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

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

NABNI, Hilton launch Waldorf Astoria residences in Dubai

Updated 02 June 2025
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NABNI, Hilton launch Waldorf Astoria residences in Dubai

Following the 2024 signing of a milestone partnership between NABNI Developments and Hilton, the premium-luxury 146-unit Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay has officially launched.

Designed by celebrated international architect Carlos Ott and featuring interiors by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the 65-story residences will be the second tallest residential tower in the Business Bay/ Downtown Dubai district upon planned handover in Q4 2029. It is Waldorf Astoria’s first standalone residence project outside of the US.

Inspired by Waldorf Astoria’s 130-year five-star hospitality history, Ott’s sleek, sculptural design is a contemporary interpretation that reflects Dubai’s future-forward vision and celebrates the connection between nature and timeless sophistication. Interiors draw on Art Nouveau and Art Deco design motifs synonymous with Waldorf Astoria’s design language, artfully paired with elements reflective of the city’s modernity. 

Abdulrahman Alsuwaidi, co-founder and chairman, NABNI Developments

A total of 146 units are available across three distinct collections: the Signature Collection, one to three-bedroom residences; Sky Collection, four-bedroom residences, multi-level sky villas, and sky mansions; and a singularly exceptional Sky Palace occupying four dedicated floors with 360-degree city views.

Abdulrahman Abdulla Alhelo Alsuwaidi, co-founder and chairman, NABNI Developments, said: “As a visionary Emirati developer committed to delivering timeless design-driven homes, our partnership with Hilton is elevating Dubai’s branded residences market by setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality-led excellence, anchored by more than a century of Waldorf Astoria service and legacy experience. This translates perfectly to the residential market and, more specifically to Dubai’s incredibly competitive premium real estate landscape. Recent data from property consultancy Global Branded Residences revealed a 43 percent year-on-year increase in 2024 in the sale of branded units, with this figure set to more than double in the next five years. With the global high-net worth investor community looking to Dubai as a highly sought-after location for portfolio expansion, or as a desirable second home destination, the debut of the Waldorf Astoria Residences brand is a natural fit with current market dynamics.

“NABNI Developments’ ambition to lead the region’s branded residences segment through architectural mastery, service excellence, and unmatched attention to detail, is exemplified in this exciting project, which is a regional first in terms of scale and exclusivity; and set to become an enduring landmark on the Dubai skyline.”

Each of the Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay residences optimizes Burj Khalifa views and offers the ultimate in ultra-luxury living while being effortlessly practical. 

Premium materials and innovative design come as standard with unique features including reserved lift access that takes residents and their guests to their private apartment lobby entrance.

Exclusive leisure amenities include the world’s highest “Golf in the Sky” simulator experience (270 meters); an adult-only and family swimming pools plus private cabanas; the Waldorf Astoria spa and wellness center; fitness and yoga studios; and a meditation deck. Residents enjoy personal concierge and housekeeping services and will also be able to book a private Waldorf Astoria chef dining experience, along with on-request services such as pet care, personal assistant and secretarial support, personal driver, in-home spa treatments, private fitness training, and more.

With ground-breaking scheduled to begin in June, NABNI Developments has also opened a dedicated sales center located in the Business Bay district. The new 1,000-square-meter center allows investors to take a 3D interactive walk through the project and unit options, as well as an interactive scale model area.


Dyson boosts Saudi presence with new Riyadh store

Updated 02 June 2025
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Dyson boosts Saudi presence with new Riyadh store

Dyson is accelerating its expansion in Saudi Arabia with the launch of its latest store at Riyadh Park, a strategic move that highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and deepening its presence in the Kingdom.

Strategically positioned at the mall’s main entrance, opposite Mont Blanc and Lululemon, the 128-square-meter Dyson Demo Store offers an immersive and hands-on environment where visitors can experience the company’s latest technologies firsthand. From haircare and air purification, to intelligent floorcare and next-generation audio, the new store puts the full innovative product range on display.

With growing demand for Dyson’s cutting-edge solutions in the Saudi market, the Riyadh Park location joins a growing portfolio of demo spaces across the Kingdom. The new store features two private styling stations and a wash basin, designed with veiled customers in mind, where visitors can book personal styling sessions and test Dyson’s advanced haircare tools in a comfortable setting.

In-store Dyson experts will walk shoppers through the brand’s latest haircare launches, such as the newly launched Dyson Supersonic r, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler available in the latest colorway, Jasper Plum, the Supersonic Nural hair dryer, and the Airstrait wet-to-dry straightener. Each session is tailored to individual needs, helping customers choose the best tools for their hair type and styling routine.

Visitors can also discover Dyson’s latest innovations across other categories, including the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum, which delivers edge-to-edge deep cleaning with advanced navigation, the Big+Quiet Purifier, engineered for powerful whole-room purification with minimal noise, and the recently launched Dyson OnTrac headphones, featuring immersive audio and 55-hour battery life.

The new store opening represents another significant milestone in Dyson’s expansion in the Kingdom, following the successful launch of the flagship store in Riyadh’s Nakheel Mall last year and Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall in March this year. The brand continues to focus on enhancing the in-store experience, allowing customers in Saudi Arabia to explore, test, and discover its revolutionary technology up close.


TNFS Summit spotlights KSA’s efforts to combat smoking

Updated 01 June 2025
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TNFS Summit spotlights KSA’s efforts to combat smoking

The TNFS Summit 2025 concluded on May 29 in Riyadh with the adoption of an ambitious vision for a future free from tobacco-related harm — one rooted in innovation, prevention, and regulatory integration. The summit served as a regional platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange around effective harm reduction policies and the encouragement of safer alternatives.

The summit was organized under the TNFS initiative, a strategic partnership between Badael (a Public Investment Fund company), the Quality of Life Program (a Vision 2030 program), and Smart Health as the summit’s scientific partner.

The event brought together more than 100 experts and decision-makers from within the Kingdom and abroad, representing health organizations, regulatory authorities, and leading academic institutions.

Summit sessions reviewed global models for tobacco control, including experiences from Sweden and the UK. Core themes aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy included:

•Correcting public misconceptions about nicotine and its role as a lower-risk alternative to tobacco, as part of the solution, not the problem.

•Evaluating the impact of taxation as an effective tool to reduce tobacco consumption. • Showcasing scientific innovations in reduced-risk alternative products.

Official data from the General Authority for Statistics showed that the adult smoking rate in Saudi Arabia dropped from 17.5 percent to 12.4 percent within one year. This decline is attributed to the implementation of comprehensive regulatory policies, tax increases, and the availability of lower-risk alternatives.

Participants emphasized that TNFS is a true transformation platform, one that moves beyond awareness toward real impact on policy and societal behavior — reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional model to follow. Organizers announced that the summit would serve as the first in a series of specialized events in this field.

During the summit, Tolga Sezer, CEO of Badael, said: “We believe harm reduction is the pathway to a smoke-free future. TNFS marks a powerful starting point for Saudi Arabia’s national efforts to tackle tobacco use, driven by science, innovation, and supportive legislation.”

Salman Al-Khattaf, adviser to the CEO of the Quality of Life Program, added: “Health is not a choice but a foundation for a dignified life and a productive society. TNFS supports community health and promotes positive lifestyle choices in line with the Kingdom’s goals and bold vision.” He emphasized that success in tobacco harm reduction depends on connecting scientific evidence with practical, applicable policies, a core aim of the TNFS partnership.

Dr. Sara Al-Rashoud, research adviser at Smart Health, noted that the TNFS initiative reflects a shared commitment across sectors to reducing smoking and achieving a smoke-free Saudi Arabia, especially with nearly 4.8 million adult smokers currently in the Kingdom.

Dr. Christopher Russell, a UK-based behavioral scientist specializing in tobacco and nicotine use, estimated that smoking causes approximately 14,200 premature deaths annually in Saudi Arabia. He also predicted that the global end of smoking could be achieved within the next 40 years.

Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos shared successful international harm reduction models, highlighting Sweden’s achievement in reducing smoking rates from 15 percent to 5 percent over 15 years. This shift contributed to a 41 percent drop in cancer incidence and a 39.6 percent decrease in tobacco-related deaths. He called these outcomes a strategic opportunity for the region.

In the session titled “Tobacco Harm Reduction in the Middle East,” Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qudhib, a Saudi family physician specializing in noncommunicable diseases and tobacco harm reduction, warned about persistently high smoking rates in countries such as Jordan and Lebanon.

Public health expert Dr. Mohammad Yaman noted that 85 percent of smokers relapse within months, according to Mayo Clinic studies. He therefore considered the TNFS initiative an important step toward reducing smoking, calling for the model to be expanded and for greater regional collaboration.

In closing, participants affirmed that the TNFS Summit 2025 marks a pivotal step in the Kingdom’s journey toward a society free from tobacco-related harm. It represents the convergence of political will and scientific knowledge, and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading model in adopting harm reduction policies and advancing quality of life.


Tuaja resorts in Al-Ahsa set to transform rural tourism

Updated 01 June 2025
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Tuaja resorts in Al-Ahsa set to transform rural tourism

AL-AHSA: The lavender carpet was laid out last Wednesday in Al-Ahsa as a special groundbreaking ceremony was held for Tuaja Luxury Resorts, marking the start of a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s rural tourism and hospitality sector.

Slated to open by early 2027, three brand new resorts — Tuaja Premium Farm Resorts, Tuaja Eco Resorts, and Tuaja Adventure Resorts — will be operated by Hilton Worldwide. All will be clustered around a central area of Al-Ahsa, surrounded by lush picturesque farms.

This trio of tailored activations are expected to play a key role in positioning Al-Ahsa as a leading destination in rural tourism, capitalizing on its location within the largest palm oasis in the world.

Attended by Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, governor of Al-Ahsa, the event marked the groundbreaking of the first luxury resort development project by Dan Company under the Tuaja brand and featured detailed mock-ups of the resort rooms.

“We remain committed to strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver development projects that meet the highest standards of quality, fulfill the aspirations of citizens and visitors — and align with Vision 2030,” Prince Saud said.

Dan Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was established to unlock the potential of rural tourism across the Kingdom. This inaugural project will transform rural areas into sustainable tourism hubs that align with the goals of Vision 2030, supporting national economic diversification and community development.

Dan Company also aims to contribute approximately SR6 billion ($1.6 billion) to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030. Its strategy includes attracting around 14 million visitors, including 1.4 million overnight stays and 12 million day experiences, through an innovative business model that combines luxury hospitality under the Tuaja Luxury Resorts brand, with rural lodges developed in partnership with local communities across the Kingdom.

The Tuaja resorts are being developed in the Al-Ahsa region with the support of the Al-Ahsa Development Authority.

Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kroud, chairman, Dan Company, who describes himself as “a son of Al-Ahsa,” underlined the significance of the event, saying: “Today marks a major milestone and turning point in our journey to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences across the Kingdom, celebrating the cultural, historical, and natural richness of the Al-Ahsa region. Tuaja resorts are not merely destinations, they offer an extraordinary blend of authenticity and modernity.”

During the ceremony, Abdulrahman Abaalkhail, chief executive of Dan Company, was in conversation with popular media personality Weam Al-Dakheel, highlighting the company’s vision to redefine rural tourism through immersive, community-driven experiences.

The Tuaja resorts in Al-Ahsa will cover 1.8 million square meters and feature nearly 200 accommodation units, including upscale villas and hotel rooms — some with private pools.

These developments represent the first phase of the Tuaja resort portfolio, which will expand to other regions across the Kingdom. Each resort will feature a design identity rooted in the culture and natural character of its location.

Dan Company is aiming for LEED Gold certification for all its developments.


STC Bank wins Temenos’ ‘Fast Track Growth’ award

Senior officials of STC Bank at the Temenos Forward Awards.
Updated 01 June 2025
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STC Bank wins Temenos’ ‘Fast Track Growth’ award

STC Bank has been awarded the Fast Track Growth award at the annual Temenos Forward Awards in Madrid, Spain, in acknowledgment of its remarkable growth in users since its launch as a full-fledged digital bank just three months ago.

STC Bank is one of the leading digital banks in the Kingdom. It began its journey as a digital wallet before transitioning into a fully licensed digital bank under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank.

The bank’s rapid growth is attributed to its ease of use and innovative features, such as instant money transfers via mobile number, competitive rates on international remittances, bill payments, and more.

Existing wallet users can seamlessly migrate to the bank’s platform, while new customers can open a bank account in less than two minutes.

Temenos, a global leader in banking software for more than 32 years, has been instrumental in supporting the banking sector through its core banking platform, Temenos Core.

This platform empowers users with access to modern digital lending and deposit solutions.

With Temenos Core, the bank has successfully launched a microservice and data-driven architecture and is expanding into innovative lending and digital deposit solutions, reinforcing its strategy of modular, data-driven offerings.

This collaboration supports STC Bank’s commitment to adopting advanced technology to redefine banking standards in the Kingdom and the broader GCC region.