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Hi Dubai
16 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Welcomes 9.88 Million Visitors in H1 2025, Recording 6% Year-on-Year Growth
Dubai received 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 6% year-on-year increase, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The growth highlights the emirate's strong global appeal and the success of public-private partnerships and targeted marketing campaigns. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the achievement as a reflection of Dubai's strategic vision to become a world-leading destination for tourism, trade, and innovation. Western Europe remained the top source market, accounting for 22% of visitors, followed by South Asia, the CIS and Eastern Europe, and the GCC. The hotel sector also posted strong results, with an 80.6% average occupancy rate and over 22 million occupied room nights. Culinary tourism played a key role, bolstered by Dubai's recognition in the MICHELIN Guide and The World's 50 Best Restaurants, with Trèsind Studio ranked No.27 globally and FZN earning three MICHELIN stars. Dubai was also named the world's best city for solo female travellers and the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, affirming its commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism. As DET continues to drive the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the city's evolving infrastructure, new hotel openings, global campaigns, and business events position it as a global benchmark for travel, hospitality, and urban excellence. News Source: Emirates News Agency
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
Restaurant Review: La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
La Petite Maison at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, is a love letter to French flair. From buttery snails to dreamy desserts, this fine dining favourite delivers on flavour, charm and style. Here's our review of this Abu Dhabi fine dining favourite. The Spot La Petite Maison sits inside The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The Michelin-starred restaurant began as a charming restaurant in the old town of Nice in the 1980s. It was founded by Nicole Rubi, a French woman of Italian descent who believed in simple, honest food made exceptionally well. Her philosophy travelled and now there are restaurants in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Doha, Miami, Limassol, and Abu Dhabi. The Vibe Crisp white tablecloths glow against the bright coloured art on the walls. Every fork, every glass, every fold of napkin is precise. In the middle of the room, the staff gather like they're backstage at a play. Sleeves are rolled, aprons are tied. There's a hum in the air, not from guests but from the team getting into position. French music plays in the background as the barman mixes pink mocktails with the care of someone mixing perfume. Then, without warning, the staff let out a shout. It's part war cry, part theatre. A signal. And with that, the doors open and service begins. Food and Drinks LPM's food is French Mediterranean with a whisper of Italian. It's what happens when comfort food gets dressed up for a night out. Think simple ingredients, treated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for royalty. It's the kind of food you'd expect from the South of France if your grandmother and a French chef teamed up in the kitchen. It's elegant without being stuffy and rich without being heavy. Everything feels considered yet effortless. The Burrata with black truffle is the kind of starter that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. Creamy, earthy and too good to share. The showstopper is the beef tartare with smoked bone marrow mayonnaise – a dish so decadent, it should come with a warning label. You could fall in love over that dish. You haven't been to LPM if you haven't had the Burgundy snails with garlic butter and parsley. It's the real hero of the starters, they are a rite of passage. Sides like the dauphinois gratin and broccolini keep things balanced and satisfying. The grilled Wagyu sirloin was rich and indulgent, a dish for when you're feeling celebratory. The Vivienne lamb cutlets were sublime and packed with flavour and finished with just enough finesse to make you fall in love. Perfectly pink, dressed with olive, eggplant caviar and pine nuts, they'll haunt your dreams for a long time. But not everything landed perfectly. The lobster linguine, looked the part but fell short on the flavour. The pasta was tasty, but the lobster itself should have stayed in Canada. It wasn't bad, but it didn't sing. Blame the snails for stealing the spotlight. The homemade rigatoni arrabbiata is a safe, solid choice for the meat-free crowd. Dessert is where the magic returns. The vanilla cheesecake lives up to its reputation as the best in the UAE. Light, creamy, perfectly paired with a berry compote. The hot chocolate mousse is smooth and indulgent, like something written straight from the heart of the kitchen. Both desserts tasted like they were made for the king of France. Drinks are thoughtful and beautifully made. Whether you're going alcohol-free or diving into cocktails, the flavours are clean, bright and refreshing. The Service There's a quiet choreography to the way the staff move. They glide, rather than walk, anticipating what you need before you realise you need it. Waiters know the menu intimately. Their recommendations are honest, thoughtful and spot on. The sommelier, with a palate as sharp as his suit, made pairings that elevated each bite. What's On the Bill Expect to spend around Dhs500 per person. If you're adding Wagyu, caviar or multiple courses, the total climbs fast. But the experience, from food to service, makes it worth it. The Final Say La Petite Maison is an experience that's about more than just exquisite food. You're transported from Abu Dhabi's desert heat to the breezy coastline of the French Riviera. It does this through flavours and feeling. The entire night feels like something to remember. Come hungry, leave smitten. What's On Verdict Sublime service, dreamy desserts and enough French flair to make you forget you're in a mall. Go for the snails, stay for the dessert, and leave planning your next visit. Location: La Petite Maison, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Times: Mon to Sun, noon to 3:30pm, 6pm to 11:30pm Contact: (02) 692 9600 Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends Images: supplied
What's On
4 days ago
- What's On
4 of the best bars in Dubai to check out this weekend: August 1 to 3
It's August in Dubai, which means it's time to hide indoors from the heat and ideally somewhere high up with a cocktail in hand. While open-air terraces take a summer break, the city's bars and rooftops aren't going anywhere. Here are some of the best bars in Dubai to keep you cool while it's 49°C outside. Studio Frantzén If you can't wait for the weekend and need a Happy Hour to kick things off, head to Studio Frantzén, the Michelin-selected modern European bistro by chef Björn Frantzén. Sip on classic cocktails like a Negroni, Tommy's Margarita, or Lychee Martini, and pair them with standout bar bites, from veal tartare toast and wagyu sliders to crispy potatoes with vendance roe. Location: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah Times: Daily 5pm–7pm Cost: Cocktails Dhs50 each (5pm–7pm daily); French-Asian bar bites from Dhs45. Contact: (0)54 584 3105 | @studiofrantzendubai Amelia Amelia channels retro-futuristic steampunk through rich textures, dramatic, low lighting, and dark, moody palettes, setting the stage for a night that feels cinematic. The Japanese-Peruvian menu is polished, but the bar holds its own with a creative cocktail and martini list. Expect a space that makes every drink feel like part of the experience. It's a spot for those who appreciate detail in their drink, their setting, and their night. Location: Downtown, Dubai Times: Daily from 7pm to 3am Contact: (0)4 328 2805 | @ BOCA Image: What's On archive In a district known for dressed-up dinners and power lunches, BOCA keeps things cool. It's a modern Spanish restaurant with a bar that's just as much the draw as the food. The vibe is chilled out with warm lighting, big tables, casual chatter, and a terrace that feels like a hidden corner of the city. Ideal for a grown-up night out where conversation matters and the mood stays easy. Come for a catch-up, a few small plates, and a solid wine list. Location: BOCA, Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai Times: daily 12pm–2am (kitchen closes at 11.30pm) Contact: (0)4 323 1833 | @bocadubai Monkey Bar Monkey Bar brings a new kind of cool to Dubai, combining Berlin's underground vibe with a jungle-inspired rooftop terrace. Regular themed nights attract Dubai's trendy crowd, with rising regional DJs setting the mood. The drinks menu features playful twists on classics, like the Espresso Martini made with plantation pineapple rum by Martin Hudak. Location: 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Trade Centre Times: Daily, 5pm to late Contact: (0)4 568 2525 | @monkeybardubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
