LuxeGlamp, India’s pioneering glamping brand, has expanded its global footprint with the launch of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the first eco-tourism glamping resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Located in the pristine mangrove reserve of Umm Al Quwain, the project signifies a new chapter in sustainable luxury travel in the Middle East.

The resort was inaugurated with a foundation stone ceremony led by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al Quwain. The initiative aligns with the emirate’s vision of fostering responsible and future-focused tourism.

Spread across 50 acres, the LuxeGlamp UAQ resort features ten glass-domed luxury suites, each covering nearly 1,000 square feet, seamlessly blending into the natural landscape. Guests can enjoy private plunge pools, wooden decks, saunas, and hammocks, all offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf and surrounding mangroves.

Antony Thomas, Founder and CEO of LuxeGlamp, shared, “LuxeGlamp UAQ is a celebration of what Indian eco-luxury hospitality can achieve globally. We're proud to share our nature-first design philosophy with the world.” A key highlight of the resort is Luxe Bistro, a fine-dining restaurant housed in a glass dome, serving a curated fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, prepared using local and sustainable ingredients.

The resort's sustainability features include:

• 100% eco-conscious design with no permanent structures, piling, or soil disturbance
  

• Solar-powered operations throughout the resort
  

• Construction using recyclable materials like tempered glass and aluminium
  

• 80% bamboo usage in wood applications
  

• No single-use plastics
  

• Interiors featuring Balinese aesthetics with local cultural elements
  

With this venture, LuxeGlamp introduces its signature eco-luxury model to a global audience. Known for award-winning glamping destinations in Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) and Munnar (Kerala), LuxeGlamp is now poised to redefine sustainable tourism in the UAE.

Founded by Indian entrepreneur Antony Thomas, LuxeGlamp Eco-resorts L.L.P is India’s first dedicated luxury glamping brand. The company is renowned for offering immersive nature experiences with minimal ecological impact while delivering the comforts of high-end hospitality.

In a landmark move aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Le Park Concord Company to roll out 100 Super 8® by Wyndham hotels across the Kingdom over the next decade. This exclusive development agreement marks a significant milestone for both brands and aims to make quality and affordable lodging more accessible in the rapidly growing tourism market.

Supported by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, the deal underscores the country’s commitment to welcoming a broader range of travelers—from business guests to religious and leisure visitors. The first property under this agreement is slated to open in 2026, with future Super 8 locations planned across key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Al Khobar/Dammam, and major transit corridors.

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, shared,
"Bringing Super 8 to Saudi Arabia is a strategic move to make quality, affordable travel more accessible. We're excited to introduce a brand that blends stylish comfort with sustainability to one of the region's most dynamic markets."

Le Park Concord, a leading local operator currently managing 13 hotels with over 900 rooms and 13 more in the pipeline, will play a key role in developing these properties. The collaboration focuses on leveraging modular construction and eco-conscious designs to ensure guest comfort while supporting sustainable growth.

Mr. Fiaz Talal Alenezi, CEO of Le Park Concord, emphasized,
"Our partnership with Wyndham helps bridge the gap in branded economy accommodations, bringing international standards and trusted loyalty benefits to Saudi Arabia’s expanding visitor base."

Tourism in the Kingdom is booming, with 30 million international arrivals in 2024 alone—a 9.5% increase from the previous year. The country aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Despite the growth, branded budget hotels remain scarce, comprising just 6% of the national hotel pipeline, as per Knight Frank.

Super 8, a globally recognized economy hotel brand, is already on a global expansion spree, with 40 hotels planned across Spain and Portugal. With this Saudi partnership, Wyndham solidifies its presence in the Middle East while continuing to offer dependable, affordable, and design-forward lodging experiences for modern travelers.

For more on Wyndham’s development plans and opportunities, visit whrdevelopmentemea.com.

Vietnam’s rising golf star, Tuan Anh Nguyen, delivered a sensational performance to win the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, sealing the title with a clutch birdie on the final hole.

At just 15 years old, the youngster from Ho Chi Minh City showed remarkable calm and composure to finish with an eight-under-par total of 205, with rounds of 65, 70, and 70. He was the only player to shoot under par on all three days, fending off a strong final-round push by South Korea’s Jaemin Park.

“I just tried to stay calm and focused,” said Tuan Anh. “It’s a special feeling to win such a big event, especially in Vietnam. This gives me a lot of belief going forward.”

With this win, Tuan Anh becomes the third Vietnamese champion in a row, following Nguyen Duc Son (2024) and Nguyen Anh Minh (2023). His victory not only highlights his individual brilliance but also reflects Vietnam’s growing prominence in the junior golf circuit.

The event, held at the Laguna Golf Lang Co—a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design course—hosted around 60 young players from over a dozen countries. The venue has been the home of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final since 2017 and is regarded as one of Asia’s finest championship courses.

“It’s been a tremendous week of golf,” shared Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series. “How these young players have conducted themselves—both on and off the course—has been magnificent.”

Other notable winners included Japan’s Rinka Yasuda, who took the Girls’ Under-21 title, and Singapore’s Jaydon Pang, who won the Boys’ Under-16 division. Tuan Anh also topped the Boys’ Under-18 category in addition to his overall win.

Supported by the Vietnam Golf Association and strategic partners like Vietnam Golf Coast, the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final continues to be a platform for emerging talent. With stars like Tuan Anh leading the way, Vietnam’s junior golf future looks exceptionally bright.

“This week has reinforced our commitment to junior golf in Asia,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “To see a Vietnamese champion crowned here at our course is a proud moment. The future of golf in Vietnam is full of promise.”