In Hong Kong Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year but New Year’s Eve, December 31st, is not far behind and is celebrated with countdowns, fireworks displays and much partying. One of the most crowded New Year’s Eve venues is the countdown at Times Square. If getting jostled by thousands of people is fun, then this is the venue for you. Live music makes the waiting bearable and taking along something to eat and drink will definitely enhance the experience. When the time is right everyone joins in the countdown after which a four minute multi coloured fireworks display bursts overhead and there is much hugging and celebratory handshakes around. The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is what the whole world associates …

One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky. The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon …

The UAE celebrates its National Day collectively for two days from the 2nd of December. It commemorates the 1971 ending of a treaty signed with the UK in 1892 and the decision of seven separate sheikdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman and Ras Al Kaimah to unify forming the present country also in the same year. The National Day celebrated in all the emirates usually starts on the final day of November if there is a long weekend involved. The lead up to the big day is celebrated with a series of free public events such as hot air balloon rides, concerts by khaleeji performers, falconry competitions, regattas, carnivals, art shows and night markets. On the day itself residents across …

If you are looking for a unique way to ring in the New Year 2014, why not head over to paradise in the Maldives? No matter which of the excellent Maldives luxury resorts you choose to stay at, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable auld lang syne. Collapse into an elite Maldives villa after partying into the New Year, where you’ll be well pampered and spoiled at the Baros Maldives. All of the hotels dotting this charming tropical archipelago have a grand itinerary prepared to give all guests an utterly unforgettable party beach December 31st. The rarity of this once-annual event means that all New Year celebrations can be quite pricey, but you will be treated to perks such as a grand gala dinner and free flowing champagne to toast good …

Christmas in Maldives is truly a joyous one. Maldives luxury resorts celebrate it best but for a more intimate and sublime celebration, choose a Maldives villa such as the Baros Maldives. The whole archipelago clothes itself in Christmas attire for this glorious festival in colourful strings of fairy lights, tinsel, various baubles and decorations. The streets are busy as natives go out to buy gifts for their loved ones to gift to one another on Christmas day. Embellished pine branches and Christmas fir trees decorate households during this time of the year which is usually filled with much joy and laughter. Another popular activity that goes on at this time is the purchasing of new cloths for going to midnight mass on Christmas day. Many families go out and …

The Dubai Air Show has been proven to be an amazing success as it was hosted even in 2011 and drew in a crowd of over 50,000 trade visitors. There were 960 exhibitors at the previous show and media personnel from across the world flew into Dubai to witness the event. The features of this year’s event are bound to attract a lot of people as there will be a Future’s Day showcasing colleges and academic institutions where you can pursue a career in aviation. Prominent aviation institutes will come in on the last day of the event and discuss career paths available and inspire young people to join the industry. Another spectacular feature of the 2013 show is the Green Project. A separate section …