DCT and Rotana unveil summer campaign to drive regional tourism and cement Abu Dhabi's year-round appeal
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate. This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi's positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana's strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi's diverse source markets, particularly the GCC. From June through August, guests staying at Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi can enjoy an exclusive 'Stay 3, Pay 2' summer offer. This campaign is a key activation of the DCT-Rotana partnership, designed to stimulate travel during the traditionally quiet summer months, reinforce Abu Dhabi's appeal as a family-friendly destination, and encourage direct bookings through exclusive incentives.
Eddy Tannous, COO, Rotana said: 'As a homegrown brand deeply rooted in the region, we are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on a campaign that supports the broader vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination. Through this initiative, we are combining strengths to deliver both economic impact and exceptional guest value, reaffirming our commitment to driving tourism growth in the emirate.' As part of DCT Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, the partnership with Rotana underscores the emirate's commitment to sustained, collaborative growth. It is one of several recent alliances formed to enhance Abu Dhabi's global profile, increase visitor numbers, and deliver seamless, tailored experiences across key international and regional markets.
For every three consecutive nights booked, the third night is free. For longer stays, the offer continues (e.g., stay 6, pay 4), creating greater value the longer guests stay. The summer promotion also includes: • Free stays and dining for children across all room categories • Complimentary extra beds for kids, making it ideal for families
• Access to curated leisure experiences at participating Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
39 minutes ago
- Zawya
Australia's Santos flags delay in finalising ADNOC-led offer beyond deadline
Australia's Santos said on Tuesday that Abu Dhabi's National Oil Company (ADNOC)-led international consortium would not be able to finalise an $18.7 billion takeover bid for at least another four weeks, missing the August 22 deadline. The consortium, led by ADNOC's investment arm XRG, alongside Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) and private equity firm Carlyle, told Santos it would need at least four more weeks to secure all required approvals, even on an expedited timeline, and potentially longer, if not, from when the scheme terms are agreed upon. "While discussions and final confirmatory due diligence have continued to be collaborative, the parties are yet to reach agreement on acceptable terms of a binding SIA (scheme implementation agreement)," Santos said in a statement. With final terms still unresolved, it is unlikely for the parties to sign a scheme agreement before the extended Friday deadline. The transaction, if completed, would give XRG stakes in major operations across Australia and Papua New Guinea. However, oil and gas producer Santos' position as a key energy firm in Australia poses regulatory challenges to the deal. "Given the scale of the transaction, the XRG-led consortium continues to conduct due diligence and progress negotiations on a binding agreement," the consortium said in a statement. "Once due diligence has been completed and the scheme implementation agreement has been agreed, customary corporate approvals will be sought." The deal requires approval from regulators in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the U.S. Meanwhile, Santos said it would defer its interim earnings report to August 25 from August 20. Shares of the company fell as much as 3.5% to a more than five-week low of A$7.68, as of 0101 GMT, compared to a 0.5% decline in the ASX 200 benchmark index. It was among the top losers in the broader equities gauge. (Reporting by Himanshi Akhand and Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sumana Nandy and Rashmi Aich)
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
How the UAE's first nuclear plant is powering a cleaner future
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi had its first unit plugged into the national power grid on August 19, 2020. Five years on, the plant, which is located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, now produces 40 terawatt hours annually – the equivalent of around 25 per cent of the UAE's electricity needs. That would power 574,000 households or meet the entire annual electricity needs of a country such as New Zealand, according to Peter Bryant, professor of Radiation Protection Sciences and Nuclear Energy Policy at the University of Liverpool. 'As the first nuclear station in the Arab world, it has established itself as one of the most advanced and reliable nuclear facilities globally,' he told The National. 'A rare global success story' In December 2009, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation awarded a $20 billion contract to Korea Electric Power Corporation to construct the plant, which features four units, each powered by the state of the art APR-1400 reactor, designed to operate for 60 years. 'The design was conservative and the government didn't dither,' said Professor Wade Allison, emeritus physicist at the University of Oxford. 'It shows what's possible with the right leadership and planning.' Nuclear power, he argues, remains the only scalable, low-carbon solution capable of supporting a modern economy. 'Nuclear is a million times more energy-dense than fossil fuels,' said Prof Allison. '[Nuclear] is the most environmentally friendly of all.' Global nuclear energy experts say as the plant was built on time and within target, it stands as a model of nuclear efficiency in a world still grappling with energy insecurity and rising emissions. 'What matters is energy resilience,' Dr Simon Bennett of The University of Leicester told The National. A climate work horse delivering results More critically, the plant has helped the UAE cut its annual carbon emissions by 22.4 million tonnes, the equivalent of taking nearly five million petrol cars off the road. 'Globally, Barakah has shown that an emerging economy can safely and successfully adopt nuclear energy to deliver clean, reliable power,' said Prof Bryant. 'It has become a model for how nuclear can contribute to both climate action and socio-economic progress.' The UAE's nuclear success has recently made headlines beyond the energy world. In August 2025, aluminium smelted using Barakah's clean electricity was exported for the first time, setting a new low-carbon benchmark for a traditionally carbon-heavy industry. Economic dividends and Stem pipeline Barakah's impact hasn't stopped at emissions. The plant has created skilled jobs, built a new domestic nuclear supply chain, and spurred on a new generation of Emirati scientists, engineers, and technicians. 'It's not just lighting homes,' said Prof Bryant. 'It's building human capital and driving economic diversification – a pillar of the UAE's broader Vision 2030 strategy.' Education and trust remain critical For nuclear to reach its potential, experts say public education must catch up with the science. 'Society developed a nuclear phobia over the past 70 years,' said Prof Allison. 'But we trust nuclear in hospitals, why not in the environment?' He believes nuclear literacy should start in schools. 'From the age of 12, children should learn the basics alongside their parents. Investment follows confidence, and confidence requires knowledge.' Dr Adam Fenech, Provost, Canadian University Dubai, agreed and said nuclear energy has long carried a 'bad rap' due to historic accidents and concerns about waste management. 'These perceptions, however, often overshadow its significant contributions and evolving role in today's energy landscape,' he said. 'Modern nuclear technology is far safer, more efficient, and better regulated than in past decades, with robust safety protocols and international oversight mechanisms that have dramatically reduced risks.' A foundation for the future Earlier this year, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Amna Al Shamsi, commented that the country recognises the 'transition to clean energy requires global collaboration.' 'The UAE is actively engaged in international partnerships to share knowledge, promote innovation, and support developing nations in their pursuit of sustainable energy solutions,' she said. Barakah now plays a central role in helping the UAE meet multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable energy, climate action, and innovation and infrastructure. It has also enhanced international co-operation: in 2025, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signed a global expansion deal with Hyundai E&C of South Korea, exporting its expertise to other countries looking to follow suit. 'This plant has built more than electricity,' said Prof Bryant. 'It's built a community of knowledge and global credibility. And it's proving that nuclear, when done right, can be one of the cleanest, safest and smartest energy choices we have.'
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
UAE property law: Rules and processes foreign buyers need to know
More and more UAE residents are choosing to invest in property in the country, so it is essential for buyers to know the differences in laws for foreigners and Emiratis. For expatriates, buying property in the UAE is a transparent and straightforward process, said Robert Villalobos, head of brokerage at Engel & Volkers Middle East, but it's important to understand the key rules and costs involved before making any long-term decisions. The National spoke to experts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to understand how regulations can impact investments. Can foreign buyers purchase property anywhere they like in the UAE? In Dubai, property ownership is split into two structures: leasehold and freehold. Expatriates are only able to buy in designated freehold zones, which includes prominent neighbourhoods such as Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek Harbour, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Marina. "There are more than 70 designated freehold areas across the emirate, allowing foreigners to buy property in many of Dubai's most sought-after communities," said Mr Villalobos. "The variety means expats can choose between waterfront apartments, golf course neighbourhoods, family-friendly suburbs, and urban lifestyle hubs, all with full ownership rights." What are the differences between leasehold and freehold? In simple terms, freehold means you have full ownership of both the property and the land it sits on, Mr Villalobos explains. "There's no expiry date on that ownership, which gives you greater control; you can live in it, rent it out, sell it, or pass it on without restriction. "Leasehold, on the other hand, gives you the right to occupy and use the property for a fixed term, typically anywhere from 30 to 99 years. You don't own the land, it belongs to the freeholder, which is usually the government or a master developer." When that fixed term ends, ownership reverts back to the freeholder, unless the lease is renewed. How do the rules differ across the Emirates? Ben Crompton, managing partner of Abu Dhabi-based property brokerage Crompton Partners, said each emirates' laws is unique but broadly similar in that they're mostly governed by contract law. "Contract law is fundamental because the binding document for the transfer process of real estate is the memorandum of understanding between the buyer and seller," he explained. "In Dubai, they have more specific contracts – the MOU is called a Form F." What is the process in Abu Dhabi? "The first thing to note is that there are two different sets of legal jurisdictions regarding property in Abu Dhabi," Mr Crompton explained. One applies to Reem Island and Maryah Island and is under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) law, while the second applies to the rest of Abu Dhabi, which is under the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) law. "These two locations have different laws, so you need to apply the correct one when depending on which area you are buying/selling property in." Secondly, regarding sales and purchases of property in Abu Dhabi, "the law is relatively silent", he added. "A lot of the sales law is governed by process, and also contract law." In Abu Dhabi, although the ADGM has a standard form of contract, ADREC is also bringing one out soon. "However a lot of the terms of the transfer are still dictated by whoever is doing the conveyancing, which, for the most part are still real estate brokers," said Mr Crompton. Abu Dhabi also has three types of ownership. There is freehold, which again is full ownership. Then there is usufruct, which is a 99-year lease, and Musataha, which is a 49-year lease renewable for 49 years. "Usufruct is a standard lease of a property and Musataha is a lease of land with a right to build and lease the property that you build on that land," added Mr Crompton. Can foreigners buy anywhere in Abu Dhabi? There are laws surrounding who can buy what types of property, in what location and what types of legal ownership people can obtain, said Mr Crompton. Expats can own property in the investment zones, created specifically by government regulation, including places like Sadiyaat Island, Reem Island, Maryah Island, Yas Island, Jubail, Raha Beach, Al Reef and a few others. "Other areas are reserved for UAE nationals only," he added. What additional fees do foreign buyers need to be aware of? Mr Villalobos said a common misconception among foreign buyers in the UAE is that the price they agree with the seller is the only cost they need to consider. "While there's no income or property tax in Dubai, buyers should budget for costs such as the Dubai Land Department transfer fee of 4 per cent of the purchase price, a broker's commission of 2 per cent, plus VAT, and annual service charges for the upkeep of communal areas, facilities, and security." Do you need to be a UAE resident to buy property or be here in person? "The simple answer to both is no," said Mr Villalobos. "You can buy a property as a non-resident, and there are straightforward procedures in place to make a remote purchase possible." In Dubai, this includes digitally completing the Unified Form F, which is the contract between buyer and seller, and using a power of attorney for the transfer of ownership. Is buying a property in the UAE worth it? Despite the additional costs for foreigners, buying property in the UAE can be a "compelling option, he said, "Mortgage interest rates for expats are highly competitive, and in many cases, monthly repayments are lower than what you would pay in rent for a comparable home." What advice would you give to anyone new to the UAE considering buying property right now? Mr Villalobos said all potential buyers should research the location and the buying process. "Each project and community in the UAE offers a different lifestyle, set of amenities and long-term benefits. Once you've narrowed down your preferences, engage with a reputable and established brokerage that can guide you through everything from securing a mortgage and arranging initial viewings to negotiating offers, handling contracts and completing the transfer of ownership." Mr Crompton said, from a legal point of view, since real estate agents still co-ordinate property transfer in Abu Dhabi – and lawyers are rarely involved – it's important to get a broker with plenty of experience and who has a strong MOU. "Make sure you read the MOU because it will govern the process of transfer between the buyer and seller."
