Hospitality

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recognised companies within its business community for their achievements and commitment to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices through its HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme. The recognition highlighted businesses that have demonstrated strong performance in workplace safety, environmental responsibility, compliance and the continued improvement of HS&E practices across their operations. As part of the HS&E Excellence Awards, Vesuvius Ras Al Khaimah was recognised for completing one million safe working hours by World Refractories Association, while Ni Met Recycling was honoured for receiving a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis Sustainability Rating based on its environmental, social, and ethical performance across its operations and supply chain. RAKEZ also recognised four companies under its Nujoom Al Salama Programme, which evaluates and rewards businesses for excellence in HS&E practices. Elegant Industries and Peikko Gulf each received a four-star rating, while Sobha Modular Industries and AG Metal Industries achieved the programme’s highest five-star rating. Under Nujoom Al Salama, businesses are rated from three to five stars based on their adherence to safety regulations, proactive measures and incident records. The programme is designed to encourage continuous improvements in safety and compliance across industrial, land and warehouse facilities. Congratulating the awardees, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Strong businesses are built on environments where people can work safely and where responsible practices are embedded into everyday operations. The achievements of these companies demonstrate what can be accomplished when health, safety and environmental responsibility become an integral part of how a business operates. Through initiatives such as these, we want to recognise good practices while encouraging our wider business community to continuously raise standards across their facilities.” Through its HS&E recognition initiatives, RAKEZ continues to promote a culture of safety, sustainability and responsible business practices across its growing business community.

As India hosts travellers and delegates from across the BRICS nations, the moment also opens a quieter opportunity — a chance for visitors to see the country beyond its conference rooms and business districts. For those looking to extend their stay or carve out a short break before heading home, WelcomHeritage has put together three distinctive escapes across North India, each offering a different, more intimate read on the country. Panchkula: A Quiet Retreat Minutes From Chandigarh WelcomHeritage Ramgarh sits amid the calm, wooded surroundings of Panchkula, pairing heritage character with genuine ease of access from the Chandigarh region. For anyone needing to unwind without committing to a long journey, it offers a low-effort route out of the city and into stillness. Ranikhet: A Himalayan Retreat With a Century Behind It For travellers after something more elemental, WelcomHeritage Windsor Lodge, Dadgallia, Ranikhet, delivers a proper Himalayan escape — a heritage property dating back to 1909, tucked into pine-forested hills near the Ranikhet Golf Course. Wooden interiors that have aged into character rather than dated, paired with sweeping views across mountain and valley, make this less a stopover than a reason to slow down entirely. Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Grandeur, Lived In Rather Than Toured At WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace, Jaipur, the appeal is different again — full immersion in Rajasthan’s royal past, with the Pink City’s forts, palaces, bazaars, crafts and cuisine all within reach. Staying inside a heritage property rather than simply visiting one changes the texture of the experience, giving guests a base that feels like part of the story rather than a room adjacent to it. Three Escapes, One Idea Taken together, these three properties make the case that India’s short-break landscape is genuinely varied — quiet countryside, high-altitude calm, and royal heritage, all within reach of a long weekend. For BRICS travellers weighing whether to add leisure time to an otherwise business-driven visit, WelcomHeritage’s offer is straightforward: the version of India worth remembering usually isn’t the one seen from a conference hotel.

Ambience Malls across Gurgaon and Vasant Kunj marked Independence Day with thoughtfully curated celebrations bringing together military heritage, Indian craftsmanship, art, music and the creative energy of young India. Through installations, performances and cultural showcases, the celebrations offered visitors contemporary expressions of patriotism while reflecting on India’s journey, heritage and future. Ambience Mall : A Tribute to India’s Heroes, Heritage and Young Voices At Ambience Mall Gurgaon, the Independence Day celebrations opened with a flag-hoisting ceremony, setting the tone for a day centred on pride, togetherness and national spirit. A key highlight was the two-day AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association) exhibition, which showcased Indian handicrafts and homegrown craftsmanship. The exhibition gave visitors an opportunity to discover traditional skills while appreciating the stories, artistry and cultural heritage behind Indian crafts. Adding a powerful musical dimension to the celebrations, the Indian Air Force Band performed at the mall, drawing crowds and creating an atmosphere of pride and celebration. Young talent was also at the heart of the festivities, with students from Miranda House and Gargi College presenting energetic performances. Their music and movement brought a contemporary and youthful expression to patriotism, reflecting how the spirit of freedom continues to resonate with a new generation. A visual highlight of the celebrations was Eternal Flame of Valour, an installation paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. The installation also emerged as one of the celebration’s popular photo moments, bringing together remembrance and contemporary experiential culture. Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj: Where Art, Music and a New Generation Came Together At Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj, Independence Day was marked through an artistic interpretation of India’s journey from the struggle for freedom to the progressive nation it is today. At the heart of the mall was a specially designed installation built around the symbolism of the Indian Tricolour. A circular centrepiece represented unity, while saffron, white and green reflected struggle, sacrifice, freedom and progress. An Ashoka Chakra-inspired blue element represented movement and continuity, complemented by greenery symbolising growth, hope and a flourishing India. The celebration extended to the mall’s facade, which was illuminated in the colours of the Tricolour, transforming the landmark into a striking visual expression of national pride. Music added another layer to the experience, with a grand piano performance creating an elegant and emotive moment for visitors. The celebrations also featured specially curated dance performances by students from Lady Shri Ram College and Hindu College, offering a distinctly Gen Z interpretation of freedom, from the freedom to express and create to the freedom to dream about the future. Through these celebrations, Ambience Malls brought together different generations and expressions of India, creating spaces where heritage, national pride, creativity and contemporary culture came together as part of the Independence Day experience.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) continued its Growth Series 2026 with an interactive workshop held at Compass Coworking Centre, designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners take a more systematic approach to sales. Titled ‘Stop Chasing Leads. Start Building a Sales System That Works’, the session equipped participants with practical tools to assess their sales pipelines, address execution gaps and establish processes that can turn business opportunities into consistent results. Growth Series 2026 Supports Entrepreneurs and Business Growth The session reinforced RAKEZ’s commitment to supporting its business community with relevant knowledge that addresses real operational challenges. Discussions focused on creating greater structure and discipline in sales, helping businesses strengthen execution and improve the way they convert opportunities into results. Commenting on the session, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Business growth is not only about generating more opportunities; it is about having the right systems in place to convert those opportunities into sustainable results. Through the Growth Series 2026, we continue to address the practical challenges our business community encounters and connect entrepreneurs with expertise and tools they can apply directly within their organisations.” The workshop was facilitated by Satyen Babla, Founder of Satya Vachan and Founder and CEO of Zopreneurs, who guided participants through practical exercises using their own sales pipelines. Drawing on his experience in entrepreneurship, sales training and CRM-driven business growth, Babla shared approaches to turning sales from an ad-hoc activity into a structured and repeatable process. Throughout the workshop, participants examined their existing sales processes to identify areas for improvement and explored approaches to strengthening follow-up, maintaining an actionable pipeline and turning professional networks into more predictable sources of referrals. They also developed personal sales execution scorecards and action plans to help translate the session’s insights into measurable steps within their businesses. The Growth Series 2026 forms part of RAKEZ’s wider business support ecosystem, providing companies and professionals at different stages of their journey with access to expert guidance, practical learning and networking opportunities. Through these sessions, RAKEZ continues to help its community strengthen business capabilities, respond to evolving challenges and identify new opportunities for growth.

New Delhi, 3rd August 2026: WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace Jaipur has officially opened its doors, expanding WelcomHeritage’s luxury heritage portfolio in Rajasthan. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this boutique heritage hotel combines royal Rajput architecture, contemporary luxury, and authentic cultural experiences for leisure and business travelers alike. Nestled within a tranquil residential enclave, the palace offers a peaceful retreat just minutes away from Jaipur’s iconic forts, palaces and bustling bazaars. Hosted by the descendants of the illustrious Ranbanka Rathore family of Kurki Fort, whose lineage traces back to the 23rd generation of the revered saint-poet Mirabai, the property offers guests an authentic connection to Rajasthan’s living heritage. WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace Jaipur Opens in Rajasthan Inspired by the architecture of traditional Rajasthani havelis, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace showcases an elegant fusion of Marwari, Mughal and European influences. Grand sandstone facades, stained-glass windows, antique artefacts, intricate craftsmanship and family heirlooms create an atmosphere where history meets modern hospitality. The palace features 34 luxurious accommodations, including 1 Maharaja Suite, 4 Maharani Suite, 18 Executive Mahal Rooms and 11 Rawla Deluxe Rooms, each thoughtfully designed with handcrafted furnishings, regional artistry and modern comforts. Guests can savour distinctive culinary experiences across four unique venues—Darbar – The Sky Lounge, Swarn Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Sugar Coated Café—each celebrating diverse cuisines and immersive design inspired by Rajasthan’s artistic heritage. Weddings and Events at WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace Jaipur Designed as more than just a luxury stay, the palace offers an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and curated leisure spaces, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and cultural immersion. The property also caters to destination weddings, intimate celebrations and MICE events, with elegant indoor and rooftop venues including Darbar Banquet, Darbar Rooftop and Badal Mahal. Backed by bespoke event services and parking for up to 500 vehicles, the palace provides a regal setting for everything from executive conferences to grand wedding celebrations. Sustainable Hospitality at WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace Jaipur Demonstrating its commitment to responsible hospitality, the property integrates solar energy into its daily operations, combining sustainable practices with timeless heritage. Speaking on the launch, Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage said, “WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace reflects our vision of preserving India’s rich heritage while offering contemporary hospitality experiences. With its royal lineage, distinctive architecture and immersive cultural experiences, the palace provides travellers with an authentic gateway to Jaipur’s timeless charm. We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Jaipur, Rajasthan with a property that is equally suited for leisure, celebrations and business events.” He further said, “This marks our 11th property in Rajasthan and takes WelcomHeritage’s overall portfolio to 37 properties nationally. Rajasthan has always been central to our story — it’s where the idea of heritage hospitality truly comes alive, and this milestone reflects the continued trust our partners and guests place in that vision. As we grow toward 37 properties, our focus remains the same: to make WelcomHeritage the destination travellers actively seek out, not just a name they book through.” Why Visit WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace Jaipur Conveniently located near Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Railway Station, the palace provides easy access to landmarks including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal and Nahargarh Fort, making it an ideal base to experience the Pink City’s rich history and vibrant culture. WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace Jaipur offers visitors an unforgettable experience where Rajasthan’s royal heritage meets modern luxury. With elegant accommodations, authentic dining, premium event venues, and easy access to Jaipur’s iconic attractions, the property is an ideal destination for leisure travelers, families, destination weddings, and business events.

Global demand for heritage tourism continues to grow as travellers increasingly seek authentic, immersive cultural experiences. In 2025, cultural heritage tours accounted for 55.6% of the market, reflecting a broader shift toward meaningful travel that celebrates history, heritage preservation and culture. This trend is expected to drive continued market expansion, with the sector projected to grow from USD 647.5 billion in 2026 to USD 937 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. As global interest in cultural heritage tourism continues to grow, Türkiye stands out as a premier destination where travellers can explore humanity’s shared history — from Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known human-made monumental complex, to Troy, the legendary city that inspired some of the greatest myths of Western civilisation. Türkiye is further reinforcing its position through restoration and conservation projects that both safeguard its cultural assets for future generations and enrich the visitor experience. Among its latest initiatives are the restoration works at the Andriake Archaeological Site and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations, as well as the opening of the Syedra Visitor Centre. Following extensive restoration, renovation and landscaping works, Andriake and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations in Demre, Antalya – the heart of the Turkish Riviera – have recently reopened to visitors. Meanwhile, Syedra, located in Alanya, one of Antalya’s most popular holiday destinations, has begun welcoming visitors with its new visitor centre. Andriake and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations offer a renewed journey into Ancient Lycia As the port of Myra, Andriake was one of the most important harbour cities of the ancient Lycian civilisation. It remained one of the region’s principal ports throughout the Hellenistic, Roman and Eastern Roman periods. Today, visitors can explore its remarkably well-preserved ruins, most of which are spread across the southern side of the ancient harbour. Highlights include the aqueduct that once supplied fresh water to the city, the nymphaion—a monumental Roman fountain—the Harbour Street, the partially preserved ship shelters lining the street, and the agora known as Plakoma. Andriake is also located along the Lycian Way, Türkiye’s first long-distance hiking trail, which has been recognised by leading international publications, including Time Out, as one of the world’s most beautiful hiking routes and was recently featured on The Telegraph‘s list of “The 15 Greatest Walking Holidays in Europe.” Travellers following this iconic route can embark on an unforgettable journey through ancient Lycia and, during their visit to Andriake, experience the site’s recent revitalisation. As part of these efforts, environmentally friendly walkways made of timber sleepers and split granite stones have been carefully integrated into the archaeological site while preserving its historic character. These additions allow visitors to explore the site in comfort while gaining a deeper appreciation of Lycian maritime heritage. At the end of the walkway, the Museum of Lycian Civilisations welcomes visitors within the restored ancient granary (Granarium), located inside the archaeological site. Following recent enhancements, the museum now features contemporary exhibition galleries showcasing artefacts uncovered during excavations across ancient Lycian cities. Sculptures, sarcophagi, inscriptions, coins and many other remarkable finds are displayed in state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, offering fascinating insights into Lycian life and culture. Among the museum’s most notable recent additions are glass panels and rosettes decorated with the millefiori (“thousand flowers”) technique, discovered at Andriake in 2024, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient Anatolian glassmaking. Syedra introduces a New Visitor Centre Syedra was built on the summit of a hill known locally as Asartepe, commanding the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. Archaeological excavations indicate that the city dates back to the 9th century BCE, while its most prosperous periods were during the Roman and Eastern Roman eras, which also account for many remains visible today. Alongside remarkable structures such as the Collonaded Street, the Great Bath, the Assembly Building, and the Baptism Cave, Syedra also captivates visitors with its breathtaking views. The Syedra Mosaic, discovered in the city’s well-preserved Great Bath and depicting all of the Labours of Heracles on a single panel, stands out as a unique example of ancient mosaic art. As part of the excavation and restoration works carried out under the “Legacy for the Future Project” at the Syedra, landscaping improvements have been completed, and a new visitor centre has been opened at the site. With its renewed face, Syedra will welcome visitors every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

Unitile has been named among India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces™ 2026 – Top 100, reflecting its strong culture, employee empowerment, collaboration and growth Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Across industries, the conversation around business performance is changing. While technology and operational excellence continue to shape any organisation’s success, new age business leaders are progressively recognising that sustainable performance is ultimately human-driven. Unitile (United Access Floors Private Limited. United Office Systems Private Limited & United Acoustics Private Limited) has been recognised among India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces™ 2026 – Top 100 (Rank 61), while also being honoured for India’s Best Workplaces™ in Cement & Building Materials 2026 and India’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing 2026 (Top 30). Presented under the Unitile brand, the recognition extends across the organisation’s group companies – United Access Floors Private Limited, United Office Systems Private Limited and United Acoustics Private Limited, reflecting a shared culture that transcends individual business verticals. Evaluated as a single organisation, the recognition honours the shared employee experience and workplace culture across the group’s businesses. As workplace culture remains a core driver of innovation, collaboration and long-term success, Unitile’s triple recognition from Great Place To Work® India reaffirms its commitment to building a high-trust, people-first organisation. For Unitile, India’s number 1 raised access floor brand, this recognition validates their philosophy which has helped their growth over the years that exceptional workplace are formed only by a people-first approach. Alongside continuous expansion in sustainable manufacturing excellence and product innovation, the company has remained equally committed in fostering a workplace that allows its employees to voice their ideas, collaborate across departments and grow with the organisation. This approach has shaped a workplace where leadership is accessible, ownership is encouraged and collaboration extends beyond departments. The recognitions are awarded by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and leadership behaviours that drive market-leading business performance, employee retention and innovation. Based on one of the world’s most rigorous workplace assessment methodologies, the recognition primarily reflects confidential employee feedback, offering an authentic measure of how people experience their organisation. Commenting on the achievement, Idris Rajkotwala, Executive Director, Unitile, said, “We are truly humbled to be acknowledged by Great Place To Work® India with these awards. What makes us truly humble is the recognition from our valued employees who have trusted us and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly. We at Unitile believe that the culture of the organization forms the basis for success. When people are respected and empowered, they perform to the best of their abilities.” These latest honours build on Unitile’s consistent recognition among India’s leading manufacturing workplaces, reaffirms that its culture is grounded in a lasting commitment to its people. As the company strengthens its position in the building materials sector, it remains focused on an environment where people and performance advance together.