I recently spent a week in Dubai's desert, prowling the sands in a modified Land Rover in a bid to observe some of the Middle East's most elusive residents. I glimpsed an abundance of incredible wildlife - the Arabian oryx, various owls, lizards, eagles, vultures, flamingos - yet it's a far from natural sight that sticks in my mind above all others: the ethereal, sparkling Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Rising from the dunes like an alien craft, the solar park - the largest single-site solar park in the world - is both a staggering feat of engineering and progressive thinking, and an awe-inspiring, almost celestial vision. The park provides clean energy for tens of thousands of Dubai residents, and since its launch, has trimmed Dubai's carbon emissions by around 214,000 tonnes a year. By 2030, it will be reducing approximately 6.5 million tonnes.
In many ways, the solar park epitomises Dubai's ongoing obsession with both being green and also the emirate's devotion to bringing the inconceivable to life. Dubai is a place that has, for decades, enabled innovative, determined thinkers, architects and artists to pursue their wildest dreams - the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Cayan Tower and Ain Dubai are testament to that.
This mentality is, if anything, quietly becoming more pronounced. Dubai is firmly on the way to becoming a global eco superpower. It has the ambition, drive, impetus and financial backing to make big things happen, and given the emirate's history of surpassing even the most aspirational of targets, the world is now sitting up, taking note, and getting very excited.
A city in the sand
Dubai, the UAE's most populous city, is an improbable, implausible beacon of ingenuity and technological accomplishment. It's a city that, to all intents and purposes, shouldn't really exist, yet exist - and thrive - it does.
Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé
