Latest news with #JumeirahBeach
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Ex-aide to Georgia's de facto leader at risk of torture, lawyers say
A former aide to the de factor leader of Georgia is at risk of torture, his lawyers have said, after he was arrested and deported to Tbilisi from his place of hiding in Dubai. Giorgi Bachiashvili fled Georgia after falling out with the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chair of the country's ruling party, for whom he worked for more than a decade, overseeing his personal finances. Two months ago, Bachiashvili was convicted in absentia by a Georgian court of stealing $42.7m in profits that was said to have been owed to Ivanishvili from a cryptocurrency investment. While on the run, Bachiashvili accused his former mentor of aligning Georgia with Russia out of self-interest, claiming he was willing to sacrifice 'the land, any interest for his personal wellbeing and security'. Ivanishvili, who is under US sanctions for 'undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation' and violently repressing dissent, was prime minister of Georgia between 2012 and 2013. He is widely regarded as the controlling mind behind the current government. Friends of Bachiashvili said he travelled to Jumeirah Beach hotel in Abu Dhabi to meet a local lawyer. He was instead detained in the hotel's lobby by a group of about eight members of the local security services before being transported to a police station in Dubai and put on a flight to Georgia, the sources said. Bachiashvili, 39, was given the opportunity to call his family to inform them of his arrest but his location is not known. Robert Amsterdam, a US-Canadian human rights lawyer who has been representing Bachiashvili, said: 'We were caught completely off-guard by his arrest. He had local counsel; he had local team, and he seemed very comfortable with them. It appears he was simply arrested and then put on a plane immediately. 'We are deeply concerned about the use of torture. Georgia is notoriously dangerous and corrupt, so it's a matter of real, grave concern.' The UN committee against torture has cited 'numerous and consistent allegations' of torture by Georgian law enforcement. Amsterdam added: 'I denounce in the strongest possible terms the ongoing instrumentalisation of domestic and international law and the abuse of mechanisms of international legal cooperation in Georgia's relentless efforts to jail my client for speaking truth to power.' Bachiashvili, speaking to the Guardian earlier this month, claimed that Ivanishvili had turned Georgia into a puppet state for Vladimir Putin after realising that western countries would not tolerate his continued control over the government. He said: 'I think that up until 2022 he had an illusion that Georgia would enter the EU under Ivanishvili's shadow grip. It became evident that the EU will not accept Georgia with this sort of autocratic power.' Lawyers for Ivanishivili have denied the claims.
Travel Daily News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Sustainability leadership at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
Sustainability leadership at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach drives guest satisfaction, local engagement, and ESG innovation, as General Manager Michael Goetz shares during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai. Sustainability leadership at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach is shaping the hotel's long-term success and industry standing, as General Manager Michael Goetz revealed during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai. Positioned at the heart of Jumeirah Beach, this Accor property has built a strong reputation for embedding sustainability into its operational DNA—well before ESG commitments became widespread across the hospitality sector. Michael Goetz explained that sustainability leadership is not just a marketing tool; it is core to Movenpick's identity. The hotel has maintained Green Globe certification since opening and is one of only two hotels in the Middle East with platinum status. This reflects its consistent performance over 11 years, underscoring sustainability leadership as an authentic and measurable commitment. Goetz emphasized that even though some ESG measures might not deliver immediate cost savings, the hotel prioritizes local sourcing, energy-saving initiatives, and responsible waste management because 'it's the right thing to do' for the environment and the local community. Key to Movenpick's sustainability leadership is technological integration. The hotel employs AI systems like Winnow to track food waste, helping reduce it by up to 25%—above industry averages. This commitment is visible to guests, who encounter menus showing the carbon footprint of each dish, thanks to the partnership with Climato. According to Goetz, such transparency enhances the guest experience, as sustainability-minded travelers increasingly seek hotels aligning with their values. Employee engagement is another pillar of sustainability leadership at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach. The hotel fosters a workplace where well-being, loyalty, and purpose thrive. Goetz highlighted initiatives such as health programs, staff competitions, partnerships with organizations like Evolving Women, and the hiring of people of determination, all designed to create a motivated and values-aligned team. This people-first approach, combined with the hotel's sustainability focus, contributes to consistently high guest satisfaction ratings, with Movenpick ranking among Dubai's top 50 hotels and holding a 96% digital reputation score. Commercially, sustainability leadership has become a competitive advantage. As Goetz pointed out, many corporate and leisure clients increasingly factor ESG performance into their hotel selection criteria. This conscious travel demand positions Movenpick not just as an accommodation provider but as a platform for meaningful, responsible travel experiences. Content blocked. Click Unblock to set your consent level for this website and view the content. Unblock Looking ahead, Goetz sees sustainability leadership evolving through increased demand for eco-certified hotels, stronger digital personalization, expanded plant-based menus, and new investments in renewable energy. With plans to transition hot water systems entirely to solar power and deepen local community ties, Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach continues to lead by example, setting new benchmarks in conscious hospitality. The Movenpick case demonstrates how embedding sustainability into every layer of hotel operations—guest services, staff management, commercial strategy, and technological innovation—can deliver both reputational and financial returns. In a market as competitive as Dubai, this sustainability leadership is no longer optional; it's a defining factor for future resilience and growth.
Cosmopolitan ME
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
We're spilling the best afternoon tea in the UAE
Afternoon tea, served with savouries, sweets, and the friend group, is the ultimate best friend catch up. Serving dainty and demure vibes heals our inner lover girl. Long before there were aesthetic Instagram cafés, ladies (and gentlemen) were spilling afternoon tea, dished up with a side of gossip. We've rounded up some of the best places in the UAE to indulge in a proper afternoon treat. Shai Salon Via Instgram @shai_salons 'A Decade in Desserts' is a limited-edition Afternoon Tea that celebrates Pastry Chef Nicolas Lambert's 10-year journey with Four Seasons Hotels. Embark on a sensory and sweet journey through a curated collection of desserts, each one an edible memory, from the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, the serene beauty of St. Petersburg, and now to the heart of Dubai. Get lost in the tastes of French meringue, strawberry and basil sorbet, yuzu crèmeux, and basil Chantilly. 📍 Where: Jumeirah Beach 🕒 When: Daily 3pm-7pm. 💷 Pricing: Dhs260 per person, inclusive of tea or coffee. The Lana Supplied The gallery presents a seasonal twist on classic British tea. Summer afternoon tea features an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches such as Coronation Chicken, Truffle Egg, Cucumber & Cream Cheese, and Slow-Roasted Wagyu Beef, amongst others. It wouldn't be a proper tea without freshly baked warm scones such as Traditional Raisin and Plain Scones, served with Devon clotted cream and Chef Angelo Musa's signature jams, as well as a range of indulgent pastries, such as Chocolate Ganache Tart, Paris-Brest, Exotic Financier. 📍 Where: Palm Jumeriah 🕒 When: Friday, May 2 – Sunday, August 31, 2025. Daily 1-6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs 400 inclusive of a three-course experience, tea pairing and interactive iced tea experience. Burj Khalifa Supplied Send yourself into the atmosphere of Dubai's iconic skyline, on the 122nd floor of the world's tallest building, transcending our problems with the utmost elegance. It's only the finest on this level; avant-garde finger sandwiches, sweet pastries, chocolate madeleine mandarine with cannelé, and mimosas. For a main course, seabream à la plancha, grilled lamb chops, or truffle risotto, with chocolate crémeux? We're sent. 📍 Where: Burj Khalifa 🕒 When: 12:30pm– 4:30pm. 💷 Pricing: Dhs650 per person no bubbles, Dhs850 per person with bubbles. Novikov Café Supplied Novikov Café is putting a fresh yet classic Italian twist on afternoon tea. Beyond the classic freshly baked scone, mango and strawberry jams, brownies, raspberry & pistachio profiteroles, Novikov Café also features Italian classics, like iconic Sicilian Cannoli. Tea sandwiches are remixed into mini brioche with mashed potato and octopus, Smoked Salmon Sandwiches, and more. In addition to a range of teas, try a Maison Goubet Sparkling Drink, a sophisticated, yet non-alcoholic bubbly. 📍 Where: Dubai Mall 🕒 When: 3pm to 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Dhs220 for two. Exquisite Afternoon Tea at Address Dubai Mall Supplied Get ready for a sweet and savoury journey at The Patisserie at Address Dubai Mall. This tea experience will whisk you away into a golden hour ambience. With a menu that's got top-notch teas, yummy sandwiches, fresh out of the oven scones, and a bunch of heavenly pastries, you'll be sipping in style. 📍 Where: Address Dubai Mall 🕒 When: Daily 3pm- 7pm. 💷 Pricing: Dhs195 per person. Aspen Cafe by Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Forget the ordinary experience- it's time to elevate. At Aspen Cafe, a tea sommelier is your personal guide to a custom tea experience, where you explore five different grades and qualities of tea. Feast on sandwiches, wraps, scones, and cakes. Beyond finger sandwiches and homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, snap Instagram aesthetic photos of macarons and hazelnut chocolate fudge, mini pastries with fresh berries, orange blossom mille-feuille and yuzu cheesecake. 📍 Where: Kempinski, Mall of the Emirates. 🕒 When: Daily from noon- 7pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs200. For reservations or further information contact +971 4 409 5999. Afternoon Tea at Alba Supplied Inspired by a Japanese sunset, 'Yūgure', this Afternoon Tea reflects the poetic calmness of a Yūgure and offers a serene dining moment. The only question is, samurai or geisha? The Geisha selection includes mochis, mini pancakes, tiramisu, Alba snickers, Halva Cookies, and a sweet handroll. The samurai selection includes hamachi and salmon tostadas, mini wagyu sando, tamago sando, and a wagyu onigiri. This refined, elegant and whimsical experience, with showstopping 'Kakigori,' japanese shaved ice. Where: Dubai Opera Plaza When: Monday- Friday 4pm-7pm Price: Geisha selection for Dhs180 and Samuri selection for Dhs260. Mosaico, Palazzo Versace Dubai Of course, the Palazzo Versace lobby does not disappoint when it comes to an ideal setting for a real Dubai High Tea. An assortment of finger sandwiches, fruit, scones, homemade jams, clotted creams, and a variety of pastries is teamed with your choice of Damman Freres tea. Plus this is served nearly all day, so whenever your afternoon tea craving strikes, Mosaico is there for you. 📍 Where: Jadaf Waterfront 🕒 When: Daily from 10:30am- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs190. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 556 8805. S Bar For someone who loves a good view with a variety of sandwiches and savoury bites, S Bar in Sky Lobby, is just the right place. Think chic bar, elegant décor, and so many Instagrammable shots. 📍 Where: SLS Dubai, Downtown Dubai. 🕒 When: Daily from 3pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts from Dhs195 per person. For reservations, contact +971 46070737. Noor Lounge Step into Noor Lounge for the superior tea of your dreams. Under a canopy of gilded trees and floor to ceiling windows, you'll enjoy views that are to die for. Under the Canopy of Light, enjoy delicacies, mini sandwiches, sweet pastries, and scrumptious treats to enjoy. 📍 Where: Mandarin Oriental Dubai. 🕒 When: Daily 2pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs255. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 777 2223. Sahn Eddar Arabic for 'reception of the house,' this atrium lounge is the perfect spot for a decadent afternoon tea. Everything here is absolute magic, and they have some really exciting flavour combinations such as the Green Apple and Jasmin Pavlova and the Hibiscus and Speculoos Tart Breton. Warning: You might want to try it all. 📍 Where: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. 🕒 When: Daily from 3pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs200 per person. Contact +971 04 301 7600. Al Mandhar Lobby Lounge Supplied This special afternoon tea is in partnership with French-Tunisian artist, Idriss B, where you get the chance to view his art collection as well as try out an assortment of treats including limited-edition Pistachio latte, loose-leaf tea, hot and iced gourmet coffee, and baklava. 📍 Where: Jumeirah Al Naseem. 🕒 When: Daily from 2:30pm- 6:30pm. 💷 Pricing: Start at Dhs280 per person. For reservations visit their website here. Raffles Salon There is nothing like free-flowing tea and coffee on a beautiful afternoon accompanied by a selection of delicious treats and french pastries. At Raffles Dubai, you will not only enjoy a beautiful spread, but they also provide you with two experiences to choose from including the Floral Afternoon Tea or the Treasures of Arabia Afternoon Tea. The themes are so adorable that everything is *almost* too pretty to eat! But, don't mind if we take a bite. 📍 Where: Raffles Dubai, Jumeirah Al Naseem. 🕒 When: Daily 2pm- 7pm. 💷 Pricing: Start at Dhs175 per person. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 324 8888. The Lobby Lounge, Ritz-Carlton Dubai At the Ritz-Carlton lounge, you can indulge in a super elegant selection of tea, sandwiches as well as a multitude of sweet treats that range from fruit tarts and cakes to macarons and eclairs. That sounds like our kind of spread! 📍 Where: JBR 🕒 When: Daily 12:30pm- 5pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs195 per person. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 318 6150. Exquisite Afternoon Tea Affair Al Bayt, Palace Downtown This stunning Arabesque lobby overlooking the Burj Khalifa is a seriously stunning setting for a relaxing afternoon. Especially when the afternoon also consists of a selection of pastries, pressed juices, unlimited tea infusions, and a wide selection of sandwiches and sweet treats, all accompanied by live music. 📍 Where: Palace Downtown 🕒 When: Daily 2pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs160 with soft beverages or Dhs220 with a glass of bubbly. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 428 7961. Josette Sashé over to Josette for sparkling Sunday afternoon tea, to treat yourself to an afternoon of douceur. Josette's signature cheesecake, a curated selection de pâtisseries, and artisanal viennoiseries, all paired with Josette's exclusive tea collection. For an extra touch of bubbly, champagne is available. Because it's a truly Parisian experience, a violinist and pianist sing live, just for you 🎀🥂. 📍 Where: DIFC 🕒 When: Sunday 3:30pm- 5:30pm. 💷 Pricing: Non-alcoholic package Dhs185, 1 round of champagne Dhs250. Sidra Lounge, Habtoor Palace Dubai Sidra is a lounge at the Habtoor Palace Dubai which honours the tradition of a fine afternoon tea with an Arab twist. The spread features a selection of pure and blended teas with delicious flavours to choose from and an elegant stand with tons of sweet and savoury bites to indulge in. 📍 Where: Habtoor Palace Dubai 🕒 When: Daily from 3pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs190. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 435 5577 or visit their website here. The Lotus Lounge, Anantara Dubai The Lotus Lounge, located on the Palm will make you feel like you have just been transported to Bali, Indonesia. This is probably one of the most unique afternoon tea experiences you will ever have with picturesque views of the water and an island-style beach terrace lounge. Their tea time menu offers delicious sandwiches, cream scones, and a variety of other decadent treats. The best part is that at sunset, you can enjoy a live DJ and shisha as well. 📍 Where: The Palm Jumeriah 🕒 When: Daily 2pm-5pm, except Saturday's from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 567 8304 or visit their website here. 💷 Pricing: Starting at Dhs220 per person, including tea and coffee. Bijou Patisserie This chic Parisian patisserie is growing to be one of the most popular tea spots in Dubai due to its first-class high tea experience. Bijou is always having new seasonal afternoon tea experiences for their guests to try out, which you will not experience anywhere else. The most renowned dishes at the Le Goȗter are the delicate eclairs and chef Romain's signature cannelés Bordelais which you must try. 📍 Where: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Wafi, Dubai. 🕒 When: Daily from 2pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs175 per person. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 281 4111. Tania's Teahouse Supplied If you want to have tea at the seventh most Instagrammable cafe in the world, Tania's Teahouse offers the cutest all-day high tea three-tier platters for two with your choice of tea or coffee. You can choose from one or both of their high tea experiences, which they decorate according to the season, and include dietary-friendly options. Each platter includes three layers of delicious tea sandwiches, cakes, and sweet treats for the picture-perfect experience. 📍 Where: Dubai Hills Buisness Park 🕒 When: Daily 8am- 11pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs125. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 324 0021. Let's Garden Let's Garden launches its afternoon tea with a Middle Eastern twist. Sit back, relax, and enjoy its range of small bites including Danish pastries, Pizza musakhan, Feta and honey croissants, and more while sipping on some Earl Grey. 📍 Where: Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi 🕒 When: Daily 3pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Dhs305 for two people. Hilton Yas Island Abu Dhabi How about a tea time with your beloved ones all in the ambiance of an enchanting floral heaven? Sakura Afternoon Tea, at Hilton Yas Island Abu Dhabi, is an unforgettable experience that's bringing the etherial vibes of Japan's magical cherry blossom season. 📍 Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 🕒 When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Dhs250 for two. For reservations or further information contact +971 50 737 4934. Majlis Lobby Lounge, Rosewood Abu Dhabi This airy lounge overlooking the water is the perfect spot to meet up with the girls over some classy afternoon tea. The sandwich selection isn't just your basic white loaf and the sweet sides don't disappoint either with sea salt caramel macaroons and coffee financiers on the list. They even have a special vegan and vegetarian afternoon tea menu so everyone can join the fun no matter their dietary needs. 📍 Where: Abu Dhabi 🕒 When: Available daily from 3 pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs200. For reservations or further information contact +971 03 813 5550. The Crystal Lounge, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi The Lady Astor afternoon tea, named after the founder of the first St. Regis hotel in New York, is the classic St. Regis high tea but created using ingredients of the region. They have great twists on the classics and you've definitely got to try the matcha tea cheesecake – it's to die for! 📍 Where: Nation Tower Corniche, Abu Dhabi. 🕒 When: Daily 2pm- 6pm. 💷 Pricing: Starts at Dhs195 per person. For reservations or further information contact +971 02 694 4553. For reservations or further information contact +971 04 878 1837 (Mall of the Emirates) or visit their website here.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Live Bold with Rixos Premium Dubai: Where Beachfront Bliss Meets Urban Elegance
Escape to a world of elevated indulgence, curated thrills, and sun-drenched sophistication Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Jumeirah Beach Residence, Rixos Premium Dubai isn't just a place to stay — it's a full-sensory experience designed for those who like their getaways with a shot of adrenaline and a splash of luxury. From skyline-facing suites to buzzing nightlife, this beachfront icon invites guests to 'Live Bold' — with curated experiences, exclusive perks, and the kind of style-forward energy Dubai is known for. Adding extra thrill to your stay, a minimum three-night booking now comes with complimentary access to the world's largest waterpark. Spread across 35 dazzling floors, the property is home to 414 rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling views that stretch across the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai. Whether you check into a sleek Deluxe King Room or indulge in the sprawling Two-Bedroom Premium Suite, the vibe is chic, contemporary, and effortlessly cool. Suite guests are treated to elevated extras like Godiva Café's signature tea-time experience, round-trip airport transfers, and breakfast in bed — served stylishly until midnight. Beyond the bold interiors lies a city playground waiting to be explored. From designer shopping along The Walk at JBR to skydiving over the Palm or catching golden hour on a yacht, the possibilities are endless. Guests also have access to the Exclusive Sports Club, where high-energy workouts like CrossFit, yoga, and TRX sessions keep the pulse racing. And when it's time to unwind, head to Azure Beach or Naturelife Spa, where hammams, Asian beauty rituals, and tailored massages offer the perfect pause. Of course, no Rixos escape is complete without a feast for the senses. From the open-kitchen buzz of Turquoise to the Grecian vibes of Ammos and the bold flavours of Asil, the hotel's dining scene is a globe-spanning affair. There's even a sweet stop at Godiva Café for artisanal chocolates and rich brews. And when night falls, the property transforms into a nightlife hub — with Lock, Stock & Barrel's electric atmosphere and STK's steakhouse-meets-lounge experience leading the charge. Whether you're here to relax, recharge, or revel till dawn, Rixos Premium Dubai brings the city to life in bold, unforgettable ways. So book your three-night escape, pack your appetite for adventure, and get ready to discover Dubai at its most dynamic. For more information and reservation, visit
