Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced Deepika Padukone as its newest regional brand ambassador. Deepika now joins her husband, Bollywood icon Ranveer Singh, who has been associated with the brand since 2023, making them the first Bollywood power couple to represent the destination together.

With a global fan base and strong appeal among audiences in India and abroad, Deepika will share her journey through Abu Dhabi and highlight the emirate as a destination filled with culture, creativity and memorable experiences for every kind of traveller.

The announcement of her ambassadorship was launched along with a new cinematic film series featuring Deepika and Ranveer. Each episode captures a different side of Abu Dhabi, from its heritage and artistic spaces to moments of joy, discovery and connection.

In Episode 1, the couple explored the city’s cultural icons, including the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the inspiring galleries at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Episode 2 followed them on a lively day around the city, featuring shopping, stylish dining and moments of togetherness.

The story continues with Episode 3: Art, Play & Paradise, the latest and final part of the film series. In this episode, Deepika and Ranveer enjoy a playful day at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi before relaxing at the luxurious Bab Al Nujoom Hudayriyat Water Villas. The film highlights the creative and joyful spirit of Abu Dhabi, where every moment feels personal and full of possibility.

As brand ambassador, Deepika will lead upcoming campaigns that showcase the emirate’s wide range of experiences and seasonal highlights. Through engaging films and storytelling, she will invite travellers to discover Abu Dhabi in their own way, whether it’s a calm day spent kayaking in the mangroves or an adventure-filled itinerary with thrilling activities.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of the emirate’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries. The organisation focuses on economic progress and supports Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions by working with partners across the ecosystem. Its vision is rooted in the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape, aiming to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s identity as a place of authenticity, innovation and exceptional experiences.

This season comes with its own charm, and if you’re looking for places that truly feel festive, here’s a handpicked list of nine restaurants, cafés, and hotels that have gone all out to make Christmas warm, joyful, and experience-driven.

1. Late Checkout*
Late Checkout* in Lower Parel takes on a beautiful holiday mood with soft lights, rich festive colours, and a cosy vibe that instantly feels welcoming. Set inside a restored textile warehouse, the space blends industrial-chic interiors with snug corners and a lively cocktail room. Whether it's a quiet festive date or a fun group night out, the easygoing atmosphere encourages guests to linger, sip winter cocktails, and enjoy the season comfortably. With its design-led aesthetic and warm Christmas spirit, it makes for a perfect holiday hangout.

2. JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar brings the festive season alive with elegant décor, warm lighting, and a cheerful Christmas atmosphere. JW Café rolls out indulgent festive brunches, while AUTM JW Lounge serves winter-inspired cocktails that match the mood of the season. The hotel’s hospitality, seasonal menus, and comforting ambience come together to create a setting that feels refined yet homely, making it one of the most charming Christmas destinations in the city.

3. Della Resorts & Adventure
Della Resorts & Adventure introduces its Christmas Festive Package for 2025, designed for a relaxed, feel-good holiday. The two-night stay begins at ₹34,000 and focuses on small, thoughtful experiences—slow mornings, comforting breakfasts, and an Adventure Day Pass for playful fun. Guests also get access to The Vegas Noelat, the resort’s annual Christmas production, and festive drinks at Café 24. A hearty Christmas Brunch, a traditional pudding takeaway, and kid-friendly highlights like Santa Meet-and-Greet and gingerbread decorating add warmth to the holiday. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a quiet but festive break away from the city rush.

4. Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Sofitel Mumbai BKC takes on a glowing, cosy holiday look with festive décor and cheerful accents. Guests can pick from a variety of Christmas dining experiences—brunch at Pondichery Cafe, Indian festive dinners at Jyran, or traditional thalis at Tuskers. Each menu is crafted with seasonal flavours that bring out the essence of the holidays. Add to that relaxing spa sessions and Sofitel’s signature hospitality, and you get an experience that feels warm, indulgent, and perfectly festive.

5. Harajuku Tokyo Cafe & Bakehouse
Harajuku Tokyo Café turns into a colourful Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights and bright installations that match its playful Japanese-inspired look. The Bakehouse showcases desserts that are almost too pretty to touch, and their exclusive Christmas cocktail menu adds to the holiday excitement. It’s the ideal spot for those who love aesthetic corners, festive photos, and sweet, comforting treats.

6. Amelia BKC
Amelia BKC brings a bold holiday vibe with its dramatic interiors—deep reds, black accents, unique lighting, and statement décor. With warm Christmas lights and luxe festive touches blending seamlessly into the space, it becomes a striking backdrop for dinners, celebrations, and stylish December nights. If you're looking for a place that feels festive yet modern, Amelia stands out beautifully.

7. Torii
At Torii in Khar, festive elegance takes centre stage. The restaurant’s rich textures, sculptural elements, and warm lighting get an added Christmas glow, making it perfect for intimate dinners or quiet festive gatherings. The décor remains refined and tasteful, giving the place a soft, holiday-ready charm throughout the month.

8. Sthamba
Sthamba Brewery in Versova turns up the Christmas energy with bright decorations, playful lighting, and a buzzing ambience. Known for its upbeat crowd and industrial-cool interiors, the brewery adds a festive twist with a special Christmas menu and lively music. It’s a great pick for year-end outings, cheerful nights with friends, and celebrations that are full of warmth and fun.

9. Moussestruck
Moussestruck embraces the season with cosy décor, a warm festive glow, and a delightful spread of strawberry specials and winter desserts. The space is aesthetic and inviting, perfect for anyone who enjoys sweet treats and holiday-themed cafés. Whether you’re visiting for the desserts or the festive vibe, Moussestruck makes for a lovely Christmas outing.

Etihad Airways has secured a major global win this year, being ranked one of the top airlines in the prestigious 2025 AirHelp Score. With a strong overall score of 8.07 out of 10, the airline has jumped nine spots compared to last year, earning its place as the world’s second-best airline.

The AirHelp Score is known for being one of the most reliable airline rankings, measuring airlines on three important factors, on-time performance, customer opinion and claim processing. The 2025 results are based on flight data collected between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, along with surveys from more than 11,500 passengers across over 60 countries.

Etihad’s rise comes during a year of fast-paced expansion. The airline has increased its modern fleet to 120 aircraft, grown its global network to more than 100 destinations and carried 19% more passengers year-on-year. Even with this growth, Etihad has maintained strong punctuality and guest satisfaction, which played a key role in achieving this ranking.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Rising to one of the top two airlines in the world is an extraordinary achievement and a clear validation of everything we are building at Etihad. While rapidly growing our network, fleet and guest numbers, we have stayed laser-focused on what truly matters: getting our guests there on time, delivering thoughtful and genuine hospitality at every touchpoint, and standing by them when plans change. This ranking is proud recognition for every single member of our people who make that promise real, flight after flight.”

Sharing his views on Etihad’s achievement, Tomasz Pawliszyn, Chief Executive Officer of AirHelp, added: “Etihad Airways’ rise to second place globally, with an overall score of 8.07, is impressive. Climbing nine places in a single year reflects the airline’s strong commitment to the passenger experience, especially regarding on-time performance and customer satisfaction. As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, the 2025 AirHelp Score shows which airlines are keeping pace with modern passenger expectations. Today’s travellers expect honesty, accountability, and reliability. We’re pleased to see Etihad setting such a strong example for the industry this year.”

The ranking also highlights AirHelp’s unique scoring structure, which includes customer opinion on cabin crew, comfort, cleanliness, food and entertainment. The claim-processing score measures how fairly and efficiently an airline supports passengers when flights are disrupted.