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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 23, 2025
Ras Al Khaimah is set to host Jais Ride, an exhilarating cycling race that will challenge participants to conquer the legendary 25km ascent of Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE. The event, organized by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), aims to enhance the region’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.
Scheduled for April 12-13, 2025, Jais Ride will attract both professional and amateur cyclists eager to tackle one of the UAE’s most scenic and demanding cycling routes. The mountain’s modern road, built in 2017, is regarded as one of the world’s finest, offering smooth ascents, sharp switchbacks, and dramatic elevation changes.
Exciting Race Format & Prizes
The race will include strategic checkpoints and sprint segments, adding an element of competition beyond endurance. Riders will compete for top honors in multiple categories:
Sprint Segment (Green Jersey Award): A 500-metre sprint, with the fastest sprinter earning the Green Jersey.
King of the Mountain (KOM) Points: Points will be awarded to the top 20 riders at split points (7km, 14km, and 21km), with the leader at each checkpoint earning 20 points.
Polka Dot Jersey Award: The cyclist accumulating the highest total KOM points will be recognized as the best climber of the race.
Yellow Jersey Award – Overall Winners: The first three cyclists to summit will receive the prestigious Yellow Jersey.
A Statement from RAKTDA CEO
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are excited to introduce this thrilling new cycling event on Jebel Jais, offering cyclists the unique opportunity to test their endurance on one of the world’s most breathtaking and challenging mountain roads. As part of our commitment to establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for outdoor adventure and sports, this tournament brings world-class sporting experiences to the emirate, showcasing its natural beauty and dynamic landscapes.”
Event Details & Registration
With its demanding climb, rewarding summit, and spectacular views, Jais Ride is expected to draw cycling enthusiasts from across the UAE and beyond. Participants can register for the event online via www.rakcalendar.ae/events/jaisride. Complimentary refreshments will be available along the route, and an awards ceremony will honor top finishers in each category.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Thriving Sports Scene
Ras Al Khaimah has solidified its reputation as a top sports and adventure tourism destination, hosting high-profile events like the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the UAE Tour, and the HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking event. Jebel Jais, standing at 1,934 meters above sea level, remains one of the UAE’s most visited natural attractions and a global hotspot for adventure tourism.
For more details and registration, visit: www.rakcalendar.ae/events/jaisride
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 31, 2025
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.
This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.
Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.
Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.
Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.
“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”
Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.
Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:
Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.
India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.
New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.
The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.
Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.
With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.
India took a bold step onto the global wine stage at the ASI Bootcamp Asia & Pacific 2025 in Singapore, where five promising Indian sommeliers participated in the prestigious international training event for the very first time. Organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), the bootcamp brought together rising stars from across the region for an intensive three-day learning experience—and this year, thanks to the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), Indian talent was officially in the mix.
Representing a country where wine culture is still steadily gaining ground, this milestone holds special significance. The participation not only showcased India’s emerging wine expertise but also marked the country’s growing recognition in global sommelier circles. Through this initiative, SAI—India’s first non-profit sommelier organisation—opened a powerful door for its members, fulfilling its mission to offer world-class exposure and education to the next generation of beverage professionals.
“Watching our sommeliers represent India at the ASI Bootcamp for the first time was a proud and emotional moment,” said Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President, Sommeliers Association of India. “Through SAI, we’ve worked to create global pathways for Indian talent, and now we are seeing that vision take shape. This is not just a win for the individuals who went—it is a defining step forward for India’s presence on the global stage.”
Held from July 1 to 4, 2025, in Singapore, the bootcamp was a non-competitive, high-impact program that immersed participants in masterclasses, wine service drills, curated tastings, and wine list building workshops—all conducted by some of the world’s finest wine professionals, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and ASI World Champions.
Representing India at the Bootcamp were:
Jai Singh – Winner, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India | ASI Diploma Gold
Pankaj Singh – 2nd Place, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India | ASI Diploma Bronze | Advanced Sommelier CMS
Amber Deshmukh – 3rd Place, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India
Savio Cardoza – Semi-Finalist, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India
Karan Patyal – Quarter-Finalist, 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India
Each of them returned with not only sharper skills but also a renewed drive, a clearer sense of purpose, and valuable international connections that will help them—and India’s wine community—grow stronger.
In their words:
“ASI Bootcamp was a dream come true. Every moment was incredibly valuable—from curating impactful wine lists to planning our study journey better.” – Jai
“Learning from some of the world’s finest, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, was unforgettable. Blind tastings were the highlight for me.” – Pankaj
“It helped me identify exactly what I need to improve. This experience gave me real clarity on how to move forward.” – Amber
“The structured, high-level learning and blind tasting drills gave me a fresh perspective on how top sommeliers train.” – Savio
“It was a powerhouse of knowledge and motivation. I gained insights, connections, and confidence that I’ll carry forward forever.” – Karan
https://sommeliersassociationofindia.com
Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is the country’s first nonprofit sommelier organisation and a proud member of the College of Applicants within the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI). SAI aims to build a strong, inclusive, and vibrant wine and beverage community in India—supporting professionals through education, competitions, and networking.
In February 2024, SAI was unanimously voted into ASI's College of Applicants during ASI’s 55th anniversary celebrations—an achievement that reinforces its commitment to excellence in beverage service and education. One of SAI’s key initiatives includes the SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, which serves as a launchpad to the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and eventually, the Best Sommelier of the World.
India's wine story—rooted in a history of grape cultivation going back to 7000 BC—is now finding its voice in the modern world. Through training, ethics, and global exposure, SAI is guiding this journey forward, shaping India’s future in wine with passion and purpose.
By Hariharan U
Published on July 29, 2025
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled its 2025 mooncake collection just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it’s nothing short of a cinematic experience.
Drawing inspiration from a historic moment in 1916, when the very first film screening in Hanoi took place at the Metropole itself, this year’s theme, “Metropole Cinema: Hanoi through Film” captures the soul of the city in a nostalgic, artistic light.
These hand-baked mooncakes, crafted with no preservatives and filled with both classic and creative flavours, reflect the refined legacy of the hotel.
The collection includes varieties like Red Bean & Pistachios, Lotus Seeds & Macadamia Nuts, Green Bean & Date, Traditional Mix, Green Bean with Apricot & Salted Egg, and Black Sesame with Sunflower Seeds. Each one is prepared by Metropole’s culinary experts and is available in both traditional baked and snowskin styles.
The mooncake boxes are a visual treat too, designed with care and an eye for Hanoi’s past, echoing the city’s old cinematic vibe.
There are special deals too: early birds who place their orders before September 26 can grab one complimentary six-piece Heritage Box for every eight boxes purchased. Orders of 15, 30 or more boxes qualify for up to 15% off, and Accor Plus members, companies and agencies get an extra 10% discount. These discounts apply to single invoices and not across multiple orders. Note that promotional rates are not available for the two-piece, lacquer, or Super VIP boxes.
Tet Trung Thu, or Mid-Autumn Festival, is a time for families in Vietnam to reconnect, share mooncakes, sip tea, and wish for a prosperous future. Metropole’s 2025 mooncake range is more than just a seasonal delight, it’s a journey back in time, rich in memory and elegance.
To order or learn more, visit the Metropole website or contact their team at 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8200) or via email at Bang.Au@sofitel.com or visit https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/dining/metropole-2025-legendary-mooncakes/.
Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
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