Hospitality

Happiest Health is delighted to launch Happiest Digital Health, its fifth business unit, with a roadmap of 11 digital applications. These extend Happiest Health’s care beyond the clinic through digital support, for a complete, integrated approach to health. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer, Happiest Health, said: “Happiest Digital Health is our fifth business unit, and digital health is the fastest growing segment of healthcare, expected to reach USD 1.8 trillion globally by 2033 and growing at 25% CAGR. The market today is highly fragmented with multiple players serving only a part of the need. Each of them is useful but the Atithi needs to stitch it all together. No one owns the whole journey. Our approach is integrated. We will address every segment of digital health. Our goal is to become the number one digital health player in the country.” Davis Karedan, Co-Chairman & Chief Operating Officer, Happiest Health, said: “Until now we have invested several hundred crores in physical infrastructure for Diagnostics, Healthcare Services and Wellness. Digital Health will need heavy investment in technology and technology infrastructure. We commit a total of ₹500 Crore investment within 5 years for technology alone. Of this, about 50% will be Digital Health.” Ravi Joshi, President & CEO, Digital Health, Happiest Health, said: “We have identified today a portfolio of 11 applications which will be launched over the next 18 months. We want to emphasise the importance of our Diabetes Management Solution since India is the diabetes capital of the world with 100 million persons suffering from it. Our diabetes management app, DiaBeater is doctor-led, AI-assisted and employs cutting-edge glucose monitoring technology. Starting today, we are also reaching Atithi throughout the country with ColonE, our gut microbiome test which offers the most comprehensive insight into your insides.” Your gut is home to trillions of microbes. They affect digestion, immunity and how you feel every day. Using Next-Generation Sequencing, the test reads the DNA of the microbes in a simple stool sample. From one sample, we capture about 5 GB of data. That is far too much for anyone to read, so we turn it into a clear report. Our nutritionist then walks you through it and helps you change what you eat and how you live. Do note that it is an important wellness initiative, not a diagnostic test.

Aurionpro Transit, a global provider of smart ticketing and payment systems, is building on its partnership with Mastercard to support public transport agencies and government authorities across North America in upgrading transit payment systems and enhancing passenger experience. The collaboration aims to make contactless transit payment solutions easier to evaluate, procure, and deploy. This includes supporting practical procurement approaches, repeatable implementation methods, and clear pathways that can reduce complexity while supporting local operational and policy requirements. Together, the companies aim to help transit agencies and authorities introduce convenient, secure and seamless payment experiences across public transportation, with deployment models that can scale to meet their needs. Sanjay Bali, CEO of Aurionpro Transit, said: “We are pleased to work with Mastercard to help transport authorities and operators advance contactless payments and integrated ticketing. By bringing together our transit technology experience and Mastercard’s payments expertise, we aim to give agencies practical procurement and deployment options that can support their modernization goals and improve the passenger experience.” Chapin Flynn, SVP, Mastercard Urban Mobility, said: “Our relationship with Aurionpro reflects a shared commitment to making all forms of mobility more accessible, seamless, and digitally connected. By combining our strengths, and leveraging Merchant Cloud’s gateway capabilities, we are enabling agencies to modernize payments and deliver better every day experiences for commuters and visitors across multiple modes of transport.”

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, is pleased to announce the signing of a new Pullman Hotels & Resorts property in Udaipur, marking the brand’s entry into the city and further strengthening Accor’s premium portfolio in India. Developed in partnership with Kings Luxury Resorts Pvt. Ltd., the 200-key hotel is scheduled to open in 2030 on Airport Road, within the Maharana Pratap Airport corridor, one of Udaipur’s fastest-growing premium hospitality and commercial micro-markets. Built around Pullman’s spirit of exchange, Pullman Udaipur will be designed as more than a place to stay, bringing together spaces to meet, connect, create and recharge. The greenfield development will span approximately five acres and feature 200 rooms and suites averaging around 36 square metres each, alongside three distinctive food and beverage venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge bar and speciality restaurant. Guests will also have access to a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Approximately 1,000 square metres of meeting and event space will create a dynamic setting for gatherings of different scales, from corporate retreats and events to weddings and social celebrations. Reflecting Pullman’s approach to meetings and events, the hotel will be designed to encourage interaction and exchange, bringing together business and leisure within spaces that feel social, flexible and energised. Speaking on this signing Ranju Alex, CEO, Accor South Asia said, “Udaipur is an important market for Accor, with its strong appeal as a destination for weddings and leisure travel. The addition of Pullman marks our first premium hotel in the city and strengthens our presence in this high-potential market. With its contemporary positioning and focus on bringing business and leisure travellers together, Pullman Udaipur will complement our existing luxury presence and further diversify our offering in the city. This signing is also reflective of our continued commitment to expanding our portfolio in key destinations across India and creating greater value for our guests and partners.’’ The signing marks the next step in the Rao family’s growing hospitality portfolio in Udaipur. Led by Mr. Tikam Singh Rao, the family has built a business legacy spanning more than three decades across infrastructure, transportation, engineering, mining contracting and hospitality. Mr. Tikam Singh Rao, Principal Owner, Kings Luxury Resorts Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring the Pullman brand to Udaipur. Udaipur has established itself as a leading destination for high-end leisure, destination weddings and celebrations, and we see strong potential for a premium hospitality offering in the city. Pullman’s contemporary positioning and focus on both business and leisure travellers make it a strong fit for this project. With its strategic location, expansive event spaces, dining experiences and wellness facilities, we look forward to developing a distinctive hospitality destination, in collaboration with Accor, that adds to Udaipur’s evolving luxury landscape.” Udaipur has long been established as India’s premier destination for luxury heritage tourism and high-profile weddings, generating a resilient, year-round demand base of affluent domestic and international travellers. The Airport Road corridor gives direct access to Maharana Pratap Airport while retaining convenient links to the historic city centre and commercial hubs such as Sukher, Kaladwas and Madri, reinforcing its position as one of the city’s most sought-after emerging micro-markets.  Accor also operates two luxury properties in the market: Raffles Udaipur and Fairmont Udaipur Palace.

11.8-acre luxury residential project on Yamuna Expressway comprises around 1,088 apartments in Phase 1 Gaurs Group’s newly launched premium residential project, Gaur Alaris in Sector 22D, Yamuna Expressway, has sold out its entire available inventory at the 2-day allotment event. The project offered 3 and 4 BHK apartments and turned out to be a winner from day one when the bookings opened. Located near Noida International Airport, Gaur Alaris was launched in early August 2026, with an estimated sales realisation of Rs 1,900 crore. Earlier, Gaurs Group’s luxury residential project, Gaur NYC Residences, was completely sold out in a record 60 hours, well before its official launch. Gaur Alaris Drives Strong Momentum on Yamuna Expressway The rapid sell-out comes amid increasing residential activity along the Yamuna Expressway, supported by infrastructure development, improving connectivity and the emergence of the Noida International Airport as a major regional growth driver. The corridor is increasingly attracting both end-users and investors. “The response to Gaur Alaris is a strong endorsement of the evolving potential of the Yamuna Expressway as a residential destination. The complete sell-out reflects the confidence buyers have in the corridor as well as in the quality, planning and execution that Gaurs Group brings to its developments. It is also a testament to the trust and belief our customers have in us, the legacy that has been built over 3 decades by timely delivery of all our projects.” said Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group. Designed around a peacock-inspired theme, Gaur Alaris features Art Deco architecture by Hafeez Contractor, landscape planning by Site Concepts International and interiors by Studio Designscape. The project features a clubhouse of more than 1 lakh sq. ft., nearly eight acres of open landscaped greens and more than 65 leisure amenities across the landscape and clubhouse. “The Allotment Day of Gaur Alaris was a big success and is an endorsement of the trust of our buyers and the credibility of Gaurs Group. The complete sell-out of Gaur Alaris reflects the strong momentum that the Yamuna Expressway is currently witnessing. The Noida International Airport has added a significant new dimension to the region, while the overall infrastructure ecosystem continues to improve. Also, to our advantage, we already had a strong footprint in this region as we have already delivered a 250-acre integrated township – Gaur Yamuna City on Yamuna Expressway which is today home to almost 15000 residents.” said Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaursons India Pvt Ltd. Gaur Alaris adds to Gaurs Group’s success saga post 2022 since it started focusing on luxury and premium housing, which includes The Islands by Gaurs, Legacy by Gaurs and Trecento Residences by Gaurs in Greater Noida, Gaur NYC Residences on NH-24, and Gaur Chrysalis on the Yamuna Expressway. The sell-out of Gaur Alaris further strengthens Gaurs Group’s position in the Yamuna Expressway corridor, where it has maintained a longstanding presence and continues to see opportunities arising from the region’s expanding infrastructure and residential ecosystem. The group is planning to launch two more projects at Yamuna Expressway very soon.

300+ exhibiting brands, participation from 13+ countries, and a focused showcase of AI, innovation and next-generation occupational safety solutions OSH India 2026, organised by Informa Markets in India, is set to take place from 7–9th October 2026 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The 14th edition of the occupational safety and health exhibition will bring together safety professionals, employers, government authorities, industry leaders, technology providers and global experts to explore emerging solutions and practices shaping the future of workplace safety and health. The 2026 edition is expected to feature more than 300 exhibiting brands, 9,000+ visitors, 20+ knowledge sessions, 100+ delegates and 65+ speakers, with participation from 13+ countries. OSH India 2026 Showcases Next-Generation Workplace Safety Solutions The event will bring together decision-makers and professionals from manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, engineering, facilities management, maintenance, healthcare, defence and other industries where workplace safety remains a critical operational priority. Key exhibitors participating, include major names such as Karam Safety, Venus Safety and Health, Udyogi, PERF, Rameshwar, Aktion Safety, Mallcom, HS International, DPL, FUEL, Torpedo, Woodland, Allen Cooper, Bisonlife, to name a few. Speaking on the upcoming 14th edition of OSH India 2026, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “Workplace safety goes beyond compliance; it is about protecting people and ensuring business continuity. As workplaces evolve, organisations must be prepared for new risks, including those linked to rising temperatures. With the International Labour Organization highlighting that 2.41 billion workers globally are exposed to excessive heat each year, strengthening workplace safety and prevention has become increasingly important. OSH India 2026 brings together industry leaders, safety experts and technology providers to explore solutions for today’s workplace challenges. From personal protective equipment and AI-enabled technologies to ergonomics and workplace health, the exhibition offers a platform to share ideas, discover innovations and advance safety practices. We believe that meaningful industry collaboration and continued innovation are key to keeping pace with the changing needs of workplace safety and wellbeing.” OSH India 2026 Highlights AI, Innovation, and Next-Gen Solutions A key focus of OSH India 2026 will be the growing role of technology in workplace risk management. The AI Corner will highlight applications of Artificial Intelligence in occupational safety, while the Innovation Zone will showcase emerging products, technologies and solutions designed to address evolving workplace safety requirements. The Start-Up Pavilion will further provide a platform for emerging companies to present new ideas and next-generation safety solutions. The exhibition will also feature Machinery & Components, offering visitors an opportunity to experience advanced machinery, equipment and components designed to support safer and more efficient workplaces. Alongside the exhibition, the OSH Gurukul Conference will bring together industry experts, thought leaders and safety professionals for knowledge-led discussions on occupational safety and health. Beyond showcasing products and technologies, OSH India 2026 aims to facilitate meaningful connections between solution providers and organisations seeking to strengthen workplace safety. The VIP Lounge and Distinguished Buyers programme will provide focused networking opportunities with senior decision-makers and qualified buyers, while the Compliance Advantage will help industry stakeholders stay informed about evolving regulations, standards and compliance requirements.

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.