The GCC has had one of those weeks where a little bit of everything happens, and the updates are fresh and trending. Luxury travel got fancier; Saudi Arabia announced a big hotel expansion, Dubai employees received good news for the summer, and even airport layovers became more interesting.
1. Emirates Unveils New Bulgari Amenity Kits With Luxury Fragrances And Fresh Designs
If you’re flying Emirates in First or Business Class soon, you might notice a few changes in your amenity kit. The airline has unveiled a new collection of Bulgari kits, marking another chapter in its long-running partnership with the Italian luxury brand. The new bags come in fresh colours and include updated fragrances depending on your cabin and whether you’re receiving a men’s or women’s kit. First Class passengers get perfumes from Bulgari’s Le Gemme range, while Business Class travellers receive different scents in smaller travel sizes. But it’s not just about luxury. Some of the bags and accessories now use recycled materials, including certain combs, mirrors and packaging.
2. Saudi Arabia To Get 10 New Marriott Hotels In Major Expansion Deal
Saudi Arabia’s tourism push is showing no signs of slowing down. Marriott International has signed a deal with Saudi developer Blacksand to open 10 new hotels across the Kingdom over the next few years. The properties will include brands such as St. Regis, Marriott, Courtyard and Moxy and are expected to add more than 1,300 rooms. For many people, though, the bigger number is 6,000. That’s how many jobs the projects are expected to create, with a majority set aside for Saudi nationals. The first hotel is expected to open in Riyadh, with more projects planned in other cities through to 2030.
3. Dubai Brings Back Flexible Summer Working Hours For Government Staff
The city’s “Our Flexible Summer” initiative is returning from June 29 until September 10, giving employees shorter workweeks and more flexible schedules. Depending on the department, some employees may finish earlier on Fridays, while others could even get Fridays off entirely. Remote work may also be introduced where it suits the role. For many workers, the programme has become one of the more popular summer perks in recent years, especially during the hottest months of the year.
4. Mona Kattan Brings Pop-Up KAYALI Café To Dubai Mall For Limited Run
There are only a few days left to visit the KAYALI Café pop-up at Dubai Mall. Created by beauty entrepreneur Mona Kattan, the temporary experience is equal parts fragrance bar and Instagram backdrop. Visitors can create their own scent combinations, try drinks inspired by perfumes and spend time in the café’s very pink interiors. The pop-up runs until June 29, so anyone hoping to visit doesn’t have much time left.
5. Assouline Opens First-Ever Travel Series Kiosk At Hamad International Airport
Passengers passing through Hamad International Airport now have another excuse to arrive at their gate a little earlier. Qatar Duty Free and luxury publisher Assouline have opened the brand’s first-ever Travel Series kiosk above The Orchard. Inside are coffee table books, candles and travel accessories inspired by destinations around the world.
Also Read: From Dubai Zoo’s 90-Home Transformation To New Job Rules In Saudi, 5 GCC Updates For You
6. Dubai’s New Phone-Free Party Wants You To Dance Instead Of Scroll
Would you give up your phone for a whole night out? That’s the idea behind the latest event from 2am DXB, which has taken its phone-free party concept to Dubai after stops in Ibiza, New York and London. At the entrance, guests lock their phones away in pouches to allow for a night without notifications, photos or endless scrolling. The next edition is June 27 at Upstairs at The Groovehouse Marina, with future events popping up around the city.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied, CanvaPro/Studio GCC with AI
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