The Heart of Europe, an idyllic staycation destination at The World Islands in Dubai, is bringing Italy to Arabian shores with its Portofino Festival, a picturesque celebration of Italian beauty featuring gourmet cuisine, vibrant culture, and iconic music. Running from June 5 to June 27, 2026, the Portofino Festival promises an authentic Italian experience across three of The Heart of Europe’s hotels: voco Dubai Monaco, voco Dubai Nice, and Sweden Beach Palace.
It is the third European-themed festival hosted at The Heart of Europe this year, following European Ramadan and Tunaria – an ongoing bluefin tuna culinary experience inspired by Spanish fishing traditions that continues every Friday due to popular demand following its official conclusion in May.
During Portofino Festival, staycationers will be treated to a welcome Lobby Show featuring a dazzling showcase of Italian culture. A Lagoon Pool Party will have DJs spinning dance music at the Lagoon Bar in the afternoon. The Stardust Pizza Show will feature live pizza-making performances by acclaimed Italian chefs and an authentic aperitivo culture with appetisers and drinks to keep guests entertained throughout the evening. The Benvenuto A Portofino Gala Dinner will welcome guests to dine under the showers of the Raining Street, accompanied by interactive performances from 7:30pm onwards.
The night will get livelier with Rouge Underground Experience – a duo of shows that will set the tone for a dazzling late-night experience. It includes Nocturna, an avant-garde cabaret performance at 10pm. At the stroke of midnight, the Stardust Late Show will introduce guests to an enigmatic, intimate underground atmosphere amplified by immersive performances, music, and elevated nightlife energy.
The following morning, guests can enjoy a lavish breakfast featuring fresh pastries, rich coffee, and Italian breakfast specialties at the Buongiorno Breakfast Show, which also includes an immersive ‘Breakfast in the Rain’. They can then unwind at pools or engage in aqua aerobics, gym sessions, and wellness activities.
During the Portofino Festival, The Heart of Europe will be dressed in the vibrant colours of Italy, evoking the infectious energy of Portofino. With heat at its peak and the summer vacation round the corner, the island masterplan presents itself as a refreshing staycation destination for the UAE residents who prefer unwinding at local luxury retreats to the hassle of flights and international holiday itineraries.
Josef Kleindienst, the founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group, said that The Heart of Europe is a manifestation of belongingness, giving the UAE residents a destination they can visit and call their own. The island draws inspiration from Josef Kleindienst’s visits to island retreats in Europe, and it stands unique by connecting people through culture and interactive experiences.
“There are similar island retreats in Germany and Italy; however, they are usually inhabited by locals. In Dubai, where diversity brims at every nook and corner, we wanted to build a place that unites people of all nationalities. They can come here to thrive in the thrill of music, connect over gastronomic penchants, unwind and bask in nature’s goodness, and create many memories that will keep them revisiting,” Josef Kleindienst said.
“Portofino Festival is one of our many initiatives that elevates The Heart of Europe into a destination from a piece of ultra-luxury real estate. It reveals the wonders of the world, showcasing different cultures that shape identities, and welcomes visitors to discover traditions through meaningful experiences. During the festival, we promise our guests an enticing stay featuring Italian traditions and performances rooted in authenticity,” he added.
The festival is the third lifestyle offering exclusively developed by NuArt after European Ramadan and Tunaria at The Heart of Europe. NuArt is an Italian event concept and show production company specialising in curating interactive entertainment inspired by fashion and art.
Rodolfo Diaz Utra, Art Director at NuArt Events, emphasised that Portofino Festival is essentially an authentic reflection of Italian culture, harmoniously blending food, art, dance, and music in a visually appealing package for hotel guests.
“We are excited for guests to discover a thoughtfully packaged day-to-night Italian lifestyle at The Heart of Europe. From gourmet cuisine to inspiring art and captivating music, each event has been designed to deliver an authentic experience full of memories,” Rodolfo said.
A discerning demand for domestic travel and staycations is shaping the tourism industry in the UAE. Following the recent flight disruptions, there has been a surge in interest among residents for local destinations that offer immersive and rejuvenating experiences.
UAE domestic tourism is a rapidly expanding pillar of the national economy, with domestic visitors contributing over Dh57 billion in annual spending, according to a UAE Government report, that says, “Driven by the UAE Strategy for Domestic Tourism, residents enjoy a seamless mix of natural reserves, cultural heritage sites, and world-class staycations.”
According to a survey conducted by Platinumlist, an online entertainment ticketing platform, 63 per cent of residents planned hotel staycations for the recent Eid holidays, while 73 per cent expected to spend the weekend within the country.
Aligning with the current trends, The Heart of Europe offers a new twist to experiential living. As the mercury keeps rising in the Gulf, it is customary for many residents to resort to cooler European summers every year. The Heart of Europe is disrupting this market trend by bringing the beauty and ambience of European countries to the UAE instead, presenting itself as the go-to island paradise for vacationers.
This is ideal for those who have been seeking a destination to relax as well as enjoy authentic cultural experiences from different parts of the world – all at the same time and at the same place. The Heart of Europe has started to bring the best of the world’s authentic cultures and cuisines in one place for people to go out, stay, and taste.
The Heart of Europe is a uniquely designed holiday destination that encompasses six islands, each inspired by the glamour and luxury of European countries. It is a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Dubai, thereby positioning itself as an exotic island escape. Pristine waters, eclectic marine life, and lush greenery surround the shores of each island. Floating villas frequent close to the islands, each featuring breath-taking views of the underwater world. A meticulously engineered Raining Street creates a breezy atmosphere for hotel guests, offering a glimpse of European showers.
Portofino Festival is part of a series of lifestyle activities planned by The Heart of Europe for the coming months. The destination will feature some of the world’s firsts, including the already operational Raining Street, the Snow Plaza which is under construction, and the floating homes with underwater bedrooms. The masterplan has ensured that the marine ecosystem remains unaffected by establishing the Coral Institute. Sustainability is a core aspect of its design, with solar-powered operations facilitated at every property.
Guests can also sample hot day treats from a lemonade kiosk and gelato station while making a beeline for Italian bubbles in the stylish lighthouse surroundings of the Prosecco chambers – or a range of authentic refreshments at bar beside the olive garden.
Time it right and a guest could catch one of the regular aquatic ballet shows at the performance pool to complete an unforgettable, chic waterfront lifestyle experience for all-year-round fun and relaxation. Just six kilometres from Dubai’s mainland, The Heart of Europe is set to appeal to UAE residents, seeking European culture without taking a flight.
