International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection

International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection
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International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection
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International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection
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Updated 19 May 2025
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International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection

International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection

Abu Dhabi has always been a meeting point of worlds where East and West, past and future, tradition and ambition converge. This is not just a matter of geography. It reflects who we are: a society shaped by the exchange of ideas, driven by curiosity, and united by a deep belief in the power of culture to move people and ideas forward.

That belief takes center stage as we mark International Museum Day on May 18. This year’s theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, could not be timelier. In an age defined by technological acceleration, climate disruption, and global uncertainty, museums are no longer just guardians of the past. They are engines of progress where creativity, inclusion, and innovation come together to shape more resilient and connected societies.

These values guide the mission of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the greatest concentrations of global institutions. Its shared narrative is a celebration of cultural dialogue, creative exploration, and the human story that binds us across time and geography. The district is more than a center of global cultural and creative excellence; it is a lasting commitment to a society where knowledge and creativity is nurtured, offering pathways to inspiration, empowerment, and transformation. 

Each of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions plays a distinct role. When Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a Bactrian “princess” from 2,000 BCE beside a Tang Dynasty ceramic and a Mondrian masterpiece, it affirms that creative brilliance transcends borders and eras. When the newly-opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi explores the fusion of art, science, and technology, it places the UAE at the center of tomorrow’s narratives. And when Zayed National Museum tells the story of our transformation from a nation of pearl divers, farmers and traders, to a knowledge-driven economy, it offers a living model of resilience and reinvention.

Yet the ambition of our cultural strategy reaches far beyond Saadiyat Cultural District. Across the emirate, a rich network of museums and cultural centers ensures that culture is deeply rooted in the identity and daily life of our communities.

Qasr Al-Hosn, the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, has been transformed into a living museum that tells the story of the capital’s evolution from a fortified watchtower to a vibrant global city. In Al-Ain, the birthplace of our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, both the Al-Ain Museum, established by Sheikh Zayed in 1971, and his former home, Al-Ain Palace Museum, stand as enduring symbols of our national identity. Together with Qasr Al-Muwaiji, which has played an important role in the history of the UAE, they reflect the values, vision, and leadership that continue to shape the nation’s path forward.

The newly-restored Al-Maqta Museum, housed in a historic watchtower, explores the defensive and maritime heritage of the region. Meanwhile, Delma Museum, located on one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the UAE, offers deep insights into the country’s seafaring and pearling traditions. 

Each of these institutions is tailored to its community and context, enriching local pride while reinforcing a broader national narrative. They embody our belief that cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi should be celebrated everywhere, so that every visitor, from schoolchildren to scholars, can see themselves reflected in the stories they preserve and share.

This approach continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed who recognized long before the nation’s formation that culture was essential to building a cohesive and forward-looking society. Not only to preserve the past, but to inspire future generations. That vision is more relevant today than ever before.

We saw it take another step forward this year with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Collection. Curated over many years by DCT-Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Collection brings together thousands of works that reflect the depth and diversity of our shared heritage. Spanning continents, centuries, and civilizations, the collection affirms that culture is not fixed or finite. It moves across borders. It connects people. And it belongs to us all.

As we navigate the complex terrain of the 21st century, from demographic shifts to climate challenges, from exponential technologies to multipolar geopolitics, culture offers something unique: the ability to convert uncertainty into possibility. It reminds us that every leap forward begins with imagination, and that every solution is rooted in human experience.

On the occasion of this International Museum Day, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its belief in a future shaped not only by data or infrastructure, but by ideas, heritage, and human connection. Through investment in cultural institutions, creative industries, and community engagement, we not only preserve the past, we also empower the present and inspire the future. Because culture remains humanity’s oldest survival strategy, as well as its most enduring source of hope.

  • The writer, Mohammed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, is chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi

Hospitality Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries shaping future of Saudi hospitality

Hospitality Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries shaping future of Saudi hospitality
Updated 15 June 2025
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Hospitality Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries shaping future of Saudi hospitality

Hospitality Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries shaping future of Saudi hospitality

The Hospitality Network has unveiled the winners of The Hospitality Awards 2025, honoring excellence across 11 categories that spotlight innovation, leadership, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The awards ceremony, held as part of The 2025 KSA Stakeholder Gathering, brought together senior decision-makers from the hotel and real estate industries at this influential conference.

Winners of the 2025 Hospitality Awards are:

  1. City of Tomorrow: Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City 
  2. Cultural and Architectural Preservation: AlUla Development Company 
  3. Development Leader: Imran Changezi, Diriyah Company 
  4. Groundbreaking Project: Desert Rock Resort 
  5. Heritage Conservation Project: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah
  6. Iconic Project: Shebara Resort 
  7. Innovator of the Year: King Abdullah Financial District 
  8. Luxury Hospitality Pioneer: Desert Rock Resort 
  9. National Hospitality Champion: Fabien Toscano, AlUla Development Company
  10. Sustainability Champion: King Abdullah Financial District 
  11. Urban Living Excellence: Rua Al-Madinah Holding 

A celebration of vision and progress

“These awards are milestones on a much larger journey, powered by purpose, passion, and vision,” said Martina Bjorkenor, managing director, The Hospitality Network. The evening celebrated the drive of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and real estate leaders to innovate while preserving heritage and advancing sustainability.

Beyond awards, creating opportunity through connection

Held as part of the 2025 KSA Stakeholder Gathering, The Hospitality Awards took place during a high-impact event that brought together over 500 senior leaders from Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and real estate sectors. 

The program featured keynote speeches from Joseph Bradley of TONOMUS, who explored the future of AI in hospitality, and Philip Wooller of STR, a CoStar Group Company, who shared key insights on regional hotel performance. 

Attendees participated in expert-led panel discussions covering technology, sustainability, development as well as design and architecture. Together, these elements created a strategic platform to accelerate partnerships, create new opportunities, and drive forward Vision 2030’s ambitious hospitality goals.

What’s next?

The momentum continues at The 2025 EMEA Stakeholder Conference in Dubai this November, where The Hospitality Network will unite the industry’s most influential leaders shaping the future of hospitality and real estate across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This exclusive gathering brings together owners, operators, giga-developers, consultants, and leading suppliers who are key decision-makers driving hundreds of hotel and real estate projects in the region.


stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims
Updated 14 June 2025
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stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc group, a leading digital enabler, supported more than 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims with a robust digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and an exceptional spiritual experience.

The group managed the holy season with outstanding readiness and reliability, elevating pilgrims’ experience through advanced telecommunications infrastructure and dedicated onsite maintenance teams. stc utilized its integrated operations center to monitor all performance indicators in real time, while leveraging cutting-edge analysis and network operation technologies to make swift, precise decisions, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during peak network traffic.

stc’s network reached record-breaking data and call volumes on the day of Arafah and the first day of Eid Al-Adha, surpassing previous Hajj seasons. The deployment of an advanced technical system powered by generative AI and cognitive SON enabled more than 14,000 technical actions per hour, a 30 percent increase from last year. This system also improved upload speed by 20 percent and achieved a self-recovery rate of more than 95 percent during peak times. stc’s 5G network recorded its highest-ever utilization rate of 90 percent during Arafah, successfully meeting the unprecedented demand and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Data usage peaked at Muzdalifah on the first day of Eid, with a 64 percent increase in traffic, a 129 percent surge in 5G usage, and a 25 percent improvement in user experience. In Mina, AI-based predictive analytics optimized load distribution, boosting data traffic by more than 30 percent and enhancing 5G performance by 39 percent compared to last season.

In response to the heightened demand throughout this season, stc set up 436 fixed towers and 78 mobile towers to serve the Haram area and the holy sites, along with 259 5G sites, 83 upgraded 4G sites, and 21 additional coverage sites. Moreover, 998 Wi-Fi access points and 179 dedicated indoor data network sites ensured optimal coverage.

stc dedicated 144 critical communications network sites to deliver immediate support to security and service sectors, backed by a robust team of on-ground maintenance professionals ensuring uninterrupted services in all conditions. The group also played a key role in supporting government and private entities serving pilgrims, demonstrating its commitment to fostering national collaboration during the Hajj season.

stc contributed to the delivery of more than 203 million text messages on the day of Arafah, providing pilgrims with multilingual guidance to perform rituals with ease.

stc subsidiaries played a vital role in enhancing the Hajj experience. 

“sirar by stc” delivered cyber protection solutions to safeguard data and ensure the continuity of digital systems, while “specialized by stc” provided critical communication services via TETRA and LTE networks through its Miqat and Manasik solutions. Additionally, its Event Management Platform seamlessly connected operations rooms with field teams in real time, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims.

“solutions by stc” contributed with advanced services such as SD-WAN, router management, and high-performance Wi-Fi to ensure continuous connectivity. “iot squared” introduced smart tents equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and smoke, enabling early emergency detection and faster response through command centers.

“The success of this year’s Hajj underscores the group’s commitment to serving pilgrims as a trusted digital partner,” the group said. “Operating behind the scenes, stc connected hearts and networks by delivering advanced telecommunications services that respected the sanctity of the occasion. stc group is proud to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and enhancing the experience of pilgrims during Hajj.”


Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch
Updated 14 June 2025
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Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Global AI device ecosystem company Honor has officially announced its entry into the Bahrain market with the launch of its highly anticipated 400 Series. The launch event, held in collaboration with Future Communications Company, Honor’s exclusive distributor in Bahrain, welcomed more than 80 guests including leading retailers and telecom operators.

The event marked a significant milestone in Honor’s regional expansion strategy and introduced Bahrain to the brand’s latest innovation in AI-powered smartphones. During the event, Laurence Li, general manager Honor GCC, outlined the brand’s global achievements, rapid growth across the region, and its long-term investment strategy for the country.

Sayed Ali Kamel, senior business development manager at FCC, expressed strong confidence in the Honor brand and reaffirmed FCC’s commitment to working closely with all channel partners to ensure successful market penetration and growth.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the Honor 400 and 400 Pro — both equipped with advanced AI capabilities including the industry-leading 200 MP AI camera and the new AI Creative Editor, designed to revolutionize mobile photography and visual storytelling.

The Honor 400 is available in two storage variants: 12 GB + 256 GB at 154.9 Bahraini dinars ($410), and 12 GB + 512 GB at 174.9 Bahraini dinars.

The 400 Pro, offering enhanced features and performance, is available in a 12 GB + 512 GB variant at 279.9 Bahraini dinars.

Both devices come equipped with MagicOS 9.0, Honor’s intelligent user interface based on Android 15, and feature a 6,000 mAh battery with ultra-fast charging. The Pro variant also boasts IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance for added durability.

With a strong focus on innovation, design, and user experience, Honor aims to offer Bahraini consumers premium, AI-powered smartphones that empower creativity, productivity, and seamless connectivity.


Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele
Updated 13 June 2025
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Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Miele, the 125-year-old German manufacturer of premium appliances, continues to set global benchmarks in design, sustainability, and technological innovation.

At the heart of this evolution is Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, co-proprietor and managing director of Miele, who embodies the brand’s founding ethos: Immer Besser—Forever Better.

For Dr. Zinkann, leading a fourth-generation family business is not about simply maintaining tradition—it’s about enhancing it.

“Being a family business allows us to make decisions with a long-term perspective,” he said. “It frees us from the pressures of short-term gains and allows us to focus on quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”

Miele’s dedication to excellence is best illustrated in the life expectancy of its products. 

Designed and tested to last up to 20 years, their durability speaks not only to performance but also to a larger environmental ethic: fewer replacements and less waste.

In markets like the Middle East, where refinement and experiential luxury go hand in hand, Miele’s design philosophy plays a pivotal role. 

The brand seamlessly integrates form and function to craft appliances that are both elegant and efficient.

“We collaborate with top architects and designers globally to ensure our appliances are not just built to perform, but also to complement evolving interior trends,” said Dr. Zinkann.

This approach is showcased in the new Miele Experience Center in Riyadh, where fully integrated kitchens and living spaces allow visitors to interact with the brand’s offerings in lifelike settings.

“We’ve significantly reduced our operational CO₂ emissions, and many of our appliances now use recycled materials,” Dr. Zinkann added. “Our products are also designed for disassembly, making them easier to repair and recycle.”

Such initiatives earned Miele the German Sustainability Award 2023, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible innovation across its supply chain and beyond.

Miele has embraced smart living through its Miele@home ecosystem. From AI-powered ovens that learn your favorite recipes to washing machines that optimize cycles based on fabric type, Miele’s tech solutions aim to simplify life without sacrificing performance.

“Technology should enhance convenience, not complicate it,” Dr. Zinkann said. “Our goal is intelligent simplicity, always paired with elegance.”

He said: “Saudi Arabia is transforming rapidly, and we see a strong synergy between our values and the Kingdom’s aspirations.”

The center offers more than appliances; it hosts live cooking events, sustainable living workshops, and collaborations with local chefs. It’s a space where innovation meets culture, a symbol of Miele’s long-term commitment to the region.

Miele’s alignment with Vision 2030 isn’t accidental. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and education mirrors the Kingdom’s path forward. 

Through partnerships with local entities like the Awad Badi Nahas Group, Miele is investing not just in market share, but in societal growth.

“We want to empower communities through knowledge and responsible innovation. Saudi Arabia is a key partner in that journey,” Dr. Zinkann said.

He added: “Today’s customers want appliances that reflect their values — efficiency, design, and sustainability.

“At Miele, we’re redefining what it means to be premium in a world that demands both beauty and responsibility.”


Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline
Updated 11 June 2025
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Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Baheej, Saudi Arabia’s emerging destination developer and a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi Tourism Investment Company and a Public Investment Fund company with the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, has announced the fourth component of its transformative Yanbu Waterfront Project: a 34-room boutique wellness resort that brings together ancestral wellness wisdom and contemporary design inspired by the region’s seafaring heritage.

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Yanbu, this intimate sanctuary will feature private sea-view cabanas, immersive wellness programming, and a signature spa designed as an architectural homage to the pearl, once a precious treasure of Yanbu and a symbol of renewal and serenity.

Norah Al-Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, said: “This project is a reflection of Baheej’s vision to enrich Saudi destinations with meaning, not just infrastructure. Our wellness resort is more than a place to stay — it’s an experience crafted around the values of balance, beauty, and belonging. We believe it will become a new symbol of Yanbu’s evolving identity as a serene coastal escape.”

Envisioned as a journey and offering guests opportunities to reconnect with self and place, Baheej is developing the resort with curated experiences that include meditation at sunrise, movement rituals inspired by coastal rhythms, and wellness treatments rooted in Arabic healing traditions and native ingredients.

“The design, developed by Spectrum Architecture, draws deeply from the soul of Yanbu,” said Stefano Lopez, senior director at Baheej. “It reinterprets the poetry of seafaring traditions and the calm resilience of the sea into a space of reflection, comfort, and transformation.”

Lopez also noted that the official brand of the resort will be revealed later this year, hinting at its distinctive Saudi character. “We want to create a brand that resonates with our domestic travelers — one that brings generations of Saudi heritage and wellness practices to the forefront of contemporary hospitality,” he said.

This launch marks a further step in Baheej’s mission to transform Yanbu into the gateway to the Red Sea Riviera — a new destination narrative that fuses nature, culture, and community. The wellness resort joins a growing collection of destination-defining assets developed by Baheej in Yanbu, including Cloud 7 Lifestyle hotel by Kerten Hospitality, Kaynuna Beach Escape and the upcoming Jaba Tour Center and Diving Club.