HR Hotel, a joint venture between Malta-based db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), has signed a suite of agreements with Hard Rock International to develop Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah, a branded mixed-use property slated to open in 2028.

Located on the Arabian Gulf adjacent to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah’s Beach District, the project will include approximately 300 hotel rooms and 395 branded residences.

The project expected to be complete in 2028 will create around 500 permanent jobs.

Amenities will feature multiple dining outlets, a rooftop bar, beach club, spa, fitness centre, event venue and conference facilities.

“Hard Rock International is proud to introduce its hotel and residence accommodations to the region,” said Todd Hricko, SVP and head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock. “This development will open new doors for the Hard Rock global traveller.”

RAK is emerging as a high growth destination

Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as a high-growth destination by combining investment infrastructure with sustainable tourism. Attractions include Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, and the world’s longest zipline.

“This partnership brings together db Group’s development track record, Hard Rock’s global brand, and our insight into Ras Al Khaimah’s market dynamics,” said Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAKHH.

The project marks db Group’s first major venture outside Malta. “With nearly four decades in hospitality, we aim to deliver a destination that embodies Hard Rock’s energy,” said Silvio Debono, chairman of db Group.

RAKHH is also involved in the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort.

Hard Rock operates more than 300 venues across 80 countries.

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Apple on July 23 introduced AppleCare One, a new service plan designed to provide simple, flexible coverage for multiple Apple devices under a single subscription. For $19.99 per month, customers can protect up to three Apple products, with the option to add more devices at $5.99 per month each.

The new plan builds on the features of AppleCare+ and expands protection across devices including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. US customers can sign up for AppleCare One starting tomorrow through their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or by visiting an Apple Store, an Apple report said.

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“At Apple, we’re focused on creating and delivering exceptional experiences,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Built on the trusted foundation of AppleCare+, AppleCare One extends that same reliability and makes it easier than ever to protect the products you love and depend on.”

All-in-one coverage and support

AppleCare One offers all the benefits of AppleCare+, including unlimited accidental damage repairs for incidents like drops and spills, 24/7 priority access to Apple experts, certified repairs, and battery service. Notably, theft and loss coverage, previously limited to iPhone, has been expanded to include iPad and Apple Watch.

The plan’s pricing structure remains the same regardless of which devices are enrolled. According to Apple, users could save up to $11 per month compared to purchasing separate AppleCare+ plans for each device.

Add existing devices, up to four years old

In a notable shift from Apple’s previous policy, customers can now add eligible devices they already own, as long as they’re in good working condition and up to four years old. This expands protection opportunities beyond the typical 60-day purchase window for AppleCare+.

Flexible management for a growing collection

AppleCare One also streamlines plan management. When a user trades in a covered product directly to Apple, the device is automatically removed from their plan and replaced with the new one. As a month-to-month subscription, customers can keep coverage going indefinitely and can adjust which devices are covered at any time.

Apple says AppleCare One is ideal for users with multiple Apple devices who want comprehensive protection, convenience, and predictable monthly costs, all from a brand they trust.

With the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a new unified school calendar for all public and private schools across the UAE, effective from the 2025-2026 academic year.

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The revised calendar sets standardised dates for the beginning and end of the academic year, the conclusion of each term, and term breaks. It will be implemented nationwide across all schools, regardless of curriculum, a WAM report said.

According to the ministry, the changes are designed to enhance family cohesion and create a more balanced learning environment in alignment with the goals of the “Year of Community.”

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said the calendar represents a qualitative shift in managing the academic year. “This unified calendar is part of our national approach to achieving the goals of the ‘Year of Community’ by fostering a socially connected and balanced educational ecosystem,” she said.

She added that consistent holiday dates will also help cultural, tourism, and community organisations align their activities with the academic calendar, reinforcing the connection between education and broader society.

Term dates and holiday breaks announced

The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025, with the first term ending on December 7, 2025. Students will then enjoy a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, resuming classes on January 5, 2026.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, 2026, followed by a two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026. Classes will resume on March 30, except for private schools in Sharjah, where the term resumes on March 23.

The third term will begin on March 30 and conclude on July 3, 2026, with Sharjah schools ending one day earlier on July 2. The schedule is designed to provide a balanced academic year that supports student learning and overall well-being.

Mid-term breaks and flexibility for private schools

The updated calendar also introduces mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government curriculum. These short breaks are intended to reduce academic pressure and promote student wellness.

• The first mid-term break is scheduled for October 13–19, 2025, during the longest academic term.
• The second break will take place from February 11–15, 2026, offering students a pause during the winter term.
• A third break is planned for May 25–31, 2026, aligning with the Eid Al Adha holiday.

Private schools not following the national curriculum are allowed to schedule their own October and February breaks, provided each does not exceed five consecutive days and remains within the designated months. These schools are required to align with the national calendar while accommodating their operational needs.

The ministry emphasised that all schools must adhere to the approved calendar, including administering final assessments and completing curriculum requirements in the final week of each term. Exceptions apply only to students taking pre-scheduled international exams.

Additionally, private schools following the government curriculum must comply with the centralised test calendar used in public schools.

The UAE hospitality sector is experiencing a sharp rise in demand for staycations, as more residents opt to spend their holidays within the country instead of traveling abroad, according to the KPMG Dubai Hospitality Report released in April 2025.

Driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness, staycations are increasingly seen as a practical and affordable alternative to international travel. By avoiding long-haul flights, high-priced overseas accommodations, and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, UAE residents are choosing to explore the attractions in their own backyard, from pristine beaches and majestic mountains to bustling cities and cultural landmarks.

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This trend is not only redefining local travel preferences but also providing a boost to the domestic economy. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the country are benefitting from increased local spending, particularly during weekends and off-peak seasons.

“Staycationers aren’t just booking rooms, they’re engaging in the full hospitality experience,” the KPMG report noted. “From utilising hotel amenities to dining at in-house restaurants and participating in curated experiences, residents are helping to diversify and stabilise revenue streams for the hospitality sector.”

With the “living local” movement gaining momentum, UAE hospitality businesses are responding with creative packages and promotions.

These include family-friendly deals, upgraded leisure facilities, and tailored experiences that highlight the country’s rich and varied attractions. New developments are also underway to meet rising demand.

During the nine-day Eid Al Fitr holiday in 2024, the UAE recorded a notable spike in staycation bookings from both residents and travellers from neighboring GCC countries, compared to the same period the previous year.

Dubai hospitality poised for continued growth

Looking ahead, Dubai’s hospitality industry is set for sustained expansion through 2025, supported by strong economic fundamentals, proactive government policies, and a thriving real estate market spanning both luxury and affordable segments.

The city’s Vision 2025 strategy, focused on tourism, infrastructure, and economic diversification, is paving the way for Dubai to solidify its position as a global tourism hub. Industry projections indicate:

• 11,300 new hotel rooms are expected to open in Dubai by 2027.
• Under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate aims to rank among the top three global tourism destinations.

However, to maintain competitiveness, hospitality players will need to prioritise innovation, sustainability, and the delivery of unique, localised guest experiences.

Central hotels & Resorts capitalise on the domestic travel boom

As Dubai grows into a year-round destination for both international and local travelers, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing homegrown hospitality groups, is reaping the benefits of a transformed tourism landscape defined by leisure, locality, and lifestyle.

In recent months, the group has recorded a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents. The surge is fuelled by families, couples, and millennial groups opting for short, curated getaways that offer luxury without the hassle of international travel.

“This is not just a seasonal shift—it reflects a deeper change in how residents view leisure,” said Abdulla Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Al Ansari, COO and group general manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. “Domestic guests, particularly Emirati families and long-time expats, are rediscovering Dubai’s appeal. Family travel now contributes nearly 30 per cent of our domestic revenue, and demand for interconnecting rooms and suites has risen by over 40 per cent this summer compared to last year.”

Tailored experiences redefine the staycation model

To meet growing domestic demand, Central Hotels & Resorts has revamped its offerings to focus on convenience, comfort, and curated experiences. Flagship properties like Royal Central Hotel The Palm, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, and C Central Resort The Palm cater to diverse tastes, from families lounging poolside to couples enjoying panoramic views and regional dining.

“We’ve introduced value-added offers such as ‘Kids Go Free’ promotions, enhanced family packages, flexible check-in/out, and upgraded leisure amenities,” Al Ansari explained. “These thoughtful touches are turning short stays into meaningful escapes.”

Strategic locations have also played a key role. By operating in some of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Central offers guests both the connectivity of a city hotel and the tranquility of a resort. Whether it’s a spontaneous summer weekend or a planned long weekend, the group is becoming the preferred choice for domestic travelers who seek comfort without compromise.

Sustaining growth through domestic demand

The domestic travel surge is helping hotels flatten seasonal dips in occupancy, particularly during the traditionally slower summer months.

“Domestic leisure travel is expected to account for 35 per cent of our total occupancy this summer, up from 28 per cent last year,” said Al Ansari. “That’s a significant shift, and it’s enabling us to maintain strong performance even during what was once considered the off-season.”

The wider market data supports this trend. According to Visa’s 2025 UAE Travel Pulse, domestic travel spending rose by 68 per cent year-on-year, with Dubai accounting for 70 per cent of in-country travel bookings. Meanwhile, STR’s 2024 report revealed Dubai welcomed 18.7 million overnight visitors, boasting an average occupancy rate of 78.2 per cent and a RevPAR of Dhs421, figures that position Dubai as a regional and global leisure powerhouse.

Looking ahead: A new era of local tourism

As Dubai continues to invest in innovative tourism strategies and new attractions, companies like Central Hotels & Resorts are doubling down on their commitment to provide personalised, value-driven hospitality. The growing appetite for local experiences signals a shift in traveler expectations—one where quality, culture, and convenience converge.

“For many residents, there’s no longer a need to board a plane to feel like they’re on holiday,” Al Ansari concluded. “Dubai itself is the destination.”