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Dubai’s Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said he is satisfied with progress on the new $4.2 billion metro system. During an inspection of the new transport system on Monday, he said the new system will bring in more tourists. He said when completed Dubai Metro will “attract more holiday makers to the UAE, giving a boost to internal tourism and energizing and diversifying the local…
Travel bookings in Jeddah have dropped 25% this year due to a shorter summer schedule and the swine flu virus, according to one Jeddah based travel agent. CEO of Departure Point Travel and Tourism Company said “The rates are competitive this year compared to last year, but still demand is less than expected.” Al Faqeeh said this year tourists are tending to go to cheaper countries like Egypt, Malaysia, and…
A top government official reported the Dubai tourism sector is performing well with an average 81% occupancy rate during the first quarter of 2009. The Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing spoke about Dubai’s tourism sector at a meeting of the Dubai Economic Council on Saturday. Khaled bin Sulayem said Dubai has maintained the average 81% occupancy rate since 2004 and it is…
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said yesterday tourism in the UAE grew 3% in the first four months of the year, bucking the global trend. However, tourist numbers in the Middle East dropped more than in any other region of the world. The UN groups World Tourism Barometer said tourism fell 18% between January 2009 and April 2009 compared to the same period last year, while tourism declined 8%. In…
Jeddah Labor Minster urged coffee shop and restaurant owners to create a conducive working environment for the Saudi worker. Speaking to the Hospitality Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, Ghazi Al-Gosaibi said he will do his best to remove any obstacles “facing the Saudization of jobs in this sector. He said “Restaurants and coffee shops are important areas of work Saudis…
The UAE is gearing up to be the center for global events, preparing promotions that will bring the business meetings and convention sector to new heights. UAE is already seen as the MICE hub in the region (Meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions). Managing Director for Epoc Messe Frankfurt said Dubai has “emerged as the definitive MICE hub in the region.”. Elisabeth Brehl said the MICE sector is…
Historic treasures have been unearthed by municipal employees in Jeddah’s historic center, which has hundreds of homes dating back to the 14th century. The items include cannonballs, an old dagger, and a cache of artifacts. The municipal employees are attempting to preserve old buildings in the historic center. The recovered items will be delivered to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities to date…
Thailand has extended a tourist visa fee waiver through 4 March 2010. Middle East and UAE tourists may travel to Thailand without paying the visa fee during this time. Thai Consul General said the Thai government is temporarily waiving the tourist visa fee because of an increase in the number of applications for tourist visas. Pasan Teparak said applications for a tourist visa from the Middle East…
Air Arabia today announced a special summer promotion that will bring families and friends together in the UAE. Air Arabia is the first and biggest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa. Air Arabia is offering round trip tickets for only AED975 and a one month UAE tourist visa. The destinations eligible for the offer include Sharjah, UAE and any of the other 46 destinations served by the…
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched an H1N1 public awareness campaign for UAE residents and tourists. SCTDA is collaborating with the UAE to launch the initative, which was prompted by the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of the worldwide pandemic alert level change to Phase 6. This level indicates a pandemic is under way. The swine flu presents a real threat to…
ANC Holdings partnered with Amusement Whitewater (AWW) for $10 billion of new projects over the next five years. The deal will give ANC Holdings a significant share of the entertainment market in the GCC. ANC Holdings Chairman said they want to take AWW “anywhere in the GCC where we can build and create parks.” AWW and its partners ANC Holdings and Flag Holdings – based in Abu Dhabi, will develop new theme…
The Oman News Agency reported on Tuesday that UAE and Oman officials met to discuss ways to facilitate cross border travel between the two countries. Both sides considered a number of initiatives aimed at easing border crossings for tourists and expatriate residents. Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior were among those leading the…
An industry expert says the number of Middle East business jet flights fell 20% during the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. Chairman and founder of private jet operator VistaJet says this shows that even in the Middle East, companies are affected by economic crunch. Thomas Flohr explained “In the first quarter the world was still in shock and wondering where the financial…
Director of Bahrain International Airport, Mohammed Tamer Al Kaabi said the number of passengers departing from Bahrain International Airport this summer has dropped between 20% and 25% compared to the same period last year. The fall in passenger departures is attributed to the impact of the global financial crisis and the swine flu. Al Kaabi said the number of people flying into the US, Canada, and Europe…
Passengers transiting form countries hit by the H1N1 virus are tested and treated locally in Dubai. During the transit period in Dubai, passengers are quickly tested on the aircraft before disembarking. Head of Infectious Disease Unit in Rashid Hospital explained “A special ambulance takes doctors to the aircraft to test passengers where a rapid test is carried out.” Dr. Abudulla Ustadi said patients testing…
Dubai Sports City, the world’s only purpose build sports city, will play a pivotal role in Dubai’s bid to host the 2020 Olympics. One of the partners and founders of Sports City, regarded as the brains behind the creation of the world class sports facility, indicated it will be completed by 2011. Abdul Rahman Bukhatir said they have already delivered the cricket stadium and the hockey stadium is almost…
Oman believes that growing fears of swine flue will cause a record number of Gulf tourists to visit the resort town of Salalah this year, as they seek safer holiday destinations. Last year Salalah, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, attracted the highest number of UAE vacationers and official believe this year another record will be achieved. Ministry of Tourism undersecretary said they expect a higher…
Machine Readable Passports (MRP) in Pakistan have a technical fault and this is causing a backlog in the UAE and causing many to cancel or postpone their holiday plans. The passport booklets are laminated in Islamabad then delivered worldwide. The Pakistani community says their delay is hampering their holiday plans. Currently delivery of the passport takes about a month but the normal delivery time is about…
