The 8th Annual Commercial Strategy Conference MEA (CSC), organised by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East and Africa (MEA), will take place on November 25 and 26 at the Conrad Dubai Hotel. The event will gather the region’s leading hospitality experts in sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution for two inspirational days of presentations, panel debates, networking opportunities and awards. The 2025 Conference will focus on expert-led sessions by top industry leaders on revenue optimisation, sales strategies, marketing trends, as well as the latest tools and technologies shaping the future of hospitality. A standout segment of the conference is the much-anticipated annual ROCKSTAR awards, designed to celebrate exceptional on-property professionals for their bold initiatives and outstanding contributions to the Middle East hospitality industry that push the boundaries of commercial success. The ROCKSTAR awards will feature nine finalists selected by the HSMAI MEA Advisory Board, who will be invited to present their strategies live during the conference where the audience will vote for the top three. Prizes for the winners include an HSMAI certification course, event attendance and annual membership, a 50 per cent scholarship on the Executive Master’s programmes at Glion and Les Roches along with a complimentary executive course or select e-Academy certificate, as well as two free tickets anywhere in the world in partnership with Wego. This year, HSMAI MEA is offering specially reduced delegate passes, priced at $75, for university and college students and faculty. In addition, hoteliers from the GCC residing outside of the UAE receive 50 per cent discount on delegate passes. Mona Faraj, President, HSMAI MEA, said: “This year’s Conference is shaping up to be our most ambitious and dynamic event yet - with record-breaking attendance, a broader spectrum of topics, and unparalleled opportunities for meaningful connections. Since the launch of the Revenue Optimisation Conference (ROC) in the US two decades ago, we’ve continually expanded and adapted, staying ahead of the curve to equip hotel leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to address key challenges and capture new possibilities. As we approach our 8th regional CSC, anticipation is high for a rich exchange of ideas, impactful networking, and game-changing discoveries at what has become the premier industry gathering in the Middle East and Africa. The event will be preceded by four in-person review courses: Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM), Certified revenue Management Executive (CRME), Certified Hotel Sales Leader (CHSL)and Certified in Hospitality Business Acumen (CHBA), taking place on November 23 and 24, an opportunity for hospitality professionals to fast track their HSMAI certification process

Club Med, pioneer of the all-inclusive holiday concept, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1950 in Majorca, the brand grew from simple beach huts to over 70 premium and sustainable resorts across 40 countries. It revolutionised travel with innovations like the first all-inclusive ski resort (1956), buffet dining (1965), and Mini Club for children (1967). Since 2004, Club Med has transformed into Premium All-Inclusive and Exclusive Collection offerings, including iconic resorts in Sicily, Seychelles, and Marbella. Looking ahead, it will open Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari in 2026, blending luxury with wildlife experiences, alongside continued sustainability initiatives.

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel has signed an MoU with Alleem Group, designating it as the official hospitality partner for the conglomerate’s initiatives. The five-star heritage hotel will host Alleem’s corporate events, product launches and Annual Sustainability Summit, while Alleem promotes the hotel’s services across its network. The collaboration showcases Ajman as a destination blending authenticity with luxury, supporting the UAE’s hospitality sector growth through MICE tourism.

Qatar Tourism’s Service Excellence Academy launched ‘The Art of Front Office Hospitality’ on July 9, 2025, a new in-person training programme for frontline hotel staff in four-star and below properties. The two-day course focuses on guest relations, cultural sensitivity and operational efficiency, aiming to train 400 staff. The first group of 84 participants have recently completed the programme and earned certification. The initiative is part of Qatar Tourism’s Service Excellence strategy and supports Qatar National Vision 2030.

Shaza Hotels recently held a leadership development workshop in Dubai focused on “Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Hospitality Leaders.” Conducted by DeANTS, the session addressed evolving demands on hospitality leaders, emphasising self-awareness, empathy, resilience and purpose-driven leadership. It covered topics such as brain talent profiles, emotional literacy for self-regulation, and aligning KPIs with personal values. Interactive exercises enhanced skills in communication, adaptability, and emotional resilience, helping leaders connect more effectively with teams and navigate change.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of UN Tourism for 2026–2029, met with Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of China to the UAE, in Abu Dhabi to discuss strengthening tourism collaboration. The meeting focused on fostering cultural and sustainable tourism, knowledge exchange and economic development. Both parties explored partnerships in education, training and tourism innovation, as well as initiatives to empower local communities and enhance rural development.

Domaine des Étangs, Auberge Resorts Collection in Massaignac, France, offers tennis lovers a rare experience with its floating tennis court. Set atop a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery, the court provides a unique match setting complemented by shaded viewing benches for spectators. Located beside the property’s swimming pool, it combines sport with relaxation, creating a playful yet elegant retreat.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), the iconic ocean liner now a floating hotel at Mina Rashid, Dubai, offers Heritage Tours showcasing its rich maritime legacy. Launched in 1967, the QE2 sailed over 5.6 million nautical miles, hosted royalty and world leaders, and even served in the Falklands War before transforming into a hotel. Tours highlight original artifacts, passenger cabins, the captain’s quarters, and historic innovations in design and engineering. Visitors can choose from guided tours, school programmes, Royal Afternoon Tea with heritage experiences, or Dine & Discover packages, making the QE2 a cultural, educational, and hospitality landmark in Dubai.