Accor’s ultra-luxury brand, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, has been confirmed as the new operator of the Emerald Palace on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The property was previously managed by Kempinski Hotels until recently.

Accor has expanded the SLS Hotels & Residences brand to the Middle East with the opening of SLS Dubai – one of the tallest buildings in the emirate. The French hotel juggernaut acquired sbe’s hotel brands, which includes SLS, late last year.

Abercrombie & Kent has introduced a new eight-country, 23-day air itinerary across the northern hemisphere that will explore Taiwan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Italy.

There is temptation to think of the name ‘Caesars’ in connection with colourless Nevada desert that has been turned into a kaleidoscope of hues, thanks to Las Vegas. Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, however, is a completely different story.

There are many make-you-smile highlights of One&Only The Palm Dubai, and one is the rabbits. Someone brought in one rabbit, and now there are dozens (apparently one regular – human – guest orders extra room service for their breakfast). More important highlights are the aesthetics of the 90-key resort, and thoughtful and unobtrusive service from a team of 300, led by skilled Venetian GM Vincent Smarrella.

Dorchester Collection has provided an update on its AED 2.5+ billion hotel under development on the banks of the Dubai Canal. The Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai will be the ultra-luxury hospitality company’s tenth hotel and first in the Middle East.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is earmarked to welcome guests from October 2020, the latest luxury property in the Accor portfolio to open in the United Arab Emirates.

Minor Hotels has boosted its presence in the United Arab Emirates, taking over the management of the five-star Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai Hotel, and positioning it under the Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites brand, the second Oaks property in the emirate.

Emirates will deploy A380s on its daily Amsterdam service and add a second daily superjumbo service to London Heathrow starting from 1 August.

Premium customers flying with Emirates can, effective immediately, enjoy the Dubai-based carriers signature Chauffeur Drive Service (CDS) and airport lounge at its Arab hub with the restart of these services following a full health and safety review.

Palazzo Versace Dubai has recently introduced an innovative sanitation protocol for all public areas, as well as guest rooms, restaurants, pools, the spa centre and back-of-house spaces.

A second United Arab Emirates airline will fire-up services between Australia and London, with Emirates confirming its planned restart of scheduled flights to/from Sydney and Melbourne, starting 21 May 2020. Earlier in the week, Etihad Airways revealed its intention to begin services on Friday 15 May.