Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has launched the UAE's winter campaign, called 'World's Coolest Winter', aiming to boost the tourism sector's GDP contribution by AED450 billion ($122.5 billion) by 2031. The campaign features diverse programs and events to attract tourists and drive growth in the sector. The previous edition of the campaign saw tourist numbers reaching 1.4 million, up 8% from the previous year, indicating its success in attracting visitors [0ac1a039].
To further enhance the tourism sector, the UAE is offering a range of exciting events and activities. Indian eatery Dhaba Lane is celebrating mango season with a month-long festival of curated dishes, allowing visitors to indulge in the flavors of this tropical fruit. The Pods on Bluewaters now offers an affordable breakfast menu, providing a convenient and delicious option for tourists and locals alike. Kokoro, a handroll bar from Houston, recently opened in Dubai, offering a unique dining experience for sushi lovers. Madame Tussauds Dubai has unveiled Chris Hemsworth's wax figure, giving fans the opportunity to take a selfie with the popular actor. The Arts Center in NYU Abu Dhabi presents a reimagined performance of Swan Lake, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. Chinese restaurant Xu has launched a lively karaoke brunch, combining delicious food with entertainment. Zabeel Theatre stages a play called The Lion Inside, based on a bestselling children's book, providing a family-friendly activity for residents and visitors [b210dd73].
These events and activities not only contribute to the vibrant tourism scene in the UAE but also offer unique experiences for tourists and locals to enjoy. By diversifying the offerings and continuously introducing new attractions, the UAE aims to attract more visitors and boost the economy [0ac1a039].
In other news, Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum at Expo City Dubai. The opening coincided with International Museum Day and highlights the role of museums as educational hubs. Sheikha Latifa emphasized that Expo 2020 Dubai showcases Dubai's global leadership in innovation and future readiness. The museum will officially open to the public on May 18, which is International Museum Day. Dubai is also set to host the International Council of Museums General Conference in 2025, further strengthening its standing as a capital of culture, creativity, and innovation [333ae285].
Meanwhile, Mattel, the renowned toy company, has opened its first-ever theme park in Abu Dhabi. The family entertainment center, named Mission:Play! by Mattel, offers an immersive experience into the group's top brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Mega Blocks. The center was designed based on insights such as the trans-generational appeal of Mattel's brands and the preference for interactive and immersive play experiences among families in the region. Located at Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Mission:Play! aims to provide a unique and engaging destination for families to enjoy [c61f87a3].
To ensure the success of the play center, Mattel plans to adopt a strong influencer marketing strategy and emphasize social media engagement. By leveraging the power of influencers and engaging with audiences on social media platforms, Mattel aims to create awareness and attract visitors to Mission:Play! in Abu Dhabi. The theme park is expected to be a popular attraction for both residents and tourists, offering a range of interactive and immersive experiences for families [c61f87a3].
In the UK, Thorpe Park in Surrey has received 13 nominations in the UK Theme Park Awards, making it the leading nominee. One of its attractions, the Hyperia rollercoaster, has been nominated for Best New Attraction. Hyperia, which opened in May 2024, is described as the UK's tallest, fastest, and most weightless rollercoaster. Despite some temporary closures and incidents of passengers getting stuck, Hyperia has attracted visitors from all over the country and is considered a strong contender for the award. The UK Theme Park Awards, organized by ThemeParks-UK.com, will allow the public to vote for their favorite theme parks starting on July 22 [13919bfd].
These nominations highlight the success and popularity of Thorpe Park's Hyperia rollercoaster, adding to the range of exciting attractions available in the UK. The recognition from the UK Theme Park Awards further solidifies Thorpe Park's position as a top destination for thrill-seekers and amusement park enthusiasts [13919bfd].
Planet Coaster 2, a sequel to the popular management game Rollercoaster Tycoon, is packed with creativity and features all-new water park gameplay, attractions, and deeper management. It offers challenges in Career Mode, building a global park network in Franchise, and epic parks in Sandbox mode. The game allows players to visit other players' parks, build parks together, and design thrilling waterslides. The release is expected in autumn 2024. The article highlights the features of Planet Coaster 2 and expresses optimism about its success [a06f6d9c].