This summer, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf is rewarding its longest-staying guests with something worth settling in for. Guests who stay 30 nights or more will earn a bonus of 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The offer lands as Dubai’s hospitality market leans further into longer-stay demand and within that expansion, hotel apartments have carved out a distinct niche: business travellers on extended assignments, relocating executives and families settling in for months at a time are increasingly choosing the flexibility of a private residence over a traditional hotel room, a shift that is prompting operators across the city to compete harder for the long-staying guest.

The timing is no accident as Al Jaddaf has recently completed a refurbishment across its residences, refreshing interiors while preserving the warm, residential character the property is known for. Every apartment now also features an in-unit water filtration system for premium drinking water, removing the need for single-use plastic bottles across the building, part of a broader push to make longer stays not just more rewarding, but more comfortable and more sustainable. Beyond the apartment door, residents find a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a Balinese spa, a beauty salon, an ATM and an on-site convenience store, along with five restaurants and lounges that carry them from a business dinner to a relaxed family meal to a quiet evening drink.

The bonus builds on rewards that already come with every stay. Across the Marriott Executive Apartments brand, guests now earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every US dollar spent, while every night counts as one Elite Night Credit towards Marriott Bonvoy status. For those settling in for a month or a full season, a long stay in Dubai becomes a fast track to elite recognition across Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 10,000 hotels worldwide.

“Many of our guests choose to stay with us for months rather than nights, and this summer’s offer is a way of recognising that,” said Saad Al-Ghamdi, General Manager. “The longer a guest makes Al Jaddaf their home in Dubai, the more rewarding the stay becomes, both during their time here and across the wider Marriott Bonvoy programme.”

With monthly and yearly residency arrangements available, guests enjoy the flexibility of a private lease without the setup costs, the paperwork or the compromise on service that usually accompany it.

Set in the heart of Dubai with views over Dubai Creek and the city skyline, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf sits less than 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport. Its fully serviced one, two and three-bedroom apartments come with full kitchens, generous living and dining areas and dedicated workspaces, alongside twice-weekly housekeeping, 24-hour concierge and security, and in-room dining around the clock.

Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced Avani Kota Kinabalu, a 352-key premium lifestyle hotel set to open in Q1 2027. Forming part of The Logg Luyang integrated development by KTI Landmark, the property will introduce the Avani brand to Sabah and expand Minor Hotels’ presence in Malaysia.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will cater to leisure and corporate demand in Kota Kinabalu, one of East Malaysia’s principal commercial centres and a key gateway to Borneo. Approximately 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the hotel will provide access to the city’s business districts, residential neighbourhoods and visitor attractions.

The announcement supports Minor Hotels’ strategy of expanding its lifestyle portfolio in destinations with growing domestic, regional and international demand. Avani Kota Kinabalu will also strengthen the group’s presence in Malaysia, joining Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor, as it continues to pursue development opportunities across Asia.

Developed by KTI Landmark, The Logg Luyang will bring together hospitality, commercial and lifestyle components within the established Luyang neighbourhood. Avani Kota Kinabalu will serve as the development’s hospitality anchor, offering accommodation, dining, wellness and event facilities for hotel guests and the local community.

“Kota Kinabalu is evolving rapidly as a regional business and tourism hub, creating strong demand for a hotel that can move easily between corporate, leisure and social use,” said Winston Gong, General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu. “Our focus will be on delivering an efficient, locally relevant guest experience while building a property with genuine appeal to the city’s residents.”

Designed by Shah Architect, with landscape architecture by SD2 and interiors by INdulge, Avani Kota Kinabalu will feature 352 rooms tailored to business trips, short breaks and longer stays.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will feature five dining and social venues for hotel guests and the local community. The all-day dining restaurant will serve Sabahan, Malaysian, Korean and international cuisine, with live cooking stations, local specialities and a signature Avani Sunday Lunch. A contemporary Chinese restaurant will focus on Sabah Hakka heritage and regional flavours, while the Lobby Lounge will transition from a daytime meeting space into an evening venue serving afternoon tea, as well as cocktails and whiskies.

The Pantry will offer handcrafted bakery items, desserts and premium coffee for dining in or takeaway. On the rooftop, SEEN Restaurant & Bar will bring the established rooftop dining and nightlife concept to Sabah through globally inspired cuisine, mixology, curated music and destination-led experiences.

The hotel will also include dedicated meeting and banquet facilities for conferences, weddings and social events. Leisure facilities will include an infinity pool and AvaniFit gym, with nearby Tun Fuad Stephens Park offering access to outdoor recreation.

Avani Kota Kinabalu will combine accommodation, rooftop dining, wellness and event facilities within a major integrated development, strengthening Minor Hotels’ lifestyle offering in Malaysia and supporting the group’s continued expansion across Asia.

There’s a new reason to head to DIFC after work. Bondz, the new speakeasy-inspired executive lounge in Emirates Financial Towers, has launched an all-week Happy Hour, offering Buy One Get One Free on all beverages every day. 

The offer runs Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 8pm and extends until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, making it one of the few venues in the district serving happy hour all week—including weekends.

Curated by former banking professional Ashish Agrawal, Bondz was created as “a living room outside your home”—a sophisticated space where professionals can work, network, celebrate and unwind under one roof. Bringing this vision to life alongside Ashish is Experience Curator Nitesh Manghnani, whose expertise across hospitality, nightlife and guest experience has helped shape Bondz’s distinctive ambience and seamless transition from productive daytime meetings to lively after-work evenings. Inspired by the warmth of a living room and the intrigue of a speakeasy, the lounge effortlessly transforms from a hub for coffee catch-ups and business meetings into a vibrant destination for cocktails, conversations and celebrations, creating a space where every guest feels like a regular.

The drinks menu is just as memorable, featuring signature cocktails such as the Asian Pandan Sour (AED 110), Silk Exchange, Secret Orchard  (AED 110), Dragon Breath (AED 110), , Asian Old Fashioned (AED 110),and Monkey’s Boulevard  (AED 110),, alongside premium spirits, wines and classic cocktails. On the food front, expect a menu of globally inspired sharing plates with highlights including Crispy Lotus Stem, Volcano Prawns, Truffle Mushroom Croquettes, Chicken Gyoza, Lamb Seekh Bao, Miso Black Cod and Wagyu Sliders—all designed for sharing, lingering and long conversations around the table.