What’s up Dubai: New openings and attractions

A constantly evolving hub of new openings and developments, Dubai is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Dubai receipts represented 31.1% of the total in the Middle East in 2017, reaching AED 77.5 billion (USD 21.1 billion), 8% higher than the previous year.

Here’s what more Dubai has to offer this year:

Dubai’s first hotel-cinema is now open

Reel Cinemas has opened the city’s first hotel-cinema. Situated within the Rove Downtown Hotel in Downtown Dubai, the 46-seat theatre caters to hotel guests and residents. It screens major movie blockbusters as well as alternative content such as football matches and concerts. In addition, there is also an Outdoor Vox Cinema where guests can watch the latest releases under the stars in a relaxed lounge-style setting.

Michelin-starred chef at W Dubai hotel

Chef Massimo Bottura, the mastermind behind three Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana, is opening a restaurant in Dubai later this year. The chef, who saw Osteria Francescana crowned number one in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants this year, will open a more casual venue in Dubai, called Torno Subito — his first restaurant outside of Italy.

Rotana adds the Cayan Tower

Rotana, a brand that manages more than 100 properties across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, signed a hotel management deal to support its presence in its home region. The company is now officially managing the Cayan Tower, which is the ninth tallest residential building in the world and its latest property in Dubai.

Olympic champion to launch fitness centre

State-of-the-art fitness centre, Michael Johnson Performance Dubai, will open its doors in October 2018 in the cruise ship hub of Mina Rashid. The four-time Olympic gold medallist, Michael Johnson, has partnered up with the global organization, DP World, to re-develop Mina Rashid from a commercial port into a sea-oriented lifestyle destination. The 3,600 square metre facility located in the heart of the city is the region’s first sports performance training and fitness centre.

Emirates to launch new services from Edinburgh

Emirates has expanded its network to include another direct route from the UK, announcing a new daily service from Edinburgh. The new route will launch on 1 October 2018 to capitalise on Dubai’s peak season. Services will be operated on Emirate’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering eight private first class suites, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 304 roomy economy seats.

Shadow theatre show coming to Dubai World Trade Centre

Shadowland will hold a three-night run of multimedia experiences at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 13 to 15 September. The show was created by the US performing arts company, Pilobolus, blending ballet, circus, shadow theatre and storytelling which follows a young girl’s world as she comes of age. Pilobolus incorporates a unique approach to modern dance with high-energy and fast-paced music which has been witnessed by over one million people in more than 30 countries worldwide.