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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From France and Germany to America and even Australia, Japanese born-and-bred ramen is presently taking the world by storm. You might recall grabbing one of these packets back in your college days, gobbling it down as you studied - and now you can relive the whole experience at the "Shinyokohama Raumen Museum” (but in this case, you’re learning about the history of the noodles). The "Shinyokohama Raumen…
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has launched flights to Hong Kong, making it the only airline to fly direct between Scandinavia and Hong Kong. The new route is SAS’s fourth direct connection between Scandinavia and Asia. The route has five departures per week from Stockholm and provides excellent connections to cities in Scandinavia and other major European hubs. “We are very proud to be linking…
Stretching 11km into the Gulf of Mexico in Citrus County is Crystal River, home to 30 natural springs which pour around 300 million gallons of warm water into the river every day. In winter - from mid-October to mid-March, the river plays host to up to 400 manatees who migrate from the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico, to the warmer waters of Crystal River. The manatees group at the head of the river,…
Motiongate Dubai has announced that a 1.9 million-square-foot theme park based on all things Hollywood will be opening in Dubai in October 2016. The theme park, dubbed “Hollywood in the desert” is located on Sheikh Zayed Road within Dubai Parks and Resorts (just before the Abu Dhabi- Dubai border) and is a collaboration between Motiongate Dubai and three big Hollywood studios – Sony Pictures, DreamWorks…
The French hotel group, Accor, has become the first international hotel chain to open in Iran after 1979. Accor will be taking over management control of the Aria Ziggurat owned Axis and Axis Prime hotels at Tehran's Imam Khomenei International Airport (IKIA). The hotels will be rebranded as Novotel IKIA and ibis IKIA and will commence operation under the French group from October 2015. Sébastien Bazin, Accor…
Want to make a spur of the minute decision and travel during the Eid holiday? Visit an unusual destination - Georgia. No, this is not the US state of Georgia made famous by Ray Charles - "Georgia on my mind." This is the Central Asian state of Georgia which now allows all UAE nationals and expats who have a resident visa of the UAE to receive a visa on arrival. Just book a flight and a hotel and off you go.…
Very soon at an airport baggage carousel near you a bag will be announcing its arrival. You will no longer have to wait by the carousel impatiently looking at every piece of luggage that gets spewed out. You will no longer have to worry if that black bag is really yours. Your bag will let you know when it is near you. You can purchase a TravelTag which is a small plastic box the size of a matchbox for $30,…
Last year Cipriani Yas Island inaugurated its ‘Truffle Season’; a whole month dedicated to devouring the best of Italian food topped with the most delectable, gastronomic treat - truffles! Crowds rushed to Yas Island’s hottest fine-dining destination to grab a taste of magic. This October Cipriani Yas Island will yet again be pairing up with ‘The Truffle Man’ himself, Massimo Vidoni, to celebrate the…
Etihad Airways will introduce new baggage policy enhancements in conjunction with the launch of its new Fare Choices tariff structure, effective for tickets issued on or after 14 September 2015, providing more choice and clarity to its guests. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “In line with industry best practice, we are moving to a fair and transparent baggage concept. Our…
The Dubai Moving Image Museum has been nominated for the international Leading Culture Destinations Awards 2015, the ‘Oscars for Museums’, in the category 'Best Emerging Culture Destinations Middle East'. The hidden attraction houses the private collection of Mr. Akram Miknas. Accumulated over twenty-five years, the Dubai Moving Image Museum showcases the progression of science and the art of entertainment,…
Verdant rice paddies, meandering pathways, gently rolling hills and the soothing Ayung River set a glorious backdrop for Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which is pleased to announce its official debut in Ubud, Bali, as the third bespoke resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio. In the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali, visitors are transported to a place where joy is found in luxuries…
The “Boy from Oz” Hugh Jackman and Australia’s national carrier Qantas have announced a new partnership to promote Australia on the global stage. The award-winning actor has signed on to become an official global ambassador for the airline and will also work with Qantas on community projects in Australia, with further detail to be announced soon. Jackman is one of Australia’s most successful and…
From a meet and greet with one of Europe’s most respected 3-Michelin Star chefs, Heinz Beck, followed by a private dinner in Rome to a camel ride accompanied with a secluded dinner in the desert for two in Dubai, Waldorf Astoria Unforgettable Experiences highlights truly bespoke offers. Waldorf Astoria Unforgettable Experiences incorporates the most engaging and exclusive activities in each destination paired…
A 15 pocket jacket has now become the most successful clothing item to be pre-sold on Kickstarter - the crowd funding platform. Almost 45,000 customers paid more than $9 million in advance to order this jacket which is supposed to solve the problems of travelers who would like to be comfortable during the flight and also have easy access to their toys and gadgets. So what is this jacket? It has 15 pockets to…
Saint Petersburg, Russia, has claimed the title of Europe’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony in Sardinia, Italy. During a glittering ceremony at Forte Village Resort, the Russian capital of culture was recognised for its exceptionally rich history, centuries-old traditions and bright future. Other nominees for this prestigious award include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin,…
For the second year in a row, Geneva has been named "Europe’s Leading City Break Destination" at the World Travel Awards 2015 ceremony that took place at Forte Village in Sardinia on 5 September 2015. This distinction, as prestigious for tourism as an Oscar is for cinema, consolidates its status as an ideal destination for a weekend break. With its magnificent location on the banks of Lake Geneva and close…
Cathay Pacific Airways operated its first flight to Düsseldorf on 1 September 2015, with CX379 departing Hong Kong shortly after midnight and arriving in Düsseldorf at 07:12 on the same day. Prior to the departure of CX376, the first Cathay Pacific flight from Düsseldorf to Hong Kong, a gate ceremony was organized at the boarding gate in Düsseldorf Airport to celebrate the special occasion. Passengers were…
Qatar Airways has launched a new service to its eighth destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with four flights a week to Abha. The new route will be operated by an Airbus A320 with an average flight time of just over two hours. The aircraft will feature 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy. Selected aircraft will feature seatback TV screens,…
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is hosting Brian Sundeen, Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, for a Southern California cuisine promotion at the signature Forge steakhouse on September 20-24, 2015. To highlight a unique spectrum of culinary possibilities that are typical of Southern California’s cuisine, Chef Sundeen designed a tantalizing tasting menu inspired by ethnic flavours that…
“The customer experience is at the heart of what we do and we always aim to raise the bar through innovation. We’re proud to be the first global airline to introduce Apple Pay for ticket purchases and we hope this will contribute towards a more seamless customer experience which begins even before they board our flights,” commented Thierry Antinori, chief commercial officer, Emirates.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. has announced that from 1st September The Elizabeth Park Hotel, Budapest, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel, will be managed by the company and following an extensive renovation programme, the hotel will be re-launched as The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest in Spring 2016. The centrally located, 198-room hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation which includes the addition of The…
The capital of Malta, Valletta is a beautiful harbour city, popularly known as one of the best preserved fortified cities in the world. “A city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”, Valletta is named after its founder Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Started in…
If you have one more week of summer holiday left you should head off to the United States and benefit from the massive sales that take place over the Labor Day weekend - from September 3-7 2015. But be prepared for crowds. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is expecting over 35 million Americans will be traveling during this period and more than 30 million of them will travel by road. If you want to be…
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has opened the Sheraton Bucharest Hotel, its first property in Romania. As a market debut for Starwood and Sheraton, Romania symbolizes an important expansion opportunity while also putting Sheraton one step closer to its goal of opening more than 150 new hotels over the next five years,” said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “Demonstrating best…
