Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

InterContinental Maldives to host Manta Retreat

Following the launch of the Manta Retreat in 2022, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort welcomes guests to the fourth Manta Retreat, taking place from March 17 to 20.
 
Spreading curiosity and excitement to learn about manta rays and their natural habitat, the Manta Retreat offers a great platform to learn, explore and understand these gentle giants while participating in enriching workshops and conservation activities.
 
Participating guests can expect an unparalleled experience centred around the majestic manta rays that inhabit the waters of Raa Atoll.
 
The retreat also includes guided snorkelling excursions that gives guests a chance to swim alongside these gentle giants and observe their behaviour up-close.
 
A series of workshops, including the Manta ID and Manta Research sessions, will provide insights into the identification and study of individual manta rays, offering participants a rare opportunity to adopt and name their own manta.
 
The fourth edition will once again be led by Meral Hafeez, the Manta Trust base leader at InterContinental Maldives.
 
With her marine expertise and passion for educating guests on all manner of underwater creatures, Hafeez will guide participants through an immersive experience allowing guests to explore the lives of manta rays and the learn the importance of their conservation.
 
Adding to the experience, is another dedicated workshop where attendees can also learn about the fascinating world of plankton, which is the primary food source for manta rays.
 
Further, guided house reef snorkelling sessions will uncover the vibrant marine life around the resort, while the Coral Restoration and Planting Workshop allows guests to contribute directly to the health of the reef.
 
For those eager to deepen their understanding, Hafeez’s engaging talk, “Manta Ray of the Maldives,” will highlight the  characteristics and behaviours of these magnificent creatures.
 
The retreat also offers a conservation-focused element, emphasising the collaborative efforts between InterContinental Maldives and the Manta Trust.
 
Since 2019, the partnership has supported research and education initiatives aimed at protecting the vulnerable reef manta rays and their oceanic relatives.
 
The retreat helps raise awareness and funds to sustain these vital efforts, ensuring that participants leave not only with cherished memories but also as advocates for marine conservation. This is more than just a retreat; it is an invitation to join a movement dedicated to preserving the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. Guests can immerse themselves in the luxury and tranquillity of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

AquaChemie opens advanced chemical facility in Kezad

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group), one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today (February 12) announced the opening of AquaChemie Global Chemicals' new facility within its integrated economic ecosystem. 
 
A UAE-based chemical manufacturing group, AquaChemie said its 25,800-sqm facility in Kezad Area A (Kezad Al Ma’mourah) is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure built to adhere to global safety and environmental standards.  
 
This milestone development strengthens the UAE’s local manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the nation’s “Make it in the Emirates” programme, said Kezad in a statement.
 
AquaChemie, which has invested AED90 million ($24 million) in the facility, will utilise the site to manufacture, store, and blend, drumming  a diverse range of industrial chemicals in liquid and solids shape, primarily serving Adnoc and other major clients. 
 
This development enhances supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and supports sustainable industrial practices in the region, it stated.
 
Mansoor Al Marar, VP - Industrial Business Development, Kezad Group, said: "The opening of AquaChemie’s facility highlights Kezad Group’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth."
 
"By supporting projects like AquaChemie, KEZAD continues to play a critical role in advancing the UAE’s industrial diversification goals and driving regional economic competitiveness," he noted.
 
Anand Kumar, the Managing Director of AquaChemie, said: "Our facility at Kezad represents a significant milestone in AquaChemie’s strategic growth. Kezad’s robust infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and business-friendly environment provide us with the tools to deliver high-quality chemical solutions, meet the needs of our clients, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s industrial ambitions."
 
Through its strategic location, Kezad provides AquaChemie with direct access to its multimodal logistics network, including proximity to Khalifa Port, ensuring seamless regional and global connectivity, stated Kumar. 
 
"Kezad continues to attract leading industrial players with its competitive ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and tailored solutions, positioning it as a preferred destination for global investors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

PIF named title sponsor for Saudi ladies golf tournament

Golf Saudi has announced that PIF is the new title partner of the renamed PIF Saudi Ladies International, a partnership which also sees the prize money for the tournament equaling with the men’s contest, underlining PIF’s commitment to inclusion in sport.
 
The PIF Saudi Ladies International returns from February 13 to 15 at Riyadh Golf Club and will also see a new format with tour professionals taking part in both an individual and team competition.
 
The partnership between PIF and Golf Saudi is designed to have a transformative impact on the sport, promote inclusivity and equality within golf, and foster greater engagement among Saudi Arabia’s people and visitors alike. This includes providing opportunities for all Saudi nationals to participate in the game of golf, creating gateways for aspiring professionals in the Middle East to enter the professional game, and launching golf tourism initiatives such as the development of quality golf facilities at scale across the country.
 
The PIF Saudi Ladies International will feature a field of 112 elite competitors, including world number three ranked Ruoning Yin, nine ranked Charley Hull and defending tournament champion Patty Tavatanakit, with the prize purse at $5 million – the largest purse for any women’s professional golf tournament outside majors and a few select LGPA events.
 
Driven by PIF’s partnership, the tournament’s purse intentionally matches that of Golf Saudi’s equivalent men’s tournament, the PIF Saudi International presented by SoftBank, which is played on the Asian Tour. This investment reflects PIF and Golf Saudi’s commitment to driving inclusivity and opportunity within golf for all ages, genders, and demographics. - TradeArabia News Service