Portugal is reeling after a devastating accident in Lisbon claimed the lives of 15 people when the city’s iconic Gloria funicular derailed and crashed into a building. The incident occurred around 18:05 near Avenida da Liberdade, leaving another 18 people injured, five of them critically.

Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the dead, though their nationalities have yet to be disclosed. Eyewitnesses reported that the funicular appeared to have lost its brakes, gaining uncontrollable speed before hitting a building with what one described as “brutal force.”

Footage circulating on social media showed the bright yellow carriage overturned and almost destroyed, with smoke rising as people fled the scene. Rescue workers spent hours extracting passengers trapped in the wreckage.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called it a “tragic moment for the city” during his hospital visit. Portugal’s government declared a day of national mourning, while President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his “sympathy and solidarity” with victims’ families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also offered condolences.

The Gloria funicular, in service since 1885 and electrified in the early 20th century, is one of Lisbon’s most famous tourist attractions. It connects Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto, covering a steep 275-metre route in just three minutes. At the time of the accident, the city was crowded with end-of-summer visitors.

Lisbon’s public transport operator Carris stated that the funicular had undergone major four-yearly and biennial maintenance checks, along with regular inspections. However, eyewitness accounts suggest that the braking system failed, and reports indicate that a loose cable may have caused the derailment.

Multiple investigations are under way, including by the national transport safety authority, the criminal police, and Carris. Authorities have cautioned that it is too early to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Gloria funicular, long celebrated as a symbol of Lisbon’s charm, now stands at the centre of one of the worst transport tragedies in the city’s history, leaving residents and visitors alike in deep grief.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has secured outstanding recognition at the Haute Grandeur Global Awards 2025, winning four prestigious accolades that reaffirm its position as one of the top family and lifestyle resorts in the region.

The resort was honoured in four categories: Best Island Hotel in the Middle East, Best Island Resort in the Middle East, Best Rooftop View Hotel in the Middle East, and Best Family Hotel in the United Arab Emirates. These achievements highlight the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, blending luxury, family-friendly amenities, and world-class hospitality with the scenic charm of Al Marjan Island.

Since opening in 2022, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has become a hallmark of Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality excellence, offering a mix of leisure, wellness, and award-winning dining concepts. The Haute Grandeur Global Awards, known for recognising the world’s finest hotels and resorts, honoured the property for its exceptional service, innovative experiences, and dedication to setting benchmarks in the industry.

Guided by General Manager Fabien Chesnais since January 2021, the resort has redefined family-friendly luxury in the UAE. From signature kids’ programs, large-scale entertainment events, and unique culinary experiences to sustainability-driven initiatives, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has continued to raise the standard for leisure and MICE travellers alike.

The title of Best Family Hotel in the UAE celebrates the resort’s dedication to creating memorable family experiences through offerings such as the Starfish Adventure Kids Club, Xscape Teen Zone, Xplore Arcade gaming space, Ras Al Khaimah’s largest overwater floating park, a mini golf experience, and the daily Mövenpick Chocolate Hour.

The award for Best Rooftop View Hotel in the Middle East also highlights the success of NEO Sky Bar, which has become a sought-after lifestyle destination with its panoramic island views and curated guest experiences.

Commenting on the achievement, General Manager Fabien Chesnais said, “These recognitions are a true reflection of our team’s passion and commitment to creating unforgettable moments for our guests. Winning four Haute Grandeur Global Awards in just one year is a remarkable achievement and a proud milestone in our journey. It strengthens our vision to position Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island as the ultimate island getaway in the UAE.”

With more than 20 industry awards won between 2023 and 2025, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island continues to build its reputation as one of the UAE’s most celebrated resorts, bringing together authentic hospitality, innovative guest experiences, and a strong focus on sustainability.

Abu Dhabi has just witnessed a milestone in global tourism partnerships as the China Visitors Summit (CVS) brought together the world’s largest gathering of Chinese travel industry professionals ever held outside of China.

The summit, which unfolded across Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, welcomed nearly 160 prominent Chinese buyers, including travel agencies, tour operators, luxury travel specialists, MICE managers, and corporate planners. Their mission was clear, to connect directly with UAE tourism suppliers such as hotels, attractions, cultural venues, inbound tour operators, and shopping destinations.

Over two days at the Rotana Hotel and Conference Center in Al Ain, the energy was intense. More than 3,000 one-to-one business meetings took place, setting the stage for fresh collaborations. The combined market strength of these Chinese buyers is staggering  together, they delivered almost $1 billion in outbound travel business last year, representing over 1.5 million international travelers, many with an eye on the GCC, particularly the UAE.

China today stands as the world’s largest source of outbound tourists, with nearly 200 million passport holders and a similar number of annual trips. Their global travel spending has soared past $300 billion annually, underlining why destinations like the UAE see the Chinese market as vital for long-term growth.

The CVS provides a unique advantage for UAE suppliers. Companies can handpick the buyers they meet, whether their focus is luxury leisure travel, business trips, or MICE opportunities.

Highlighting the purpose of the summit, Alexander Glos, CEO of the China i2i Group, the organizer of CVS, said, “The China Visitors Summit is not just about meetings – it’s about building long-term partnerships between the UAE and China’s most powerful travel industry leaders. Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE are now firmly positioned as must-visit destinations for Chinese travelers, and the CVS provides the direct access, insights, and opportunities that suppliers need to succeed in this market.”

Since its launch in 2008, the China Visitors Summit has been staged more than 40 times across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North America, and China, cementing its place as the leading B2B matchmaking platform connecting Chinese buyers with global suppliers.

With the UAE firmly on the radar of Chinese travelers, the latest edition of CVS has further strengthened Abu Dhabi’s image as a top-choice destination for one of the world’s most influential travel markets.