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By Nishang Narayan
Published on October 7, 2024
Accor’s Handwritten Collection is set to make its debut in Saudi Arabia with the Handwritten Collection Al Baha, a 148-room boutique hotel opening in 2027. Located on the outskirts of Al Baha City, this property promises to offer unique and personalized stays in a picturesque mountainous setting, overlooking the Red Sea coast.
The project was officially announced at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, marking a collaboration between Accor and Al Hilali Trading and Contracting Company. This partnership reflects Accor’s ongoing expansion of its Handwritten Collection, which was launched in January 2023 and has quickly grown to over 15 properties, with more than 25 hotels currently in development across the globe.
Accor’s Handwritten Collection is known for offering design-led hotels that provide a personal touch, blending the charm of independent properties with the backing of a global hospitality brand. Each hotel in the collection embodies the essence of stylish homes, tailored for travellers seeking immersive experiences. The Handwritten Collection Al Baha is expected to follow this philosophy, featuring bespoke dining experiences and inviting interiors that reflect local culture and design.
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s premium, midscale, and economy division for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, along with Mansoor Abdullah Hussein Al Hilali, founder and chairman of Al Hilali Trading and Contracting Company, were present at the signing event, marking a significant milestone in Accor's regional expansion plans.
Speaking on the brand’s growth, Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer for Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy brands, noted that the Handwritten Collection was designed to support independent midscale hotels. The concept allows these properties to retain their unique character while benefiting from the global reach and support of Accor. He added, "We are pleased with the positive response from owners and partners and are excited about the future expansion of the Handwritten Collection globally."
Accor’s Handwritten Collection will soon open its first Middle Eastern property in Istanbul, Turkey, this October. The Levni Istanbul Hotel – Handwritten Collection will feature 72 rooms, drawing inspiration from the Ottoman Empire’s Tulip Era, with a strong focus on local art and culture. Additionally, the brand is expanding further into Africa, with Hotel Andalucia Maputo in Mozambique, set to open in 2026.
As Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer for Accor’s Middle East and Africa premium, midscale, and economy brands, mentioned, the Handwritten Collection reflects the growing demand for authentic stays and personalized travel experiences. He emphasized that travellers today seek deeper connections with local cultures, and the Handwritten Collection is perfectly positioned to meet these evolving expectations.
The Handwritten Collection Al Baha promises to offer a unique blend of luxury, culture, and personalized service, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality sector and the Kingdom’s efforts to attract more international visitors. With its stunning location and commitment to quality, this property is set to become a key destination for both leisure travellers and those seeking unforgettable experiences.
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Published on March 27, 2025
Great World Residences, formerly known as Great World Serviced Apartments, has officially rebranded, marking a new chapter in its 25-year legacy of premium serviced living. With a refreshed brand identity, the transformation includes apartment refurbishments, upgraded facilities, and the addition of a brand-new pickleball court set to open in Q2 this year.
Reflecting its commitment to providing a sophisticated yet welcoming living experience, Great World Residences introduces its new tagline:“Discover your world within ours”—a message that invites residents to seamlessly integrate their unique lifestyles into the property’s expansive and vibrant community.
Darren Cher, Senior General Manager of Great World Residences, shares:
“This brand refresh embodies our dedication to creating a home that resonates with our residents' aspirations and lifestyles. We are excited to welcome guests into this new chapter, where warmth, sophistication, and connection define everyday living.”
Nestled in Singapore’s prestigious River Valley district (District 9), Great World Residences offers unparalleled convenience and connectivity:
Designed for business professionals, expatriates, couples, families, and even pet lovers, Great World Residences offers 304 spacious, fully-furnished apartments, ranging from 74 to 204 sqm.Each unit features:
Residents enjoy access to an impressive array of recreational and lifestyle amenities, including:
In addition, the property provides housekeeping and guest services, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay.
With its revitalized identity, enhanced facilities, and prime location, Great World Residences continues to redefine luxury serviced living in Singapore.
For reservations and inquiries:
Follow Great World Residences on Facebook & Instagram (@staygwr) for updates.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 21, 2025
Cultural exchange continues to play a key role in the vibrant relationship between India and Israel, as seen in the recent India at Jaffa Port—Purim-Holi Celebrations. Hosted on March 16, 2025, by the Embassy of India in Israel in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the event blended two iconic festivals—Holi, India’s festival of colours, and Purim, the joyous Jewish holiday—into a grand celebration at the historic Jaffa Port.
The event, attended by over 3,000 visitors, celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations, offering a fusion of traditions in a lively and colourful atmosphere. Guests enjoyed classical Indian dance performances, Bollywood dance workshops, traditional Indian music, and engaging activities, bringing the vibrancy of Indian culture to Israel.
Deputy Ambassador Rajiv Bodwade remarked, “I am happy to tell you that the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, is celebrating the Indian Festival of Holi and the Jewish festival of Purim today, here in Jaffa Port. Interestingly, these two festivals fall on the same day yearly, as India and Israel traditionally follow the lunar calendar. This is just one of many examples of the cultural similarity that we share, which strengthens the unique and rich friendship between our two countries. While the rest of the world is focusing on cultural distinctiveness, India and Israel are happy to celebrate their similarities. Chag Purim Sameach and Happy Holi!”
Kobi Yerdani, CEO of Jaffa Port, added, “Jaffa Port is proud to collaborate with the Embassy of India in Israel to celebrate the Holi and Purim festivals. Jaffa Port, which has served as a gateway to the Land of Israel throughout history, is happy to open its gates to the rich and magnificent culture of India, a country that is a true friend of Israel.”
Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism, India, further commented, “India and Israel share cultural and historical ties, and events like the India at Jaffa Port highlight the warmth between our people. It was a beautiful representation of our shared traditions. We welcome more Indian travellers to explore this beautiful country and experience its unique blend of history, spirituality, and modernity.”
The Purim-Holi celebrations at Jaffa Port stand as a shining example of the growing cultural ties between India and Israel. With flourishing tourism, mutual respect, and deep-rooted connections, this event marked yet another milestone in the dynamic relationship between the two nations, paving the way for further collaborations in the future.
By Author
London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, has been forced to shut down following a major power outage caused by a large fire in the vicinity. The incident has brought operations to a complete standstill, severely affecting global air travel.
With Heathrow’s closure, more than 1,300 flights are grounded, potentially disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers. According to an airline analytics firm, as many as 145,000 travelers could be affected. The airport has issued warnings about significant disruptions that are likely to persist in the coming days.
Britain’s energy secretary confirmed that the fire also impacted Heathrow’s backup power system. However, he noted that it is too early to draw conclusions about the broader implications for Britain’s critical infrastructure.
Heathrow Airport looked empty this morning.
An empty Heathrow Airport this morning.
The London Fire Brigade described the nearby blaze as a “prolonged incident,” with an increase in local disruptions expected. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, the ongoing situation has left both residents and travelers facing uncertainty.
Experts in the aviation sector are predicting that the shutdown’s impact will ripple across the globe, potentially costing the airline industry hundreds of millions of pounds. The financial toll is expected to grow as the chaos could stretch over several days or even weeks.
An aviation analyst remarked that the aftermath of this shutdown will "undoubtedly cause chaos, not just over the weekend but well into next week," as airlines scramble to manage backlogged flights and stranded passengers.
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