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  • Your December might be detty but have you thought about January yet? We’re giving you this cheat code way ahead of time so you don’t scream “sapa” again early next year, please. 

    Have a budget

    Yes, we know this is the month to prove how much of a baller you are, but don’t get carried away. Plan your money so you don’t cry hot tears next month. If you don’t know how to be a baller on a budget, we’ve got you covered.

    Gatecrash all the parties

    Five minutes of fun before they kick you out is definitely worth it. Don’t sleep on this tactic for your December. If you’re finding it hard to gatecrash any party, show up like this.

    …Or stay in your house

    Maybe just stay in your house and watch people ball on the internet. Or watch the World cup instead. Second-hand enjoyment isn’t such a bad thing, you know. At least, you won’t get a bill in the end.

    Bill your rich friends

    It’s your detty December, but why not have someone else pay for it so you can ball without having chest pain every five minutes? Bill your rich friends and forget your problems this month.

    Avoid family gatherings

    Your village people will come for their annual dues if you attend any huge family gatherings this December. If you must attend, don’t lose guard, for the sake of your pocket.

    Buy yourself December clothes

    You still want to look like your December is detty even though you’re taking things easy. Perception is everything, so use your drip to hide the fact that January winter is on its way. Impress people with your fresh new drip to limit the pressure to spend just to prove a point.

    Or find someone to buy them for you

    You can even rope someone into buying you clothes so you don’t have to spend anything to look suave this December. What’s sweeter than using someone else’s money to enjoy life? Absolutely nothing. Nigerian politicians would know.

    NEXT READ: It’s Not Detty December if You Don’t Do These Things

  • You’re resting because of the holiday, but how many words can you make out it? If you score above 15, you’re free to take two extra days off. You deserve it.

    “Holiday” can be rearranged into 71 different English words. How many can you get?

  • It’s the holiday season again. While we all love spending time with loved ones and not having to work or attend classes, there’s something we can all as a society agree we hate about the holidays. Traffic. Traffic is always horrible this season, and with traffic comes increased cab prices. Our tired is tired. That’s why we’re here with some concrete tips to help you beat the traffic this holiday season.

    1) Stay in your house

    There’s no traffic if you stay in your house. Why are you going out all the time anyways? Is Christmas your own birthday? Why not take time to sit and reflect on the reason for the season. Traffic can’t stress you in you stay in your house.

    2) Reindeer

    If someone can fly a reindeer and visit all the houses on Christmas night, don’t you think it’s worth investing in? Flying reindeer is a sure way for you to beat traffic this holiday season.

    3) Teleportation

    Look at your mirror, tap your chest three times, shout Zikoko and you’d find yourself at whatever location you desire. Please note that if the teleportation doesn’t work for you, then it’s not Zikoko’s fault. You’re just bad vibes.

    4) Flying broom

    If reindeer is too hard for you to find, why not try a flying broom? Just place a call to a witch near you and ask for them to share their secrets. Haven’t you noticed that witches never complain about traffic?

    5) Climb your Christmas chicken

    Have you seen the speed at which chickens run and dash? Well, a simple way to beat traffic this holidays is to mount your Christmas chicken and let it carry you to your destination. Since they’re small animals, they can pass tight corners.

    6) Take to the skies

    Traffic is limited to the roads, so why not try flying? It doesn’t matter if you have wings or not. Work with faith.

    7) Kidnap Santa Claus

    When you kidnap him, tell him that his condition for release is to grant you one wish, and that’s a Christmas free holidays.

    8) Nigerian coat of arms horse

    The Nigerian horses on the coat of arms once complained that they need a new job to do. Why not borrow them this Christmas season. At least when you go to the beach and they want to charge you for a horse ride, you’d say you came with your own.

    [donation]

  • What makes Christmas tick? Is it the Christmas spirit, food, family jokes or the quiet day you get because you were forgotten while travel plans were made? Reminisce with nostalgia as seven Nigerians share their favourite Christmas memories with Zikoko; the places and people that shaped their love for the season.

    It’s Highlife or Nothing – A Christmas in Anambra

    Highlife music is the highlight of any Igbo Christmas and it was no different for my family. Whether it was on our road trip to the village, cooking or just unwinding with family, highlife music played in the background. There’s just something that happens inside our blood when Osadebe is on the radio.

    My Christmas holidays were always coloured with mischief with my cousins at the village. It’d start with an eight hour drive from Lagos to my hometown Umuoji in Anambra State. My family woke up at 5 a.m. to get dressed and load up the Sienna outside with our travelling bags. My dad would crank up the radio to play Osadebe as we drove out of the compound. My siblings and I would then fall asleep for most of the journey. 

    A Night of Carol with the Neighbours – A Christmas in Zimbabwe

    A high point of the journey was getting into Asaba. As we approached the head bridge, my brothers woke me up by yelling, “Get your trumpet, we’re almost home. we’re almost home.” With sleepy eyes, I’d blow my imaginary trumpet outside the window in excitement. My dad would then sped up the bridge while my brothers kept screaming, “We’re home, we’re home” to complement the sound of our hooting. The radio automatically switched to the local channels in the South; 96.3 FM in Lagos was completely different in Asaba. We sang along to the Igbo tunes of Osadebe on the radio as we approached Onitsha. I can still picture chewing my mouth and messing up the  lyrics with my siblings.

    Two more turns and we were in Umuoji. We drove up to our grandmother’s house; it was a dainty white duplex surrounded by tall, lush coconut trees. The  welcome chants erupted  from my cousins in the compound. As the car came to a stop, they hugged us and helped us unload our bags. We went in through the backyard to greet our grandmother. She was in the middle of feeding scraps of plantain peels to the goats in the sheds as we walked up to hug her. She turned around, smiling as she hugged each of us. My brothers and I went into the parlour to catch up with my cousins. The night ended with my siblings and I catching up with my cousin in the parlor, as we stuffed our mouths with some piping hot yam and red oil from grandma.

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    After dusting the house and sweeping the compound, we snuck into my late grandfather’s house at the back to play. It is where my grandfather received guests as the head of the home.  My cousin sat on the chair in the middle while we sat around him pretending to be village chiefs. He had a paper crown and kola nuts stolen from grandma’s cupboard. We went on singing Umuoji na sa fo, the best place to be was still Umuoji, round the king as we played in papa’s hut that afternoon. We were just lucky mama never caught. 

    The day ended in the kitchen cooking Ofe akwu. The soup is made from pounding palm kernels in a mortar, and squeezing the juice into a pot to boil. My aunty did the pounding, while I ground up spices for the soup. Everyone was seated in the backyard while waiting for the food. There was palm wine going around, with Ndi Afu Owyi Ana by Osadebe on the radio downstairs. 

    Danish Cookies and Christmas Movies – A Christmas in Surulere

    The banga was served with local rice, which is perfect for the soup. Elders were served soup in traditional bowls on the table, while the rest of us picked any kind of plate and focused on fighting to get the large pieces of meat left. The rest of the evening was spent gisting out in the backyard with my siblings and cousins. We sat on my grandmother’s wooden bench outside, talking under the moonlight, singing and dancing to the sounds of traditional Igbo tunes coming from across the street. 

    Adulting happened and life came at me fast. This Christmas, I look back on the good old days,  and the memories make me want to get in a car, turn up Osademe on my speakers and drive to Umuoji.

    If you’re bored this holiday season, take some Zikoko quizzes to spice up your day.

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  • What makes Christmas tick? Is it the Christmas spirit, food, family jokes or the quiet day you get because you were forgotten while travel plans were made? Reminisce with nostalgia as seven Nigerians share their favourite Christmas memories with Zikoko; the places and people that shaped their love for the season.

    One constant thing in my family were the presents on Christmas day. My mum was very big on it while we lived in Zimbabwe, but moving back to Nigeria eventually changed the tradition. 

    My family lived in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe for nine years. December was between fall and autumn, so Christmas there was sunny and slightly chilly too. Leaves would fall off blooming trees, but not enough to create heaps by the roadside. Living in Harare felt like being in the American neighbourhoods you see in movies; rows of similar houses with picket white fences, and bright green grass on the lawns. It was quiet, peaceful and our neighbours were super friendly. In only three months of moving in, I grew fond of their two kids. We spent some weekends having sleepovers at their home or having lunch by our poolside. During the Christmas holidays, this connection was multiplied by ten. 

    Danish Cookies and Christmas Movies – A Christmas in Surulere

    Our first Christmas in Harare was without my dad. He had to leave for work, so It was just me and my mum for the day. It had been nine months of being in Harare, so we were close enough to the neighbours to invite them over for a Carol service in the evening. They were the closest thing we had to an extended family in Zimbabwe, so it was better than being home alone. 

    It started off as a chilly and gloomy morning, so I was under the duvet watching movies and eating some biscuits I had taken from my dad’s snack box. The staff handled the cleaning and cooking for the day, so all I had to do was lay in bed and fill up on baked goodies. The help brought in breakfast at 10 a.m.: a plate of toast and scrambled eggs.  I eventually rolled out of bed, put my braids into a bun and jumped into the shower for a warm bath. Then I put on a pair of jeans, threw on a cardigan and ran down the stairs to help set up in the backyard.

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    Our first Christmas in Harare was without my dad. He had to leave for work, so It was just me and my mum for the day. It had been nine months of being in Harare, so we were close enough to the neighbours to invite them for a Carol service in the evening. They were the closest thing we had to an extended family in Zimbabwe, so it was better than being home alone. 

    It started off as a chilly and gloomy morning, so I was under the duvet watching movies and eating some biscuits I had taken from my dad’s snack box. The staff handled the cleaning and cooking for the day, so all I had to do was lay in bed and fill up on baked goodies. The help brought in breakfast at 10 a.m.: a plate of toast and scrambled eggs.  When I was done, I eventually rolled out of bed, put my braids into a bun and jumped into the shower for a warm bath. Then I put on a pair of jeans, threw on a cardigan and ran down the stairs to help my mum set up in the backyard.

    It was a minimalist setup: lights draped over the branches of the avocado trees outside, mats spread out in a circle underneath with cushions and pillows piled on top of each other. My mum also set up a projector to show the lyrics of the songs for the evening on the wall facing us.

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    Our neighbours arrived later with a bottle of white wine and a box of cupcakes drizzled with chocolate sauce. The night began with a game of charades. I can still picture my mum making the funniest gestures for what in her words, was the description of a horse. After about two rounds of losing to the neighbours, we set up the projector to sing. 

    The line-up for the night was: Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, the First Noel and Silent Night. We sounded terrible and off tune, singing along to the lyrics, but I loved it. Our parents had wine while we had cans of Maltina served in between each set. The best part was having my mum get up to sing Silent Night while we all watched. I still think it was the wine, because she was usually quite conservative. 

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    The night ended with a feast of rice, chicken and salad finding their way into our stomachs. There was laughter and chatter into the rest of the night. We spent the last few days of the holiday in between game nights at their house and a trip to Victoria falls for the New year together. Even with just our neighbours, it didn’t feel like Christmas away from family back in Zimbabwe. 

    When we moved back to Nigeria, I missed the connected feeling I felt in Zimbabwe.  There was food, family visits and getting treats, but it lacked the quiet intimacy of Harare . I hope I get to take my kids to experience Zimbabwe all over again with my own family. Christmas was such a beautiful time there.

    If you’re bored, take some Zikoko quizzes to spice up your day.

    7 Alternative Animals You can Kill this Christmas

  • What makes Christmas tick? Is it the Christmas spirit, food, family jokes or the quiet day you get because you were forgotten while travel plans were made? Reminisce with nostalgia as seven Nigerians share their favourite Christmas memories with Zikoko; the places and people that shaped their love for the season.

    • Christmas Series

    Between my little sister, mum, dad and I, Christmas was pretty laid back each year. We weren’t the type to throw parties or open presents under a tree; for us, Christmas was about food and laziness. I got to eat stuff I wouldn’t find in the cupboard on any other day of the year: chocolates, juice, and biscuits. And Christmas mornings were my favourite because we didn’t wake up to chores. Everything that needed to be cleaned was brushed or mopped the day before. 

    My favourite Christmas started this way, with something extra special from NEPA. I remember this particular Christmas because we had uninterrupted power for two whole days at our flat on Simisola Street. It was so strange to wake up to light, then to have it all through the day and next? 

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    My sister and I woke up earlier than usual that Christmas, maybe due to the strange wind blowing us from the fan once they brought the light. The first thing I did with this gift from NEPA was rush into the living room to catch those early morning cartoons on cable. I switched on the Toshiba TV and cosied up on the couch with my sister. Thanks to our youngness, when Mumsi got up to cook two hours later at 8 a.m., we were allowed to continue watching TV. Mumsi loved to bake for Christmas. If I try, I can usually picture her in the kitchen, throwing in the ingredients in a bowl, mixing flour with milk for cakes and nutmeg for chin-chin. 

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    We had moved from cartoons to film and were in the middle of Dr Dolittle when dad walked in with treats for the day. These snacks usually came from the hampers he received from work. The hamper for this particular Christmas was so big, I’d been excited since the day he brought it in. It had huge bottles of cashew nuts, two jars of Horlicks, Goody Goody and then there were these cookies in a big, shiny, round blue container. They looked so elite. Sadly, we weren’t getting any of it until Christmas afternoon.

    So when my dad walked in with the shiny blue tin, opened it and handed us three pieces each, My tastebuds were ready to be bamboozled. I wanted to savour every bite. I nibbled on the edges of the first one, scratched my tongue against the sugar on the second and left the third for too long in my mouth as I tried to lengthen the experience. It was so milky, so sugary. I begged for some more.

    When mum was done in the kitchen, she handed us some bottles of mineral, with a plate of Jollof rice and grilled chicken for lunch. I took a sip of my drink and settled into the steamy plate of rice as we enjoyed the rest of the movies lined up for the day. 

    I don’t know if it was the cookies or just the feeling from laughing together in the living room watching Christmas movies. Maybe it was the electricity we had all day, but this Christmas was it. Once that cold bottle of Fanta hit the roof of my mouth and dissolved the remaining sugar stuck to my teeth, I knew no other Christmas experience could top this.

    If you’re bored this Christmas, take some Zikoko quizzes to spice up your day.

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  • It’s matching pyjamas season; the final hurdle of “God when” us singles need to cross. But fear not. We’ve come up with tips on how you can bypass this holiday tension.

    1. Hope for the best

    It’s three days until Christmas. Time is still on your side. Call that dispatch rider to deliver the pyjamas to your crush. It may end in disgrace, or they could show up at your doorstep. Just try.

    2. Wear the two at once

    This weather for two is another excuse to get cozy. So wear both of them. Who will know?

    3. Twin with your mother

    As long as there’s matching going on, you’re all good. What better way to end the year than a photoshoot with the person that loves you unconditionally?

    4. Get your dad involved

    If mummy abandons you on this journey, a father’s love is just as sweet to display online. You can also call him to fight the crush that abandoned you. Either way, you win.

    5. Stand in front of a mirror

    Self-love is the real game changer. Your reflection is all you need to pull that pyjamas off. Just stand there, look cute and take a mirror selfie.

    6. Plan a group photoshoot

    Na single you single, you no kill person. Invite your boys or girls, or just pick random people off the street. Post it and insert a deep quote on the value of friendship and it’s a wrap.

    7. Just end everything

    We’re not endorsing violence. But if all else fails, you have to end this trend once and for all. Burn your own first since it didn’t work out. Then ask any couple you see in matching pyjamas to remove it immediately and burn it. 

    8. Give up

    There’s only so much you can do honestly. We’ll try again next year.

  • Who does your boss think they are? Keeping you at the office when Christmas is only a week away? Don’t worry, as always, Zikoko has a solution. These are the steps to claim your title as the boss and CEO of your life, and get the hell out of that office for the holidays.

    1. Don’t show up at all

    My dear, do CEOs rush for anybody? No. You arrive when you arrive because na you dey steer this ship.

    2. Remove your shoes at the door

    If not showing up is too much of a risk for you, it’s okay. You can do this one. Just remove your shoes at the door and walk around the office barefoot. That’s the next step to letting them know you’ve arrived this season.

    3. Move your chair to the middle of the office

    You can jam some music too so the office can have holiday spirit.

    4. Call out his/her bullshit

    Are you fucking want wo se yeye mi! Since HR is sleeping, it’s better to take matters into your own hands. 

    5. Stop bathing and brushing for work 

    You can also move into the office. You have to be committed to this thing. By the time you say good morning twice, your oga can just evacuate the place on your behalf. 

    6. Bring your partner to the office

    There’s no reason to keep your love at bay anymore. If you need privacy, just tell the office to ask their boss to step out so you can have a bit of enjoyment while you work.

    7. Host your family for the day

    Remember when your boss said you were all one big family at the office? This is the time to prove that. Carry your village people with you to help out at the office. A few words of prayer and anointing oil will sanctify the office for a new year. They gonna see werey.

    Try any of these steps and HR will send holiday notice before the week runs out. Then you can chill and take some Zikoko quizzes during the break!

    [donation]

  • Are you going to meet an Azul sipping or a Dollar earning IJGB this December? Take this quiz to find out.

  • Press Release

    • A raft of events, festivals, and seasonal celebrations are planned to allow holidaymakers to ring in the New Year safely and enjoy the best of the destination in 2021 in style  
    • Greater booking flexibility, automatic multi-risk travel insurance coverage with every flight, a waiver of change fees on Emirates tickets and a one month visa extension enable visitors to extend their trip to Dubai 
    • Visitors from across the globe continue to enjoy Dubai’s leading attractions, facilities, and amenities in a safe and protected environment with stringent health and safety protocols

    Almost six months on from reopening its borders to international visitors on 7th July 2020, Dubai has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its residents and holidaymakers, whilst preparing to ring in 2021 in style.  

    Dubai continues to take effective steps under the guidance of the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai to build on the strategic initiative to reopen the city to tourists and facilitate travel while maintaining stringent health and safety protocols. With the New Year approaching, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Emirates have partnered to offer all those who have already travelled to Dubai the opportunity to extend their trip until 31st January 2021 with fees for date changes waived on flights when issued in the same travel class. Emirates is also offering a host of special fares for international travellers for bookings made by 3rd January 2021 and automatic multi-risk travel insurance coverage with every flight including cover for COVID-19 medical and in-trip quarantine costs extended for flights until 31st January 2021. In addition, tourist visas for all nationalities will be extended for one month free of charge. Now is the time for holidaymakers to make the most of their trip and experience even more of Dubai.  

    RING IN 2021 IN STYLE 

    When it comes to New Year’s countdowns, Dubai never falls short of expectations. Burj Khalifa’s breathtaking fireworks and light & laser show will be synchronized to The Dubai Fountain Show, and promises to reflect a true celebration of Dubai. Performances by international artists such as KISS at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai as well as DJ sets promise something for everyone to enjoy.

    HEAD TO THE BEACH FOR WINTER SUN  

    With January temperatures hovering in the mid-20s, Dubai’s beaches are perfect for those seeking winter sun.  From untouched shorelines ideal for family escapes to active watersports hubs populated by windsurfers, kitesurfers and bodyboarders, Dubai has a beach for everyone.    

    SHOP TILL YOU DROP  

    Dubai Shopping Festival is now in its 26th year and is held until 30th January 2021. Malls and shopping destinations come alive with family fun and entertainment, live concerts, unique markets, art installations and stage shows. With super sales, unmissable promotions and chances to win life-changing prizes it is the perfect place for those that want to enjoy retail therapy and exciting events all set against a backdrop of stunning light and fireworks shows.  

    COMEDY, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS GALORE 

    From comedy events to retail therapy to sporting activities, Dubai offers an exciting calendar of events all held in line with the highest safety standards. During the first quarter of 2021, renowned comedian Jack Whitehall hits the stage at Dubai World Trade Centre on 13th and 14th January, whilst breakout artist Calum Scott performs hits from his debut album ‘Only Human’ at Dubai Opera on 20th January as part of Dubai Shopping Festival.  Art buffs, literary fans and culture connoisseurs are also well catered for with seasonal exhibitions at trendy Alserkal Avenue as well as Emirates Airline Festival of Literature commencing on 29th January 2021.

    STAY, PLAY AND WORK FROM DUBAI 

    If 2020 was the year of working from home, then 2021 will be the year of virtual working.  With Dubai having announced the new virtual working programme, now is the time to take the plunge and work from one of the world’s most connected cities.  Entrepreneurs and flexible workers can extend their holiday and experience great quality of life and have access to convenient facilities and resources to help them further their career or grow their business. 

    His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “The remarkable vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai has been a huge inspiration to us, leading to the decisive and effective management of the pandemic. With 2021 on the horizon, we look forward to continuing to welcome first time and repeat visitors to Dubai, with stringent health protocols and precautionary measures firmly in place.  We are pleased to continue to work closely with our strategic partners Emirates, as well as our hospitality partners, allowing holidaymakers to experience the vibrant energy of Dubai and all our iconic attractions, fantastic culinary and shopping experiences, and exciting festivals and events with added reassurance and flexibility.”

    Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “Emirates has worked closely with all Dubai stakeholders to gradually restore our network and signature services, with all bio-safety measures in place. Since Dubai re-opened for international visitors, we’ve been seeing an upward trend in enquiries and bookings which reflects the confidence that travellers have in Dubai and in Emirates.   Today, Emirates is flying to nearly 100 cities across the world, providing easy access to Dubai for international travellers and offering a world class travel experience. Together with our strategic partner Dubai Tourism, we’re extending that experience with even more attractive offers, and the assurance of travel flexibility and care. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to Dubai in 2021.”

    Alexander Lee, Jumeirah Group’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “The opening of Dubai in July 2020 to international visitors had an incredibly positive impact on Jumeirah’s bookings from a number of overseas markets, a trend that has continued ever since. We are attributing this to both the breadth of offer we have here in Dubai, particularly our 2km private beachfront with its extensive pool, dining and spa offering, but also the certified health and safety measures in place for guest peace of mind, including Dubai Tourism’s Dubai Assured programme. Six of our hotels in Dubai have furthermore received the prestigious Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label, which we believe has gone a long way in helping to restore confidence for international travelers. As we move into 2021, we are looking forward to welcoming more international guests to experience our renowned hospitality, in particular our culinary experiences, such as French Riviera, our French Mediterranean concept on the beach at Jumeirah Al Qasr, and most recently SAL, a chic new beach concept and striking Southern European dining destination on The Terrace at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.”

    Tim Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s directive to extend tourist visas for one additional month without any government fees, represents a clear reflection of Dubai government’s generous support to help tourists to spend a stress-free new year’s holiday in Dubai.”

    “At Atlantis, The Palm we are ending 2020 with a bang with the world’s largest ever live-streamed event by rock legends KISS, together with a record-breaking firework and pyrotechnic display – the likes of which have yet to be seen – while, of course, maintaining stringent health and safety protocols. In line with Emirates’ special January fares, and the events lined up by Dubai Tourism across the emirate, Atlantis is also unlocking a host of exclusive offers for guests staying five nights or more from 2nd January to 30th April 2021 with its January sale. These include an array of adventures for guests to start ticking off their bucketlists for 2021, with international guests also benefitting from complimentary in-resort PCR tests.” 

    Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer, Accor India, Turkey, Middle East & Africa said: “It is clear that 2020 has been a year of challenges for the tourism and hospitality industry, however, as it comes to an end, it is very encouraging to see some positive business levels during the past few months, especially in the Dubai market. With a portfolio of more than 45 hotels in the city, brands ranging from economy, with Ibis and Novotel, to luxury with Raffles and Fairmont, Accor properties in Dubai have seen a positive trend from local tourism with an increase in demand for “staycations”, as well as a positive increase in stays from a number of regional and international visitors. The uptake in both of these markets has been mainly possible due to the vision, planning and quick implementation by the Dubai government, which quickly established Dubai on the map, even more than before, as a safe and secure destination for tourists to visit. 

    We are confident that with the ongoing safety precautions, which are being strictly implemented throughout our hotels and the city, alongside the large number of events and attractions that will be taking place in 2021, Dubai will continue to see positive signs in the market, which will also enable us to continue to open more hotels throughout the year, including the Rixos Dubai Hotel & Suites Jewel of the Creek in Deira and the SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences to name a few”.

    Going into 2021, Dubai will continue to strengthen its offering for leisure visitors with new attractions and hotels in the pipeline. In addition, Dubai will see the return of world-class events and festivals including Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, and in October 2021, Dubai will play host to the first ever World Expo to be held in this region.   

    About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

    With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.