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Riyadh municipality has announced new activities for this years Eid celebration, which will probably start on Sunday. A spokesman of the High Commission for Development of Riyadh said “The 2009 edition of Eid celebrations will begin with prayers and will highlight the festivity through a range of events and activities, featuring fireworks, concerts, shows, local plays, poetry sessions, and woman’s…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) will promote tourism in Abu Dhabi in the Leisure Moscow Exhibition, which runs from 22 September through 24 September. The exhibition is an opportunity for the ADTA to increase its profile in the Russian market. A dedicated pavilion will showcase hotels and new properties on Yas Island, which is hosting the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. ADTA…
Participation in international conferences and exhibitions in Dubai will increase between 10 and 15 per cent this year compared to 2008. Major exhibitions like the Dubai Airshow 2009, Media and Marketing Show, and the Big Five will have more exhibition space to accommodate higher demand this year. However, the international property investment and development exhibition Cityscape will probably see a 25 to…
The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort welcomed three new members – a pair of Chilean flamingos and a white bellied bustard. The resort is home to 4,300 members of the animal kingdom. The Chilean flamingos were born to a first time mother in the park one month ago and are in good health. The birds grow to between 110 cm and 130 cm in height and their colors range from pale pink to dark pink, depending on their…
The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments announced Haj pilgrims must furnish a health certificate showing they are free of the H1N1 virus in order to obtain an entry visa. The authority’s executive director said “We are joining hands with the Ministry of Health and other local health authorities to lay out the standard health form for the medical fitness certificate. Mohammed Obeid Al…
The number of visitors from the Middle East increased 6 per cent to 53,575 during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period last year. There has been double digit growth in tourism arrivals in Singapore from the Middle East for three consecutive years. Singapore Tourism Board area director for the Middle East said the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are the top visitor markets for Singapore from…
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced new Haj rules aimed at reducing the threat of the H1N1 virus. The new rules are being established for pilgrims and their home countries according to a senior official at the Saudi embassy. These include submission of a certificate of H1N1 vaccination it is available before Haj, and a valid certificate of vaccination against seasonal influenza two weeks before…
Patrick Enz was appointed as new Group CEO for Rizon, the business aviation company based in the Middle East and UK. Mr. Enz has worked both in both the airline industry and business and executive aviation. Before starting his own business aviation consultancy, he was Vice President of Business Development at Jet Aviation Management AG in Zurich.
Sea and infrastructure projects worth over US $26 billion are being planned or in progress in the UAE which will help firm the country’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. According to a report from Standard Chartered Bank, expanding sea ports and airports is an important way the nation can achieve economic diversity. Senior MENA economist for Standard Charter said “We believe that the government…
Lebanon’s has enjoyed consistent tourism growth during the economic downturn, as evidenced by launch of additional flydubai flights during Eid Al Fitr. The lastest World Economic Outlook Report released by the International Monetary Fund forecasts a 3 per cent GDP growth in 2009 and four per cent GDP growth in 2010. The Lebanese government expects 6 per cent GDP growth this year. The tourism industry…
During Ramadan Makkah bustles with sleepless activity and life and traversing the streets can become almost impossible at peak times. The crowds are fuller at places with popular foods and treats people eat to break their fast at Maghreb – including ful (mashed fava beans, tameez (popular Afghani flatbread) and sobia (a traditional drink made from either raisins or bread). When the call for Maghreb prayer…
Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas will arrive at her new home in Dubai in 138 days. This will be Royal Caribbean’s first ship based in the Middle East. Royal Caribbean is the biggest and most innovative cruise company in the world. Brilliance of the Seas will dock at its home port in Dubai on 18 January 2010 then will sail to Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. Business Tourism…
Amadeus Syria said they achieved positive growth rate and have successfully increased their business with Syria travel agents over the past seven months. Amadeus is a technology provider to the travel and tourism industry. Amadeus Syria is a joint partnership between Amadeus and Syrian Arab Airlines. They began operations in Syria in January 2009 and achieved a 70% market share in June. General Manager for…
Watani volunteers and Sharjah scouts distributed Harees plates to residents of Bin Tunaij and Bin Ketb communities in Al Dhaid. Harees distribution is aims at reinforcing and highlighting UAE heritage and tradition of caring for the community during Ramadan. Harees is a traditional Khaleeji food. Federal National Council member Khalifa bin Hwaiden said “I thank Watani for its relentless efforts in…
Haj authorities in Egypt have decided to cut the number of Haj pilgrims by 40 per cent this year to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. About 80,000 Egyptian pilgrims come for Haj each year. Chairman of the National Haj Committee in Saudi Arabia said the Egyptian Higher committee for Haj “decided to cut the number of Haj pilgrims to be sent from that country by 40 per cent in view of the increasing reports of…
Abu Dhabi will tourism staff customer service in the capital after a Government study showed the need for specialist training. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority commissioned the four month study, which involved sending undercover people into hotels and tourist attractions to assess how staff managed customers. They also conducted interviews for their staff. The study showed that many staff need to improve…
Travel companies expect the Eid Al Fitr break to increase travel business 5 per cent compared to last year. Al Rais Travel senior manager said “We are getting a lot of enquiries for the weekend before Eid as people are looking to take short breaks.” Waseem Rahmeny said they expect outbound business to pick up between 2 per cent and 5 per cent compared to last year although conservative forecasts say business…
Dubai Metro will be closed at midnight for maintenance, but a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official said timings may change based on passenger feedback, which has been mixed. Some complain that the malls close late and mall officials say there will be sufficient free parking available. During Ramadan the metro will be closed from 12 am midnight to 6 am and 11 pm to 6 am between Saturday and Thursday,…
