Famous for its food, architecture, culture and fashion, Italy has long been a popular destination for visitors from the Gulf who flock to the country to visit Rome's antiquities, Florence's art, Venice's canals and pizza from Naples. And although some destinations across the Mediterranean nation are struggling with overtourism, other locales are intent on attracting more holidaymakers.
One such place is Milan, or Milano in Italian. The capital of the Lombardy region is one of the world’s fashion centres and is home to what could arguably be called one of the most famous shopping districts. This summer, the northern Italian city is on a mission to attract more Gulf tourists. But what is so special about Italy’s second-most populated city?
“Milano offers a perfect blend of the best of 'made in Italy', starting with our fashion and design, which are highly renowned worldwide,” Fiorenza Lipparini, director general of Milan & Partners, the city's official destination management organisation, tells The National in an exclusive interview.
“Visitors can enjoy world-renowned Italian craftsmanship, explore historical landmarks and immerse themselves in the dynamic cultural atmosphere that make Milano a unique destination. This is enriched by cutting-edge art galleries, lively cultural events and exclusive dining experiences.”
Record-breaking visitor numbers
The wealth of attractions is what drives Milan's record-breaking tourism numbers. The city recorded a 7 per cent rise in visitor numbers between January and June, compared to the same period last year. International visitor numbers are a fast-growing segment, with foreign tourists accounting for 61.7 per cent of visits in 2023, compared to a little more than 50 per cent in 2019, before the global pandemic.
From the Middle East and the Gulf, visitor numbers accounted for 3.8 per cent of total foreign visits in 2023, a statistic that Milan's official destination management organisation is hoping to bolster this year with a new tourism campaign. Called "Milano, more than a trip. A lifestyle," the promotion was inspired by the city itself, explains Lipparini.
"Milano is not just a city to be visited but to be lived. It embodies a distinct mood and vibe, and offers a unique and unparalleled variety of activities throughout the summer season. Each of its neighbourhoods tells its own story, filled with emotions, secrets and traditions that are waiting to be uncovered," adds Lipparini.
The reason for targeting travellers from the Gulf is simple: they spend more and stay longer than most other visitors.
Since 2023, spending by UAE visitors in the city has increased by 32 per cent and by 11 per cent from visitors from Saudi Arabia. Tourists from these countries are now among the leading spenders in Milan, with an average expenditure of €2,000 ($2,165) per card. As well as increased spending power, Gulf tourists tend to visit for longer.
“While three to five days is generally long enough to experience Milano’s highlights and engage in its primary attraction and activities, tourists from the GCC often stay longer,” says the director general. And that delights the city's tourism authorities, as it gives visitors time to take in Milan's wealth of neighbourhoods.
"Milano is a true lifestyle where every street, cafe and cultural landmark reflects its vibrant character and authentic charm. As you wander you can truly breathe in the essence of Milano, immersing yourself in the dynamic atmosphere that defines the city," says Lipparini.
Spending power and penchants for long holidays aside, Lipparini also believes people from Italy and the Middle East share a unique bond.
“Italy and travellers from the GCC share a cultural cornerstone: hospitality. This shared value creates a harmonious connection which, combined with personalised experiences, makes Italy a popular destination for those seeking an unforgettable journey made of elegance, culture and natural beauty."
Capitalising on that connection, Milan’s hospitality scene has been putting a strong focus on providing services catered to visitors from the Middle East.
“High-end hotels are enhancing their services to better meet the specific needs and preferences of guests from the GCC. This includes providing specialised amenities and halal dining options. For guests seeking privacy, luxury accommodations offer exclusive suites, while concierge services offer tailored experiences as well as discreet assistance," says Lipparini.
The city's luxury hotels employ multilingual staff and offer family-friendly amenities that are ideal for multi-generational travel. Milan also has several accessible mosques. The biggest of these is in the suburb of Segrate, while Al Wahid is in the city's historic centre, near the Navigli – Milan's canal-lined district. And more amenities are on the way near Viala Esterle Mosque, due to open in 2026 with a two-storey prayer hall spanning 750 square metres.
Given Milan's recent record-breaking visitor numbers, it's easy to assume that overtourism is a concern for the city, but Lipparini clarifies that doesn't concern her.
“Milano has a well-developed infrastructure capable of accommodating a large influx of visitors without overwhelming the city. Our tourism campaigns are designed to promote a balanced distribution of visitors across various neighbourhoods and attractions, rather than concentrating them in a few hotspots. We aim to diversify tourist flows in order to allow visitors to explore the city's eclectic districts."
But which of these districts is best for finding cultural charms? Where should visitors go for luxury shopping and which spot offers the best undiscovered treasures? Here’s a guide to Milan’s must-see neighbourhoods, with the inside scoop from the director general of Milan's official destination management organisation.
Five neighbourhoods to visit in Milan
Best for culture: Brera
Traditionally, Brera has been a hotspot for travellers from the Gulf visiting Milan. Famous for its elegance and cultural charm, it's filled with cobbled streets and literary cafes, and is also home to the city's best museum.
“Just a few steps away from the Duomo and renowned for being a hub of artists and art enthusiasts, Brera is home to the prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera, a treasure of Italian Renaissance that hosts unique masterpieces of the likes of Hayez, Caravaggio. Mantegna and Raffaello,” says Lipparini.
"Wander through cobblestone alleys in this neighbourhood which exudes art everywhere and is filled with small artisan shops, perfume workshops, gardens, bistros, markets and many courtyards to admire behind the doors of historic buildings."
Best for something new: Isola
For visitors keen to avoid busy nightlife and bars and instead explore something new, Isola is a good choice. Known for its modern and eclectic atmosphere, it's the place to go for a host of culturally enriching activities.
Lipparini explains: "Visitors can explore the Bosco Verticale, a pair of residential towers that are a marvel of modern architecture and urban sustainability. The area is also home to a variety of unique boutiques, artisanal shops and cosy cafes.
"I would recommend taking a walk through the maze of streets to experience the traditional atmosphere of old Milano, all the way to Piazza Gae Aulenti – a pedestrian square surrounded by skyscrapers where visitors can walk on water thanks to a series of walkways that cross over a central pool surrounded by dancing water fountains."
Best hidden gem: Porta Venezia
To the east of the city, Porta Venezia is one of Milan's most-loved neighbourhoods that's a great place to discover the unexpected. Easily walkable or explored on two-wheels, the district is flamboyant, cultured and multi-ethnic and a place where beautiful Milanese buildings, manicured gardens and frenzied main streets fuse.
"Visitors can discover the exquisite Villa Necchi Campiglio, an early 20th-century architectural marvel designed by Piero Portaluppi, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Milano’s elite with its elegant interiors and lush gardens. Not far from Villa Necchi, Villa Invernizzi is another noteworthy residence. With its private and stunning garden, it is home to a colony of pink flamingos, adding an enchanting touch to the area," shares Lipparini.
Best for quintessential Milan: Porto Romana
"My personal favourite neighbourhood in Milano is Porta Romana. It’s one of the oldest and iconic neighbourhoods in Milano steeped with numerous restaurants, bars, kiosks and cafes, with meals and aperitifs to suit any palate," says the tourism director general. "And summer is not summer without a refreshing dip at the Bagni Misteriosi outdoor pools and a visit to the Teatro Franco Parenti."
As well as its thriving culinary scene, the area is the site of the Porto Romana arch, the original and most important gateway to Milan and the place from where the road to ancient Rome started. South-east of central Milan, the district is rich in history and has a vibrant cultural scene. It's also the neighbourhood currently undergoing the most transformation as it readies to host the Olympic Village for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Best for luxury shopping: Quadrilatero della Moda
As Milan's biggest spenders, visitors from the Gulf keen to flex their credit cards in Italy should make a beeline for Quadrilatero della Modais. The city's luxury shopping district is one of the most famous in the world, up there with the likes of Fifth Avenue in New York and Avenue des Champs Elysees in Paris. The entire neighbourhood comprises elegant thoroughfares and luxury shops.
"Encompassing Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia, this area is renowned for its high-end boutiques, designer stores and upscale shopping experiences, making it a central hub for visitors interested in luxury fashion and shopping," says Lipparini.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
Match info:
Burnley 0
Manchester United 2
Lukaku (22', 44')
Red card: Marcus Rashford (Man United)
Man of the match: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)
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Kibsons%20Cares
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THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019 remaining schedule:
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
Friday April 26: Finals, 3-6pm
Saturday April 27: Awards ceremony, 4pm and 8pm
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
More about Middle East geopolitics
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
Details
Through Her Lens: The stories behind the photography of Eva Sereny
Forewords by Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling, ACC Art Books
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Company%C2%A0profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
Honeymoonish
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
Juvenile arthritis
Along with doctors, families and teachers can help pick up cases of arthritis in children.
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks.
Dr Betina Rogalski said "The younger the child the more difficult it into pick up the symptoms. If the child is small, it may just be a bit grumpy or pull its leg a way or not feel like walking,” she said.
According to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in US, the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Usually it affects the knees, hands, and feet, and it’s worse in the morning or after a nap.
Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee, excessive clumsiness, having a high fever and skin rash are other symptoms. Children may also have swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body.
Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems and can cause bones and joints to grow unevenly.
In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.
Getting there
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town daily. Flights cost from about Dh3,325, with a flying time of 8hours and 15 minutes. From there, fly South African Airlines or Air Namibia to Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, for about Dh850. Flying time is 2 hours.
The stay
Wilderness Little Kulala offers stays from £460 (Dh2,135) per person, per night. It is one of seven Wilderness Safari lodges in Namibia; www.wilderness-safaris.com.
Skeleton Coast Safaris’ four-day adventure involves joining a very small group in a private plane, flying to some of the remotest areas in the world, with each night spent at a different camp. It costs from US$8,335.30 (Dh30,611); www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com
Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.