The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Sphere Entertainment Co. have announced plans to develop Sphere Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, bringing the globally recognised entertainment concept outside the United States for the first time. The project will involve a construction investment of USD 1.7 billion and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.

The upcoming venue will be located between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, placing it within one of the emirate’s leading entertainment and tourism hubs. The addition is expected to further strengthen Yas Island’s position as a major destination for leisure, culture and large-scale events.

Designed to accommodate up to 20,000 guests depending on event requirements, Sphere Abu Dhabi will host a variety of experiences ranging from immersive entertainment productions and concert residencies to sporting events, conferences and brand-led showcases. The venue will also feature Sphere’s advanced technology-driven experiences designed to create highly engaging visual environments.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Abu Dhabi has always built for the long term, and Sphere Abu Dhabi is a powerful demonstration of that commitment. In a region where the appetite for world-class experiences continues to grow, our USD 1.7 billion investment in its construction phase sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction.”

He further highlighted that the project would also create opportunities to showcase Emirati culture, storytelling and local talent through immersive productions and large-format visual experiences.

James L Dolan said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is the first step in realising our vision for a global network of venues. Abu Dhabi is a premier international capital city, and its ambition, infrastructure, and position as a cultural crossroads make it a natural home for Sphere.”

The development marks another major addition to Abu Dhabi’s entertainment landscape and reflects the city’s ongoing investment in destination-led projects that blend tourism, culture and technology. Once operational, Sphere Abu Dhabi is expected to become a key attraction for international visitors and event audiences from around the world.

Accor has strengthened its South Asia growth plans with the signing of TRIBE Kathmandu Budhanilkantha, marking the lifestyle brand’s first entry into the region. The development reflects the hospitality group’s continued focus on expanding across high-growth destinations and bringing new hospitality concepts to emerging markets.

Scheduled to open in 2029, the 100-key property will be developed in partnership with Sabrina Limited under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Nirajan Thapa. The hotel will operate under a management agreement and aims to introduce a modern and design-focused hospitality experience in Kathmandu.

The upcoming property will be located in Budhanilkantha, an emerging area that offers a quieter and greener setting compared to the busier parts of Kathmandu. The location also provides easy access to well-known cultural and spiritual attractions including Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. With changing traveller preferences and growing interest in experience-driven stays, the area is attracting increasing attention from visitors.

The hotel will feature thoughtfully designed guest rooms along with lively social spaces created to encourage interaction among travellers and local communities. Plans include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty venue, and a signature bar concept. Guests will also have access to nearly 800 square metres of event facilities, along with a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.

Speaking on the signing, Ranju Alex, CEO – South Asia, Accor, said: “The signing of TRIBE Kathmandu Budhanilkantha marks an important milestone in expanding Accor’s presence in South Asia. Kathmandu is a city shaped by heritage, spirituality, and evolving traveller aspirations, making it a natural fit for TRIBE’s bold and socially magnetic approach to hospitality. With its design-led ethos and focus on delivering smart, stylish and comfortable accommodation at an affordable price, TRIBE is well-positioned to resonate with a new generation of travellers. We are delighted to partner with Sabrina Limited to bring this distinctive offering to life in Nepal.”

Mr. Nirajan Thapa, Chairman, Hotel Sabrina Limited, said: “We are delighted to partner with Accor to introduce Tribe to Nepal with the signing of Tribe Kathmandu Budhanilkantha. Kathmandu is witnessing a growing demand for contemporary hospitality experiences that blend design, comfort, and community, and we believe Tribe perfectly aligns with the evolving preferences of modern travellers. This development reflects our vision to create differentiated hospitality offerings in emerging locations, and we are confident that the hotel will become a landmark lifestyle destination in Kathmandu.”

The project also supports Accor’s strategy of entering emerging micro-markets while responding to changing traveller expectations around design-led and community-focused hospitality experiences.

With Nepal seeing increased global interest as a destination for cultural tourism, spirituality and adventure travel, TRIBE Kathmandu Budhanilkantha is expected to appeal to a broad mix of guests, including digital nomads and long-stay travellers looking for more flexible and socially connected experiences.

Accor India & South Asia currently operates 74 hotels across various segments under brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis and ibis Styles. In the lifestyle segment, Ennismore recently expanded its presence with the opening of Roswyn, a Morgans Originals hotel in Mumbai.

VidantaWorld Voyages has opened bookings for its 2027 Mediterranean season aboard ELEGANT, introducing a line-up of sailings focused on immersive experiences and longer stays across some of Europe’s most popular destinations. Running from May through September 2027, the season will feature unique travel moments including the opening week of the Cannes Film Festival and a specially designed Total Solar Eclipse voyage in the Mediterranean.

One of the major highlights of the season is the Total Solar Eclipse sailing scheduled from July 31 to August 7, 2027. On August 2, ELEGANT will travel between Kalamata, Greece and Chania, Crete, positioning guests directly in the path of totality. From the open waters of the Mediterranean, travellers will have a clear view of the eclipse as daylight transitions into darkness without the limitations of land-based viewing.

Unlike crowded observation spots on land, the experience at sea will offer uninterrupted views, open horizons and real-time navigational positioning to maximise visibility. With capacity limited to just 216 guests, the voyage is designed to provide a more private and relaxed setting.

Another key moment of the season will be ELEGANT’s arrival in Cannes, France on May 12, 2027, timed with the opening of the globally recognised Cannes Film Festival. The sailing is expected to place guests close to one of Europe’s most celebrated cultural events.

Speaking about the itinerary design, Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta, said: "We designed the 2027 itineraries around time - having more of it in the places that matter most. From Cannes at the start of the film festival to the eclipse at sea, these voyages are built around moments that define a destination."

Originally built to host more than 600 passengers, ELEGANT has been redesigned to accommodate only 216 guests across 108 suites and staterooms. The company says the goal was to create a more spacious onboard atmosphere with a luxury resort-style feel rather than a conventional cruise experience.

The yacht offers nearly three times more space per guest than many traditional luxury vessels and includes a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio for personalised service. Select suite categories also feature butler service, while public spaces have been designed to create a more open and relaxed environment.

Chavez added: "From the beginning, our goal was to rethink what luxury at sea should feel like. We took a ship originally designed for more than 600 guests and intentionally reimagined it for just over 200, because true luxury isn't about adding more. It's about creating space, ease, and a level of service that feels genuinely personal."

The itineraries also place focus on giving travellers more time at destinations with overnight stays and late departures. Guests can expect overnight calls at places such as Mykonos, Santorini and Monte Carlo, along with extended evening experiences and tender-on-demand services.

"We want to show the Mediterranean at night, not just during the day," Chavez said. "The most beautiful moments in Europe happen around sundown, and we thought it would be such a shame for our guests to only experience sunsets on the way out of Europe on their way to the next destination."

The 2027 collection will include Spring Mediterranean journeys across Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, Mediterranean Classics itineraries, Greek Isles and Adriatic sailings, the Total Solar Eclipse voyage and late-season sailings through Spain, France and Italy. Reservations for the full programme are now open, with strong demand expected for both the eclipse and Cannes itineraries.