Alma Amphitheatre Unveils Remarkable Theatrical Spectacle

Alma Amphitheatre Unveils Remarkable Theatrical Spectacle

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 27, 2025

Alma Resort Cam Ranh is set to shine a cultural spotlight on Cam Ranh with the debut of “The Stage – Alma Show,” a visually striking theatrical production that celebrates Vietnam’s rich traditions and folklore with a contemporary twist. Beginning July 5, the Alma Amphitheatre will come alive with four daily shows, drawing audiences into a vivid journey through Vietnam’s legendary five elements—earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.

Designed as a cross-cultural collaboration between Vietnamese and Korean creatives, the 70-minute Alma Show presents an immersive experience through magic, dance, water puppetry, special effects, Ao Dai fashion, and a lively flash mob. With audience interaction built into the performance, each show caters to up to 400 guests and features dramatic storytelling through visually stunning segments.

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The show begins with the classical Apsara dance, a tribute to the lost Champa Kingdom and its cultural legacy in the region. From there, the elements are explored in richly choreographed scenes—from water puppetry to lotus flower formations with silks, flaming sword acts, and a Non La dance culminating in a dazzling fashion parade of Ao Dai.

The spectacle is brought to life by 24 dancers and magicians Jacky (Haesung Kim) and Bui Huu Thien, under the direction of renowned producers Jin (Hyukjin Cho) and Terry (Byongkok Jung) of The Stage VN. Jin previously directed the Dana Show and co-directed the 2002 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, while Terry was behind the Dreams Come True Magic Tour and Chuncheon Lake Fairy Festival.

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Shows are staged twice nightly at 6 PM and 8 PM, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Adding to the lineup is “The Magic and Water Puppet Show,” performed daily at 11 AM and 3 PM. This 50-minute show includes 30 minutes of traditional water puppetry—led by 10 skilled puppeteers in chest-deep water—and 20 minutes of magical, water-themed illusions.

The narrative showcases tales of village life, farming, and Vietnamese mythology, including stories like Thánh Gióng, the boy-turned-giant hero on a flying horse, and Lê Lợi and the Magical Sword, where divine intervention helps liberate Vietnam.

This production is directed by Nguyễn Tiến Dũng, artistic director of the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre and 2014 world champion in puppetry.

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“Vietnam has such a rich and fascinating culture, affording so many compelling stories to share about its history, beauty and resilience,” said Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, Managing Director of Alma Cam Ranh. “'The Stage – Alma Show’ promises to be a feast for the eyes and to bring any visit to our region and indeed to Vietnam to a whole new level.”

“‘The Stage - Alma Show’ is a heartfelt collaboration to honor and reintroduce Vietnam's beauty to the world,” added Jin.

Tickets for both The Alma Show and The Magic and Water Puppet Show are available at the Alma Promotions Desk and at the Amphitheatre.


Ras Al Khaimah Appoints Phillipa Harrison as CEO of RAKTDA

Ras Al Khaimah Appoints Phillipa Harrison as CEO of RAKTDA

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 26, 2025

The Government of Ras Al Khaimah has announced the appointment of Phillipa Harrison as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

Harrison, who previously served as Managing Director of Tourism Australia, brings with her decades of experience in shaping international tourism strategies across Australia and other global markets. In her new role, she will drive the Emirate’s ambitious vision to become the “Destination of the Future.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAKTDA’s Executive Committee, expressed confidence in the appointment. He said, “Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is our fastest-growing sector and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time. Ms. Harrison brings with her a depth of knowledge and leadership experience, most recently with Tourism Australia, that gives us confidence in her ability to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goals and strategic targets in the tourism sector.”

Sharing her thoughts, Harrison said, “I’m honored to join at such an exciting time. Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international success story, and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years ahead.”

Her leadership comes at a time when Ras Al Khaimah is recording strong growth in tourism, with over 650,000 visitors in the first half of 2025. The Emirate is now working toward achieving its target of welcoming more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, further strengthening its position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.


InterGlobe’s Miiro Expands to Austria with Palais Rudolf in Vienna

InterGlobe’s Miiro Expands to Austria with Palais Rudolf in Vienna

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 26, 2025

InterGlobe Enterprises’ boutique hospitality brand Miiro has announced the opening of its fifth hotel in Europe, Miiro Palais Rudolf in Vienna, Austria, scheduled for December 2025. The expansion reinforces Miiro’s rapid growth in Europe, following the successful launch of hotels in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London.

Located on a tranquil square overlooking Rudolfspark in Vienna’s Old Town, Palais Rudolf blends seamlessly into the historic neighborhood, just steps away from the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. The 64-room townhouse-style property offers a timeless retreat, combining warm tones, vintage-inspired design, and antiques sourced from Vienna’s cultural heritage.

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Guests can enjoy Miiro’s signature lifestyle touch with a light-filled Italian restaurant, an atmospheric bar, a state-of-the-art gym, and the brand’s unique Refresh Room. The dining spaces are designed to welcome locals and travelers alike, offering a rhythm that flows from morning coffee to late-night cocktails.

Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy & International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, said:
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Miiro Palais Rudolf, marking our fifth hotel opening in just 16 months. Following successful openings in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London, this launch highlights our focus on bringing the brand's promise of ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ to new markets. We look forward to welcoming guests in Vienna this December.”

To mark its debut, Palais Rudolf is offering 20% off the best available rate, plus €30 credit for on-site experiences. Reservations are open on the official website.

The launch reflects InterGlobe’s continued strategy of curating immersive, culture-driven stays that connect travelers with local communities. Miiro already operates hotels in Paris, Barcelona, London, and Gstaad, with new projects underway, including a second Vienna property in Spittelberg slated for 2026.


Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing real estate markets in the United Arab Emirates. Driven by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate is undergoing a remarkable transformation anchored in sustainability, community well-being and smart urban planning.

In the last three years, property sales and prices in the Emirate have surged, propelled by major hospitality, residential and commercial developments. With the population expected to rise from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030, demand for an estimated 45,000 additional homes is on the horizon. This growth has attracted both global developers such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington and local leaders including Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties.

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Al Marjan Island has emerged as a flagship destination in this transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, it is welcoming iconic luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial ecosystem, Marjan is developing RAK Central, set to become one of the Northern Emirates’ largest business districts, with Grade-A offices and sustainable infrastructure.

Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to shape community living with Al Hamra Village’s 4,000+ homes, golf course and vibrant community. The group is also spearheading projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and Manar Mall, the Emirate’s most popular retail hub.

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RAK Properties, through its landmark Mina development, is redefining the Emirate’s shoreline. Already hosting world-class resorts like Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, it is gearing up to welcome Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and a Four Seasons. Commenting on this momentum, Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi said, “We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.” CEO Sameh Muhtadi added, “We are witnessing unprecedented global interest and this momentum will only continue.”

Supporting this real estate boom is Ras Al Khaimah’s strong infrastructure: eight hospitals including RAK Hospital, a modern education ecosystem, and its ranking among the world’s safest places. Tourism further strengthens the Emirate’s appeal, with 1.28 million visitors in 2024 enjoying attractions like Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline and the UAE’s highest-altitude restaurant, 1484 by Puro.

At the heart of it all lies Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Vision, a people-first development strategy focused on sustainability, inclusivity and global competitiveness. With its rising skyline, thriving communities and investor-friendly ecosystem, the Emirate is emerging as a benchmark for urban growth, lifestyle innovation and long-term prosperity.

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