Page 13 - February 2022

middle east news inbrief

THE UPTOWN TOWER SKYSCRAPER

IN DUBAI SET TO OPEN IN Q3 APPLE RELOCATES ITS STORE
The tech retail giant have relocated their store
at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall to a bigger location
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre within the shopping destination, complete with
(DMCC) has announced that the a new design and look. To date Apple has three
inbrief
centrepiece of its Uptown Dubai District stores in the UAE, with ones at Mall of the
has topped out at 329m. Emirates and Dubai Mall adding to the one at
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman Yas Mall.
and CEO, DMCC, said: “With the topping
out of Uptown Tower, we are about to see
one of the most exciting urban districts in NEW SUSHI BAR HAS A TWIST
Dubai come to life. From the very start of Created by design studio Bombas & Parr, the
the project, we set out to build Uptown pop-up location in Abu Dhabi serves glow-in-
Tower using the very latest smart and the-dark sushi and cocktails. A combination of
sustainable construction practices, which ultraviolet light with bioluminescent ingredients
has enabled us to build an exceptional allowed the designers to create sushi dishes
tower without any disruptions during what and cocktails in an array of lurid colours.
has been an incredibly challenging period for
the global economy.”
The new site will also feature a 188-key NEW BAKERY EYES GROWTH
five-star luxury hotel and restaurants. Created by one of the most revered figures in
Dubai’s food and beverage scene, Mark Patten,
US HOSPITALITY GIANT WYNN Risen is an upmarket café and bakery concept
that will bring a new era for the scene in Dubai.
TO BUILD NEW RESORT The aim in the future is to build Risen into a
household name for residents across the UAE.
Wynn Resorts says the project will feature related sectors. Set to be fully completed in
over 1,000 rooms, shopping mall, restaurants 2026, the entire project will be developed ARBY’S PLAN KSA EXPANSION
and gaming area. Marjan, RAK Hospitality to the highest standards of sustainability The brand has revealed an exclusive
Holding and US-listed Wynn Resorts has best practices. development agreement with Shahia Foods
announced plans to build a multi-billion dollar Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said Limited Company for significant expansion.
integrated resort on the man-made Al Marjan the new integrated resort highlights the This new partnership with Arby’s will see the
Island in Ras Al Khaimah. fast-growing recognition of Ras Al Khaimah brand’s first ever entry in Saudi Arabia, and its
The new resort is the first beach resort as a leading investment destination for high- largest expansion in the Middle East to date.
being developed by Wynn Resorts globally. quality hospitality projects. “The integrated
The current scope of the project also features development, featuring a world-class hotel,
an exclusive spa, more than ten restaurants entertainment and gaming amenities, will SOLESIDE PREPARES TO OPEN
and lounges, a wide array of entertainment add to the Emirate’s destination strategy The unique sneaker shop, SoleSide by chef Reif
choices and a gaming area. to attract tourists from across the world. Othman is preparing to open at Al Wasl Vita
It will be developed with “significant” We are partnering with Wynn Resorts, one Mall on Valentine’s Day. The brand new concept
foreign direct investment by Wynn Resorts, of the world’s most renowned integrated store by Reif promises to deliver trending
a statement said, adding that as the largest resort companies, which has a strong track streetwear, trainers and art figures from iconic
project of its kind in the Emirate’s growing record of developing luxury destinations brands such as Supreme, Nike, Essentials and
hospitality sector, it will create substantial value with exceptional accommodation, dining BearBricks.
to the local economy by accelerating tourism, and entertainment concepts along with
creating jobs and energising the growth of gaming facilities.”

KSA SIGNS CIRQUE
DU SOLEIL DEAL

A new agreement between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry
of Culture and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment
Group aims to pave the way to bring award-
winning performances to the Gulf kingdom.
Under the agreement, a number of shows by
the renowned entertainment group including
new Cirque du Soleil touring shows, The
Illusionist, Now You See Me, Paw Patrol Live –
Race to Rescue, Trolls Live! and Blue Man Group
World Tour are set to play in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement will also see the two parties
develop a plan to establish a regional Cirque du
Soleil training academy and office.

FEBRUARY 2022 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 13