Souq Al Jubail Winter Festival In Sharjah, UAE: A Must-Visit Tourist Haven Offering Unique Winter Experiences For All Ages

The Al Jubail Winter Festival 2025 is still a delight to the residents and tourists in three of Sharjah’s main markets: Souq Al Jubail in Sharjah, Souq Al Jubail in Al Dhaid and Souq Al Jubail in Kalba. This winter celebration, which is held throughout the year with some locations until 31 December 2025, aims to be a lot more than a holiday event, a very important emirate’s strategy to enhance local tourism and economic activity.

A Dynamic Festival Across Sharjah

The Souq Al Jubail Winter Festival offers a rich blend of entertainment, shopping, and community engagement. Held daily from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the festival promises a festive atmosphere across all participating Souqs. The festival is not just about leisure; it underscores the markets’ transformation from traditional commercial hubs into dynamic community destinations that cater to all family members.

In Sharjah, the festival features an array of international and traditional food stalls, retail outlets, and dedicated children’s areas. Visitors are welcomed with interactive performances and vibrant entertainment designed to celebrate the spirit of the season. This festival enriches the local economy by attracting both local and international tourists. Sharjah’s Souq Al Jubail aims to provide an integrated experience that combines shopping, family entertainment, and local entrepreneurship.

According to Engineer Abdullah Al Shamsi, Director of Sharjah Markets, Souq Al Jubail’s efforts align with the emirate’s broader goal of enhancing community engagement and supporting small businesses. The festival is designed to bolster the local economy by providing a unique venue for entrepreneurs, particularly small business owners, to showcase their products. It is not just an event, it is a platform that drives tourism and economic growth.

Al Dhaid’s Local Touch

Moving to Souq Al Jubail in Al Dhaid, the festival captures the essence of the region with its local character. Known for its spice, perfume, clothing, and textile stalls, the market also provides a play area for children, making it a family-friendly location. With its focus on traditional experiences, this part of the festival highlights the authentic charm of Al Dhaid while supporting the area’s growing tourism industry.

The festival in Al Dhaid plays an essential role in promoting local traders and the culture of productive families. The Director of the Central Region Markets Department, Talal Mohammed, commented on how the event supports Al Dhaid’s unique identity. By offering a mix of culinary delights and local goods, the market fosters a sustainable model that helps small traders and attracts visitors seeking a blend of traditional shopping and modern entertainment.

For tourists visiting Sharjah this winter, Souq Al Jubail in Al Dhaid presents a cultural immersion that offers more than just a typical shopping experience. It encourages travellers to explore the city’s rich culture, where every corner holds a piece of its heritage.

Kalba: A Sustainable Future

At Souq Al Jubail in Kalba, the festival stands out for its strong community and developmental impact. Beyond the traditional market stalls and food options, the Kalba festival includes a mini zoo, inflatable play areas, and electric bikes, adding a modern twist to the festivities. One of the most notable features is the Khairat Al Dar initiative, which empowers local farmers by enabling them to sell their products directly to the public. This not only supports the local agricultural economy but also helps in promoting food security and sustainability in the region.

According to Hilal Al Naqbi, Director of Eastern Region Markets, the Kalba festival exemplifies a progressive approach to market development. Through this initiative, the market helps nurture sustainable practices and encourages visitors to engage with the local agricultural heritage. By incorporating educational workshops and competitions, the event provides an interactive learning experience for children and families. For tourists, this emphasis on sustainability presents a unique opportunity to explore a part of Sharjah that is deeply connected to both its environment and its community values.

How the Festival Boosts Tourism

Sharjah’s focus on transforming its markets into cultural and tourism hotspots is evident in the Al Jubail Winter Festival’s expansive programme. The festival’s combination of family entertainment, local cuisine, and community-driven activities makes it a highly attractive destination for tourists looking for an immersive cultural experience.

The event’s ability to bring together local businesses and tourists is pivotal in creating a sustainable tourism model that benefits both. Visitors can experience the best of Sharjah’s vibrant market culture while supporting local entrepreneurs, and in turn, contributing to the tourism economy. By focusing on family-oriented activities, the festival also provides a perfect opportunity for holidaymakers looking for safe, fun, and interactive experiences.

As Souq Al Jubail Winter Festival 2025 continues through the end of the year, it serves as a reminder of Sharjah’s commitment to growing its tourism industry. Not only does it showcase the emirate’s rich cultural heritage, but it also emphasizes sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and the local community.

Looking Forward to Future Growth

The Al Jubail Winter Festival is more than just an event, it is a significant part of Sharjah’s vision to boost tourism and strengthen the local economy. The festival fosters community engagement, supports small businesses, and promotes sustainability, all while offering an enriching experience for families and tourists alike.

With Sharjah’s ongoing organization of events, it is already a global tourism hub, a place where visitors could see the wonderful mixture of old customs and new amusements at one spot. The Al Jubail Winter Festival, that shows a great skiing accident offer of an incredible experience of fun, culture, and shopping which is hard for any other event to replace, will still keep attracting tourists from all over the globe in the future.

The post Souq Al Jubail Winter Festival In Sharjah, UAE: A Must-Visit Tourist Haven Offering Unique Winter Experiences For All Ages appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Katara Forum: How Qatar Is Set To Lead The Sports Tourism Boom Across The Arab World!

The Katara Forum has, yet again, placed Qatar on top of the list of world sports tourism by investigating the cultural dimensions of sports, media and tourism. The event, which took place in partnership with the Arab Federation for Sports Tourism and the Gulf Association for Tourism Media, has opened a new chapter in which the Arab world can use sports as a tool of culture, tourism and influence.

A significant gathering of experts, media professionals, and officials from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman, the forum discussed sustainable approaches that tie together sports, media, tourism and the economy. The forum aimed to highlight the importance of using sports as a tool for strengthening cultural identity and positioning the Arab region as a dominant player in global tourism and media.

Qatar’s Vision for Cultural Identity and Sports Tourism

The opening speech at the forum was delivered by Dr. Nadia Al Mudhahka, Director of the Research and Studies Department at Katara, who reiterated Katara’s belief in the unifying power of culture. She noted that culture is not a standalone sector but a dynamic force that shapes identities and binds together sectors such as sports, tourism, and media. Dr. Al Mudhahka highlighted Qatar’s pioneering role in using sports as a bridge for civilisational communication, showcasing Arab culture as a source of strength and influence.

This vision is particularly relevant at a time when Qatar has successfully merged sports tourism with its broader cultural strategy, attracting global attention. The country’s hosting of major sporting events has enhanced its reputation as a hub for cultural exchange, enabling it to build diplomatic bridges through sports, while also boosting the local economy by attracting international visitors.

Strengthening Ties Through Sports and Media

Sheikh Nayef bin Eid Al-Thani, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Retaj Hotels and Hospitality Group, addressed the forum’s significance at a crucial time. He remarked that the collaboration of sports, media, and tourism has become a strategic tool for shaping nations’ images on the global stage. Sheikh Nayef highlighted how Qatar’s investment in these sectors has contributed to building a stronger national identity, while also promoting the region’s heritage to international audiences.

Sports tourism is no longer just about viewing events; it’s a comprehensive strategy that involves hospitality, cultural heritage, and media collaboration. As the forum discussed, building an integrated system that blends professional organisation with cultural pride is key to attracting international tourists. Qatar’s commitment to this vision is evident in its ongoing development of sports-related tourism infrastructure and the hosting of world-class events that draw global attention.

The Qatari Model: A Blueprint for Sustainable Sports Tourism

Fatma Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, shared insights on Qatar’s evolving role in sports tourism. She highlighted the country’s transformative approach to sports as an economic and cultural force. Qatar’s model focuses on using international sporting events as tools for sustainable development, leveraging these occasions to drive tourism and strengthen regional ties.

The forum underscored Qatar’s leadership in this domain, where sports are viewed as a vital element in fostering economic growth, enriching cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for cross-cultural understanding. By drawing people from all over the world to its sporting events, Qatar is positioning itself as a central player in the global sports tourism industry, offering unique experiences that blend sport with culture.

Promoting Arab Unity Through Sports and Tourism

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Executive Office of the Forum of Specialized Arab Federations at the League of Arab States, praised Qatar’s consistent support for both Arab and international sports. He stressed that Qatar’s investments reflect a deep understanding of how sports can bring people closer, promote regional development, and elevate the Arab identity globally. His comments reinforced the central theme of the forum, which focuses on using sports to foster unity and pride among Arab nations.

In this light, the forum acts as a platform to share best practices and strategies that Arab nations can adopt to maximise the benefits of sports tourism. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that sports tourism is not just a transient phenomenon but a lasting and sustainable contributor to the economic and cultural vitality of the Arab region.

A Bright Future for Sports Tourism in the Gulf

Kamel Abu Ali, President of the Arab Federation for Sports Tourism, closed the forum by highlighting Qatar’s global standing in organising high-quality sporting events. He commended Qatar’s leadership in creating a sustainable sports tourism framework that serves as a model for other Arab nations. His remarks underscored the importance of professional standards in sports tourism, which not only raise the profile of individual nations but also enhance Arab identity and belonging on the global stage.

The forum also recognised several individuals and organisations for their contributions to advancing sports tourism in the region, celebrating the collaborative spirit that will drive future success. The awards underscored Qatar’s role as a driving force behind the growth of sports tourism and media in the Arab world.

A New Era for Sports Tourism in Qatar and Beyond

The Katara Forum has proven that sports tourism is not just about attracting visitors to events but about building a cultural legacy that can strengthen the global presence of Arab nations. As Qatar continues to develop its sports tourism sector, the region’s ability to use sports as a tool for cultural exchange and sustainable development will be key to its future success. By merging sports, tourism, and media, Qatar is not just shaping its own identity, but also playing a significant role in defining the future of sports tourism in the Gulf region.

The Qatar forum has been an event that has put Qatar on the map as a top sports tourism destination, advising mainly on the featuring of cultural identity, media, and tourism together as an eco-friendly development through the power of the global platform.

The post Katara Forum: How Qatar Is Set To Lead The Sports Tourism Boom Across The Arab World! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Greece’s Record Year Of Hotel Investments Reshapes Tourism Landscape With Major Openings In Crete, Corfu, Athens And More

At the end of 2025, Greece is coming up to the climax of an incredible boom in hotel investments which is going to go down as the best year ever for tourism and hospitality in the country. The influx of hotel investment projects and openings has vastly altered the country’s tourism landscape and has once more placed Greece at the top of the list of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. The see saw movement of people into and out of the country that was the tourism supply side is evident from the new and refurbished luxury hotels across the country from Crete to Thessaloniki and Corfu to Karpathos. The new international interest and demand in Greek tourism were the reasons for this, so to speak.

Major Openings Driving Greece’s Hospitality Growth

Several high-profile hotel openings in 2025 have redefined Greece’s tourism appeal, catering to a diverse range of travellers seeking luxury, sustainability, and unique experiences.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa – Chania

Opened in June 2025, this marks the prestigious JW Marriott brand’s first venture into the Mediterranean region. Located near Chania, the resort features 160 rooms, suites, and villas offering spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. The resort also includes world-class facilities such as fine dining restaurants, a luxurious spa, and bespoke hospitality services. While the investment figures remain undisclosed, industry sources estimate it to be in the tens of millions of euros, showcasing Greece’s growing appeal for international hotel giants.

Rocca a Mare Heraklion – Handwritten Collection

Situated on the shores of Heraklion, this resort opened under the Accor brand in 2025, featuring 36 elegant rooms and a rooftop pool overlooking the Mediterranean. With its Mediterranean restaurant and gym, the resort is a perfect blend of luxury and local history, drawing inspiration from Crete’s rich Minoan heritage.

Tella Thera – Kissamos, Crete

Another significant addition in 2025, Tella Thera, is a boutique 5-star hotel located in Kissamos, Crete. The property, featuring 20 suites and an independent villa, prioritises sustainability, using natural materials and eco-friendly design. With an investment of around €10 million, Tella Thera represents a growing trend of small-to-medium-scale hotels focusing on eco-conscious travel.

Sound of the Sea Karpathos – Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The reopening of this boutique hotel under the Hilton Tapestry Collection signals international interest in Greece’s niche luxury destinations. Though specific investment details are unavailable, the property’s reopening is another testament to Greece’s growing appeal as a regional hub for luxury hospitality.

New Luxury Resorts Cater to Diverse Market Segments

Greece has not only attracted international hotel brands but also cultivated its own premium offerings through local hotel chains and boutique properties, making it a destination for all types of luxury-seeking tourists.

Mövenpick Resort – Syvota
Opened by Accor in 2025, this resort is Greece’s first Mövenpick property, located in Syvota. Featuring 67 spacious rooms with Ionian Sea views, it offers a family-friendly atmosphere with high-end amenities.

Avali Hotel – Corfu

The Avali Hotel, part of the Mar-Bella Collection, opened in 2025 with 76 rooms and suites in Corfu. Combining traditional hospitality with modern luxury, the hotel exemplifies a strategy of offering high-end local experiences.

Cabo & Unda – Corfu

Corfu saw two major openings this year from the Mayor Group. Cabo, a 5-star resort with an investment of over 13 million euro, offers a blend of luxury, wellness, and gastronomy, while Unda, a boutique hotel with a 30 million euro investment, offers boho-chic stays with private pools and swim-up suites. Both properties are set to boost Corfu’s reputation as a high-end destination.

Athens Capital Suites and New Trends in City-Centric Luxury

In the heart of Athens, the opening of Athens Capital Suites – MGallery Collection marks the trend of city-centric luxury hotels in Greece. Situated in a historic building in central Athens, this boutique hotel opened in May 2025 and offers 19 suites, including a two-storey presidential suite. It reflects the rising demand for intimate luxury properties in urban centres, catering to affluent travellers seeking both comfort and history.

Sokio Attiki – Athens

Also opening in Athens is the Sokio Attiki hotel, a new addition to the Sokio brand. Offering 35 apartment-style rooms with modern amenities like a rooftop lounge, pool, and gym, it caters to the growing demand for hotel apartments in urban settings. With plans for further expansion in Athens and Halkidiki, Sokio is well-positioned to become a significant player in Greece’s hotel market.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Greek Hospitality

2025 has proven to be a year of extraordinary growth and transformation in Greece’s hotel industry, setting the stage for continued expansion in 2026 and beyond. With more than ten major hotel openings, international partnerships, and innovative designs, Greece is firmly establishing itself as a key destination for global travellers.

Tourism experts predict that the upcoming years will see further diversification in hotel offerings, with a continued focus on luxury, sustainability, and high-end city breaks. The country’s blend of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality continues to attract international attention, solidifying its position on the global tourism map.

The hotel industry of Greece may change but it is still committed to offering the best service and applying eco-friendly tourism measures. Many projects are planned for 2026 and later, Greece’s tourism sector is already flourishing with the promise of great and unforgettable experiences for national and international tourists alike.

The post Greece’s Record Year Of Hotel Investments Reshapes Tourism Landscape With Major Openings In Crete, Corfu, Athens And More appeared first on Travel And Tour World.