Radisson Blu Dubai Media City Leads with Solar Energy Innovation

Radisson Blu Dubai Media City Leads with Solar Energy Innovation

By Author

Published on December 24, 2023

In a commendable stride towards environmental stewardship, the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City has adopted a cutting-edge thermodynamic solar system for domestic hot water (DHW) production. This initiative is a key part of the hotel's green building commitment, aligning with the Radisson Hotel Group's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Harnessing Renewable Energy:

Thermodynamic Solar System: This advanced system combines an air-source heat pump with solar blocks to efficiently produce hot water at 60°C. The process involves compressing refrigerant fluid, which then boils in the solar blocks due to solar radiance and environmental temperature. This heat is transferred to the water in a heat exchanger.

A Sustainable Substitute: This renewable energy solution is set to fully replace traditional electrical heaters in the hotel, marking a significant shift towards sustainable practices.

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Impressive Impact:

Reduction in Consumption and Emissions: On its first day of operation, the system impressively reduced the electrical consumption and carbon emissions of the hotel’s hot water system by 65%.

24/7 Operation: According to Kathiravan Selvarasu, the cluster chief engineer, the system’s ability to produce hot water up to 60°C around the clock, regardless of sunlight exposure, sets it apart from traditional solar thermal systems.

A Step Toward Sustainability:

Commitment to Green Goals: James Berry, the cluster general manager, expressed his satisfaction with the integration of the thermodynamic solar system, viewing it as a significant step towards achieving the hotel's sustainability objectives.

Pioneering in the Region: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is the fourth Radisson Blu property in the country to implement this eco-friendly technology.

The adoption of the thermodynamic solar system by Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City marks a pioneering move in the hospitality industry’s journey towards sustainability. By leveraging innovative technologies, the hotel is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also setting a precedent for others in the industry to follow.


Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Kuwait has launched its new national tourism portal, ‘Visit Kuwait,’ offering a seamless gateway for travelers seeking visas, cultural insights, and curated travel plans, all in one place. This digital platform is a key part of Kuwait’s Vision 2035 strategy, designed to enhance the country’s tourism experience and expand its global reach.

The portal simplifies the visa process with a fully online system for tourist, business, family, and official visas, eliminating the need for embassy visits. At the same time, it brings together a rich collection of travel tools, destination guides, cultural calendars, event updates, and practical travel tips, to help visitors explore Kuwait with ease.

Beyond its functional features, Visit Kuwait also acts as a cultural showcase. Users can dive into Kuwait’s unique offerings, from modern landmarks like Kuwait Towers and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre to vibrant souks, festivals, and historic museums.

The initiative is more than just a convenience, it plays a vital role in Kuwait’s economic transformation. As part of the Vision 2035 agenda, the portal supports the government’s aim to reduce oil dependency by strengthening the tourism sector. With a unified, digital-first approach, Kuwait is stepping into the global tourism spotlight, ready to welcome the world with open arms.


Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 67 cents per share on its common stock, reaffirming its commitment to delivering shareholder value. The dividend will be paid on September 30, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of August 21, 2025.

Alongside the dividend announcement, the hospitality giant also revealed an expansion of its share repurchase program. The board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional 25 million shares of its Class A common stock. This comes in addition to the approximately 7.4 million shares that were still available under previous authorizations as of July 30, 2025.

Marriott has already bought back 6.4 million shares this year, amounting to $1.7 billion. These moves reflect the company’s continued confidence in its financial stability and long-term performance, aiming to strengthen shareholder value through strategic capital allocation.


McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

McDonald’s has bounced back to growth, reporting a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales for the second quarter of 2025, driven by smart value-driven offerings and creative pop culture collaborations. The uptick marks a positive shift for the brand after four quarters of sluggish or declining growth, helped along by consumer-focused strategies aimed at easing economic concerns.

International markets led the charge, while sales in the US rose by 2.5%, reversing the downward trend seen in previous quarters. The brand’s strong quarter was supported by promotions tied to pop culture, such as limited-time offers linked to the Minecraft movie and Squishmallows collectibles, which drew attention from younger audiences and families alike.

Alongside the promotions, the launch of a $5 meal bundle and the introduction of new chicken items helped McDonald’s connect with budget-conscious customers seeking both value and variety. These strategies appear to have paid off, positioning McDonald’s for continued momentum.

“The overall second-quarter results show that McDonald's strategy is working and could lead to sustained same-store sales outperformance compared to the rest of the industry,” noted Jon Tower, analyst at Citi.

The rebound in the US is particularly notable, especially when compared to competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut, which continue to face challenges in communicating value to consumers. McDonald’s blend of affordability and fun has given it a clear edge, demonstrating how well-timed promotions and accessible pricing can win over today’s cautious diners.

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