Saturday, 06 September 2025
Explore Dubai

Dubai for Lovers: Your Guide to the Ultimate Honeymoon Escape

Your Guide to the Most Enchanting Honeymoon Experiences in Dubai
Published: Friday, April 18, 2025
Dubai for Lovers: Your Guide to the Ultimate Honeymoon Escape

Embark on a romantic journey through Dubai, where luxury and unforgettable experiences await every couple. Here’s your guide to the best hotels and activities that will enhance your newly-wedded bliss!

🏰 Experience Luxury at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Indulge in the Grand Imperial Suite, a palatial retreat spanning 310 square meters. Revel in the opulence of a marble spa bathroom, regal decor, and a private sauna. Enjoy dedicated butler service and stunning sea views from the expansive terrace.

  • Facilities: Private butler, Talise Ottoman Spa, fine dining options.
  • Tip: Book spa treatments in advance for a couple's experience.
  • Location: West Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah - Dubai

🚤 Sail Away on a Private Yacht

Surprise your partner with a luxurious yacht charter, offering breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline against the turquoise Arabian Gulf. Choose from a cozy 48-foot yacht or an 86-foot vessel equipped with BBQ facilities and surround sound, perfect for celebrating special moments.

  • Facilities: Onboard catering, water sports equipment.
  • Tip: Opt for a sunset cruise for magical views and a romantic atmosphere.
  • Location: Xclusive Yachts, Dubai Marina - Dubai

🌌 Unforgettable Overnight Camping with Sand Sherpa

Experience the magic of the desert with an overnight camping adventure. Nestled in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, enjoy modern trailers, guided safaris, and a night under the stars. This eco-friendly experience is perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

  • Facilities: Air-conditioned trailers, guided desert tours.
  • Tip: Bring warm clothing for cooler desert nights and enjoy a stargazing session.
  • Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Margham Gate - Dubai

🐪 Desert Dreams at Al Maha Resort

Stay in luxurious Bedouin-themed suites that blend seamlessly with the desert landscape. Each suite boasts a private pool and a dedicated dining deck, ensuring a tranquil escape surrounded by the beauty of nature.

  • Facilities: Private pools, fine dining restaurant, wellness treatments.
  • Tip: Book excursions in advance to personalize your stay and explore the wildlife.
  • Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai

✈️ Thrills from the Sky

For adventure-loving couples, skydiving at 13,000 feet over Palm Jumeirah is a must! Experience the adrenaline rush while taking in breathtaking views. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic helicopter tour for stunning aerial views of the city’s landmarks.

  • Facilities: Safety briefings, professional guides.
  • Tip: Check weather conditions before booking to ensure a safe experience.
  • Location: Skydive Dubai, Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina - Dubai

🌊 Swim Above the City at AURA Skypool

Relax in the world’s highest infinity pool, located on the 50th floor of Nakheel’s Palm Tower. Enjoy a stunning 360-degree view while sipping cocktails and lounging in style. This luxurious venue is perfect for a romantic afternoon.

  • Facilities: Poolside cabanas, full-service bar, light bites.
  • Tip: Arrive early to secure prime seating and enjoy the sunset.
  • Location: AURA Skypool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah - Dubai

🕌 Wander Through Old Dubai

Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, a glimpse into Dubai’s mid-19th century charm with preserved architecture and cultural exhibitions. Discover art galleries, cafes, and heritage sites that tell the story of the city’s rich history.

  • Facilities: Guided tours, cultural exhibitions.
  • Tip: Visit during cooler hours for a more enjoyable experience, and don’t forget your camera!
  • Location: Al Fahidi St, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai - Dubai

🦈 Dine Underwater at Al Mahara

Savor an unforgettable underwater dining experience at Ristorante L'Olivo in Burj Al Arab, surrounded by a mesmerizing aquarium. Delight in exquisite seafood dishes prepared by top chefs, creating a magical atmosphere for your celebration.

  • Facilities: Private dining options, extensive wine list, exceptional service.
  • Tip: Make a reservation well in advance to secure a prime dining experience.
  • Location: Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah St, Dubai

🎈 Hot Air Ballooning Over the Dunes

Soar above the desert with Hero Balloon Flights, enjoying a breathtaking sunrise and a luxurious breakfast in a private cabana. This unique experience allows you to witness the beauty of the desert landscape and its wildlife from above.

  • Facilities: Breakfast service, experienced guides.
  • Tip: Book early in the morning for the best views and a truly magical experience.
  • Location: Hero Balloon Flights, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve - Dubai

🏖️ Beachside Bliss at Four Seasons Resort

Discover the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, offering luxury and comfort. The Royal Suite features exquisite decor, a private spa, and direct access to the beach, making it an ideal retreat for couples.

  • Facilities: Multiple dining venues, spa services, private beach access.
  • Tip: Explore nearby restaurants for diverse culinary experiences and enjoy romantic beach walks.
  • Location: Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach - Dubai

🍽️ Waterfront Brunch at Pierchic

Indulge in a brunch at Pierchic, renowned for its seafood and stunning views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. This dining experience combines fine cuisine with a picturesque setting, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

  • Facilities: Scenic outdoor seating, extensive wine menu.
  • Tip: Make reservations in advance, especially for weekends, to secure a table with a view.
  • Location: Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah - Dubai

🌟 Spectacular Views from Palace Downtown

Enjoy front-row seats to the enchanting Dubai Fountain show from your private terrace at the Palace Downtown. This luxurious suite offers a blend of Arabian charm and modern comfort, providing an ideal romantic getaway.

  • Facilities: Private terrace, 24-hour room service, spa services.
  • Tip: Arrive early for the best fountain views and consider a romantic dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
  • Location: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

🧖‍♀️ Exclusive Spa Experience at Ciel Spa

Pamper yourselves at Ciel Spa, where you can book the entire spa for a unique couples’ experience. Enjoy a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, making it the perfect way to unwind together.

  • Facilities: Private treatment rooms, outdoor relaxation areas, customized spa packages.
  • Tip: Consider a couples’ treatment for a shared experience that enhances your bond.
  • Location: Ciel Spa, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Marasi Drive, Business Bay - Dubai

As you explore these remarkable experiences, remember that the essence of a honeymoon lies in creating beautiful memories together. Dubai offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and romance, ensuring an unforgettable start to your married life. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, dining underwater, or soaring above the desert, each moment is designed to celebrate your love.

Embark on your honeymoon adventure in Dubai, where luxury and romance await at every turn! 💖✨

Phu Quoc Sets Sights on 7 Million Visitors in 2025

Published: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Phu Quoc Sets Sights on 7 Million Visitors in 2025

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and a top holiday destination, is on track to exceed all expectations by welcoming more than 7 million tourists this year. According to Bui Quoc Thai, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, the island has already attracted over 6 million visitors in the first eight months of 2025 — accounting for nearly 83% of its annual target. Notably, more than 1 million of these travelers were international tourists, signaling a strong comeback in overseas arrivals.

The surge in visitor numbers has translated into impressive economic benefits. Tourism revenues have soared to nearly VND28.3 trillion (approximately US$1.07 billion), surpassing the year-end goal by over 20%. This rapid growth reflects Phu Quoc’s rising appeal as a premier destination, thanks in large part to its modern infrastructure, including the Phu Quoc International Airport and a network of high-speed vessels, which provide seamless connectivity for travelers.

Visitors are also drawn to the island’s luxury accommodations and entertainment options. Phu Quoc boasts a diverse range of four- and five-star resorts, world-class entertainment complexes, and tailored tourism products that cater to various interests and preferences. These offerings ensure memorable and unique experiences that keep tourists coming back.

The island’s tourism momentum is further fueled by preparations for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027. This high-profile event has accelerated infrastructure development, heightening Phu Quoc’s capacity to host international guests and boosting its global profile.

With the National Day holiday approaching, local officials anticipate a new wave of visitors eager to explore Phu Quoc’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural festivities, and an abundance of entertainment. Numerous travel agencies are offering attractive promotions, ensuring an exciting season ahead.

International arrivals are notably increasing from key markets such as India, South Korea, Russia, and Europe. Meanwhile, an emerging segment of Muslim travelers from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East is creating fresh opportunities. Tour operators at the World Islamic Tourism Trade Expo (WITEX 2025) in Malaysia highlighted Phu Quoc’s potential to become a preferred destination for this fast-growing market, provided the island continues to enhance its services.

Phu Quoc’s growing prestige is reflected in recent accolades from leading travel publications. It ranked third on Travel + Leisure’s list of the 10 best islands in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, trailing only Bali and Koh Samui. Last year, it was voted the world’s second most beautiful island by Travel + Leisure readers, following the Maldives.

With world-class amenities, expanding international appeal, and strategic development, Phu Quoc is poised to solidify its status as one of Asia’s most captivating island destinations in the months and years to come.

Oman’s Tourism Sector Shines Bright: Hotel Revenues Surge 18% Amid 1.14 Million Visitors in H1 2025

Published: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Oman’s Tourism Sector Shines Bright: Hotel Revenues Surge 18% Amid 1.14 Million Visitors in H1 2025

Oman's tourism sector showed remarkable growth in the first half of 2025, with hotel revenues climbing 18% alongside a significant rise in tourist arrivals, which reached 1.14 million. This surge is a clear sign of the country's strengthening position as a key destination in the Middle East, resulting from sustained investments in tourism infrastructure, strategic marketing, and enhanced global connectivity.

The three to five-star hotel segment alone generated OMR 141.21 million (about US$367 million) in revenues, marking an 18.2% increase compared to the previous year. Industry insiders credit this growth to multiple factors such as expanded airport capacity and new flight routes, development of luxury resorts and cultural sites, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed at both leisure and business travelers. Strategic partnerships, including Oman Air’s collaboration with TUI to launch a digital booking platform, have further boosted Oman’s visibility on the global stage.

This upward trend supports Oman’s Vision 2040 plan, which focuses on diversifying the economy by reducing dependence on oil revenues through sustainable tourism development and job creation. The government has committed US$31 billion to tourism development through 2040, with nearly US$6 billion earmarked for new resorts and projects. Currently, Oman boasts renowned luxury hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental Muscat and St Regis Al Mouj, with more than 40 new hotels in the pipeline.

Officials are optimistic that tourism momentum will continue into the latter half of 2025, fueled by upcoming events, festivals, and a growing number of tourism projects nearing completion. These developments will not only benefit the hospitality sector but will also positively impact related industries including transportation, food and beverage, and cultural enterprises, thereby broadening economic diversification.

Oman aims to nearly double its international tourist arrivals to 6 million annually by 2030 and reach 12 million by 2040, reflecting its ambitions to become a premier sustainable tourism destination. This growth trajectory aligns with forecasts that project tourism’s contribution to the national GDP and job creation to keep rising steadily in the coming decade, signaling a robust future for Oman’s tourism industry.

The vibrant surge in tourism highlights Oman’s appeal as a destination rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern luxury, well-supported by government commitment and industry collaboration to sustain and scale this growth efficiently and inclusively.

Khareef Dhofar Tourism Up 7% as Visitor Numbers Climb

Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Khareef Dhofar Tourism Up 7% as Visitor Numbers Climb

Salalah’s famed Khareef season the enchanting monsoon spectacle that transforms Dhofar into a lush paradise has once again captured the hearts of visitors from near and far, marking an exciting milestone for Oman’s tourism sector this year.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the Khareef Dhofar Season from June 21 to July 31, 2025, drew approximately 442,100 visitors, reflecting a notable 7% increase over the 2024 season’s 413,122 visitors. This surge signals the continuing allure of Dhofar’s unique climate and vibrant cultural offerings during the Khareef months.

A standout in this year’s visitor statistics is the dramatic rise in domestic tourism. Omani visitors to Dhofar increased by an impressive 75.6%, reaching 334,399, a clear testament to growing national enthusiasm for exploring Oman’s natural and cultural gems. Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries numbered 69,801, while tourists from other international destinations accounted for nearly 38,000.

The majority of guests arrived by land about 334,846 visitors reflecting Dhofar’s accessibility and appeal for road travelers. Air arrivals also saw an uptick, with 107,254 visitors arriving by plane, marking a 10.9% increase compared to last year. Notably, 95.3% of arrivals were concentrated in July alone, highlighting the peak season’s magnetic pull.

This growth in visitor numbers represents more than statistics; it is a signal of opportunity and momentum for Dhofar’s burgeoning tourism economy. Local businesses in hospitality, retail, and transport sectors can expect expanding demand. The region’s ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure including viewpoints, waterfronts, parks, and cultural sites are paying dividends by enhancing the visitor experience and drawing a diversified visitor base.

Dhofar Municipality is promising an unforgettable Khareef season with a spectacular line-up of events and attractions carefully curated to celebrate Omani culture and entertain visitors of all ages. This year’s program features the world’s largest inflatable amusement park and a state-of-the-art main stage equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly fireworks, daily drone shows, folklore performances from 18 countries, and vibrant markets showcasing Omani entrepreneurs and artisans.

The Khareef season also celebrates heritage and wellness with projects such as "Awda" (The Return), a live re-creation of traditional Omani life, alongside parks dedicated to creative learning and sports activities. Beyond Salalah city, events and markets spread across Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, and the Al Haffa Beach Market further enrich the seasonal experience.

As Khareef continues to shine as a beacon of natural beauty and cultural pride, the 7% growth in visitors in 2025 alongside a surge in domestic tourists confirms Dhofar's rising status as a premier destination in Oman and the Gulf region. With sustained support from government bodies and private stakeholders, the coming years promise even more innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity for the Khareef Dhofar experience.

From the emerald hills to bustling souqs and lively festivals, Khareef Dhofar 2025 invites everyone to witness the magic of monsoon in Oman’s southwestern gem—and to be part of a story that is still unfolding.

Turkish Tourist Arrivals Surge on Greece’s Lesbos Island

Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Turkish Tourist Arrivals Surge on Greece’s Lesbos Island

This summer, the picturesque village of Skala Sikamineas on the northeast coast of Lesbos is witnessing a vibrant influx of well-heeled tourists from the Turkish coast across the Aegean Sea. The two acclaimed fish restaurants lining the coast are bustling, filled predominantly with Turkish-speaking diners, including families from Izmir, groups arriving from Ayvalik via a new catamaran connection, and young couples from Istanbul soaking in the island's charm.

Among them are first-time visitors Isin and her boyfriend, who arrived by ferry from Dikili and quickly fell in love with Lesbos’ beaches and taverns, already planning a return next summer. The short crossing under an hour with tickets costing just €35, combined with eight daily ferry trips in the summer season from Dikili to Mytilene, Lesbos’ capital, makes the island an accessible and attractive getaway for Turkish tourists seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

On the Greek side, Turkish visitors find a welcoming environment where they can enjoy local specialties like ouzo, the aniseed schnapps, and relax openly—Turkish women sunbathe comfortably in bikinis, and social mingling happens naturally. Restaurateurs like Takis, operating a tavern in Gera Bay, praise Turkish visitors as appreciative, friendly, and relaxed, often representing the Turkish middle class looking for tranquil retreats. Unlike many Greek islands that have become prohibitively expensive, Lesbos remains affordable compared to Turkish Aegean destinations such as Bozcaada, Bodrum, or Assos.

Tourism is not just boosting local economies; it also serves as a bridge easing historical tensions between Greece and Turkey. Since the 19th-century conflicts and the Greco-Turkish War ending in 1922, relations have softened somewhat, particularly through growing cross-border tourism. In this vein, the deputy mayor of Mytilene, Nikos Giannakas, warmly welcomed the Turkish mayor of Balikesir, Ahmet Akin, and 150 tourists arriving via the new Mytilene-Ayvalik catamaran route now the eighth between these cities, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Despite continuing political frictions such as maritime border disputes, airspace disagreements, and recent tensions around marine park creations in the Aegean—these issues remain largely distant from the holiday experiences of Turkish tourists on Lesbos. For visitors like Isin and countless others, the beauty and hospitality of the island overshadow any geopolitical rumblings, highlighting how tourism fosters goodwill and cross-cultural understanding amid complex diplomatic landscapes.

This summer, Lesbos is not only a tranquil sanctuary for vacationers but also a living example of how shared human experiences can nurture peaceful connections across the historically often tense Aegean Sea.

South Korea to Grant Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists Starting Late September

Published: Sunday, August 10, 2025
South Korea to Grant Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists Starting Late September

Hyundai Department Store’s shares surged 7.1% recently, buoyed by strong second-quarter business results that exceeded market expectations. For Q2 2025, the company reported consolidated operating profit of 86.9 billion won, marking a 102.8% increase year-on-year, and consolidated sales rose 5.5% to 1.803 trillion won. Notably, net profit returned to a surplus of 54.5 billion won during this period.

However, it is worth noting that sales and operating profit in Hyundai's core department store business declined slightly in Q2, with sales falling 3.6% to 590.1 billion won and operating profit down 2.3% to 69.3 billion won. This was attributed partly to reduced operating area due to major store renovations and renewal activities. On the other hand, their subsidiaries showed robust performance: duty-free stores grew sales by 22% while reducing operating losses, and Zinus, an online furniture company under Hyundai, posted an 11.2% sales increase and turned an operating profit of 29.1 billion won.

Hyundai Department Store has also been proactive with shareholder returns, declaring an interim cash dividend of 500 won per common share, reflecting a market dividend rate of 0.7% and total dividend payments of 10.78 billion won.

In response to evolving market trends and consumer behavior, Hyundai is focusing heavily on store renovations and leveraging technology. It launched “Heydi,” an AI shopping assistant for personalized in-store experiences, combining offline retail with generative AI-powered services to attract and engage customers, aiming to set a new shopping concept standard in Korea.

Despite the department store segment’s challenges, Hyundai Department Store's overall financial health and strategic initiatives are generating renewed investor confidence, positioning the company well for stronger performance in the second half of 2025 amid improving domestic consumption trends.

This comprehensive growth across core and subsidiary operations, alongside innovative customer engagement efforts, underpins the recent stock price surge and optimistic outlook for Hyundai Department Store moving forward.