Latest news with #experiential
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE retail sector booms as malls evolve into experiential hubs
2025 has seen an 88.5% increase of expats migrating to the UAE Fit-out experts like Abra are enabling this shift through adaptable and sustainable design solutions Dubai, UAE – Global consumer habits have shifted due to the convenience of online shopping. However, while many countries are seeing fewer populated shopping malls, the Middle East retail spaces are still driving excitement for consumers. [1] This growth is reinforced by a recent report, which shows that the overall UAE retail industry is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% through 2028, supported by increasing demand for experiential retail that goes beyond product purchasing. [2] Reflecting the change in consumer behavior and a new generation of shoppers who now seek integrated environments where dining, leisure, wellness, and social interaction come together under one roof. Mall experiences across the region have migrated from traditional brick & mortar retail to experiential offerings. As malls become more complex and multifaceted, the interiors of retail spaces now need to do much more than look attractive. They must create atmospheres that engage visitors emotionally, offer flexibility for changing retail concepts, and seamlessly incorporate technology for enhanced interaction. This has been integrated due to consumer preferences with nearly 71% of consumers incorporating digital features into their shopping experiences and nearly half (43%) of all consumers doing so to improve their in-store shopping experiences [3]. As of 2025, the UAE has witnessed an 88.5% [4] increase in the number of expats migrating, with a significant proportion being families seeking enhanced lifestyle experiences [5]. The retail industry has pivoted towards creating immersive experiences, particularly within indoor environments; positioning malls as ideal destinations to deliver these enhanced consumer engagements. Beyond creating these attractions for the residents, the UAE has become a family holiday destination. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international visitors, a 9.15% increase from the previous year [6]. While creating these hubs, the UAE wants to closely embody its vision for sustainable practices, aligning with national goals like the UAE's Net Zero 2050 initiative, which encourages developers and fit-out specialists to seek out eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions that don't compromise on quality or design [7] One shift towards sustainable living is offering everything from fitness studios and wellness clinics to co-working lounges and event programming in these small hubs. Newer communities are developing every so often, like Dubai Hills and Nad Al Sheba [8] creating sustainable neighborhoods where residents can avoid traffic and enjoy the UAE's vision of integrated urban living, exemplified by the '15-minute city' concept, which aims to ensure that residents have easy access to all essential services within a short distance [9].This transformation plays a vital role by serving as multifunctional hubs that complement schools, hospitals, parks, and residential areas – supporting not only convenience but also the social fabric of these neighborhoods. Therefore, the demands placed on its design and fit-out have evolved significantly and especially where fit-out companies like Abra can make a meaningful difference. The UAE is adapting retail in the region to fit the new consumption habits, and luxury fit-out companies are supporting the creation of designs with digital integration and experiential elements while meeting the standards of performance and durability demanded by high-end brands. Abra's expertise includes creating interiors that balance modern luxury, ensuring that furniture and finishes respect both the brand identity and the cultural context of the UAE. Their work often involves collaborating with luxury brands and incorporating sustainable design elements that can evolve with retail trends and seasonal activations, allowing them to longlist and adapt to the nature of today's consumer experiences. In the evolving retail industry, success is more than a space, but rather how the concepts connect and adapt as the consumer preferences shift. About Abra: Abra is a regional leader in luxury retail fit outs. Launched in 1992, the UAE-based company specialises in the design, project management, and production of bespoke retail environments across local markets and travel retail sectors in the Middle East and Africa. Abra expanded into KSA in 2023 with a base in Riyadh to cater to the dynamic luxury retail fit-out segment. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and seamless service, Abra offers end-to-end solutions, including complete in-house production along with prototyping, installation, logistics, and after-sales support. Operating from a state-of-the-art 150,000 sq. ft. facility and a skilled workforce of over 350 professionals, Abra expertly handles a diverse range of materials - wood, acrylic, metal, glass, and paint- ensuring complete control over timelines, cost, and quality. Certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety) standards, the company integrates sustainability and energy-efficient practices throughout its projects. With over three decades of experience, Abra, headquartered in Dubai, is renowned for delivering with precision and reliability. The company continues to redefine luxury retail spaces, while setting new industry benchmarks. For media inquiries please contact: Amjad Mkayed | Sarah Kanji | Srishti Soni Ruder Finn Atteline E-mail: Abra@
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Square X Expands to NYC with a New Hub for Immersive Innovation
Blue Square X Expands to NYC with a New Hub for Immersive Innovation at 1 Penn Plaza NEW YORK, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Square X, a leader in immersive visual storytelling and experiential technology, proudly announces the grand opening of its second Experience Center and Showroom, at 1 Penn Plaza in the heart of New York City. Following the success of its Miami debut, the new location offers a bold destination where digital display innovation meets architecture, content, and motion. Purpose-built to inspire collaboration and showcase what's next in experiential design, the NYC Experience Center immerses visitors in large-format LED environments, interactive displays, and bespoke 3D content demonstrating how digital technology can transform physical spaces into unforgettable experiences. "The New York Experience Center is where big ideas come to life,' said Yitzy Shapiro, Chief Operating Officer of Blue Square X. 'It's more than a showroom it's a space where visionaries across industries can experience how immersive storytelling and smart tech elevate engagement, spark emotion, and create connection.' To mark the launch, Blue Square X will host a grand opening event on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 1 PM to 5 PM. Attendees will enjoy live demonstrations, showroom tours, curated sips and bites, and a series of thought-provoking panel discussions led by experts from across the AV and creative industries: AV Consultants: Scope Shift—Redefining the Role of the AV Consultant Today Art & Galleries: From Collector to Gallery—Navigating the Evolving World of NFTs and Digital Art AV Integrators: Tariffs, Pricing & the Hybrid Workforce—What's Now, What's Next Content Creation: How It's Made—Behind the Scenes of Anamorphic and 3D Digital Content 'We created this space to connect the dots between technology, content, and physical design,' said Chanan Averbuch, Director of Innovation at Blue Square X. 'By bringing industry leaders together for hands-on experiences and real conversations, we're helping push the boundaries of what's possible in physical spaces powered by digital innovation.' The NYC Experience Center serves as a playground for developers, designers, integrators, and creative professionals looking to explore and implement forward-thinking display solutions across real estate, retail, entertainment, hospitality, and beyond. Space is limited. Register here to attend and receive a VIP swag bag for early registrants. About Blue Square XBlue Square X is a digital experience innovation company that transforms imagination into reality by fusing powerful storytelling, art, cutting-edge technology, and architecture. With operations in New York and Miami, they specialize in crafting captivating and immersive visual experiences across a wide range of industries. Blue Square X's focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation drives business growth and enhances customer experiences. Stay up to date with Blue Square X on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Media Contacts:Shari SentlowitzDirector of Communications and MarketingBlue Square X 201-951-2734Shari@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNA
18-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Enterprise Singapore providing support for retailers with experiential concepts
More retailers are looking to experiential concepts to boost their sales and customer satisfaction. Enterprise Singapore has engaged over 20 firms in the past two years, supporting five of them on ideas, such as interactive dining and tech-powered stores. Enterprise SG has also launched the Retail Maverick Challenge with CapitaLand Investments, which will see local brands showcasing their creative solutions to elevate the consumer experience. Winning entries will get access to retail space in one of CapitaLand's malls for up to a year. They will also receive monetary support from Enterprise SG. Caitlin Ng reports.
Travel Weekly
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Hyatt all-inclusives are getting into immersive offerings
That today's luxury travelers are seeking immersive programming is well established. The all-inclusive sector, however, has traditionally focused on a relatively straightforward formula, centered less on immersion and more on sun, sand and endless buffets. Ana Tomicevic But as the industry evolves to tap into experiential demand, market leader Hyatt Hotels Corp. is bolstering its portfolio of 140-plus all-inclusives with programming that Ana Tomicevic, global vice president of brand and marketing for Hyatt's Inclusive Collection said is designed to "take things to the next level." "We know people want unique experiences, and our properties do a great job of doing that today," Tomicevic said. "But how can we innovate even more?" While the all-inclusive industry as a whole has made significant strides in elevating its culinary offerings over the years, raising the bar further on food and beverage remains a key focus, according to Tomicevic. She pointed to recent developments such as the Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club's vegan restaurant and the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island's "eco-garden," where the Cancun resort sources some of its farm-to-table ingredients. As part of its more Gen Z-oriented positioning, the adults-only Hyatt Vivid concept also emphasizes what Tomicevic describes as a "casual over formality" dining approach, featuring grab-and-go poolside taco trucks and ceviche bars that eliminate traditional restaurant wait times. A poolside pop-up at a Dreams resort, created in partnership with MasterChef Junior. Photo Credit: Inclusive Collection The company's newest and perhaps most unconventional dining program targets even younger foodies. Earlier this year, the Inclusive Collection unveiled a program created in partnership with the culinary competition television series "MasterChef Junior," rolling out kid-friendly experiences and menu offerings inspired by the show across select Dreams resorts. Designed for children ages 6 to 12, activities include a Mystery Box Challenge at the Explorer's Club kids club, where children compete to create themed dishes, and pop-up poolside activations like a customizable Popsicle station. "For kids, by kids" menus are crafted by "MasterChef Junior" season 9 winner Bryson McGlynn and season 8 semifinalist Ivy Childs. McGlynn's menu showcases dishes like Alabama Pow Pow Shrimp Tacos, made with Cajun-battered shrimp, while Childs' features the Jacky O' Chicken, panko-crusted chicken breast paired with mustard, thyme, tomato and capers, among other ingredients. The MasterChef Junior programming and menus are currently available at four Dreams properties in Mexico and the Caribbean, with expansion to a dozen more Dreams resorts set to follow shortly. "We're really trying to expose kids to different flavors and different cuisines," Tomicevic said. "Instead of just having chicken nuggets and fries, we're introducing them to different tastes and different experiences through cooking." Fitness and other activities Culinary isn't the only area where the Inclusive Collection is expanding its programming. As part of Hyatt's partnership with Peloton, the portfolio has also been introducing the fitness brand's eponymous exercise bikes to Inclusive Collection properties, with guests able to connect their Peloton and World of Hyatt loyalty program accounts and earn points during workouts. "You're burning your calories, and you're earning points at the same time," Tomicevic said. The immersive focus also extends to what Tomicevic describes as more "culturally relevant" experiences and entertainment. She points to offerings like traditional temazcal sweat lodge rituals available at several properties or pottery wheel throwing, one of many activities offered at the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. The Inclusive Collection's experiential push comes as Hyatt's all-inclusive business posts strong gains -- up 7% in booking pace for the second quarter -- even as economic uncertainty puts pressure on broader U.S. leisure demand. "People are really being more sensitive in how they spend their money," said Tomicevic, who added that the format's inherent value proposition appeals to cost-conscious travelers. "We know that's a reality, and I think that is benefiting all-inclusive." Also helping drive demand is the Inclusive Collection's continued expansion. Just this month, the portfolio announced the opening of the Secrets Baby Beach Aruba and the Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, the collection's first Secrets resorts on those islands. "Aruba has never traditionally been an all-inclusive market, and in St. Lucia, while there are some all-inclusives, it's not a traditional one either," Tomicevic said. "So those are definitely going to be interesting."
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Agentic AI is silently transforming the travel and leisure industries
Global travel to hit record 5.2 billion in 2025, driven by experiential demand and personalized planning through Agentic AI technology. The number of people traveling globally is expected to reach an all-time high in 2025, as worldwide leisure and business travel is expected to keep increasing despite the economic uncertainty. Overall, it is estimated that 5.2 billion people will fly internationally by the end of this year, which would mean a 6.7% increase from 2024, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Not only is the number of travelers increasing, but their behavior is changing. Travelers see a proliferation of options thanks to new technologies actively explored by young consumers. The American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report shows that 60% of global respondents plan to book a trip around entertainment or sporting events in 2025, reinforcing that traveling for experiences continues to grow as a driving force. Perhaps more interestingly, 70% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed want to plan trips that focus on enjoying the journey as much as the destination. It is precisely in this context that Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the tourism, travel, entertainment, and leisure industries, radically transforming how people make decisions and plan their experiences within the next couple of years. The dusty travel brochure and the endless internet searches are about to become relics of the past, yielding to a convenient, omnipresent, predictive AI-based virtual assistant (agent) format. This foreseeable transition means a dramatic change in the traditional consumer logic based on mass advertising, recommendations from friends, or intuition. Agentic AI agents analyze massive amounts of data, from previous personal travel preferences to personal interests, real-time reviews, and social media behavior patterns, to offer relevant hyper-personalized recommendations. That is, a virtual travel agent that not only knows your dream destination but also anticipates your culinary tastes, accommodation preferences, and even your mood and the weather conditions on any given day. The biggest beneficiaries of this revolution will undoubtedly be consumers. They will gain access to experiences more tailored to their individual needs and desires, optimizing their time and budget. Although grim predictions about AI surface continually, the technology will effectively democratize access to information, allowing the discovery of hidden gems and personalized offers that were previously inaccessible or hard to find. From booking a flight at the best price to suggesting a show that perfectly matches each person's interests in a group, Agentic AI apps like Mottli will act as an expert curator of experiences in real time. Recent data illustrates that this trend is already taking place. A recent report by the Business Research Company states that artificial intelligence (AI) in the travel market size will grow from USD 123.72 billion to USD 165.93 billion in 2025, and the potential for increasing innovation on features and synergies with other apps becomes bigger as these tools are getting refined on a daily basis. Furthermore, it is important to consider that AI will not be limited to the planning phase. During the trip or leisure experience, Agentic AI agents will act as an intelligent and proactive companion, offering dynamic recommendations based on traffic or helping avoid peak hours in crowded places, and even resolving unexpected problems. As is the case in most industries, Agentic Artificial Intelligence is not just a passing trend in the realm of travel, entertainment, and leisure; it is a fundamental shift that will profoundly alter how we enjoy our free time and spend our money. Those who understand and embrace this new model will be better positioned to thrive in a future where personalization, efficiency, and prediction will be the cornerstones of the consumer experience.
