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Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, has said that Abu Dhabi will have 14,000 new hotel rooms within three years, bringing the total number of hotel rooms to 26,000 by 2012. "So far, there is no a noticeable effect by the international crisis on the rates of hotel occupancy in Abu Dhabi. The impact of the international financial crisis on the tourism sector, in case…
From December 12, Swiss diplomatic missions in the UAE will implement the Schengen visa system for visitors to their country. The Schengen scheme, which covers most of Europe, eliminates border controls between participating states. A visitor with the visa can enter any of the participating countries without having to obtain a separate visa for each country. "Our country is surrounded by states that are…
The Dubai Mall, the newest addition to Dubai’s shopping and entertainment scene is breaking one record after the other. Just five days since its launch, the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre has attracted a record turnout of more than 60000 visitors. More than 5000 skating buffs also visited the Dubai Ice Rink. Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said "The impressive visitor turn-out to The…
At a charge of SR5000 per person, approximately 8000 local pilgrims will be accommodated in new buildings in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The decision came after 14 days of negotiations between the Ministry of Hajj, domestic pilgrim service companies and the company in charge of the Mina foothills project. It was decided that buildings would be rented to 32 Tawafa domestic pilgrim companies for a period of two years,…
Movement in and out of Palm Jumeirah will be strictly restricted on Thursday, when galaxy of stars and A-list invitees will join pop star Kylie Minogue for the official opening of the Atlantis Hotel. In a circular to the residents, Nakheel Asset Management, which manages Palm Jumeirah, said that residents should reach their properties by 4pm on Thursday after which they will be required to carry special passes…
Qatar’s most popular and the award winning Indian restaurant chain “The Garden” launched its first overseas outlet in Dubai, Qusais. The outlet has been named “The D’Garden Casual and Xprez Restaurant”. The restaurant has been designed with dual dining sections- one section will serve authentic Indian cuisine and the other section will serve a mix of Indian fast food combined with international cuisines, with…
The Middle East Business Aviation Show saw the display of Eclipse 500, the world’s smallest lightest jet aircraft courtesy Dubai-based Palm Aviation and Turkey’s MyJet. The Eclipse 500, which will be performing flight demonstrations after the three day event, is designed to be cost effective, safe and reliable, with excellent fuel mileage and is fitted with twin turbofan engines and fire suppression system for…
According to a press release, Abu Dhabi Tourism authority (ADTA) has announced a five year strategic plan for 2008-2012 under which the ADTA aims to bring in 2.7 million hotel guests to the emirate by 2012. Abu Dhabi recently celebrated its second year as official Premier Partner at World Travel Market 2008 as the four-day show came to a close yesterday. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA Chairman,…
$1 billion worth Vision 3’ Hospitality Development Fund (HDF) of the Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH)’s is in process of finalising a number of deals just weeks after its launch, targeting raising $300 million by the first quarter of 2009. The current projects under consideration are based in the MENASA region and include a total of six projects under the Porta Moda and Entertainment City concept, in addition…
Addressing the media at the ongoing World Travel Mart 2008 in London, Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said that, owing to the rapid growth experienced by the tourism sector over the last five years, the influx of tourists into Sharjah is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2012. He also added “While tourism is today one of Sharjah’s…
Close on the heels of AbuDhabi ’s announcement, Oman tourism authorities have announced that they will go ahead with their plans fordevelopment of tourism in the country, despite the current financial crisis. Dr Rajiha bint Abdulameer binAli, the Minister of Tourism, said “The current financial crisis will have noimpact on tourism projects in the Sultanate,” She further added thatagreements for all major…
The Dubai Desert ConservationReserve (DDCR) has been accepted as an official member of the InternationalUnion for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making it the first wildlife andconservation area in the UAE to be formally declared a Protected Area. The DDCRis also home to the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa. Source: www.ameinfo.com
The Tiger Woods Dubai, a part of Tatweer Dubai, on Monday said that construction of the 55-million square foot golf community development is rapidly progressing and is on track for its scheduled; end 2009 completion. Significant progress has been made on all facets of the development, including Al Ruwaya Golf Course, the world's first golf course designed by the champion golfer himself. Construction of a club…
Dr Ayesha Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Healthcare Planning and Quality at the Dubai Health Care City (DHCC)said that as all the major healthcare projects near completion, DHCC is all set to become an international hub for medical tourism. DHCC, a conglomerate of medical teaching institutions, private hospitalsand clinics, pharmaceutical offices and research centres, medical spas and…
Along with China and Croatia, UAE has emerged as one of the three upcoming tourist destination brands in the world, according to the 2008 Country Brand Index (CBI) survey, conducted by FutureBrand, a global brand consultancy. FutureBrand is a part of the Interpublic Group of Companies. According to the survey, UAE is all set to become a major tourist destination over the next 5 years. The country was also voted…
Seeking to address, among other issues, the global economic crisis facing the aviation sector, the second edition of the World Class Airport Conference Opens in Abu Dhabi today. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman and Managing Director of Abu DhabiAirports Company said “The aviation industry is currently facing majorchallenges as the impact of the financial markets affects air travel. Thatsaid, the aviation…
The growing credit crunch has compelled Abu Dhabi to review its tourism projects. Lee Tabler,chief executive of government-owned Tourism Development & Investment Co(TDIC), told reporters on Sunday, November 9, that they were reprioritising some of their major projects, especially those that have not been announced owing to the fact that the debt markets cannot be tapped for the next six months. She however…
Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary-general of the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (GCTA), Jeddah , Saudi Arabia has announced plans to develop the Old Jeddah city area into an International Heritage Sight. “Preserving historical areas is a national duty. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan have shown keen interest in this regard,” he…
