Top 3 Headlines

Jumeirah marks Sea Turtle Day with over 2,300 rescues

To celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, Jumeirah released 72 rehabilitated sea turtles, including Hawksbill and Green species, as part of its Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), which has now returned over 2,300 turtles to the wild. Highlights included the satellite-tagged release of Najeeb, an 80kg Green turtle, and the rare rescue of a Loggerhead hatchling, an unprecedented find in the Arabian Gulf. Jumeirah also hosted releases in Abu Dhabi and Bali, and continues marine conservation efforts through coral restoration and support of the DUBAI REEF initiative to boost biodiversity along the UAE’s coastline.

IHG’s voco brand reaches 100 hotels in seven years

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ voco brand has hit a major milestone with 100 open hotels across 25 countries since its 2018 launch. As IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand, voco nearly doubled its system and pipeline in just one year, with 95 more hotels underway. With further expansion planned in Türkiye, Malaysia, and Aruba, IHG aims to reach 200 voco hotels by 2028, redefining premium hospitality through distinct, guest-focused experiences and local charm.

Hilton appoints new Exec Vice President and CDO

Hilton has announced that Christian Charnaux will rejoin the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, starting 1 July, 2025. He brings experience from Inspire Brands, parent of major chains like Dunkin’ and Arby’s, where he served as Chief Growth Officer since 2018. Charnaux will report directly to Hilton President & CEO Christopher J. Nassetta and join the company’s executive committee. Kevin Jacobs will remain in his role as CFO.

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Noteworthy:

1. The UAE Ministry of Economy has launched “Summer Hospitality Camp 2025“, a nationwide program providing hands-on training to youth in tourism and hospitality. The initiative aims to develop local talent, advance Emiratization, and support the UAE’s tourism growth strategy.
2. Signia by Hilton Amman has named Waddah Dabbas as Commercial Director to drive the hotel’s commercial growth leveraging his 23 years in hospitality.
3. Jumeirah Bay Island led Dubai’s coastal luxury surge with a remarkable 24% YoY increase in 2025, outpacing other hotspots like Palm Jumeirah and JBR.
4. Arlette Richter‑Picardo has been appointed General Manager at Hotel Local, Jumeirah Village Triangle on, bringing leadership from Marriott and a passion for community-focused hospitality.
5. Sharjah’s Alef developer has launched Hamsa  3, the final residential phase of Al Mamsha Raseel spanning 48,000 sqm, with over 65% dedicated to green open spaces under UAE green initiatives.
6. Emirates Properties launched the ultra-luxury Azha Millennium Residences in Jumeirah Village Triangle, a Dh350 million project with 196 branded units starting from Dh629,000 each.