Page 13 - #189 March 2024

MIDDLE EAST NEWS INBRIEF

ROSHN BEGINS MARAFY WORK
NEOM ANNOUNCES BRAND NEW LUXURY WELLNESS MARJAN UNVEILS RAK CENTRAL ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s real estate developer
has broken ground on its mixed-use project
RETREAT ELANAN IN SAUDI ARABIA PROJECT IN RAS AL KHAIMAH and lifestyle destination, MARAFY. It will feature
1.8 million square metres of integrated districts
connected by an 11km canal. The Red-Sea fed canal
NEOM has announced Elanan, an upcoming guest Marjan, the master developer of freehold
retreat that it says will redefine luxury and well-being properties in Ras Al Khaimah, has unveiled prioritises ROSHN’s commitment of walkability,
experiences, in Saudi Arabia. RAK Central, its latest mixed-use destination, cyclability and multi-modal transport systems.
Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline where the which will feature a Grade-A office and
mountains meet the sea, Elanan sensitively emerges from commercial district that is set to open in IHG ANNOUNCES NEW RESORT
within its lush oasis surroundings, fed by ancient natural 2026, helping to drive business and tourism Dubai will have its first InterContinental Resort
springs. It features 80 bespoke rooms and suites and is development, unlock job opportunities and when a Portofino-themed hotel opens in the
designed with well-being at its core, offering a unique redefine lifestyle in the Emirate. World Islands in 2026. The Heart of Europe has
nature resort that embraces all the senses. Upon completion of all phases of the signed an agreement with IHG Hotels and Resorts
Elanan takes a modern approach to wellness, blending mega-development, RAK Central will create to launch and manage the InterContinental Resort
new technologies in a discreet luxurious setting that a vibrant work, live and play destination that Portofino, The Heart of Europe on The World
promotes relaxation and reflection. The signature will contribute to RAK Vision 2030, driving a Islands, Dubai.
facilities provide numerous options for guests to prosperous and diversified economy, building
embrace themselves in tranquility, rest and recharge. happy and cohesive communities, securing
Elanan’s architectural vision uses ultra-modern design a sustainable future and safeguarding the CHOITHRAMS SET FOR GROWTH
techniques and creates intricate sculptures that blend environment by following advanced green The popular UAE supermarket chain will embark
with the surrounding natural beauty. building strategies. on a major expansion, which will see it opening
Construction work is scheduled to begin a series of new stores in the UAE, Bahrain and
this year to reach its 2026 opening date. Qatar, besides launching online shopping services
RIYADH SPORTS BOULEVARD AIMS TO in Bahrain and Qatar. The UAE expansion plans
come on top of the chain opening ten new stores
TRANSFORM SAUDI CAPITAL last year.

Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard megaproject aims distinct districts and deliver iconic destinations UAE TO HOST AN ESPORTS EVENT
to transform the Saudi capital into a top and architectural highlights for Riyadh – The UAE’s status as a fast-rising gaming hub globally
global destination by creating a 135km green including a state-of-the-art amphitheatre, is expected to increase in 2024, with True Gamers, a
pathway with facilities for 50 different sports performance spaces and artist exhibition leading international network of esports clubs, gearing
and more. areas, as well as designated investment zones up to hold the first gaming competitions between
The Riyadh Sports Boulevard will for commercial opportunities including retail countries in the Gulf region. This follows True Gamers
include the Prince Mohammed bin Salman and real estate, among others,” she explained. hosting the first amateur esports tournament between
bin Abdulaziz Road and stretch over 135 When finished by 2029, the project will Dubai and Sharjah in the first round early last month.
kilometres from Wadi Hanifah in the West have created over 4.4 million square metres
with Wadi Al Sulai in the East when complete, of new green spaces and planted more than
connecting the entire city through a series 170,000 trees. Residents and visitors will DAMAC UNVEILS ‘THE SAPPHIRE’
of green pathways for cycling, walking, horse be able to enjoy world-class facilities for 50 DAMAC Properties, a leading luxury real estate
VISITORS TO DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE (DIFC) NOW HAVE A NEW SPOT AT WHICH THEY CAN RE-ENERGISE AS WAQUD, AN ALL-NEW COFFEE SHOP WHERE riding and various sporting activities once different sports. developer in the UAE, has announced the launch
CONVENIENCE MEETS SOPHISTICATION, IS NOW OPEN ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF WALDORF ASTORIA DIFC. THE NEW SITE PROMISES TO BRING AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE complete. Construction is moving ahead on The project, launched by the Custodian of ‘The Sapphire’ tower, the third installment in
FOR COFFEE-LOVERS, BLENDING WORLD-CLASS BEANS WITH A DELICIOUS GOURMET MENU. WHETHER IT IS A QUICK GRAB-AND-GO OR A COMFORTABLE SIT-DOWN EXPERIENCE, schedule with the first phase set to open to of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin
THE NEW LOCATION IS THE PERFECT SITE FOR A CASUAL SNACK OR LUNCH BREAK. THERE IS ALSO PLENTY OF DRINKS TO CHOOSE FROM, WITH THE RANGE INCLUDING ALL its Safa series. The Sapphire by DAMAC will offer
COFFEE CLASSICS, AS WELL AS FRESH JUICES, ICED TEAS, SIGNATURE COLD BREWS, HEALTHY SHOTS AND MUCH MORE. the public later this year, Jayne McGivern, Abdulaziz in March 2019, aims to fulfil the views of the Dubai Canal, Sheikh Zayed Road and
CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to the Arabian Sea. The collection is renowned for its
SIRENE BY GAIA TO OPEN ITS DUBAI SQUARE SET TO BE AN (SBF) said. improve health, wellness and quality of life luxurious and unique interiors.
for all.
“The Sports Boulevard will span eight
DOORS IN SEPTEMBER AI DESIGNED PROJECT
23 NEW CONCEPTS
Dubai’s Fundamental Hospitality will debut Sirene by GAIA later this Emaar’s new Dubai Square will be one of the world’s most advanced LAUNCHED
year, with the world’s largest beach club set to span 9,000sq m, taking developments, using AI for the design, construction and creating
the iconic GAIA restaurant brand beachside. “unique” personalised customer experiences.
Taking over a year to design, the venue will feature over 400 “This is a project where we have really made the most of AI, Al Ghurair Centre has begun its ambitious plans
sunbeds, swimming pools, cabanas and expansive dining areas serving to fully understand consumer behaviour and to come up with the to redefine Deira’s dining scene with the launch
Mediterranean cuisine – a special menu curated by GAIA, one of best solutions when it comes to engineering, architecture and of Flayva, a global ‘street food’ hall that features
Dubai’s most iconic restaurants. “We’ve taken our time, but the sustainability. I also feel this is a great moment to train our young 23 exciting homegrown concepts that opened on
outcome is going to be really special,” said Fundamental Hospitality’s architects and engineers to be part of one of the most sophisticated 16 February.
Founder and CEO, Evgeny Kuzin. retail and entertainment destinations in world,” Emaar Founder Spanning an expansive 3,318sq ft, the all-
GAIA has become Fundamental Hospitality’s most successful brand Mohamed Alabbar said. in-one culinary hotspot can accommodate
since launching in Dubai in 2018. The Greek-Mediterranean restaurant According to Emaar, Dubai Square is a residential, hospitality and approximately 500 guests at a time, providing a
now has locations in Doha, Monte Carlo and London with openings retail city that will boast 10,000 residential units, over 1,500 hotel spacious and vibrant setting for a rich variety of
planned for Marbella and Miami this year. rooms and a retail district that is approximately the size of The dining experiences in the heart of Deira.
Sirene by GAIA will take the GAIA concept beachside, offering Dubai Mall. From Indonesian to Vietnamese, Indian to
sharing plates and larger portions suited for beach days. Sirene by Dubai Square will be facing the iconic Dubai Creek Tower and Japanese, Lebanese to Filipino, the recently-
GAIA is a cornerstone of Fundamental Hospitality’s plans to introduce the Dubai Creek Plaza. The projects will be connected through a launched Flayva features a melting pot of flavours
14 new brands across Dubai and internationally in the next year alone. cutting-edge underground extension. for every palate.

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