Airline, airport, hotel, destination, visa, and Muslim travel updates from Irhal.
The airline marks Philadelphia as its 14th destination in North America NEW YORK, NY, USA – Qatar Airways has reconnected Doha and Philadelphia with the launch of a daily non-stop flight between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), its 14th destination in North America, which resumed on 1 August 2026.
Read full storyThis summer, Central Shopping Centers invites international visitors to experience the best of shopping, dining, and leisure with Summer Holiday 2026, running from 20 July – 30 September 2026. Created exclusively for international tourists, the campaign offers shopping privileges across Thailand’s five world-class shopping malls: centralwOrld, Central Park…
Read full storyThe Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board, in cooperation with tourism associations, have launched the integrated digital platform "Ahlan Jordan" as part of measures to support the tourism sector and address the impact of regional circumstances on travel activity.
Read full storyflydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has increased its daily operations between Dubai and Naples and is set to boost its flights to Milan-Bergamo to a double-daily operation from 31 July, enhancing passenger connectivity to Italy.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 28, 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum of modern and contemporary art, will open its doors on 11 December 2026 at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region's largest indoor theme park, is inviting guests to place themselves in the hands of one of DC's most iconic Super-Villains, as Kryptonite Collider officially opens.
Malaysia Retains No. 1 Position in Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, Offering GCC Travellers a Summer of Festivals, Culture and Discovery.
The Dubai-based carrier announces the start of daily flights to Aleppo from 20 July, reaffirming its connectivity to opening underserved markets Aleppo becomes the carrier’s second destination in Syria alongside Damascus
What if the most valuable thing you brought home from a trip wasn’t an object, but a story? Northern Thailand is home to dozens of ethnic communities who have carried their identities across mountains and borders for centuries – and many of them welcome curious, respectful visitors.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched the search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, a global initiative designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destin…
Luxury travel today is no longer measured by how much you can see in a few days, but by how deeply you can experience a destination. At Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, guests are invited to embrace this philosophy through Long Stay Beach Escape, an exclusive package designed for travelers who wish to enjoy more of Phuket's culture, wellness, and f…
Read full storyTwo hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai
Read full storySharjah Museums Offer an Integrated Summer Experience Blending Culture, Science, and Discovery for All Community Members
Read full storyNew five-day programme empowers young people to build confidence, resilience and lifelong skills while embracing active lifestyles
Read full storyAcross Five Museums with Interactive Museum Programmes Enriching Children’s Knowledge
Read full storyOceans of Lights Festival returns to SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in its third edition to offer a summer program full of activities and new experiences
Read full storyJuly 2026, Yerevan, Armenia: Armenia has extended its temporary visa-free entry arrangement, keeping the country within easy reach for eligible travellers from across the Gulf for a further year. The arrangement now runs until 1 July 2027.
Read full storyJuly 2026, Yerevan, Armenia: The competent Armenian authorities announced the extension of the temporary decision exempting eligible travelers from GCC countries from prior visa entry for an additional year, making the decision effective until July 1, 2027. This decision aims to facilitate travel procedures and tourism movement and exchange between Armenia and the Arab Gulf region, allowing travelers…
Read full storySet within Khalid Lagoon, the island shows how Sharjah brings art, nature and design into everyday public life.
Read full storyBlending cultural discovery with elevated wellness and leisure experiences, World of Hyatt summer destinations offer GCC travelers seasonal getaways across the GCC, Africa and Europe.
Read full storyAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 30, 2026: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has officially been awarded the Guinness World Records™ title for the most waterslides in a waterpark, featuring a record-breaking collection of 55 slides.
Read full storyExperience the Colours of Malaysia at Citrawarna 2026 This Summer
Read full storyGermany is an ideal destination for friends traveling together, thanks to its creative neighborhoods, vibrant markets, street food culture, and stunning natural retreats
Read full storyFollowing the launch of its first collaboration in 2025, the Jacquemus brand returns this summer to the Monte Carlo Beach Club with a new design that reimagines the coastal atmosphere with a contemporary spirit. The design evokes the spirit of 1950s beach clubs, where elegance meets the calm Mediterranean lifestyle.
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July 7 - The two international airports in Dubai are considering the use of face recognition cameras to enhance security. The present network of cameras will also be upgraded with the installation of the most modern software, said Brigadier Pilot Ahmad Mohammad Bin Thani, Director-General of Dubai Police’s General Department of Airport Security, at a press conference held yesterday to announce summer…
July 7 - Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has issued a royal decree for a landmark Saudi heritage exhibition to tour a number of European capitals and US cities after the show at Paris' Louvre museum. The Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) Prince Sultan bin Salman expressed his gratitude to the king for the gesture, describing the "Archaeology Masterpieces of…
July 7 - Deputy Governor of Hail Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saad announced on Monday the launch of the Hail Summer Tourist Festival, which is to run under the slogan "Welcome the Guest and the Summer." The month-long festival has been organized by Qalb Al-Aalam (Heart of the World) Company in partnership with Mobily. The prince also witnessed the signing of a partnership contract, which launched the festival's site on…
July 7 - The Taif Summer Festival, which opens today with a variety of cultural, educational and sports programs, is expected to attract more than a million holidaymakers and tourists from within the Kingdom and neighboring GCC states. Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal is scheduled to inaugurate the festivities during a colorful ceremony at King Fahd Sports City in Hawiya. Organisers said they…
July 7 - The Jeddah Municipality opened a new park in the Rowda district of the city as part of its "100 Parks in 100 Weeks" initiative. "I want to thank all of those who participated in putting smiles on the faces of local children and people, and I would like to thank the Friends of Jeddah Parks group for their efforts in coordinating with the municipality to open a park in each district of Jeddah," said…
European oil companies British Petroleum (BP) and Shell have stopped fuelling Iranian aircrafts at UAE airports in line with US trade sanctions on Iran, forcing them to find alternative sources. Sources at Air BP and Shell confirmed to papers that they are not fuelling Iranian aircraft. However, Emirates National Oil Company, fuel provider to the aviation industry among others, said that it has not…
July 6 - Emirates’ summer service to the Saudi Arabian city of Madina Al Munawarah made its first flight over the weekend, touching down at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport. In step with strong demand two additional services to Madinah Al Munawarah will be added effective August 3, bringing the destination to a four-times weekly service. These flights to the city will continue until…
July 6 - Tourism and conservation officials said they are currently considering an offer from a local firm to secure a destabilized rock formation in the ancient city of Petra. Officials have been waiting for over a year to select a firm to secure the detached rock, which hovers above the 1.2-kilometre path leading to the iconic Treasury which is the main entrance and exit for all visitors to the World…
July 6 - More than 123,000 people left Kuwait over the weekend through the country’s various exit points. The exodus followed the announcement of school exam results and resulted in massive congestions on the way to the airport and at the land exit points. People had to be resilient and wait in queues that stretched more than five kilometres near the Salmi border exit. Tension was palpable at the airport…
July 6 -Jewel of Muscat, the replica of a 9th century merchant sailing vessel, also known as a dhow, moored at the Singapore port on Saturday, ending a journey that lasted almost five months. The vessel set sail from Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, in February. “It is like a dream come true,” said Tom Vosmer, designer of the boat and Project Director while talking to reporters over the phone. The American…
The Dubai Country Club, a family-oriented, “not for profit” members club is soon to reopen its doors. Located in DubaiLand directly behind the Arabian Ranches the club is offering great value pre-opening memberships to residents new and old. In the years since its closure, the Dubai Country Club Committee have been busy securing a new home is set to become the biggest and best value sports, leisure and…
July 5 - Omran, the Government of Oman's tourism development and investment arm, yesterday announced the opening of a new Natural History Museum at Swiss-Belhotel Resort in Masirah Island. The centre gives visitors the chance to learn more about the unique wildlife and marine environment surrounding Oman's largest island. The centre has already proved popular with hotel guests and with the local community,…
July 5 - Several nationals and residents have criticised the delay in the launch of summer activities of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) along with the delayed announcement of the events. The activities, dubbed Doha Summer Fun City, will begin on July 20 which was announced last week. Many people said the activities should have started earlier since a number of families would be out of the country by mid-July.…
July 5 - Dubai Duty Free has announced a 16 percent increase in sales with turnover reaching AED 2.185 billion ($607 million) for the first six months of the year. Commenting on the first half sales figures, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: “We were pleased that 2010 began well for Dubai Duty Free as we have seen an increase in consumer spending across all categories. Currently…
July 5 - Tickets for the Makkah Metro (also known as Mashair Metro) will be distributed during October, more than a month before Haj, said the Chairman of the Haj and Umrah Committee Sa’ad Jameel Al Qurashi at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The tickets will be evenly distributed among Mutawifeen [Hajj service providers] and during the next pilgrimage, the Metro is expected to transport about…
July 5 - The Dead Sea Development Company (DSDC) is scheduled to announce two large-scale projects with investment plans that will exceed JD60 million, officials in the company said on Wednesday. Amwaj International, a Jordanian real estate developer, will invest JD50 million to build a resort at the Dead Sea Development Area, according to the DSDC Chief Executive Officer Taha Zboun. In addition,…
The World Tourism Organisation's (WTO) latest ban on subsidies for Airbus from European governments will not have any impact on any Gulf carriers as the ruling will affect future aircraft developments and not the existing ones. Max Sukkhasantikul, Consultant — Commercial Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Practice, Frost & Sullivan, said: "I do not think this ruling will have any impact on the Gulf's regional…
The Abha Tourism Festival will begin on July 8 and run until August 21, said Asir Governor, Prince Faisal bin Khaled. "There will be no musical concerts, contrary to the rumours which have been circulating about the festival's important events," the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) quoted Prince Faisal as saying on Tuesday. Instead, there would be an operetta composed of national songs…
July 5 - Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a secret tunnel in the tomb of Seti I, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, the culture minister said on Wednesday. The Egyptian team, headed by Chief of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, had been searching for this tunnel for over 20 years in the West Bank necropolis of Luxor in South Egypt Hawass said it then took three years to excavate the 174 metre-long…
New Dubai, UAE July 2010: Three senior executives from Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts abandoned their shoes and socks in a moment of fun during a pre-opening inspection at Dubai's new hotel on the block, the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, scheduled to open in August. Andreas Mattmuller, the group's Chief Operating Officer - Middle East & Asia with Jan Kaiser, General Manager, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel and Michael Nugent,…
Air Arabia, Middle East and North Africa's first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), announced today that the next destination from latest hub in Alexandria, Egypt, will be Abu Dhabi. The new service to the UAE's capital will commence on July 12, 2010. Air Arabia’s fifth destination from its Egyptian hub will operate four times per week between Burj Al Arab International Airport, Alexandria, Egypt and Abu Dhabi…
July 4th - Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, announced a three-year partnership agreement with Kanoo Travel, the largest travel company in the Middle East. Under this agreement, Kanoo has chosen Amadeus' e-Travel Management, the widely deployed online booking solution for managed travel, for its corporate travel services in the…
July 4th - Passengers from more than 20 countries travelled on Emirates' inaugural flight to Prague on Thursday, the airline said yesterday after becoming the first Arab carrier to service the route. Emirates president Tim Clark, who headed the delegation on the first flight, said: "Prague is our second European route launch this year after Amsterdam on May 1 and our 103rd destination globally. The Czech…
July 1 - International air-passenger traffic is back above pre-recession levels and Middle Eastern carriers continue to post strong growth, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. Global scheduled traffic statistics for May show an 11.7 percent increase in passenger traffic and a 34.3 percent jump in freight demand compared to May 2009. Middle East carriers, which are still…
