Ras Al Khaimah to Ring in 2026 With the Largest Fireworks Display Ever

Ras Al Khaimah to Ring in 2026 With the Largest Fireworks Display Ever

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah is set to welcome the New Year in grand style on 31 December 2025, promising its most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration to date with an ambitious attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest fireworks display ever launched.

The emirate’s New Year celebrations this year are inspired by themes of strength, renewal, and progress, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic growth and future vision. A carefully choreographed fusion of innovative fireworks, illuminated drones, and laser technology will transform the night sky into a breathtaking visual spectacle, creating one of the world’s most immersive New Year’s Eve experiences.

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The highlight of the celebrations will be the 15-minute midnight fireworks show on 31 December 2025, stretching across an impressive six kilometres from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. More than 2,300 drones, including pyro and laser drones, will take part in the display, forming striking aerial patterns and visuals. As the clock strikes midnight and 2026 begins, the show will culminate with the launch of the largest single firework ever seen.

Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve programme will feature two fireworks displays on 31 December 2025. The first show will take place at 8:00 PM above Corniche Al Qawasim, offering families and residents an early opportunity to enjoy the celebrations. The main midnight display will follow at 12:00 AM, lighting up the skies over Marjan Island and Al Hamra Bay with a blend of large-scale pyrotechnics and drone formations.

Adding to the festivities, the Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve Festival will be held at Al Hamra, starting from 2:00 PM on 31 December 2025. The free-entry festival will feature live entertainment, food trucks, and carnival-style activities designed for visitors of all ages. The event will include performances by DJ BobMix, known for his mix of international and Arabic hits, a live act by Indo-Canadian Bollywood singer Shweta Subram, and an international set by DJ Bia.

To ensure smooth access to the celebrations, multiple parking zones will be available around the festival area, including a dedicated zone for caravans and camping. Visitors are required to register their vehicles in advance at www.raknye.com, which is mandatory for parking access and provides important information on entry and exit routes.

For audiences around the world, the record-setting fireworks display will be streamed live on 31 December 2025 via www.raknye.com and across the @visitrasalkhaimah social media channels on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

With 13 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles achieved over the past seven years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations as it ushers in 2026 with unmatched scale and spectacle.


Fusion Celebrates Vietnam’s National Day With Festive Experiences

Fusion Celebrates Vietnam’s National Day With Festive Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

Fusion Hotel Group is bringing together festive offers, wellness experiences and cultural activities to mark Vietnam’s National Day on Sept. 2, with celebrations planned across its properties in Southeast Asia.

Members of the Fusionlife loyalty program can enjoy up to 25% off accommodation, spa treatments and dining at participating properties across Da Nang, Hue, Quy Nhon, Cam Ranh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau and Binh Duong, along with hotels in Bangkok and Phuket. Travelers can register online for Fusionlife membership to access the benefits.

At Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, guests can take part in wellness sessions including meditation, yoga and sound healing. At Char Grill House, the resort’s award-winning onsite restaurant, the beachside bar will offer a 1-for-1 cocktail promotion from 5pm to 6pm.

Families can also enjoy Vietnamese-themed activities for children aged 4 to 12. The program includes making paper flags, creating keychains inspired by the national flag, decorating traditional conical hats and flying kites by the beach. In Hue, guests can combine the National Day break with visits to the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda. The city will also host the Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 at the Central Sports Square from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Guests staying at Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection can enjoy a BBQ buffet at The Garden Restaurant from 6:30pm to 9pm. Guests checking in on Sept. 2 will also receive a complimentary drink decorated with the Vietnamese national flag.

At Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, guests can explore Bai Dai Beach while enjoying the resort’s wellness experiences and all-day breakfast, served either by the pool or in the privacy of their villa. A visit to Fusion Farm also gives guests the chance to collect fresh eggs and harvest seasonal produce.

For the evening, the resort’s BBQ buffet brings together grilled seafood such as locally caught oysters, prawns and fish, along with traditional pastries filled with seafood. The menu combines international flavors with local specialities for a relaxed holiday dining experience. At The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon, guests can enjoy the central pool and private beach from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3. Pool & Beach Sips will be available daily from 4pm to 6pm.

The Kids’ Club will also host activities on Sept. 2, including making cards for parents, coloring Vietnamese landmarks and creating red flags featuring the iconic yellow star. On August 31, MIXE Restaurant will host a buffet with a “Dine 4, Pay 3” offer. In Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion Original Saigon Centre provides a central base for travelers exploring the city during the National Day holiday. On Sept. 2, Miss Thu, the hotel’s refined restaurant on the 24th floor, will host “A Toast to Vietnam” from 7pm to 10pm. Guests can enjoy curated bites along with 15% off à la carte dishes.

At Fusion Suites Vung Tau, the “Proud to be Vietnamese” program will run from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Guests wearing clothing featuring the Vietnamese national flag can receive a complimentary pastry when purchasing any drink at ROAST Café.

Guests booking directly through the hotel website can also receive up to 35% off room rates, along with an additional 12% Fusionlife member benefit and exclusive privileges during their stay.

Meanwhile, HIIVE by fusion Binh Duong New City offers a relaxed stay surrounded by greenery, with an outdoor pool for guests to unwind. At Zest Restaurant, the new menu brings together Asian-inspired flavors with a fusion approach, including Singaporean and Malaysian-inspired dim sum alongside local favourites such as crab soup. With a mix of festive dining, wellness, family activities and local cultural experiences, Fusion’s National Day program offers travelers different ways to enjoy the holiday across Vietnam.


Singapore Plans Tax and Visa Incentives to Strengthen Fund Sector

Singapore Plans Tax and Visa Incentives to Strengthen Fund Sector

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 24, 2026

Singapore is planning a fresh set of tax and visa incentives to strengthen its asset management industry and stay competitive with Hong Kong. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the finance ministry will introduce tax exemptions on investment profits earned by fund managers managing certain funds, including single family offices.

The government also plans to make it easier for investment professionals to access Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, which is valid for up to five years before renewal and allows holders to work for multiple companies.

More details on the planned tax measures are expected to be announced in the 2027 budget. MAS will also support hedge funds that are committed to establishing or expanding their presence in Singapore through an investment programme.

The move comes as competition between Singapore and Hong Kong, two of Asia's major financial centres, continues to grow. Hong Kong is also working on expanding tax-free carried-interest measures to a wider range of fund houses and individual fund managers, aiming to attract more investment funds and financial talent.

The developments have raised concerns among Singapore-based funds that the growing tax gap could make Hong Kong more attractive to investment professionals. The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) had warned MAS in July that Hong Kong's proposed tax benefits for individual fund managers could increase its appeal.

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who is also deputy chairman of MAS, said it was important to provide the industry with clarity on the government's plans as companies consider where to locate and expand their businesses.

Kher Sheng Lee, AIMA's Asia-Pacific co-head, said the speed of Singapore's response had caught the attention of investors and added that the measures could strengthen the country's position in attracting managers, talent and capital.

MAS has also held discussions with hedge funds in recent months to understand their requirements and preferred tax rates. Singapore's asset management industry has grown at an average rate of 7.5% annually over the past five years, reaching nearly S$7 trillion, according to MAS data. The latest measures highlight Singapore's efforts to remain an attractive base for fund managers and investment professionals as competition with Hong Kong intensifies.


Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Across 150 Widebody Aircraft

Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi Across 150 Widebody Aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 23, 2026

Qatar Airways has reached a new milestone in its onboard connectivity programme with 150 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, including the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9.

The airline has also completed the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, with more than half of its Boeing 787 fleet now equipped with the technology. Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.

The latest milestone follows the airline’s earlier rollout across its Boeing 777 fleet in nine months and Airbus A350 fleet in eight months. Qatar Airways now operates Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets, making it the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet.

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Starlink Wi-Fi on Qatar Airways can offer speeds of up to 500 Mbps, allowing passengers to stay connected while travelling. The service gives travellers the option to work, stay in touch with family and friends or enjoy online entertainment during their journey.

Qatar Airways was also the first airline to offer Starlink connectivity on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents. Complimentary gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi is being made available across more journeys on the airline’s global network, covering destinations across the Americas, Australasia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Since Starlink connectivity was introduced onboard in October 2024, more than 23 million passengers have used the service across over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights.

The airline’s Starlink installation programme has now crossed 83 per cent completion, with up to 323 Starlink-equipped flights operating daily. The expansion is aimed at making fast and reliable onboard connectivity a more regular part of the passenger experience. Passengers can access complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout their journey through seamless Privilege Club membership authentication or enrolment.

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