CROSSROADS Maldives Invites You to a Magical Lunar New Year

Step into a world of vibrant colors, rich traditions, and unforgettable festivities as CROSSROADS Maldives prepares to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, this unique multi-island destination invites guests to a two-day extravaganza. The celebration marks the arrival of the Year of the Snake. At its two world-class resorts—Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton—guests will enjoy an immersive experience. The festivities are filled with cultural activities, mouthwatering cuisine, lively performances, and much more. Indeed, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

At the heart of CROSSROADS Maldives, where diverse cultures blend effortlessly, the resorts have planned a series of events to mark the Year of the Snake. These festivities offer a full immersion into Chinese traditions. Moreover, they combine authentic cultural experiences with the luxury of island life. Guests can enjoy indulgent feasts of traditional cuisine, energetic DJ parties, and mesmerizing performances. As a result, every moment is filled with joy, excitement, and the spirit of the New Year. In fact, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Clearly, the celebration promises something for everyone.

At Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the celebrations take on an energetic vibe. Known for its music-infused atmosphere, the resort amps up the fun for Lunar New Year. The celebration begins with a grand New Year’s Eve buffet. Guests indulge in a variety of Chinese dishes. Each dish honors the long history and exquisite flavors of Chinese cuisine. From delicate dim sum to fragrant stir-fries, the buffet offers something for every palate. As the Year of the Snake begins, high-energy performances take over. Vibrant dance acts light up the stage. Moreover, Hard Rock’s own band members host a multicultural evening. This guarantees a lively and chart-topping celebration. Therefore, guests can expect a night filled with energy and joy. Undoubtedly, it will be a night to remember.

Meanwhile, over at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, the focus is on family-friendly fun. The resort invites guests of all ages to join the festivities. There are numerous cultural activities designed to bring people together. Additionally, the SAii Beach Club becomes the hub for children’s activities. Kids can enjoy games, wellness experiences, and creative adventures. These activities promote connection and celebrate togetherness. As night falls, the celebration takes on a magical quality. Guests gather for a special Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner on the beach, under the stars. Furthermore, they dance the night away to electrifying DJ music, welcoming the Year of the Snake with excitement and joy. Above all, the memories created will last for years to come.

Even day visitors won’t miss out on the fun. The Marina@CROSSROADS hosts exciting Lunar New Year celebrations. On the eve of the New Year, visitors savor authentic Chinese flavors at Jiao Wu. Chefs prepare a selection of classic and original dishes specially for the occasion. Then, on 31st January, The Marina comes alive with a themed street market. Guests can explore local treasures, enjoy live entertainment, and savor delicious treats. As a result, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the vibrant atmosphere will keep you engaged and entertained all day.

Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, or cultural immersion, CROSSROADS Maldives is the ultimate destination to welcome the Year of the Snake. With high-energy entertainment, authentic cultural experiences, and stunning island beauty, the celebration promises to be unforgettable.

Dubai plans to redefine the travel experience for millions and reshape its geography by retiring one of its most iconic institutions: Dubai International Airport (DXB). Once a symbol of the city’s meteoric rise, DXB now nears closure as Dubai shifts its aviation ambitions to a colossal new home, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

For decades, DXB has played a central role in global air travel, processing over 90 million passengers annually and serving as the beating heart of international connections between East and West. However, the airport’s legacy as the world’s busiest international hub approaches its final chapter. Why? Because Dubai envisions a future defined by space, scale, and a bold new concept of travel and urban life.

Why Close the World’s Busiest International Airport?

The answer lies 45 kilometers south in the desert sands of Dubai South, where Dubai is building a new mega-airport. Al Maktoum International, already partially operational, will become the world’s largest airport. When completed, it will feature five runways, 400 aircraft gates, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers each year.

Unlike DXB, which dense neighborhoods in Garhoud and Al Qusais confine, DWC gives Dubai room to grow. In contrast, the new site offers scalability and flexibility. The project doesn’t just expand the city’s capacity—it reimagines it. Sleek architecture, cutting-edge technology, and integrated logistics with nearby Jebel Ali Port will ultimately deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for travelers and cargo alike.

Dubai isn’t just chasing numbers; rather, it’s planning for longevity. DXB, built in 1960, continues to age. Its infrastructure nears the end of its useful life. Keeping it operational would force the city to invest billions just to preserve the status quo. Dubai chooses a clean slate.

What Will Happen to the Land?

By closing DXB, Dubai unlocks a massive piece of prime real estate in its urban core. While officials haven’t announced exact redevelopment plans, they’ve opened the door to limitless possibilities. Think residential neighborhoods, parks, commercial centers—a brand-new district rising where runways once lay.

In fact, this transformation reflects the evolution seen in other global cities. Hong Kong, for instance, turned its former Kai Tak Airport into a thriving urban hub. Dubai plans to do the same—only on a larger scale.

When Is This Happening?

The shift won’t happen overnight. Dubai expects the transition to unfold over multiple decades. The first new terminal at Al Maktoum will open in 2032, and officials aim for full capacity between the late 2030s and the 2050s. Until then, DXB will keep serving passengers as Dubai phases in the move to DWC—starting with cargo and low-cost carriers, followed by flagship airlines like Emirates.

Travelers flying to and from Dubai will experience business as usual, for now. But the city has already set the change in motion, and soon, its skyline and story will look very different.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai has never hesitated to reinvent itself. It has transformed from sand dunes to skyscrapers, from a sleepy fishing village into a global metropolis. The closure of DXB doesn’t mark a loss; it signals a pivot. This moment reflects Dubai’s faith in the future, its bold planning, and its relentless drive to build bigger and better.

Unlike most cities, which adapt to their airports, Dubai is flipping the script. The city isn’t just designing an airport for tomorrow; it’s designing an entire city around it.

Feature Image via Arabian Business

Celebrate the Spirit of Lunar New Year at CROSSROADS Maldives

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