The Best Upcoming Festivals You Cannot Miss in 2024

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

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

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

Marriott International proudly announces the successful completion of the inaugural KURIMAGU Leadership Program. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing and empowering local Maldivian talent within the hospitality industry. The graduation ceremony took place on 29 November 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. It celebrated the achievements of the program’s first cohort. The cohort included 29 associates from Marriott’s resorts across the Maldives.

Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore & Maldives at Marriott International, expressed his pride in the program’s success:

“We are incredibly proud of the progress made by the first cohort of KURIMAGU participants. KURIMAGU is more than just a leadership development program – it’s a platform for Maldivian talent to thrive. By empowering our associates with the tools and support to excel in leadership roles, we are shaping the future of Marriott while contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of the Maldives’ hospitality industry. This is a critical part of our ongoing commitment to investing in and developing local talent for sustainable success”

A Year of Dynamic Learning and Growth

The KURIMAGU Leadership Program is a transformative 12-month initiative designed to develop the leadership potential of local talent. It prepares participants for key roles within Marriott and the broader hospitality industry. Graduates came from renowned properties including Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, W Maldives, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort & Spa, and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Marriott’s continued support for this initiative highlights its dedication to creating a pipeline of future leaders for the Maldives hospitality sector.

Over the past year, participants have engaged in an enriching learning experience. The curriculum included both in-person and virtual training sessions, self-paced e-learning, structured mentoring, cross-disciplinary exposure, and collaborative group learning. Participants also had opportunities to interact with senior leaders through insightful fireside chats. During these chats, they received valuable feedback on their career progression. Mentorship from seasoned hoteliers guided their development, fostering both personal and professional growth. This collaborative environment encouraged participants to share experiences. Learn from each other, and build lasting networks that enhanced their leadership capabilities.

Marriott International remains dedicated to nurturing local talent and fostering a culture of growth and leadership. The KURIMAGU Leadership Program reflects Marriott’s core value of “Putting People First” and contributes to the long-term success of both the company and the Maldives’ hospitality industry. Through initiatives like KURIMAGU, Marriott International aims to build a strong pipeline of talented individuals, ready to assume greater responsibilities and lead the future of the hospitality sector in the Maldives and beyond.

The Best Upcoming Festivals You Cannot Miss in 2024

Dubai Shopping Festival

Winter at Tantora in AlUla

The Hoi An Lantern Festival

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