Welcome to J1 Beach, the new gem of Dubai's coastline, where sun, sand, and sumptuous dining converge. This vibrant beach resort has emerged from the ashes of La Mer South, which was demolished in December 2022, and it has now unveiled a remarkable collection of twelve unique beach clubs and restaurants. Each venue promises an unforgettable experience, from the laid-back vibes of Tulum to the chic elegance of St. Tropez.

Introducing the 12 Exciting Concepts at J1 Beach

Sirene by Gaia

Step into a world of Aegean-inspired luxury at Sirene Beach by Gaia. This stunning destination boasts hidden bars, a sprawling restaurant accommodating up to 400 guests, a golden beach, and a lavish swimming pool surrounded by 300 sunbeds and private VIP cabanas. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a delectable meal crafted by renowned chef Izu Ani, expect a menu rich in Greek-Mediterranean delights. With the ambiance enhanced by resident DJs, the day unfolds into magical Myconian-style evenings. Weekday access is priced at Dhs300, rising to Dhs500 on weekends.

• Facilities: Swimming pool, private cabanas, sunbeds, beach access, dining area, and DJ entertainment.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily 10 AM - 1 AM

Gitano

Originating from Tulum, Gitano embodies a bohemian spirit with its lush, tropical aesthetic. The interior is adorned with verdant plants and rustic wooden tables, creating a vibrant atmosphere under shimmering disco balls. Guests can indulge in modern Mexican cuisine and signature mezcal cocktails, either in the lively ‘Jungle Room’ or from a sun lounger on the beach. Weekday loungers are priced at Dhs350, while weekends see a rise to Dhs400.

• Facilities: Indoor and outdoor seating, pool area, beach access, and a vibrant cocktail bar.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Beach 11 AM - 7 PM; Restaurant 12 PM - 1 AM (Weekdays), 12 PM - 3 AM (Weekends)

Gigi Rigolatto

Bringing a taste of St Tropez to Dubai, Gigi Rigolatto combines Italian charm with French Riviera flair. With a beautifully landscaped garden, inviting pool, and a boutique, this venue is perfect for leisurely days spent in style. Families will love the upcoming Gigi Circus kids club, making it a popular spot for all ages.

• Facilities: Pool, garden area, kids club, and boutique shopping.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Pool 10 AM - Sunset; Restaurant 12 PM - 6 PM, 8 PM - 1 AM

Almayass by the Sea

This family-run Armenian-Lebanese restaurant transports diners to the heart of 1966 Beirut with its exquisite seafood and mezze offerings. Located at the edge of J1 Beach, Almayass features an inviting indoor space filled with charming trinkets and an outdoor terrace with stunning views. It's the second UAE location for this beloved brand.

• Facilities: Indoor dining, outdoor terrace, and a cozy ambiance.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily 12 PM - 1 AM

Chouchou

Experience the essence of St Tropez at Chouchou, touted as Dubai’s first private members beach house. This chic French beach club spans two floors and features a pool, salon, and several bars. While the downstairs area welcomes all, the upstairs remains exclusive to members. Pool day rates are Dhs250 on weekdays and Dhs350 on weekends for adults, with child rates at Dhs100 for under-14s.

• Facilities: Members-only lounge, pool area, multiple bars, and dining space.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily 9 AM - 2 AM

Bâoli

Hailing from Cannes, Bâoli offers a sprawling 2,000 square meters of luxury. This vibrant venue features a beach, pool, and a petal-shaped sun deck. Relaxation reigns during the day, but as the sun sets, the energy shifts to an exciting nightlife vibe. Access to the pool and beach is Dhs500, with Dhs400 redeemable on weekdays and Dhs600 on weekends.

• Facilities: Swimming pool, sun deck, sunset lounge, and a speakeasy bar.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily 10 AM - 1 AM

African Queen

Revived by the founders of Beefbar, African Queen brings exotic fine dining to Dubai from its French Riviera roots. Expect Mediterranean dishes infused with African flavors, all served in a casual yet stylish setting. Access to the pool is Dhs350 non-redeemable, while beach beds are available for Dhs300.

• Facilities: Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, pool area, and beach access.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily 12 PM - Sunset (Pool and Beach); 12 PM - 12 AM (Restaurant)

Sakhalin

This Michelin-starred restaurant from Moscow introduces a unique blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines to Dubai, offering a memorable dining experience in both the upscale restaurant and a laid-back beach setting. Dishes are crafted by star chef Vladimir Mukhin, ensuring a culinary adventure.

• Facilities: Upscale dining, beachside seating, and an exquisite cocktail menu.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily 12 PM - 12 AM

LÚNICO

Infusing Spanish elegance into the culinary scene, Lúnico offers fine dining and late-night bar experiences inspired by the phases of the moon. It promises haute cuisine and master mixology in a sleek and sophisticated setting.

• Facilities: Fine dining restaurant, bar area, and stylish decor.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily from 6 PM

Kaimana Beach

Experience the vibrant spirit of Polynesia at Kaimana Beach, featuring an indoor-outdoor restaurant and a lively pool area adorned with canary yellow loungers. With a menu highlighting Asian-Polynesian flavors, pool loungers are Dhs250 and beach sunbeds Dhs300, both fully redeemable.

• Facilities: Indoor and outdoor dining, tiki-inspired decor, and a central swimming pool.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Beach 12 PM - 7 PM; Restaurant 12 PM - 1 AM

La Baia by the Beach

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, La Baia offers a taste of Southern Italy with its charming decor and delightful live performances. Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or by the pool, with access starting at Dhs300 on weekdays and Dhs350 on weekends, half of which can be credited towards food and drinks.

• Facilities: Pool area, beach access, live entertainment, and Italian dining.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Daily from 12 PM

Ninive Beach

This sophisticated seaside oasis began its journey in DIFC and now brings Middle Eastern flavors to the beach. With sandy loungers and a tiled pool creating a serene atmosphere, Ninive also features an open kitchen for a unique dining experience. Pool and beach rates are Dhs250 on weekdays and Dhs300 on weekends.

• Facilities: Pool, open kitchen, rooftop dining, and beach access.
• Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1
• Hours: Pool 10 AM - Sunset; Restaurant 12 PM - 1 AM

Additional Tips for Your Visit to J1 Beach

1. Arrive Early: To secure the best sunbeds and cabanas, especially on weekends, consider arriving early. This will also give you time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or coffee at one of the beach clubs.

2. Reserve Ahead: Many of the restaurants and beach clubs offer reservations, which is highly recommended, particularly for larger groups or during peak times. This ensures you won't miss out on your desired dining experience.

3. Dress Code: While most venues are beach casual, some upscale restaurants may have specific dress codes. It’s always a good idea to check in advance to ensure you’re appropriately dressed.

4. Explore Multiple Venues: With twelve unique offerings, make a plan to explore different venues during your visit. Each spot has its own vibe and menu, so sampling a few can enhance your experience.

5. Stay Hydrated: Dubai's sun can be intense, especially during the summer months. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider refreshing beverages available at the bars.

6. Check for Events: Many of the beach clubs host special events, live music, or themed nights. Check their schedules ahead of time to catch any exciting happenings during your visit.

7. Family-Friendly Options: If you’re visiting with family, look for venues with kids' clubs or family-friendly amenities, such as Gigi Rigolatto or Almayass, to ensure everyone has a great time.

8. Transportation: Consider using ride-sharing apps or taxis to reach J1 Beach. Parking can be limited, especially on busy days, so leaving your car at home might be the best option.

9. Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen! With plenty of time spent outdoors, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun.

10. Enjoy the Nightlife: Many venues at J1 Beach transition into vibrant nightlife spots. Make the most of your evening by enjoying sunset drinks and the lively atmosphere as the sun sets.

J1 Beach is not just a destination; it’s an experience that captures the essence of indulgence and relaxation. With its diverse range of facilities, from luxurious pools and private cabanas to exquisite dining options and vibrant nightlife, this new beach resort is set to become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the pool, savor gourmet cuisine, or dance the night away, J1 Beach has it all.

Turkish Airlines has expanded its complimentary “Touristanbul” program, offering international transit passengers with layovers of 6 to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport (IST) a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture without leaving the airport experience behind.

Eligible travelers can choose from six different daily tours, each led by professional guides and including transportation by shuttle bus directly from the airport.

One of the highlights of the program is a visit to Bozdağ Film Studios in Beykoz, a sprawling 200-acre complex renowned for producing popular Turkish historical TV dramas like "Diriliş: Ertuğrul" and "Kuruluş: Osman."

This studio is the largest in Europe and the third-largest in the world, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at life-sized sets that recreate different eras of Turkish history.

Beyond the film studio, the various tour routes cover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hippodrome, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, and the Galata Bridge, with photo stops and guided commentary throughout.

Passengers can also enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine—such as fire-cooked soup and hand-pounded rice pudding—at local restaurants, and participate in cultural workshops like glassmaking and archery.

All meals, museum entrance fees, and transportation are included at no cost, and the tours are available every day of the year, with 19 different routes offered weekly. To participate, passengers must have a Turkish Airlines ticket with a layover of 6 to 24 hours, and must register at the Touristanbul desk at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.

The program is designed to ensure travelers return to the airport with ample time for their connecting flights, transforming what could be idle hours into a memorable cultural experience.

Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, has expanded its highly popular competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, by increasing the total prize pool to over 20 million Etihad Guest Miles following an unprecedented surge in participation.

Initially, the challenge offered 5 million miles to the first member to visit all 15 of Etihad’s newly launched destinations, with second and third place receiving 3 million and 1 million miles, respectively. However, due to overwhelming demand, Etihad has now added 12.5 million additional miles, opening the door for more than 200 winners in total.

The competition, which runs until May 25, 2026, is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Participants must travel to or from 15 specific new year-round destinations, including cities such as Addis Ababa, Atlanta, Prague, and Taipei, within a 12-month period. The race is based on speed and dedication—the fastest members to complete all 15 routes win the largest prizes, while tie-breakers are resolved by the earliest registration date.

In addition to the top three grand prizes, Etihad has introduced "The Extraordinary Milestones" category: the first 100 members to visit five new destinations will receive 25,000 miles each, and the first 100 to reach ten destinations will earn 100,000 miles each. This expansion aims to reward both the most ambitious travelers and those making significant progress, with members able to track their journeys and standings on a live digital leaderboard.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, commented, “We’ve seen an amazing response across the globe since we launched The Extraordinary Challenge, and expect to see over 50,000 member sign-ups as more destinations come online. Having seen the desire and determination of so many, we wanted to reward Etihad Guest members even more by giving flight to their ambition with more prize miles and potential for 200 additional winners”.

Sohar International and its Islamic banking division, Sohar Islamic, have announced a new partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s prominent budget airline, to bring substantial savings to their customers on domestic travel. Under this collaboration, credit cardholders from Sohar International and Sohar Islamic can enjoy up to 40% off, while debit cardholders receive a 15% discount on SalamAir flights within Oman.

The offer covers popular routes such as Muscat to Salalah, Masirah, Duqm, and the newly introduced Sohar to Salalah flights, with bookings available from June 22 to August 31, 2025, for travel between July 1 and August 31, 2025.

To take advantage of these discounts, eligible customers must book their tickets through SalamAir’s official website, applying special promo codes provided by the banks and using their Sohar cards for payment. The partnership was officially launched at a signing event on June 17, 2025, at Sohar International’s headquarters, highlighting a shared vision to blend financial services with lifestyle benefits and support Oman’s national tourism strategy outlined in Vision 2040.

Bank officials, including Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, stressed that the initiative is designed to go beyond simple discounts, aiming to create a more integrated experience for customers by connecting banking with travel. Steven Allen, SalamAir’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the airline is committed to making domestic travel more affordable, especially during the busy Khareef season in Salalah.

SalamAir, which operates a growing fleet of Airbus aircraft and serves over 80 flights daily, is also investing in digital upgrades, such as a new WhatsApp ticketing service. The airline has introduced fixed fares for Omani nationals on key routes to further support local travelers.

This partnership not only delivers significant value to Sohar International and Sohar Islamic customers but also contributes to the wider goals of enhancing domestic tourism and strengthening collaboration between Oman’s banking and aviation sectors.

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest low-cost airline, has announced a special seat sale in honor of the country’s 127th Independence Day, offering one-way base fares from Dubai to Manila for just Dh3. The promotion, part of the airline’s annual Super Seat Fest, is available for bookings made between June 11 and June 15, 2025. The travel period for these discounted tickets spans from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, making it ideal for those planning year-end holidays or summer visits to the Philippines.

The Dh3 fare covers only the base ticket price, with additional charges for taxes and surcharges. Cebu Pacific’s extensive network allows travelers to connect from Manila to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, including popular tourist spots like Boracay, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Vigan, and Davao’s Seven Falls. The airline encourages passengers to explore the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural sites, such as Intramuros and the National Museum complex in Manila.

Booking is available through Cebu Pacific’s official website, with multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets. The airline also offers special guidelines for families traveling with infants or minors: infants under two years old may travel on an adult’s lap for an infant fee, and strollers or car seats can be brought free of charge. Children aged 12 and above are considered adult guests, and minors traveling with parents only need to present documents proving their relationship, such as a birth certificate or valid IDs.

Seats at the promotional rate are limited and subject to availability, so travelers are encouraged to book early. Cebu Pacific’s Super Seat Fest is a recurring event, celebrated alongside major milestones and holidays, and continues to be popular among Filipinos abroad looking for affordable ways to reunite with family or explore the country’s diverse attractions.

Etihad Airways has officially unveiled an exciting new competition aimed at both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Dubbed "The Extraordinary Challenge," this initiative invites participants to embark on a journey to visit 15 new year-round destinations added to Etihad's route network in 2025.

The first member to complete this challenge will be awarded an astounding five million Etihad Guest miles, marking the largest prize in the loyalty program's history.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “This challenge embodies Etihad’s purpose to give flight to ambition. We’re inviting our adventurous members and travelers to explore 15 incredible destinations while competing for our largest-ever miles prize.”

The Challenge Overview

Participants in The Extraordinary Challenge will compete to be among the first three members to visit all 15 destinations, which include:

• Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
• Algiers (Algeria)
• Atlanta (USA)
• Chiang Mai (Thailand)
• Hanoi (Vietnam)
• Hong Kong (China)
• Krabi (Thailand)
• Medan (Indonesia)
• Peshawar (Pakistan)
• Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Sochi (Russia)
• Taipei (Taiwan)
• Tunis (Tunisia)
• Warsaw (Poland)

Prize Breakdown

The competition's top three finishers will be rewarded as follows:

• 1st Place: 5 million Etihad Guest miles
• 2nd Place: 3 million miles
• 3rd Place: 1 million miles

These miles can be redeemed for flights, holidays, and a wide array of items from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. For context, five million miles could equate to over 500 Economy flights, more than 70 Business class trips, or around 40 First class journeys.

Engaging Features

To enhance the experience, participants will have access to a dedicated race dashboard, complete with a digital passport that gets stamped with each destination visited. This feature encourages continued travel and rewards every milestone. A live leaderboard will track each member's progress, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition among passionate travelers.

How to Participate

The challenge is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members, making it an inclusive opportunity for anyone eager to explore. To enter, members must register through the official competition link and track their progress throughout the challenge. Terms and conditions apply.

Participants are required to fly on an Etihad-operated flight to or from all specified destinations by 25 May 2026.

Join the Adventure

Those interested in joining The Extraordinary Challenge can register at click here. Members are encouraged to share their journey on social media using the hashtag #EYextraordinarymiles as they race toward this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With this innovative initiative, Etihad Airways is not only enhancing the travel experience but also inspiring its members to explore the world in a competitive and rewarding way.