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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April 21- Landmark Group, UAE, has announced that it will invest in the tourism and hospitality industry by launching Citymax Hotels for the mid-market tourists. To this end, the group will open three hotels in UAE by the end of the year -- the first one in Al Barsha will open on May 3 2010, while those in Bur Dubai and Sharjah will also be opened soon. "The success of the Landmark Group is mainly hinged on…
April 21-Passengers stranded at UAE airports due to cancellation of flights as a result of the volcanic ash cloud in Iceland are being issued 96-hour visit visas, said Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The authorities concerned at all airports started issuing visit visas to the stranded passengers from Monday.
April 21- Tourism revenues across UAE will increase by almost 18 per cent, from Dh27.5 billion in 2009 to Dh32.4 billion by 2014, according to the results of a yet-to-be published report by Euromonitor International, a global consumer market analyst. The report also said that the overall number of tourist will increase by more than 19 per cent by 2014. Most of these tourists will be coming from Saudi Arabia,…
April 21- Travel tour operators across the UAE are suffering because of the flight cancellations to Europe, as most residents from the region holiday in Europe. The disruption is the result of the lingering ash cloud over the continent owing to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. Talking about the flight disruptions, John Felix, Senior Vice-President at Emirates Holidays, said that his company is doing its best to…
April 20- Sharjah’s budget airline, Air Arabia, is keen on starting its operations from Egypt for which work is said to be in its final stages, said Adel Ali, Chief Executive of the carrier on Monday. This will be the airline’s third hub after Morocco and the UAE. Operations from Alexandria, Egypt, were slated to begin this month but was delayed since the Egyptian government did not issue an operating…
April 20- The European Union (EU) announced on Monday the restarting of flights to European countries after almost a week-long suspension, the result of Iceland’s volcanic ash. Sources said the union succumbed to the pressure of scores of frustrated airlines that are losing about $250 million daily owing to the flight cancellations. Monday’s decision will be enforced from today -- 0600 GMT. “From tomorrow,…
April 20- Airlines probably won’t be covered by their insurance companies for the losses that they have suffered owing to flight cancellations, the result of Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud, said Ram Tolani, Managing Director of Good Relation Brokers in Dubai, said the airlines will probably be unable to claim in the case of a natural disaster. "Even though the event is going to be very, very expensive, costing…
April 20- United Airlines has launched its first flight to Bahrain from Washington which means that passengers can now fly directly daily from the Bahrain International Airport to Washington. The first flight from Washington arrived to Bahrain on April 18. This is the first time that an American carrier is flying to Bahrain in many years. Both countries stand to benefit from this significant development, as the…
April 20- The suspension of flights to European countries owing to Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud is costing Arab countries to lose about 50 million euros a day, said airline industry analyst Ayad Al-Baitar. "The losses will grow for airlines if the crisis continues," he said adding that "the tourist industry in the region will also be hit hard." Saudi Arabia is currently in the midst of its Umrah season, which…
April 20- It may take another three to six days to resume normal airline operations after the suspension of flights to European countries since Wednesday, said the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Director, Giovanni Bisignani. The disruption is the result of Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud that led many European countries to close its airspace. Bisgnani, who was speaking during a press conference,…
A promotional event to lure tourists from Italy was held on Saturday in Sousse. The event was organized by the travel group "Sprintours," in association with the Tunisian National Tourism Board (ONTT) and the national airline, Tunisair. ONTT representative in Italy Mustapha Nasri, who was present at the event, said that the number of Italian tourists to Tunisia are expected to increase this year, following a 13…
All those passengers stranded in Dubai as a result of suspension of flights to Europe will not be penalised for overstaying their visas, said a senior official of the Ministry of the Interior. Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of the Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, said that those people whose flight reservations were cancelled due to the volcano, would not…
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is looking to set up a Middle East hospitality fund worth about $300 million (Dh1.1 billion), said Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings. Currently, the company exists in the Middle East thanks to the presence of two of its brands -- Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Angsana. "If we were to invest in the Middle East, it would be by the way of a development fund. This…
April 19- Qatar is delaying its plan to discontinue its visa on arrival rules for nationals of 33 countries. The Gulf State earlier this month announced new rules that were to take effect on May 1st, but the old system will remain in place for now. The new rules would require nationals of 33 countries to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Qatar. These countries include the UK, US and GCC expat…
Bahrain’s Gulf Air said Monday that it would give one free ticket to passengers who were stranded because of Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud. CEO Samer Majali said the ticket will be equal in value to the original ticket held by the passenger. “This is a very unusual situation, which is beyond our control and we fully understand how frustrating it is for our passengers.” Majali said. Gulf Air said it has…
April 19- The opening of the world’s ‘highest hotel’, the Armani Hotel Dubai, in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, will be postponed because of fallout from the volcanic eruption in Iceland last week. The hotel was scheduled to open on April 21st, but this has now been postponed to April 27th because the man the hotel is name after, Giorgio Armani, can’t make the opening date due to disruption in…
April 19-Hotel across the UAE are witnessing an increase in occupancy as a result of stranded passengers after the suspension of flights to European countries. The flights have been grounded owing to the Iceland volcano ash that has caused many airlines to cancel their services to European countries. In this regard, the hotels that are closest to the Dubai Airport have benefitted the most. The Renaissance Dubai…
April 19- The tourism sector's share in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be more than three per cent during the Eighth Five Year Development Plan (2011-2015), said Muhammad al Tobi, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. The sector, he said, will hopefully go well beyond the objectives set by the Oman's Vision-2020, of increasing its relative share to three per cent of the GDP by 2020. The 25-year Oman's…
April 19- Tourism revenues rose by 39 per cent in the first quarter of 2010, according to figures released on Saturday. Revenues generated by the sector in the first three months of the year stood at JD503 million, up from to JD360 million in the same period of 2009, according to figures issued by the Ministry of Tourism. Jordan also witnessed a 20.6 per cent growth in the number of visitors from January to…
April 19- Tourist to Jabreen Castle will soon find themselves in the presences of an audio tour, said Abdullah Al Thahli, Director, forts and castles at the Ministry of Tourism, Oman. "The audio set up has been completed but it will take some time for the tourists to be benefited by this. Setting up of coffee shop, provision of special lighting effects and other amenities are currently on,” he added. The audio…
April 19- The Syrian Minister of Tourism Saadalla Agha al-Qalaa discussed with President of the Federation International de l'Automobile Jean Todt means to hold an international rally in Syria and other neighbouring countries. The minister emphasized the need for sport tourism in a bid to increase visitors to Syria. He said that Syria is willing to provide all facilities for the rally, adding that various kinds…
April 19- Air traffic at the Kuwait International Airport is back to normal after planes were temporarily grounded because of unstable weather conditions on Saturday, said an airport official. The airport's Director of Operations Essam Al-Zamel said that arrivals and departures were halted from 7:30am to 8:15am and all incoming planes were diverted to Saudi Arabia’s Dammam International Airport. Two Kuwait…
April 19- The has announced the signing of an aircraft management agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet, a luxury flight services company. According to the agreement, Royal Jet will manage the everyday operations of Al Habtoor's Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft. Mohammad Al Habtoor, Chief Executive Officer of Al Habtoor Group and Shane O'Hare, President and CEO of Royal Jet signed the agreement. "In 2008, Royal…
April 19- Flydubai will launch its services to Kabul, Afghanistan and Luxor, Egypt, from May 17 and May 19 respectively. Flights to the Afghan capital will start from AED725 and will be five times per week, whereas flights to Luxor will be from AED350 and will be thrice a week. Speaking on the occasion, Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, said: "It is great to be able to announce another two routes today. This…
