January 15, 2021

The MICE Review #1

Dear Partners,

Today we are pleased to announce the launch of our new MICE newsletter. It will be issued 4 times a year in order to share with you the latest MICE news about our Magic destinations: Oman, UAE, Jordan, Armenia, Georgia.


2020 was a quite challenging year for all of us. The Coronavirus pandemic has paralyzed tourism industry all over the world, however Magic teams worked hard to provide its clients the best postpone or cancellation conditions. I would like to thank all of you for your support, understanding and positive approach. However we had to re-think how we do business, and we became digital - we've launched a series of culinary classes, dedicated to each of our destinations. This had a huge success and excellent feedbacks. We have also approached new markets, and very soon we will announce one more Magic destination that we know you will love.
In the meantime Georgia, Armenia, UAE and Oman are officially open for international tourists with all the precautionary measures. People from all over the world are travelling to Dubai seeking for their favorite winter getaway. This inspires and builds our trust. I strongly believe that tourism will recover soon as nothing compares to the joy of travel. Our team is here to navigate you through your next adventure.


I wish you a joyful and better year in 2021, when we can re-connect to the world and travel again.

Get ready for your VIP experience!


Tarek Farouk - Global MICE Manager

COVID-19: OVERVIEW OF THE REGULATIONS IN OUR DESTINATIONS

Here is an overview of Covid-19 situation in our destinations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Jordan, Armenia and Georgia. Borders opening, health measures and protocols... all answers to your questions are here!


> REGULATIONS IN OUR DESTINATIONS

INCENTIVES ARE BACK TO DUBAI!


It is the proof that incentive trips can still be organized with serenity and confidence: we had the great pleasure to welcome a MICE group of 17 people in November, who arrived with 2 private jets for a 3-day trip, full of fun and exclusive activities. After a visit of Old Dubai during the first day, our guests lived epic adventures in the desert: it started with a thrilling dune bashing followed by a sunset cocktail. Then our guests attended a falcon show before discovering the surprise of their trip: a wonderful dinner at Magic Camps under the starry sky, surrounded by hundreds of candles glowing in the sand dunes! The magical evening ended with a campfire and tea time, before going back to the hotel in the city center.

Change of setting and atmosphere the next day: our lucky guests had the chance to visit Modern Dubai while taking the wheel of luxury cars, before having their lunch and spending their afternoon on a Luxury yacht with a swimming stop and some water sport activities.
Don’t worry: our team makes sure that operation run in fully compliance with health standards.

GEORGIA: the In Vogue destination

Welcome to the land of contrasts! In Georgia, you will find amazing landscapes, with eternal snow-crowned mountains that suddenly plunge into the sea. Tea plantations are adjacent to mandarin trees and oaks. This country is on the move, despite its 30 centuries-history. On the Silk Road, we stopped at Tiflis, which became the cosmopolitan capital city Tbilisi. The contrast is also a religious one: the sound of pagan polyphonies can be heard near Christian churches that were built thousands of years ago. Georgia is the land of East and West encounter, the ancient Colchis and the ancient Iberia, each presenting its own Georgian culture.

11 REASONS TO GO TO GEORGIA

1. For its cultural authenticity
2. For the traditions and hospitality of its inhabitants
3. It is the genuine cradle of wine: 8000 years of viticulture history!
4. It is a gastronomic country with interesting culinary specialties
5. It is a safe destination
6. It presents fascinating combination of historical past and moving modernity
7. Landscape and nature are "Big Show"
8. To visit a capital city in full rebirth and admire legendary mountains
9. Because Magic Roads offers exclusive services in a destination off the beaten track!
10. You will find a unique architecture reflecting West and East
11. It is only a 4-hours direct flight from most of the European countries

OUR HEART-WINNING HOTELS IN TBILISI

Our favourite choice: STAMBA hotel and Rooms Tbilisi

Owned by Adjara Group, STAMBA hotel and Rooms Tbilisi are without a doubt our favorite discoveries in the capital city of Georgia! Both hotels are former publishing houses with high ceilings and exposed brickwork that were turned into arty, industrial-chic hotels.

STAMBA HOTEL TBILISI

They overtake the sole notion of accommodation: you will be surprised by the intellectual effervescence of STAMBA hotel, with its Photo museum, its urban vertical farm that shelters indoor agricultural projects, its amphitheater, and its open working spaces that foster individual and business projects.

ROOMS HOTEL TBILISI

Rooms Hotel, beyond its 125 trendy rooms and suites, is perfect for business travel: it owns 5 meeting rooms of a capacity from 20 to 600 persons, presenting different design and atmospheres - but the same elegance. Catering was set up to meet the needs of business events and stays.

New opening: Hotel Monograph Freedom Square

In the 17th century, this hotel was a major trading place and it allowed travelers to recover from their journeys. It was refurbished several times since the 1800s but it kept its original facade. At that time, the building embodied a new age for the development of European cities. Located at the heart of Tbilisi center, it offers 36 modern rooms and conference venue for 70 delegates. Sominee Restaurant offers contemporary interpretation of Georgian cuisine and Monograph Terrace Bar & Lounge offers a laid-back atmosphere and an incredible view of Tbilisi.

MAGIC EXPERIENCE IN GEORGIA

Erisioni School

Erisioni is a Georgian ensemble which performs national dances and songs. The performance includes folk dances and songs telling Georgian stories and legends. Georgian folk dances impress by their brightness, incredible fire, sumptuous costumes and the interweaving of history with art.
Magic Roads exclusively opens the doors of the legendary dance school Erisioni for a special rehearsal.
Most comfortable group size for performance : 30 persons.
Duration : 1 hour

Sulphur Baths in Tbilisi

Going for a soak and a scrub down at the Sulphur Baths is as much of a Tbilisi tradition as eating a plate of khinkali (Georgian meat dumplings). It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Georgia’s capital city! The baths here are very different from Istanbul’s or Budapest’s.
Tbilisi was built above thermal springs that contain sulphur and their temperature is around 40°-50°C. The baths can be privatized for groups, with a hot sulphur pool, a resting area, an ensuite including toilet and shower as well as a stone massage table.
Different room capacities from 2 to 10 persons.
Recommended duration of visit: 1 to 2 hours.

Rafting on Aragvi river

Explore rural Georgia during this exciting rafting excursion on the Pshavis Aragvi River! Travel deep into the southern foothills, working as a team to navigate through bumps and bends with an experienced in-boat guide. Here, travelers can take hundreds of routes by foot or 4x4 Jeeps, and discover ruins of abandoned villages or churches. This fun day will be followed by delicious BBQ lunch by the river.
5 pax in each boat with professional guide-kayaker.
The best period for this activity is May to September.

OMAN, where nature meets culture

MAGIC EXCLUSIVITY – In the skin of an archeologist

As Magic Arabia has always been keen on offering new experiences for our MICE groups, they have now the opportunity to meet and join the French archaeologist mission led by Guillaume Grenezand, and make an unforgettable visit of the excavation. They will have the unique chance to participate in the research following the team’s instructions! Brushes in hands, guests will work along with the archaeologists to bring precious testimonies from the past out of the ground...

Did you know that Oman had archaeological sites under excavation? Salut archaeological site is a home to an ancient fortified collection of ruins and fortifications, some of which date back to over 3,000 years ago. The site brings important evidence of the development of civilizations in the Arabic peninsula during the Bronze and Iron ages. Salut is a great place to visit, whether you are interested in the ancient history of Oman or just want to explore an archaeological site as part of your visit.

Salalah: our new Oman beach getaway for Incentive trips!

If you have been to Oman, we bet it was not in Salalah! Do you know that you missed one of most beautiful cities in Oman? It is known as the “Pearl of Oman”. Second city of the sultanate after Muscat, Salalah, the land of incense, does not present the same face in winter and in summer.

From mid-June to mid-September, the heavy rains of the Indian monsoon pours on the region. The surrounding mountains become green, streams rush down the slopes, sometimes turning into waterfalls when the terrain is suitable.

In winter, Salalah and its surroundings offer desert landscapes. But the drier air brings out the contrasts between the sand, the clear rocks and the limpid blue of the sea. This is the time when frank incense tree valleys are the most impressive, standing on parched soil. Frank incense trees are the only trees that easily bear this climate. The region of Salalah is well known for its wonderful white sand beaches extending endlessly to the horizon.
Hilton, Rotana, Crowne Plaza have already been established for several years. Anantara opened a sumptuous boutique villa resort there at the end of 2016, and Alila is planning to open its Hinu Bay resort at the end of 2020.

Authentic dinner in an Omani house

Magic Arabia teams are always looking for new ideas and original discoveries. Our good relations with the locals allow us to offer our clients privileged moments and meals to share with the inhabitants in old traditional houses. Out of touristic venue, we are offering you a chance to spend an evening in a local’s family residence in Muscat, where you will be able to discover the traditions of the country through the residence decoration, food, family’s tales and the entertainments, but also by interacting with the land lord.
Alcohol is authorized inside the residence.

Mission: save the turtles in Oman!

Every year, about 20,000 sea turtles stop over in Oman. They come to lay 50,000 to 60,000 eggs on the beaches of the Sultanate! Unfortunately, the sea currents regularly bring back lots of rubbish, plastic packaging and other materials that are responsible for choking aquatic animals. In order to protect the natural heritage we offer you the opportunity along with local associations that work for nature protection to create a collaborative beach cleaning followed by a discussion with experts, in order for you to understand better the ecology and marine protection issues the Sultanate has to face.

Limitless entertainment in the UAE

FOOD AND NIGHT LIFE IN DUBAI

O Beach Dubai : opening autumn of 2021

It’s one of Ibiza’s best known venues, and it is renowned for its huge pool parties and legendary champagne spray shows! In 2019, it was officially announced that O Beach Ibiza (to be known as O Beach Dubai) was set to open in Dubai in September 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening date was unfortunately postponed. The place remains a surprise as it is still unknown: we’ll have to be patient!

The Arts Club : opening soon its first international outpost in Dubai’s DIFC (end of 2020)

The club will span an impressive 65,000 square feet, set over four floors of a Foster & Partners designed building. Featuring the renowned London brasserie, as well as 3 brand new restaurants, including a late night lounge, a cigar bar with a walk-in humidor and personalized storage, beautiful private dining rooms, extensive outdoor terraces on all floors and a spectacular rooftop events space. The interior has been designed by a Milan based studio, and will house a stunning permanent contemporary art collection, alongside changing exhibitions.

Cé La Vi – Address Sky View Hotel in Downtown Dubai : operating

This restaurant presents one of the best Burj Khalifa views! Located at the brand-new Address Sky View hotel in Downtown Dubai, Cé La Vi sits 220 metres above sea level, on the bridge joining the two huge towers of the hotel. A massive infinity pool invites hotel guests to soak up the sun and get a prime spot for endlessly gawking at the world’s tallest tower.
After Singapore, Tokyo, Colombo, Taipei and Shanghai restaurants, Cé La Vi Dubai is the sixth location chosen by the famous chain. It’s promising some cracking Pan-Asian bites, as well as master mixologists and “world-class entertainment” on a daily basis.
Late night from Tuesday to Friday, this place will transform into Clubbing with live DJs shows and more, making this place come alive from midnight to 3am.

Mama Zonia - Pier 7

Mama Zonia is a full house at the amazing botanical restaurant on the second floor of Pier 7. It is a popular place with lush Amazonian inspirations. Mysterious and chic, the urban jungle unleashes bold flavors of a tropical fare, slithering hand-crafted cocktails, roaming DJ entertainment, in a lavish landscape of exuberant foliage.
Mama Zonia is the place where friends meet to have fun, where a certain sense of danger arouses excitement, where you are free to be exactly who you are!

Koko Bay - West Beach, Palm Jumeirah : operating since September, 1st 2020

A brand new Bali-inspired beach bar opened its doors on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah: Koko Bay. The chic boho venue looks like the ultimate place to enjoy the sun and the beach. The venue is a mixture of indoor and outdoor space: sun loungers and hammocks, bright blue bean bags, cream macramé decoration and wooden rattan furniture create a Balinese atmosphere.
Koko Bay promises an upcoming line-up of guest DJs and exciting live entertainment, all of which is yet to be revealed. Guests are also welcome to bring their pets along, so don’t be surprised if you see a few furry friends walking along the beach!
The modern Asian and European menu can be enjoyed directly on the beach (bare toes in the sand are optional!). You’ll find a variety of meat-based, healthy, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes. Dishes include grilled skewers, Hokkaido scallop ceviche, fish and chips, sea bream with Thai coconut, and maki rolls with fillings such as quinoa, kale and beetroot.
Creative mixologists will also be on-hand to serve exotic cocktails under the sun.
There’s even lockers and showers available for beach guests who want to clean up before heading into the restaurant for lunch or dinner.
You’ll find Koko Bay on the West Beach area of the main Palm, just behind the Fairmont Hotel, directly on the beach. The spot offers views of Dubai Marina and Bluewaters, as well as that all-important sunset setting.

NEW HOTELS IN DUBAI

RIU Hotel

Located on the beachfront in Deira Islands, the Riu Hotel offers an all inclusive stay to make your vacation a unique experience. The amenities of this hotel will not leave you middling thanks to its leisure areas, swimming pools, spa, conference room, various themed restaurants with a vast choice of cuisine such as Lebanese, Italian or Asian, and even the Splash Water World waterpark. With 750 rooms, this hotel offers you all the comfort you need to have a lovely stay in Dubai.

Raffles The Palm

Set to open in 2021, this hotel will be the tallest structure on the Palm Jumeirah. Raffles the Palm will take up one of the two towers of this structure with the second tower being a residency. It will be a beachside hotel with a 155 meter long sky piece, connecting the two towers 170m above the ground. The hotel component is set to offer 125 luxurious rooms and suits and will feature a variety of special dining experiences.

Address Jumeirah Beach : operating

The hotel is housed in one of the 2 iconic 74-storey towers, with 217 rooms and suites located at the end of Jumeirah Beach.
These residences offer over 100 meters of beach frontage in direct view of Ain Dubai with excellent leisure and entertainment facilities.

Sofitel Obelisk : operating

This unique new property is a beautiful blend of French and Egyptian aesthetics, while celebrating the UAE's rich heritage. Debuting near Raffles Dubai in Wafi, it will feature 595 guest rooms and serviced residences, a Sofitel SPA with L'Occitane, two signature restaurants spearheaded by acclaimed chefs and an ankh-shaped outdoor swimming pool. It's also gearing up to become one of the most sustainability-driven hotels in Dubai.
The hotel rooms and suites are located as of the 19th floor, offering floor-to-ceiling windows with an abundance of natural light and unparalleled views, including old Dubai, creek, harbor and the iconic city skyline. Sofitel Dubai Wafi features 498 luxury guest rooms and suites, in addition to 97 furnished and serviced apartments.

WHAT’S COMING UP IN 2021 IN DUBAI

Museum of the Future: opening 2021

Dubai’s Museum of the Future is a visionary cultural institution currently on its final construction phase and should be inaugurated within few months. Its will be a showplace for a new area center of creativity and hope where you can see, touch and shape our shared future.
Combining elements of exhibition, immersive theater and themed attraction, the Museum of the Future invites you to look beyond the present and take your place within possible worlds to come.
Like our home city, the Museum of the Future strives to be a place of tolerance where varied cultural, philosophical, social and spiritual outlooks are welcome.

Palm Fountain: opening 2021

Aiming to break the Guinness World record for ‘The World’s Largest Fountain’ , The Palm Fountain spans across the complete boulevard of The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah. The two giant floating platforms covers a 14,000 sq. feet of sea water, towers at 105 meters height, lights up the sky with magical 3,000 LEDs and dances on songs from all around the globe. The Palm Fountain enthralls you with spectacular shows daily from sunset to midnight.

Expo Dubai: opening October, 1st 2021

From 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, visitors will experience warm Emirati hospitality at its finest. Discover world-class global culture, international cuisines, thrilling entertainment, state-of-the-art innovative technologies and much more!
And the good news is that MAGIC TRAVELS is the official partner of this major event!

The expo will have 45000 square meters for events and conferences including all sizes of meeting rooms and exhibition centers. Private visits and dinners can be arranged at participating country pavilions.

DINE DIFFERENT, DINE IN STYLE AT MAGIC CAMPS

For those looking for a truly special experience or willing to organize a successful corporate event in the UAE and in Oman, our Magic Camps are the perfect place to host your venue and give you all the possibilities, from exclusive set up and exceptional catering to special entertainment undercover of the desert night.

Starlight Dinner by Magic Camps: a luxury dinner in the desert

Enjoy the magical experience of dining under the stars in Dubai or Abu Dhabi’s desert with our Starlight Dinner! An evening in an ephemeral camp in the heart of the desert, far from the hustle of the city, fitted out with the design and ethical furniture of our eco-chic tented camps.
After a dune bashing activity and a camel ride, our waiters will surprise you by bringing a delicious glass of fresh juice at the foot of a dune at sunset, while attending a falcon show.

At nightfall, you will walk down an alley strewn with candles, in an incredible Arabian nights atmosphere! At the end of the aisle, an elegant lounge and set tables await you for an exceptional dinner in the desert: a delicious meal to share under the stars, concocted by high-quality caterers. It is a unique and 100% eco-responsible experience that you will live by the only light of the stars and the candles in the desert!
We can offer you a range of live entertainment for your event matching with our eco-friendly concept (we are not friendly with sound system... we respect the desert and its wildlife).

• Maximum capacity for dinner: 150 pax
• Maximum capacity in bivouac: 20 pax ( luxury tents available in DBL, TWIN, TPL or SGL with individual toilets)

Enjoy a Sunset Cocktail at our luxury desert camp in the UAE

Why not to make your journey even more magical by attending one of our special cocktail receptions at sunset? An elegant set up is dressed close by the camp, where our waiters will surprise you with a glass of fresh juice and some snacks before hitting to the camp for a check in.

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