Summer travel shifts towards staycations: CEO Elaxiom Travel
Speaking with TTME Elmira Heshmati – CEO – Elaxiom Travel and Tours UAE shared that this year there has been a slight shift in the summer travel plans as travellers are opting for staycations and outbound trips to southeast Asian destinations. 'Travellers are splitting their summer plans between staycations and outbound trips. Demands for wellness retreats within the UAE and across GCC drives a booming domestic market, however, outbound travel remains robust. It's hard to ignore the rapid growth of staycations with the influences of the social media connection between local travels and social media which has made people's strong reliance on their unique features; storytelling, sharing experiences, going live from different locations, receiving feedback through comments, and real-time interactions.
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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE's new unified school calendar to help families sync holidays across curriculums
School leaders in the UAE highlighted that the new Unified Academic Calendar will help families with children, in different schools or curriculums, stay in sync. With all schools now following the same term dates, parents can plan holidays with less hassle and spend more quality time together. However, some schools may need to revisit their academic timelines to ensure the syllabus is covered comfortably within the new framework. Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, GEMS Executive Vice-President, Centre of Excellence for Arabic and Culture and Superintendent and CEO of Al Khaleej International School in Dubai, said, 'Having a unified calendar across the UAE will significantly benefit families by allowing them to plan their holidays and enjoy quality time together without the stress of conflicting schedules. Parents with children enrolled in different schools following various curricula will particularly benefit, as they won't have to worry about differing breaks and can coordinate family vacations more easily.' She added that such a calendar also simplifies the planning of school events, extracurriculars, and community engagement initiatives, leading to a smoother experience for educators and families alike. 'In tandem with this change, schools with differing curricula may need to review their curriculum plans to ensure they meet the requirements for completing the syllabus within the unified calendar framework. This review is crucial to ensure that student outcomes are not negatively impacted by this transition,' said Abu-Shamat. One of the standout changes in the upcoming 2025–2026 calendar is a longer winter break. Students will enjoy a full four weeks off—from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026 — compared to the usual three. Classes will resume on January 5, 2026. Better planning, travel, and work-life balance Educators say this additional time off is both timely and necessary. Natalia Svetenok, Principal of Woodlem British School, Ajman, said, 'Standardised term dates support better planning, travel, and work-life balance. The extended winter break offers a valuable opportunity for rest and enrichment. We are adapting by optimizing instructional time, integrating innovative teaching strategies, and ensuring syllabus completion without compromising quality. This initiative reflects the nation's commitment to holistic well-being alongside academic excellence.' Distinct components For Indian curriculum schools — which follow an academic year from April to March principals emphasized that the unified calendar still includes different elements tailored to accommodate different types of schools. Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, said, 'As part of the unified calendar, SPEA has also released a three-year academic calendar. It includes distinct components to cater to various school types. For Asian curriculum schools, especially those following an April start and March end, the calendar has been structured accordingly. The unified calendar outlines schedules for both Asian, British and all other international curricula. Specifically, SPEA has provided a calendar for Asian schools to us, that aligns with the CBSE framework, beginning in April and concluding in March.' School heads also praised foresight the new calendar provides when it comes to annual planning. Shiny Davison, Principal of Woodlem Park School Hamidiya, said, 'As a school principal, I believe the Unified Academic Calendar is a significant advantage for all schools in the UAE. It allows us to plan academic, co-curricular, and assessment schedules well in advance. The Ministry of Education clearly outlines the number of working days and holidays, which provides clarity and structure. This planning minimizes potential clashes with various curriculums, including international and Indian boards.'
What's On
5 days ago
- What's On
The best bars in Abu Dhabi to try out this week: July 21 to 24
We've got your after-work plans sorted. Whether you're into hidden gems, creative cocktails, or just a great midweek mood, Dubai has no shortage of stellar spots to unwind. Here are the best bars in Abu Dhabi to check out from July 21 to 24: Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Part of the luxe Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, Siddharta Lounge is a rooftop favourite for laid-back evenings with unbeatable Yas Bay views. Whether you're catching the golden hour or sipping cocktails under the stars, the vibe is effortlessly cool. Expect a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian bites served tapas-style, alongside a sleek cocktail menu that keeps the energy going from sunset to late night. A perfect pick for group hangs or a stylish date night by the water. Location: Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily from 5pm to 2am Contact: @siddhartalounge_abudhabi Ray's Bar Perched on the 62nd floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Ray's Bar serves up sky-high sips with a side of serious views. It's the highest bar in the city, making it a top pick for sunset drinks and late-night vibes. The cocktail list is sharp—don't miss the Ray's Mule or Lemon Drop Teatini—and the mood shifts as the week unfolds. Expect a chill lounge feel on weekdays, and DJs turning up the tempo on weekends. Location: Ray's Bar, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily from 6pm to late Contact: 02 811 5666 | La Cava Image: Archive Hidden beneath Rosewood Abu Dhabi, La Cava is an intimate, candlelit grape cellar made for moody date nights and refined sips. Lined with over 1,000 premium labels, it's a haven for wine lovers, with knowledgeable sommeliers on hand to guide your pour. There's also a walk-in cigar room for those who enjoy a sophisticated pairing. Quiet, cozy, and effortlessly elegant – this one's all about the details. Location: La Cava, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm to 1am Contact: 02 813 5550 | Marta Lounge Image: Archive Perched above Fouquet's at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Marta Lounge brings Parisian elegance to Saadiyat Island with one of the city's most stylish rooftops. This speakeasy-style hideaway pairs art deco glamour – think plush seating and golden accents, with a cocktail menu just as refined. Open from noon, it's perfect for a post-museum drink, but the vibe turns extra romantic after dark, making it a dreamy date night destination. Location: Marta Lounge, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am Contact: 02 205 4200 | Images: Instagram and Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Web Release
17-07-2025
- Web Release
Five Hong Kong Hotels That Truly Understand GCC Travellers
Whether you're planning a family retreat, a stylish summer escape, or a business trip with a cultural twist, Hong Kong continues to shine as one of the most inclusive and welcoming destinations for travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the wider MENA region. From its dynamic, exquisite cityscape to its tranquil, luxurious coastal hideaways, the city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan energy, cultural discovery, and true Asian hospitality tailored to Gulf preferences. For those in search of fresh, authentic experiences balanced with the comfort of familiar warmth, these five standout hotels reflect Hong Kong's commitment to delivering true Asian charm and halal-friendly hospitality to the highest standard. The Mira Hong Kong – Tsim Sha Tsui Located in the vibrant heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, The Mira Hong Kong is a contemporary lifestyle hotel and a member of Design Hotels. It proudly holds a 5-Crescent Rating from CrescentRating for its exceptional Muslim-friendly amenities. Guests can indulge in halal-certified dining at Yamm, the hotel's renowned buffet restaurant, and enjoy Arabic-themed evenings at Vibes, the chic outdoor lounge. The hotel also offers in-room halal dining options and is within walking distance to the Kowloon Mosque. Additional facilities include the award-winning MiraSpa, an indoor infinity pool, and direct access to the Mira Place shopping mall. Kowloon Shangri-La – Tsim Sha Tsui East As Hong Kong's first hotel to receive a 5-Crescent Rating, Kowloon Shangri-La sets the standard for Muslim-friendly hospitality. Situated along Victoria Harbour, the hotel offers panoramic views and is conveniently located near shopping and cultural sites. GCC guests are catered to with halal-certified kitchens and a dedicated prayer room. During Ramadan and Eid, special dining arrangements are available. The hotel's Café Kool is certified halal, ensuring a variety of international cuisines prepared to halal standards. Regal Airport Hotel – Chek Lap Kok Ideal for transit travellers, the Regal Airport Hotel is directly connected to Hong Kong International Airport via an enclosed, air-conditioned link bridge. Recognized as the 'Best Airport Hotel in the World and in Asia-Pacific,' it offers soundproof rooms, halal-certified dining options, and comprehensive wellness facilities including a spa, indoor heated pool, and outdoor pool. The hotel's Regala Café & Dessert Bar is halal-certified, ensuring Middle Eastern guests have convenient dining options during their stay. Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel – Tuen Mun Overlooking the serene Castle Peak Bay, the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel is a five-star resort offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. The hotel holds a 3-Crescent Rating and provides halal breakfast options. With family-friendly amenities, including themed children's rooms and a beachfront setting, it's an excellent choice for families seeking a halal-friendly vacation spot. Regala Skycity Hotel – Lantau Island Situated near Hong Kong International Airport and major attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland, Regala Skycity Hotel offers modern accommodations with a 3-Crescent Rating. The hotel features halal-certified dining at its Petra restaurant and a dedicated prayer room and facilities. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary shuttle service to Disneyland, making it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travellers. These standout properties -and many others across the city- reflect Hong Kong's ongoing commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism. As a cosmopolitan city that embraces cultural diversity, Hong Kong continues to position itself as a welcoming destination where all travellers can explore, indulge, and relax with ease. The city's growing range of halal-friendly services and thoughtful hospitality make it an exceptional choice for GCC travellers whether for leisure, business, or a family getaway.
