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.
Read full storyShowing 313–336 of 5,397
Qatar Tourism Authority unveiled the Qatar Destination Brand earlier this month during the travel industry show - World Travel Market in London. The new brand is aimed at enhancing and accelerating efforts to promote the Qatar abroad. “The unveiling of Qatar’s first destination brand marks the beginning of a new phase in our journey towards achieving the vision for Qatar: a world class hub with deep cultural…
Air Serbia, the national airline of the Republic of Serbia, has announced plans to launch flights from Belgrade (BEG) to New York (JFK) in June 2016. Subject to government and regulatory approval, it will be the first non-stop service between Serbia and the United States in 24 years, to provide a new air-link between the two countries which share deep cultural and commercial ties. New York JFK will be…
Emirates has launched its fourth Italian gateway, following the arrival of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER in Bologna. As the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna has one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved medieval historical centres and is rich in art, culture and commerce. Located in northern Italy Bologna is an excellent stepping off point for access to Florence, Pisa and the stunning…
As a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s heritage and a component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain, Qasr Al Muwaiji, birthplace of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the U.A.E., will open this month as a museum and exhibition celebrating his leadership and as a monument to the progress of the Nation. Through a comprehensive conservation programme started in the late 1970s and extended in 2009…
Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 33 islands located off the coast of Saudi Arabia. It has been one of the Gulf’s most important commercial crossroads for over 4,000 years. With a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-denominational society, Bahrain is an attractive destination for expat families. Here’s a list of the top 8 places to see if you find yourself in Bahrain. 1) Bahrain National Museum…
Selected flydubai flights to and from Dubai now operate into and out of Al Maktoum International-Dubai World Central (DWC). The following destinations operate into and out of Al Maktoum International (DWC): Amman Beirut Doha Kathmandu Kuwait Flights to these destinations will also continue to be available to and from Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), so check your flight schedules…
A destination that’s rich in culture and personality, Reykjavik won’t disappoint with its city break appeal. The gateway to Iceland’s spectacular scenery - you’ll discover majestic mountains and remarkable volcanic landscape on your doorstep. With three direct flights to Reykjavik from London per week with British Airways, getting away to Reykjavik couldn’t be easier. In just three hours you could be…
Within months of the successful opening of its first hotel in Dubai on Jumeirah Beach Road, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces the development of a second, complementary location in the heart of the city’s International Financial Centre. Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, expected to open in 2016, is conceived as a sophisticated oasis where international business travellers in…
The inaugural flight of Emirates Airline flight EK600 to Karachi departed Dubai at 11:45am on October 25 1985 - exactly 30 years ago, today. The aircraft was one of two planes, a Boeing and an Airbus that was leased from Pakistan International Airlines. Two years later, in July 1987 Emirates took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft. Today, Emirates has one of the most modern fleets in the industry consisting of…
Discover Egypt’s incredible journey over 12 centuries, as Jews, Christians and Muslims transformed this ancient land. It is a story charting the change from a world of many gods to the worship of one God. The exhibition begins in 30 BC, when Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire after the death of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and continues until AD 1171 when the rule of the Islamic Fatimid dynasty came…
On the first day of the World Halal Travel Summit and Exhibition 2015 (WHTS15) in Abu Dhabi, dozens of people visited the Irhal stand and complimented us on the Irhal app. Many were so fascinated by it that they downloaded it while they were being shown the app although they were informed that the content is being updated and the app remains in "Beta" status. The Conference at WHTS15 attracted a large number…
Saudi Arabian national carrier flynas has announced the launch of flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Bahrain, its third destination within the GCC following the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The service will consist of three flights per week from Jeddah to Bahrain and three flights per week from Riyadh to Bahrain. Tickets are available to purchase for flights commencing December 1, 2015. Introductory…
flydubai inaugurated flights to two new destinations in Russia, Nizhny Novgorod and Novosibirsk, making it the first Dubai-based airline to serve these cities. Offering one of the most comprehensive networks from the UAE the carrier now operates to 10 destinations in Russia. Commenting on the inaugurals, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said: “Since the start of our flights to Russia…
The world’s largest ferris wheel is starting to take shape on the $1.6bn Bluewaters Island development, off the coast of Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence. The 210 metre-high Dubai Eye, which is being developed on a manmade island by Meeras Holding, will overtake the new High Roller in Las Vegas (standing at 167.6m) as the world's tallest such attraction. Even the New York Wheel, currently under construction…
From 12 January 2016, customers from Dubai can enjoy the new Premium Economy Class on Singapore Airlines. Dubai will be the first country in Gulf/South Asian region to experience this class, which is part of a two-year development programme costing about US$80 million. Premium Economy Class will welcome customers with a contemporary and stylish design. Each seat has a width of either 18.5 or 19.5 inches,…
Originally, HotelTonight would only allow you to book a room for the same night - hence the name Hotel Tonight - however, since September 2014 they accept bookings up to 7 days in advance.
Qatar Airways has announced daily direct services from Doha to Sydney starting from 1st March 2016, the third Australian city in the Qatar Airways network. Currently, the Doha-based carrier operates daily non-stop flights to Melbourne and Perth with a total of 14 services each week. Australia, with its stunning landscape of idyllic beaches and famous interior, along with its rich history and culture, draws…
British Airways’ new 787-9 Dreamliner will start flying from Abu Dhabi and Muscat to London Heathrow from November 6, 2015. Seats are now on sale and can be booked via the official website, with special return First class fares from Abu Dhabi to London available from AED 22,567. The sale runs until October 12, 2015 and is valid for travel between October 5, 2015 and April 30, 2016. The Abu…
Dubai International registered the highest monthly traffic in its 55-year history with 7.2 million passengers in August. According to the latest traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports, traffic at the world’s number one hub for international passengers reached 7,282,256, up 9.5 per cent from 6,648,058 recorded during the same month in 2014. The year to date traffic totalled 52,264,223, up…
If skydiving and bungee jumping didn’t scare you, you might want to consider what China’s now got to offer. The ’Brave Men’s Bridge’, recently opened in the Hunan province of China, is the longest permanent glass bridge in the world. The 984 foot skywalk has a nerve-wrecking 180 meter drop and is constructed with clear glass giving visitors a breathtaking view below. Despite its appearance, its…
We all know how terrible in-flight wifi tends to be sometimes, making it almost impossible to watch anything online let alone load a couple of websites. Virgin America, however, appears to have solved this. Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, and Virgin America, low-fare, upscale airline known for offering next generation entertainment and connectivity, announced they are joining forces to…
If you want to get away from the city and enjoy the desert but do not wish to forsake the comforts of a luxurious hotel, there is a new hotel for you to explore. About an hour's drive from Muscat, Oman, set in the Wadi al Abiyad desert, you will find Dunes by Al Nahda. This is a collection of 50 ultra luxury airconditioned tents with their own bathrooms and separate sitting areas. Comlpete with its own…
And that has made a difference. In a country where unemployment is as high as 30%, by providing a high level of service, Ramon has not only retained his work in a highly competitive landscape but is now able to plan his work schedule and not roam the city for a ride.
