Barnhouse and its portfolio companies have made a remarkable mark on the global stage by achieving multiple accolades at the Global RLI Awards 2025, underscoring their leadership in retail, leisure, and sustainable business.

The company earned a high commendation in the ‘RLI Most Innovative F&B Concept’ category, highlighting Barnhouse’s fresh approach to crafting food and beverage experiences that blend creativity with memorable hospitality.

Adding to the celebrations, Essensai 067—a standout in Barnhouse’s development portfolio—was named a finalist for ‘RLI Most Anticipated Opening 2025.’ Sharing the spotlight with major global developments like Bayfront by Al Ajdan, Al Othaim Park, and Westfield Park in Saudi Arabia, Essensai 067 cemented its place among the world’s most eagerly awaited retail and leisure destinations.

Barnhouse’s commitment to the environment was also front and centre as Aranyani took home the coveted ‘RLI Sustainable Retailer of the Year’ award. This recognition reinforces the group’s dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its business model and driving environmental stewardship across its ventures.

Celebrating these achievements, Mr. Haresh Mirpuri, Founder of Barnhouse, said, “Receiving these multiple recognitions at the RLI Awards 2025 is a tremendous honor that reflects our team’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. These achievements validate our vision of creating transformative experiences that resonate with consumers while maintaining our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and cutting-edge innovation. We are proud to be acknowledged alongside such distinguished industry leaders.”

Further elevating the evening, Mr. Mirpuri was highly commended as a Visionary Leader, a special honour presented as part of RLI’s 20th Anniversary celebrations—recognising his significant impact on the industry over the last two decades.

The Global RLI Awards are among the most prestigious in the retail and leisure sector, celebrating trailblazing projects, concepts, and leaders shaping the future of global retail and hospitality. This year’s ceremony brought together leading developers, retailers, and innovators from around the world, spotlighting initiatives that set new benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

Tel Aviv has reaffirmed its global leadership in innovation by being ranked the #4 Global Startup Ecosystem in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome, unveiled at VivaTech in Paris. The recognition marks Tel Aviv’s enduring strength in the startup world, even amid a year of significant challenges.

Drawing insights from over 5 million companies across 350+ cities, the report showcases Tel Aviv’s exceptional performance in funding, knowledge, and talent, along with $198 billion in ecosystem value generated between July 2022 and December 2024.

Mayor Ron Huldai emphasized the resilience and agility of Tel Aviv’s entrepreneurs. “In the face of complex challenges, Tel Aviv remains an open, welcoming, and resilient city, defined by creativity, liberalism, and entrepreneurship. We will continue to invest whatever it takes to enable startups to grow, evolve, and succeed,” he said.

Tel Aviv’s rise is powered by AI, cybersecurity, and life sciences, which continue to attract multinational R&D investments, large-scale acquisitions, and global partnerships. In 2024–2025, AI and cybersecurity startups secured multi-million-dollar rounds, life sciences grew by 25% to $2.7 billion, and tech giants like Nvidia, Meta, and Alphabet expanded operations in the region.

The city’s appeal is rooted in 180+ multinational R&D centers, government incentives, and a strong public-private innovation network. A new $800 million innovation lab and fresh policies supporting foreign investment are set to further bolster its startup ecosystem in 2025.

“Israel has the highest quality entrepreneurs in the world, full stop,” remarked Jeff Horing, Co-Founder & MD of Insight Partners. “The probability of finding the right mix of integrity, hard work, smarts, and hustle is better here than just about anywhere else.”

According to JF Gauthier, Founder & CEO of Startup Genome, “Tel Aviv’s consistent top ranking shows the extraordinary strength of its startup ecosystem and the commitment of its leaders. It competes against cities three to ten times its size and still holds its ground.”

Startup Genome’s annual report provides rankings of the Top 40 global ecosystems, Top 100 emerging ecosystems, and regional rankings, offering data-backed insights for policymakers and founders to drive job creation and innovation-led growth.

Royal Caribbean International has officially welcomed its next-generation vacation experience, Star of the Seas, into its fleet. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the revolutionary Icon Class cruise ship has been delivered and is set to debut this August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

The handover was celebrated in grand fashion with a ceremony attended by over 1,250 crew members and partners, including Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm, and Chairman Jaakko Eskola.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This ship is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation and imagination come together.”

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s second Icon Class ship, following Icon of the Seas, and brings with it numerous innovations for family vacations. Key highlights include:

• Thrill Island, featuring Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides, and Crown’s Edge, a skywalk-meets-thrill-ride 154 feet above the ocean.
  

• Chill Island, with four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and lively swim-up bars like Swim & Tonic.
  

• Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families with splash zones and kid-friendly dining.
  

• AquaDome, a panoramic day-to-night space with high-dive shows at the AquaTheater, a market-style food hall, and the scenic Overlook Bar.
  

• The Hideaway, an adults-only escape with a suspended infinity pool and DJ-fueled vibes.
  

• Fleet favorites, including the open-air Central Park, the dynamic Royal Promenade featuring the Pearl kinetic sculpture, and new dining spots like the Lincoln Park Supper Club.
  

With eight neighborhoods and over 40 dining and entertainment venues, Star is built to cater to multigenerational travelers seeking fun, relaxation, and adventure.

The ship also highlights Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability. Star of the Seas is the brand’s third ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and features eco-friendly systems like waste heat recovery and shore power connection, contributing to Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Star will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and is now available for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website.

The brand also has more in store with upcoming destinations like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Dec 2025), Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), and Perfect Day Mexico (2027), ensuring Royal Caribbean continues to redefine vacation possibilities.