging in comfort, each cabana is designed to be a private oasis. Standard room guests can enjoy a cabana for AED 250 (for two people), complete with two refreshing beverages of choice, mineral water, cooling towels and a hand fan, plus sun protection by Deeper Beauty to keep everyone perfectly pampered under the sun. Suite guests receive a complimentary cabana with the same indulgent inclusions. Whether it’s sipping a chilled drink poolside, cooling off in the pool, or simply basking in the rays, the Cabana Experience transforms an ordinary day into a sun-soaked escape full of relaxation, fun, and effortless luxury.
Deeper Beauty – Sun Care Elevated
ME by Meliá Dubai proudly continues it’s collaboration with Deeper Beauty, a UAE-born SPF brand that seamlessly blends inclusivity, sustainability, and high-performance skincare. Crafted to protect and celebrate every skin tone, Deeper Beauty’s lightweight, non-white cast formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without compromise, making it especially suited for darker complexions. Perfect for sun-soaked days by the pool or outdoor adventures, it ensures skin stays nourished, protected, and radiant.
Whether applied before a relaxing cabana day or on-the-go, Deeper Beauty makes sun protection effortless, effective, and suitable for every skin tone.
Hospitality
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE: HEALTHY SIPS FOR DADS WHO PUT WELLNESS FIRST
This Father’s Day, skip the usual gifts and treat health-conscious dads to something that supports their wellbeing from the inside out. UAE homegrown brand Saba Plant-Based offers a range of organic, probiotic-rich drinks crafted using fermentation, live cultures and carefully selected ingredients to support digestive wellness while delivering great taste. Convenient, refreshing and easy to incorporate into daily routines, these functional beverages make thoughtful gifts for fathers looking to prioritise healthy habits.



Water Kefir
Light, fruity and refreshing, Saba Plant-Based’s newly launched Water Kefir is packed with live probiotics that support gut health. This water-based fermented drink is caffeine-free, gentle on digestion and ideal for staying refreshed throughout the warmer months.
Flavours available in Blue Spirulina & Lemon Mint and Dragon Fruit, Strawberry & Lemon.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
For dads who appreciate practical wellness solutions, these convenient gut health shots are made with raw apple cider vinegar and designed to support healthy daily habits. Easy to enjoy at home, at work or on the go, they offer a simple addition to any wellness routine.
Flavours available in Cardamom & Ginger and Verbena & Orange Blossom.

Plant-Based Kefir
Made with organic coconut milk and live vegan kefir cultures, this creamy dairy-free alternative is rich in beneficial bacteria that support digestive wellbeing. It can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies and breakfast bowls for a probiotic boost.
Flavour available in Natural, Vanilla and Mango-Pineapple.

Organic Kombucha
As the first brand to locally brew organic-certified kombucha in the UAE, Saba Plant-Based offers a naturally refreshing fermented tea made with live cultures and organic ingredients. Raw, unpasteurised and low in sugar, it provides a flavourful alternative to conventional soft drinks.
Available in Classic, Mango, Raspberry, Peppermint, Hibiscus Basil, Cardamom and Ginger Turmeric.
Whether your father is a fitness enthusiast, wellness advocate or simply looking to make healthier everyday choices, Saba Plant-Based’s range of probiotic drinks offers a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that supports gut health, hydration and overall wellbeing.
The brand’s full gut-healthy product range can be purchased on www.sabaplantbased.ae or at supermarkets across UAE including Kibsons, Spinneys and Waitrose.
Hospitality
ROHINI DUBAI LAUNCHES REFLECTIVE KINTSUGI KAHANI EXPERIENCE FOR CREATIVE AUDIENCES
On 27 June, Rohini will host the Kintsugi Kahani Experience, inspired by the Japanese art of golden repair. Rooted in the philosophy of embracing imperfection, the experience invites guests to explore creativity through a hands-on workshop that celebrates the beauty found in flaws and life’s imperfections.
Throughout the evening, participants will create a meaningful keepsake to take home while engaging with the centuries-old concept of transforming brokenness into something beautiful and unique. Designed as a reflective and creative experience, the workshop offers guests an opportunity to connect with the art form in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Hospitality
GCC Travellers Are Heading Away Earlier for Eid Al Adha, Dragonpass Data Reveals
Dragonpass, the world’s leading provider of digital airport ecosystem platforms, has revealed new travel data showing a notable shift in how travellers across the GCC are planning their Eid journeys, with demand surging before Eid Al Adha rather than during the holiday itself.
According to Dragonpass data, travel activity across the GCC increased by 69% in the week leading up to Eid Al Adha 2026. However, rather than peaking during the holiday period, travel activity declined by 24% during Eid week and a further 18% in the week immediately after, suggesting many travellers chose to depart ahead of the holiday period.
The trend marks a clear contrast to Eid Al Fitr earlier this year, when travel activity across the GCC rose by 6% during the holiday week itself before declining by 20% in the following week. Saudi Arabia recorded the strongest Eid Al Fitr uplift in the region, with travel activity increasing by 25% during the holiday week.
Several GCC markets recorded particularly strong growth in the lead-up to Eid Al Adha. Kuwait saw the largest increase, with travel activity rising by 124.7% week-on-week, followed by Bahrain (+108.5%), the UAE (+79.2%), Qatar (+59.5%) and Saudi Arabia (+58.4%).
Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Dragonpass, said: “The contrast between Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha is one of the most interesting travel trends we have observed this year. While Eid Al Fitr generated a more traditional holiday-week travel spike, Eid Al Adha saw travellers moving significantly earlier, with demand building before the holiday rather than during it.
“This highlights the dynamic nature of travel behaviour across the GCC and reinforces the importance of understanding how demand shifts around key travel periods. Despite periods of disruption affecting regional travel earlier this year, demand across the GCC has remained resilient, with travellers continuing to prioritise leisure and holiday travel.”
Saudi Arabia remained one of the region’s strongest-performing travel markets throughout both holiday periods. During Eid Al Fitr, the Kingdom recorded the clearest holiday-driven uplift in the GCC, with growth spread across several major airports. Madinah recorded the strongest increase at 58%, followed by Jeddah (29%), Dammam (25%) and Riyadh (22%).
During Eid Al Adha, Madinah again stood out as a key exception to the wider regional trend, recording a 20% increase during Eid week and a further 58% increase post-Eid, reflecting continued religious travel activity around the holiday period.
Looking ahead, Dragonpass expects strong travel demand across the GCC throughout the summer months. The latest Eid travel trends suggest travellers are becoming more deliberate in how they plan journeys around peak holiday periods, while demand for regional and international travel remains resilient. As summer travel gathers pace, these shifting patterns are expected to continue shaping passenger flows across the region.
As aviation connectivity continues to expand across the GCC, understanding how travellers adapt their behaviour around major holidays and peak travel periods will become increasingly important for airports, airlines and the wider travel ecosystem.
-
News11 years ago
SENDQUICK (TALARIAX) INTRODUCES SQOOPE – THE BREAKTHROUGH IN MOBILE MESSAGING
-
Trending8 months agoOPPO A6 Pro 5G Review: Reliable Daily Driver
-
Tech News2 years agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR1 year agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Automotive2 years agoAGMC Launches the RIDDARA RD6 High Performance Fully Electric 4×4 Pickup
-
Tech Interviews2 years ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News11 months agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
VAR2 years agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms


