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The Best Upcoming Festivals You Cannot Miss in 2024

Upcoming Festivals 2024: Dubai Shopping Festival 30th edition

This year is coming to a close, but some exciting festivals are still waiting to amaze you! Imagine yourself strolling through vibrant light displays, enjoying incredible performances, and finding amazing deals. With the final months upon us, now is the perfect time to experience these must-see upcoming festivals and make the most of the end of 2024.

Dubai Shopping Festival

Upcoming Festivals : Dubai Shopping Festival
Image source: Gulf News

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the ultimate extravaganza for you in 2024. From 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, Dubai will transform into a shopping paradise, with over 1,500 brands offering discounts of up to 95%! It is the longest-running retail festival in the world, and this year, it is hosting the 30th edition.

DSF 30th anniversary promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. Think stunning fireworks, incredible drone shows, and interactive light displays that will truly wow you! Plus, performances from famous stars like Ricky Martin, Salman Khan, and Georges Wassouf, will keep you entertained! With something for everyone, DSF’s milestone year promises incredible excitement and deals. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Dubai!

Winter at Tantora in AlUla

Upcoming Festivals: Winter at Tantora in AlUla
Image Source: Leaders Magazine

If you are looking to immerse yourself in rich history, culture and adventure, check out the Winter at Tantora. This festival takes place at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, from 19 December 2024, to 11 January 2025. This year, the theme “Year of the Camel” celebrates the camel’s cultural and economic significance in the region.

Experience captivating performances by Marwan Khoury and HAUSER, who blend classical and contemporary styles. Explore immersive augmented reality exhibits that bring AlUla’s ancient past to life. Enjoy hot-air balloon rides over the desert and stargaze under clear skies for unforgettable views. This year, the festival promises to be an unmissable celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. From top-tier dining to stunning cultural performances, Winter at Tantora 2024 has something for everyone.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival

Upcoming Festivals: Hoi An Lantern Festival
Image Source: Vietnamtour.In

If you plan to visit Hoi An this December, you are in for a treat! The Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of Vietnam’s most magical celebrations, and it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, this festival is when Hoi An shines, and 14th December 2024, promises to be extra special.

As the sun sets, the streets of Hoi An transform into a glowing wonderland, with thousands of vibrant lanterns lighting up the town and reflecting on the Thu Bon River. It’s a magical sight you have to see to believe. But the Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than just beautiful lights. It celebrates the town’s rich history and culture with traditional music, lively dances, and delicious street food. The atmosphere is festive yet peaceful, especially as the lanterns light up the night sky.

Can’t make it this December? The next Lantern Festival is on 25 January, 2025, so you’ll have another chance to experience this picturesque event.


These upcoming festivals in 2024 give you the perfect reason to set off on your next adventure. From dazzling cultural celebrations to unforgettable experiences, each one has something truly special to offer. So, why wait? Turn these incredible events into your next journey and create memories that will stay with you long after the festival lights fade.

Feature image via Khaleej Times

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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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