Dubai, United Arab Emirates: : Nasma Luxury Stays, a division of Al Tamimi Investments, and a specialist in the executive and vacation rentals sector, has opened its portfolio to support investors and property owners seeking to maximize return on their secondary property assets.

With the vacation and short-term property rental market growing substantially, Nasma Luxury Stays has redefined their business model to ensure that property owners get the maximum return on their investment, while having the flexibility to use their second home for their own purposes, and at their convenience.

Dubai continues to focus on the development of the holiday homes sector, which is seen as crucial to the wider growth and diversification of the tourism sector. In early 2020, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) updated its guidelines for the holiday homes sector to boost competition through safe and transparent operations and enhance its contribution to its wider strategy.

Discussing the wider importance of the holiday homes sector, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, recently said holiday homes have become an integral part of Dubai’s overall tourism industry. 

“With changing patterns and trends, travellers are always looking for alternative means of accommodation, and this has been accelerated by the recent global pandemic. As with the entire sector and all tourism touchpoints, we have implemented new policies and procedures, along with inspections, to ensure we can meet the demand for holiday homes, and make every single individual feel safe within these properties.

“As the UAE forges ahead with its vaccination drive and Dubai maintains its global leadership in reopening to international tourists, we expect to be in a position to meet the strong demand from prospective travellers as they make their holiday plans. And with events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and celebration of the UAE’s 50th anniversary coming up, holiday homes will play an important role in giving our visitors the choices they expect.”

According to AirDNA, a short-term rental data and analytics provider, the industry, both in Dubai and across the wider region, is still growing, with Dubai rentals securing as much as US$220 on an average daily rate, and accounting for around 54% occupancy. 

This as real estate agency, Knight Frank, states that Dubai’s holiday home market accounts for 2.0% of Dubai’s total households, the highest proportion of all other key global hub cities.

Initially founded in 2015 to manage the property assets of Al Tamimi Investments, the division has established a range of partnerships with luxury suppliers and service providers that ensures guests experience the service levels of a five-star hotel, combined with the discretion of a private home.

Cristina Butcaru, General Manager of Nasma Luxury Stays said the market “provides a wealth of competition for licensed holiday homes, but our focus is on experience and quality. 

“When it comes to selecting the homes in our portfolio, we are always looking for luxe accommodations that match with the five-star offering available, while being able to provide a personalized experience supported by quality partners and suppliers.”

With a carefully curated portfolio of 26 properties and having established a wealth of relationships to best support the business model, Nasma Luxury Stays is looking to expand that to more than 80 residences by the end of the year, ranging from studio, one and two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom villas and houses. Each of the fully equipped homes is managed end-to-end, with guaranteed property protection, to yield higher revenue for owners, all with complete transparency.

The team at Nasma Luxury Stays provides a full suite of services to owners, ensuring that properties are professionally maintained and serviced. The company’s experts also provide the best advice on seasonal rates and ancillary support such as legal and licensing. With a full team on the ground, and a wealth of local knowledge to draw on, owners whether based in the UAE, or other international markets, can benefit from the collective expertise from Nasma Luxury Stays.

Being locally-owned and operated means that owners get real time market information, access to a broad range of support services and added benefits from tried and tested partners. Nasma Luxury Stays offer complete transparency, where investors/owners can monitor the number of bookings and revenue generated by their property.

“Our team consists of hospitality and property specialists, so that we can draw on their strengths to ensure that the owners and guests who use Nasma Luxury Stays are assured of quality and peace of mind. We have made it so that owners can continue to use the property as a holiday home for themselves, while being able to add it to our portfolio when they do not require it, meaning that the asset is making an additional revenue stream; this flexibility, and our on-ground services ensure that the home is always ready to use, whether by a guest or the owner,” said Butcaru.

Nasma Luxury Stays property portfolio features homes in Dubai’s premier locations including Dubai International Financial Centre, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, City Walk, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah. The company also manages properties in vibrant lifestyle destinations such as Bluewaters Island. For more information about Nasma Luxury Stays, please log onto https://lp.nasmaluxurystays.com/property-management-campaign/ or call us at +971 56 822 8817.

Dubai, UAE: Dubai’s stunning design-led hotel, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, has announced its creative partnership with the leading short-form video platform, TikTok, with a common goal to promote and set the stage for young talent across the UAE.

The hotel has started scouting young creatives across the city, from musicians, artists, designers, and dancers, to identify their talents. The shortlisted candidates will then be given an opportunity to showcase their talents via a professionally shot video, at the stunning boutique hotel.

To inspire emerging creatives across the city, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown will also create an account on TikTok with a dedicated hashtag challenge #TheUntoldStory with the aim to encourage rising talent to participate in the challenge and upload their entry videos. As part of the partnership, TikTok will also provide a special workshop designed to help future stars enhance their content creation skills on the platform. 

Talking about this unique initiative, Laura Eggleton, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown said, “Digital platforms provide incredible opportunities for young talent to get discovered.”

“However, with the vast volume of content being uploaded online it is sometimes difficult for talent to shine. At Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, along with TikTok, we aim to give emerging young talent the support needed to guide them on their journey as they share their talents, story and make a name for themselves in this competitive market.”

Rami Zidan, Head of Video and Creative at TikTok Middle East, for his part said they were proud to announce yet another partnership with a brand that favors the interest and future of rising young talent. 

“At TikTok, we offer our community with a space where they feel comfortable being themselves and where they can creatively express themselves with spontaneity and authenticity. Through this special partnership with Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, we are joining forces to offer future rising stars the platform to stand out and shine with their talents.”

For further information and details to be a part of the Untold Stories Platform, please visit hotelindigodubai.com or call 04 210 22 22

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Committed to providing diverse and meaningful learning opportunities to students in the Middle East, Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) has launched its BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts for students aged 14 – 16. 

With several other schools in the UAE offering Level 3, SPAA’s BTEC Level 2 certificate, awarded by UK-based Pearson Education, is the first of its kind in the region.

SPAA is providing a unique opportunity for secondary school-aged students to pursue their love of performing arts and gain a BTEC Level 2 qualification while continuing their existing studies at school. Young performers will be taught professional development and acting skills, while also providing them with an insight into a career in the performing arts industry. Diverse and flexible to suit the needs of the students, the BTEC Level 2 will be delivered after school and on weekends in the Academy’s state-of-the-art studios and theatres. 

There are also future opportunities for students to engage in the course through SPAA’s BTEC partner schools, which will allow young performers to take part in the course at school as part of the school’s enrichment program.

Students will experience a dynamic hands-on, practice-based learning style, and throughout the course they will work on a series of real-life scenario assignments. This immersive learning environment allows students to develop the practical knowledge and skills that employers and universities around the world look for in creative students. 

The BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts is led by Guildford School of Acting (GSA) graduate, affiliate member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD), and the only registered teacher of all four disciplines (Ballet, Modern, Tap and National) in the UAE, Lynne Holloway.

“Offering a BTEC Level 2 at SPAA is just another way that we can provide local learning initiatives for global opportunities,” Holloway said. “We really see this course as part of our ecosystem here at SPAA, bridging the gap and blending studies from our weekend Children and Young Performers classes through to our BA programmes. A career in performing arts is creative, fun and galvanising – it’s something that we all need right now.” 

Holloway leads a team of performing arts professionals who teach practical acting methods and techniques for students to develop skills in creativity and performance. After completing the course, students will be able to progress their skills further with a BTEC Level 3, as well as a BA degree in Performing Arts or related fields at SPAA, such as a BA in Musical Theatre or Production Arts.  

Equivalent to two IGCSE grades A-C, the BTEC course allows students with an interest in performing arts to explore the profession further and really delve into everything the industry has to offer.

Admission for BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts is now open. For more information about the course, fees and commencement dates, please email: BTEC@spaa.ae

Dubai, UAE: Dragon Mart, the largest Chinese trading hub by Nakheel, lights up in festive lantern decorations, arches and a fairy lights walkway during the holy month of Ramadan. 

Visitors can catch the spectacular display, as well as experience the outdoor Ramadan night market which will be open until May 14, between 7pm and 2am at Dragon Mart 1.   

Featuring an array of Ramadan inspired products such as Arabic sweets and confectionary, Eid gifts, home décor, perfumes, lanterns and more, the unique outdoor Ramadan night market is the perfect destination for families to visit after Iftar. Visitors can park at Dragon Mart 1 parking and capture the Instagrammable decorations and lights.

Rashid Al Harmoodi, General Manager at Dragon Mart says: “We are pleased to take part in honouring the holy month of Ramadan and in opening of Dragon Mart’s outdoor Ramadan night market. We wanted to curate a destination where visitors can embrace the holy month by spending quality time with their families as well as shop for unique seasonal Ramadan products. We look forward to welcoming visitors to this new market and are confident that they will find it enjoyable”. 

Shop now at www.dragonmart.ae. For more updates follow, Instagram: @Dragonmart, Facebook: @DragonMartComplex Wechat: @dragonmart  Weibo: @dragonmart YouTube: @dragonmart.

Dubai, UAE: Bored this summer? Brighten up! There’s a whole slew of events going on.

Dubai Calendar, part of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has highlighted an exciting array of events and entertainment taking place in this international city in May and June. 

From comedy nights to concerts and spectacular performances, the season promises a vibrant schedule of activities on Dubai Calendar that are sure to appeal to visitors and residents of all ages and interests. 

As one of the first few cities in the world to have restarted the events sector including the hosting of live events with stringent precautionary measures in place, guests can feel confident in attending their favorite shows within a highly safe environment. 

In line with government efforts to safeguard the public, all events are held with strict adherence to safety measures including contactless payment, temperature checks upon arrival at the venue, wearing of masks at all times during the event and adhering to social distancing.

Entertainment

Connoisseurs of comedy have an extensive list of events to choose from, starting this May with the city’s highly anticipated Dubai Comedy Festival, which is returning after a resoundingly successful 2020 event. With an exhilarating line-up of world-class comedians, this edition of Dubai Comedy Festival is sure to draw a smile on everyone’s faces with 10 days of unmissable shows taking place all over the city. 

From May 13 to 22, residents and visitors can look forward to an outstanding program of stand-up sets, energetic variety shows and on-site activations from an international roster of comedians such as Gad Elmaleh, Eddie Griffin, Maz Jobrani, Nemr, Alexander Revva and more.

Hop on board the QE2 cruise ship for a plethora of live events this season and relive the golden age of cruising with some of the world’s best performers. Witness an authentic ABBA Reunion tribute act belt out the band’s classic tracks such as Super Trouper and Take a Chance on Me on May 27 and 28. 

Enjoy a captivating lyrical performance by Indian actor and poet Yahya Bootwala at his show Alfaaz Ka Safar on  June 2, promising an emotional journey of smiles, laughter, and nostalgia. 

Or take part in The Queen Experience, coming to Dubai June24 and 25  to celebrate the 40th anniversary of We Are the Champions. The band’s remarkable performance and attention to detail will transport passengers back in time to an authentic Queen concert. 

Also, for an engaging, interactive performance, check out Whose Line is it Anyway? on June 11 and witness the sharp wit and quick thinking of the UK’s premier improve troupe, The Noise Next Door.

Finally, deep dive into a world of wonders with the Dubai’s local masterpiece, La Perle By Dragone. Book from May 12- to 20 and witness a truly magical theatre experience at the mesmerizing show that combines breathtaking choreography, daring stunts and a novel ‘aqua theatre’.

Family

Two unmissable performances await little ones aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 this spring, promising comedy, entertainment and lots of fun. From May 12 to 22, the Little Mermaid performs a play about love, friendship and freedom. 

Sing along to the Disney classic’s most beloved songs and enjoy a stunning set that transports the entire family to the depth of the oceans. For cheeky rascals, sit back and enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance by crazy characters at Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain taking place from June 3 to 5. With a comedic twist on British history, this theatrical performance is the perfect way to engage children in learning.

This June Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) the region’s much-awaited summer festival, returns in all its glory with head-turning shopping deals and plenty of family fun. A key highlight of the city’s retail calendar, DSS brings enjoyable experiences and amazing entertainment suitable for residents and visitors from all ages and backgrounds. A packed calendar awaits with cool discounts and unrivalled entertainment for all. 

Sport

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the hugely popular Al Gaffal Long Distance Race returns this year as an integral part of the traditional watersports scene. Cheer for skilled boatmen as they travel aboard eye-catchingly beautiful 60ft dhows from Abu Dhabi all the way to Dubai on May 20.

On June 4, get ready to hit the desert roads at the Dubai Desert Road Run taking place at The Sevens Stadium. This community-organized event welcomes athletes of all abilities to participate in running different distances. From the full 10km route to the 5km and 3km courses designed for a fun run, there is something for everyone to take part in.

Yogi’s rejoice as the ever-popular Core Direction yoga sessions are taking place at iconic landmarks throughout the city in May (various dates), including the At the Top Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and The Green Planet. 

Lifestyle

Rejoice in the city’s sunny weather while strolling through The Ripe Market at Academy Park. Open until May 8, the market invites you to check out its splendid artisan stalls and shop fresh organic produce while indulging in tasty bites from a wide selection of food trucks.

Dubai Calendar is the official listing platform for events in the city that allows residents and tourists to discover upcoming events and purchase tickets quickly and securely through the app’s purchasing platform.

For more information about all events taking place across Dubai in 2021, please visit www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar. 

Tickets for the events can also be bought quickly and securely through Dubai Calendar’s website and the mobile application’s purchasing platform.