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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May 18 - Emirates Airlines has announced that its passengers can apply for 96-hour and 30-day visas to Dubai through its website. The visa applications will be quite like the online flight booking process on its website and can be accessed by all those who possess an Emirates ticket. "Advancements in aviation are often related to simplifications in the travel process," said Emirates Divisional Senior…
May 18 - Air traffic in the UAE went down by more than 1,000 in April as compared to March, a direct result of the volcanic ash cloud that severely affected the airline industry last month. However, according to UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the air traffic movements were still 10 per cent more than those seen in April 2009. Figures released by the authority showed that despite disruption in…
May 18 - British Airways announced on Monday that its Gulf flights will be affected by the airline’s strike that begins today. "Regrettably, we have had to cancel flights on the Doha-Bahrain-London Heathrow route as well as some Jeddah and Dubai services during the first wave of strikes between May 18 to 22," said an airline spokesperson yesterday. "There will also be some cancellations of flights on May 23 as we…
May 18 - Flydubai successfully completed its inaugural flight to Kabul, it was learnt yesterday. Passengers on the flight included the UAE Ambassador to Afghanistan, His Excellency Yousuf Khamis Saeed Subaa Al Ali and Flydubai’s COO Ken Gile. The aircraft operating on the route was Boeing 737-800NG. Speaking on the occasion, Ghaith Al Ghaith, the carrier’s CEO, said: "Flydubai’s inaugural flight to Kabul speaks…
May 18 - A new company, titled Al-Oqair Tourism Company, with capital of SR6 billion will be set up to develop tourist spots in the Al-Ahsa governorate, Saudi Arabia, said Fahd Al-Jubair, Mayor of Al-Ahsa Governorate. The company will develop several important sites such as Mount Al-Qarah, Al-Oqair Beach and Al-Asfar Lake. One of the main aims of the Tourism Company is to develop the Al-Oqair Beach. At the end…
May 18 - The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) member countries have been finalized and it’s not likely that another member will be added to it, said US Ambassador to the UAE Richard Olson on Sunday. Olson was asked whether or not the US government will respond positively to the UAE government’s demand that people from the Emirates receive the same treatment as offered to citizens of 34 other countries in the UAE who…
Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, has become the newest operator of the Airbus A330, after taking delivery of its first long range Airbus aircraft in almost 30 years. The aircraft was delivered at a ceremony in Toulouse attended by Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Hazmi, Deputy Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. The Rolls-Royce powered…
May 17 - Emirates Airlines on Sunday confirmed that its flight from New Delhi was delayed owing to a passenger complaint against a fellow passenger. "Emirates confirms that its flight EK511 (Delhi-Dubai) was delayed for 1 hour and 15 minutes after a passenger filed a complaint with the captain against a co-passenger. The captain alerted airport authorities who offloaded the baggage of the passenger in question.…
May 17- Emirates airline has increased its airfare on many of its routes, it was learnt on Sunday. Memos in this regard were sent out to travel agents that said that rates would be revised from May 15. Details of the increase, however, were not mentioned. "Like every commercially oriented business, Emirates regularly reviews its fares to reflect market dynamics, including demand,” said the airline’s…
May 17 - A Saudi Arabian Airlines plane had to make an emergency landing after the pilot discovered smoke in the cockpit, it was learnt. The plane, carrying 79 passengers and crew, was forced to go back to Sharourah in the southern Najran province 18 minutes after take-off. “All passengers and members of the crew disembarked safely while a female passenger was treated for a nervous breakdown. She was…
May 17 - Bahraini police are on the look-out for a Gulf Air passenger who faked a heart attack to get into Bahrain. The man identified as 29-year-old M.D. Khair ul Islam pretended to get chest pains and had to get off the Gulf Air flight headed to Bangladesh from Cyprus when it landed in Bahrain for refuelling. The man pretended to throw up blood so he was taken to the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) from where…
May 17- Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways announced on Sunday that their services to the UK are once again facing disruptions as the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud returned to affect UK airspace. At the moment, the Manchester Airport to which Emirates flies twice a day is closed while Newcastle and Glasgow airports will be closed from 9pm UAE time. Passengers travelling to Europe are being asked to check…
May 17 - Both Brazil and Argentina want more Arab tourists in order to broaden trade and tourism with South America, it was learnt on Sunday. In a workshop held on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in Doha, trade and tourism representatives from both South American countries said that Qataris should consider Brazil and Argentina as potential holidaying spots. In fact, this will increase once Qatar Airways launches…
May 17- The Second Saudi Marine Forum is all set to begin in Jeddah from May 30 and will examine a number of issues such as shipping, port development, investment and tourism. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah, will launch the forum that has been organised by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). Among those attending the forum include Minister of Transport and head of the Saudi Ports…
Manama, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN – Qatar Airways has made its presence felt at this year’s Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE) as Gold Sponsor of the annual event. The sixth edition of the regional travel show took place under the patronage of Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture and Information of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The three-day show attracted thousands…
May 16 - Sri Lanka has offered $55 million to buy back the 43.6 per cent stake that Emirates airline holds in the country’s national carrier SriLankan Airlines. Emirates had indicated earlier this week that it was willing to sell the stake for the right price. "Sri Lanka is going to buy it ... $55 million is the price we have indicated," P.B. Jayasundera, secretary of the finance ministry and the treasury, told…
May 16 - National carrier Tunisair announced net profits of 60 million dinars (MTD) in 2009, compared with 33 MTD in 2008. Speaking about the results, the airline’s CEO Nabil Chettaoui said that the disruption of air traffic resulting from the Icelandic volcanic ash clouds caused 18,000 travellers to cancel their trips, which represented a 5-MTD shortfall in earnings. Despite that, the earnings are an…
May 16 - State-run airline Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC), will be offering internet booking next month for its holiday packages for the summer, said Head of the Holidays Department, KAC, Khalaf Al-Manea. Booking for package tours will be open to travel agencies in June while for customers it will be opened in August. Packages include tickets and hotel accommodation and it is hoped, said Al-Manea that 60 per…
May 16 - UAE citizens have been advised to avoid travelling to Thailand till the volatile situation in Bangkok improves, said Sultan Al-Ali, head of media relations at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Based on constant monitoring of the situation in Bangkok, the Ministry renews the call for UAE nationals not to travel to Thailand until the situation improves there," said Al-Ali. He also said that his…
May 16 - The Oman Travel Mart (OTM) is all set to kick off from May 17 at the Oman International Exhibition. More than 20 companies from the travel and tourism sector have confirmed participation at the fair. "As inbound tourism has grown exponentially in the country over the years, OTM has proven to be a significant platform that brings in the travel and tourism operators in the country to present their vast…
May 15 - Qatar Airways is increasing flights and capacity despite the depressing economic scenario, said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker on Friday. Al-Baker was talking to reporters at the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE 2010), pointing out that the economic downturn has opened up several venues for Qatar Airways. "When there is an economic crisis there is an opportunity and…
May 15 - Saudi Arabian Airlines will receive the promised Airbus A330 aircraft, the first of eight ordered by the carrier next week in a bid to update its fleet with 70 new airbus and Boeing aircraft. “The A330 has 36 seats in the horizon class and 262 in the hospitality class and will serve as an additional boost to the company’s potential to implement its current and future marketing and operating plans,” Saudi…
May 15 - Qatar submitted its World Cup bid file at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich yesterday which was done by Qatar 2022 Bid Committee Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to FIFA President Sepp Blatter. The bid book outlines details of the event and the way it will take place in the Middle East. No Arab country has ever bid for the World Cup before. The file contains details of 12…
May 15- The five-star Movenpick Resort and Spa, Dead Sea, and Movenpick Resort, Tala Bay, Aqaba, have gone solar as its investment company Zara Investment (Holding) Company is trying to cut down costs. In this regard, two large-scale hot water solutions have been planned for both hotels. This makes Zara the only company in the region that has properties with solar solutions. The two turnkey solar systems…
