Latest news with #AbuDhabiEmirate
Trade Arabia
3 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
DCT Abu Dhabi, Rotana unveil summer tourism campaign
Building on the strategic collaboration announced at Arabian Travel Market 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana, the Middle East's leading hospitality company, have now 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. Summer Campaign: Stay More, Pay Less From June through August, guests staying at Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi can enjoy an exclusive 'Stay 3, Pay 2' summer offer. 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 Synergy driving summer tourism 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, a statement said. 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.' A partnership shaping future of travel 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, it said. -TradeArabia News Service
Arabian Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: Abu Dhabi secondary property market surges by 53% in Q1 2025
Abu Dhabi's secondary real estate market has recorded a 53 per cent year-on-year increase in transaction value during the first quarter of 2025, reaching AED 5.04 billion compared to AED 3.3 billion in the same period last year, according to data from Metropolitan Capital Real Estate (MCRE). The secondary market now represents 11.4 per cent of the total real estate market in the emirate, with demand driven by both end-users and international investors seeking ready-to-move-in properties with high yields. 'The performance of Abu Dhabi's secondary real estate market in the first quarter of 2025 is truly exceptional, demonstrating the underlying strength and increasing maturity of the emirate's property sector. The significant growth in transaction value and volume underscores the high demand for ready properties and Abu Dhabi's continued attractiveness for international investors, drawn by favourable returns and the emirate's appealing lifestyle,' Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate said. International investors drive Abu Dhabi property market growth MCRE itself has outperformed the broader market with a 152 per cent year-on-year increase in sales value, capturing 21 per cent of Abu Dhabi's freehold residential secondary market. The company aims to increase this share to 25 per cent by the end of 2025. A highlight transaction during the quarter was the AED 83 million sale of a seven-bedroom villa on Saadiyat Island with direct sea access, handled by luxury property specialist Natalia Kushparenko. This sale reflects the growing demand for premium lifestyle communities in the capital. Luxury villa sales dominate Abu Dhabi's secondary market in 2025 The residential secondary market specifically saw sales values grow by 15 per cent, rising to AED 2.74 billion in Q1 2025 from AED 2.38 billion in Q1 2024, with transactions increasing from 972 to 992. Villa and townhouse sales have seen substantial growth, with townhouse sales value increasing by 142 per cent to AED 76.89 million in Q1 2025, up from AED 31.71 million in Q1 2024. Villa sales rose by 15 per cent to AED 1.47 billion, compared to AED 1.27 billion in the same period last year. Apartment sales showed more modest growth of 7 per cent, reaching AED 899.33 million in Q1 2025 versus AED 840.69 million in Q1 2024. UAE nationals led the market in Q1 2025, accounting for 21 per cent of secondary transactions, followed by Russians (10 per cent), UK nationals (9 per cent), and Indians (8 per cent). Yas Island emerged as the most active area with 266 transactions worth AED 755 million, followed by Al Reem Island (195 transactions, AED 275 million), Al Reef (127 transactions, AED 151 million), and Saadiyat Island (113 transactions, AED 909 million). MCRE expects the secondary market to maintain its momentum throughout 2025, particularly in sought-after lifestyle destinations such as Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem Islands. The company predicts that international capital will continue flowing into Abu Dhabi amid rising global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, positioning the emirate as a stable growth market.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
10 of the best family-friendly hotels in Abu Dhabi – with free theme park tickets, kids' clubs and more
Abu Dhabi absolutely dotes on children – indeed, there's just one adults-only resort in the entire emirate. But while the abundance of kids' clubs, activities and amenities is fantastic for families, it can also make choosing a hotel overwhelming, so which are the very best ones? The following hotels have earned their place by providing an extra-special stay for their youngest guests, and genuine relaxation for the rest of us. Whether it's free theme park tickets, in-room toy teepees, complimentary kids' clubs or ice cream for breakfast, the treats keep on coming – while the hotels' location, service and rooms are superlative too. In the UAE, cots are free, and while pull-out beds are readily available, consider booking a twin room instead: the beds are usually doubles, and floor space is always generous. Special offers such as free dining or activities are common too, so check when you book. Whether in the city centre or amazing locations a little further afield, these are the best hotels in Abu Dhabi for families. 10 best family hotels in Abu Dhabi for 2025 At a glance 1. The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton hotel Yas Island Yas Island is a kids' paradise, home to four epic theme parks – including superhero rides at Warner Bros World, and the world's fastest rollercoaster (almost 150mph!) at Ferrari World. The WB hotel puts it all right on your doorstep, and includes free access to all of Yas's parks each day of your stay, for everyone on your booking. While your children will love the poolside movie screenings, cartoon-themed kids' club and movie artwork in the bedrooms, you'll appreciate the full-service spa after a day on the rollercoasters, and the fuss-free choice of five onsite restaurants. Address: Yas Island, YS4, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Yas Island Lower priced than the WB, yet still extremely handy for Yas Island's rollercoasters, the Rotana is ideal if you're hoping to balance the theme parks with culture and sightseeing. Some of its packages offer free park tickets, and the kids' club perks include an arcade-style zone with PlayStations, iPads and Playtouch consoles – if you can tear them away from the soft play area and ball pit. There are two outdoor pools (one just for children), a tennis court and laid-back dining at buffet restaurant Choices, while the adjoining rooms provide flexible space for families. Abu Dhabi desert Some children find Abu Dhabi's urban bustle overwhelming, in which case Al Wathba is a happy medium. It's 35 minutes from the city, though its riding stables, flower-filled gardens and fresh air make it feel much further. At dinner, you can hand-feed the horses at Italian restaurant Terra Secca, while the resort's daytime activities include a surfing simulator, falconry shows and desert picnics – plus horse riding through the dunes, of course. The hotel is designed like an old Arabian village, albeit one with a gorgeous cabana-lined pool. Visit on weekdays, when the resort is quietest. Rabdan If you're travelling with a baby, you won't care that the Shangri-La doesn't have a kids' club – but you will appreciate its long seaside promenade for soothing pushchair walks, and its shaded children's pool for splashy play. Babysitting is available on request, and all rooms feature balconies, bathtubs and oodles of space for a cot (free of charge). For Shangri-La Circle members, under-sevens dine for free year-round in the buffet, which just so happens to be one of Abu Dhabi's most impressive, with tables overlooking the private sandy beach. 5. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi hotel Al Saadiyat Island Like a pick-n-mix of holiday joys, this all-inclusive resort not only offers bottomless buffet and à la carte restaurants, but a daily programme of family fun – from nightly live music to aerial yoga (ideal for teens) and bike rides along the Corniche. For younger children, Rixy Club combines arts-and-crafts activities with active pursuits such as a kids' gym, tabata and crossfit, with nary a screen in sight. The beach is sheltered by a wave-break for safer swimming, while cocktail-toting waiters whizz around the three swimming pools on rollerblades. Lively and laid-back, Rixos Marina allows kids to be kids. Address: Al Saadiyat Island, SDN1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 6. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara hotel Rub' al Khali Desert Rising from the Rub' al Khali desert's russet-red dunes, this extraordinary resort looks like a lost Arabian oasis – guaranteed to capture older children's imaginations. Behind its fortress-style turrets you'll find two large swimming pools, a huge kids' club and seven restaurants, while the surrounding sandscape is preserved as a wildlife sanctuary. It's a 2.5-hour drive from the city, but its Indiana Jones vibe is fun for all ages, with the opportunity to explore the wild dunes on camel, e-bikes and 4x4 buggies, and try archery, stargazing, falconry and more. Address: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Bateen Liwa, Mahdar Sahab, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 7. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort hotel Al Saadiyat Island Good luck prising your kids from the Sandcastle Club, which not only features an outdoor pool, but also a splashy playground, waterfalls and mysterious caves – a hide-and-seek paradise. Indoors, they'll find craft workshops, table tennis, gaming consoles and everything from storytelling to face-painting activities. With the tots taken care of, you're free to kick back on Saadiyat Island's sugary sands, and flop from sunlounger to spa for hammams, massages and wraps. The sea can get choppy on breezier days – great for boogie boarding – but those with young kids may want to stick to the pool. 8. Aloft Abu Dhabi hotel Al Rawdah The Aloft's enormous swimming pool is a sure-fire hit with the kids, and it has plenty of shade all day, with lifeguard service, a poolside restaurant and foosball table nearby. If you can't quite trust your little darlings with the polished marble and cream furnishings of Abu Dhabi's flashier hotels, book this budget-friendly option instead: it's spotlessly clean and the rooms are vast (plenty of space for a pull-out bed or cot), while the stonebaked pizzas at Brick Rooftop Kitchen will please even the pickiest eaters. Address: Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Al Rawdah, W59 01, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 9. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort hotel Sir Bani Yas Island Are you in Abu Dhabi, or Africa? Set in lush savannah grassland, with thatched cabins and free-roaming wildlife, Al Sahel feels like a safari hotel. The kids will love it – whether they're marvelling at the peacocks and gazelles, splashing around in the lagoon-style pool, or spotting giraffes and ostriches in the nearby animal sanctuary. It's located on Sir Bani Yas Island, a three-hour journey from the city (but far closer than an actual safari), whose family-focused activities include banana boating, paddleboarding, archery and mountain biking. 10. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal hotel Al Rawdah Whether grown-ups or tiny tots, the Ritz-Carlton treats all its guests like VIPs. While you're admiring the lobby's glittering chandeliers and Li Jiang's fabulous sushi, they'll be wowed by the in-room toy teepees and the breakfast buffet's ice cream machine. The private sandy beach overlooks a waterway between islands, so there's no current or waves to worry about (plus a cordoned area for swimming) – while the pool is one of the UAE's biggest. And of course, the kids' club hosts a daily programme of activities, games and age-appropriate fun.
