Our Project Director Philippa Edwards recently attended the inaugural XSLI industry networking event for UK and European buyers hosted in Dubai — a trip she describes as “unforgettable.”
Hotel
The event took place at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, U.A.E., the sister property to Atlantis The Palm.
Opened in 2016, the ultra-luxury resort impressed Philippa with its blend of lavish design, top-tier amenities, and 5-star service. The hotel’s three towers, Sunrise and Sunset for guest rooms, and an exclusive residencies tower, reflected the wealth and prestige it attracts. With 795 rooms, suites, and signature penthouses, including the 4-bedroom Royal Mansion, the property offered a truly indulgent experience, from luxurious bedrooms to impeccable service.
programme
The four-day programme, curated by the XSLI team, in partnership with DMC 2xceed and represented by Mundus Representation, was exceptionally well considered. The thoughtful combination of pre-matched 1:1 meetings and immersive, on-location cultural experiences created the perfect balance between meaningful business and genuine engagement. Each meeting was carefully selected based on attendees’ business profiles, ensuring every conversation was relevant and worthwhile. The concise 10-minute format kept discussions focused, energised, and impactful—allowing strong first impressions to be made with ease.
Experiences
As part of the programme, attendees were invited to immerse themselves in a series of destination-themed experiences before engaging in their 1:1 business meetings. Each activation was designed to bring a location to life, offering a flavour of what each destination could deliver for future events. Experiences included:
- A “Dubai” showcase featuring a perfume-making experience at The View at The Palm, hosted at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm.
- An “Abu Dhabi” themed culinary tasting, highlighting the destination’s rich flavours and hospitality.
- A “Ras Al Khaimah” water-based experience, demonstrating how to identify natural pearls from oysters.
- A “French Riviera” inspired catamaran experience with refreshments, passing iconic landmarks such as Ain Dubai and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
- A vibrant “Spain” activation featuring an interactive drumming workshop paired with freshly made churros.
- A “Portugal” cooking masterclass led by a chef at Atlantis The Royal, where guests prepared a delicious octopus salad.
In addition to the structured programme, there was the opportunity to select one independent activity to experience Dubai as a destination in its own right. This included exploring the souks and historic districts of old Dubai, travelling by traditional river boat, and visiting the gold and spice markets, alongside hidden art galleries that showcase the city’s rich culture and heritage.
Evenings
Evenings were just as memorable as the daytime programme, offering a mix of exceptional dining and standout entertainment:
- Seascapes at Atlantis The Royal: beachfront dining complemented by live cooking stations and captivating performances.
- White Lotus Party at Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal: a luxurious poolside experience with floating sun loungers and panoramic views.
- Luna Rooftop at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: renowned not only for its skyline setting but also for an unforgettable tiramisu.
- Final Night Yacht Event: a seamless celebration of fine food, drinks, and music, expertly organised by 2xceed.
The combination of carefully curated business meetings, immersive destination showcases, and exceptional hospitality ensured the XSLI event stood out as a truly memorable and valuable industry experience, leaving lasting impressions and meaningful new connections.
Thinking about Dubai for your next event or incentive?
