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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James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the airline will add three new aircraft to its fleet and three new routes in 2010. This will bring the Abu Dhabi based carrier’s fleet strength to 55 and its total number of routes to 57. Two of the new aircraft will be for passengers and the third will be for cargo. All aircraft are being supplied by Airbus. Two new routes will be launched in Japan…
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has started issuing group visas. Procedures are in place to issue group visas for citizens of up to 65 non-Arab countries. Director General of the license department at SCTA said the group visa will be issued to a minimum of a group of four tourists. Ahmad Al Eisa said that it is very easy for any group intending to visit to obtain the visas from Saudi…
A top official with Etihad Airways said the airline is considering charging passengers for a second piece of luggage in order to maximize revenue, as depressed yield continues to reduce airline’s profits. Chief Executive of Etihad Airways said no decision has been made yet, but “A number of US and European airlines are charging passengers for the second piece of luggage. I expect to see a similar move by the Gulf…
One of the biggest online French travel agencies, “quotidiendutourisme.com” announced that Tunisia has ranked as the second most popular destination by its customers. Leclerc’s list of favorite destinations ranks France first with 35 percent of the total number of passengers, Tunisia ranks second at 13 percent, followed by Morocco at 8 percent, and continental Spain (7 percent). Tunisia recently ranked as…
Germany’s largest airline, Lufthansa, will expand further in the Middle East, beginning with new routes to Iraq. Last year the airline flew 55.6m passenger in total, a 2.6 percent decrease. Figures dropped in all global markets except for the Middle East and Africa. Last month Lufthansa flew 363,000 passengers in the Middle East and Africa; sales in the region increased 9.1 percent and the load factor…
Qatar will significantly increase its hotel room offering in 2010 as it works towards becoming a major tourism destination. Chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority, Ahmed Abdullah Al Noami, said Qatar is currently developing a strong tourism infrastructure and expects the tourism sector will contribute substantially to the country’s GDP within four or five years. Al Noaimi said eight new hotels will be built…
The Fairmont Hotels and Resorts group will open the Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Makkah next year, snatching the title for the world’s tallest tower from Rotana’s newly opened 333 meter tall Rose Rayhaan. The Makkah Clock Royal Tower is expected to open in the third quarter of 2010. The hotel will have 76 storeys and be 577 meters high, and will also house the Emaar Residences. The Fairmont hotel will be…
said Thursday it expects to see a recovery in the UAE’s tourism sector this year with arrival numbers increasing further in 2011. In its latest report on the country’s tourism prospects analysts said they are optimistic about the tourism sector in the long term despite the impact of the global economic downturn last year. The report explained that although it sees a “rather poor outlook for the UAE in the short…
The arrival in Dubai of the new state of the art vessel, the Costa Delizioasa to join Costa Cruises, will consolidate the UAE’s position as a hub ship for cruise ships in the Middle East. The cruise ships arrival will strengthen the partnership between Europe’s top cruise company, Costa Cruises, and Emirates Airline, as both companies prepare for an expected surge in cruise tourism in the region. The…
SNTAA, the cruise management division of leading destination management company SNTA Emir Tours, said it expects unprecedented growth. The forecast follows Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing projections that cruise tourism will increase 30 percent in 2010. Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited (RCCL) appointed the company to take care of ground arrangements for its Brilliance of the Seas cruise which…
Hamra Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel developer in the region, announced the soft opening of their newest property, Acacia Hotel Ras Al Khaimah, was a success and received very positively in the market. Corporate and individual bookings for long and short term holiday stays are pouring in. General Manager for the Acacia Hotel, Hamra Hotels and Resorts, Sean Halliday, said the company is actively contacting…
The United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) is having discussions with Abu Dhabi about moving its headquarters to the capital, according to the Abu Dhabi Travel and Tourism Council (ATTAC). UFTAA is an influential international travel organization that has been based in Monaco for the past 20 years, and is in talks with ATTAC because Abu Dhabi will be a less costly arrangement. Both ATTAC and…
Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport increased 9.2 percent to reach a record 40.9 million in 2009, making it one of the world’s fastest growing hubs despite the economic downturn. Traffic growth accelerated throughout the year hitting its highest rise of 14.5 percent in December. The increase was driven by a substantial capacity expansion by Emirates Airline, the introduction of Dubai’s low cost…
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities signed an agreement with the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on Tuesday. Under the agreement the two bodies will work together to develop the Kingdom’s tourism sector and coordinate programs and related activities. Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the SCTA, signed the agreement with Abdul Aziz Al-Humain, president of the…
Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) opened its five star Four Seasons hotel in Beirut on Sunday. KHI has a controlling 38 percent stake in the 230 room hotel, which is expected to cost US$146 million (Dh536.25m). Beirut’s hotel industry has been growing quickly from depressed levels as the capital has become more politically stable. Hotel occupancy levels were 71.2 percent for the 11 months ending in November of…
Customer reviews on internet websites have become a powerful way for hoteliers to bring in new customers, or lose them. The four star Dubai hotel, Al Manzil learned last week just how much these reviews can impact their business, as it rose from near obscurity to the top of the city’s rankings in the leading travel website, TripAdvisor. The South African hospitality company Southern Sun manages Al…
French hospitality operator Club Med will launch its first Gulf resort in Oman. Club Med is known for its all inclusive packages. Oman based Muriya Tourism Development company signed an agreement yesterday with Club Med, although an opening date has not yet been set. The new luxury resort will be located in Salalah, on the southern coast of Oman. Senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Middle…
حققت مجموعة فنادق ريزيدور نمواً أيجابياً بنسبة 5.2 في المئة في جميع عقاراته في الشرق الأوسط في العام الماضي. قال أحد كبار التنفيذيين في الشركة انه من المتوقع أن تصل ايرادات منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا (مينا) في عام 2010 ، 200 مليون دولار (Dh734 مليون درهم ). قال الرئيس التنفيذي للتطوير لمجموعة فنادق بروكسل انهم يخططون لاستثمار ما يقرب من 600 مليون دولار لزيادة عدد الفنادق في الشرق الاوسط من 25…
Airbus and airlines flying the A380 superjumbo are working at ironing out technical difficulties the aircraft has experienced over the last few months. Emirates Airline, the biggest buyer of the world’s biggest aircraft, had a flight delay of several hours on its Dubai to South Korea service this week because of fuel system glitches. This was one of eight incidents on A380s since September, and affected 420…
Qatar Airways announced it plans to manufacture and supply sustainable bio jet fuel. The announcement follows the carrier’s success in October at operating a commercial flight from London that was powered by a gas-to-liquid fuel blend (GTL). Qatar is entering into the joint project with Qatar Petroleum (QP) Qatar Science and Technology Park (QTSP), and Airbus. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar…
An Emirates A380 flight scheduled to depart for Dubai from Incheon, South Korea, was delayed because of fuel related mechanical problems. The carrier’s public-relations representative in South Korea, Burson-Marsteller said flight EK323 was scheduled to depart at 11:55 pm local time Sunday, carrying 420 passengers. The flight was pushed back to 7 pm local time. Emirates Airline became the first to use A380…
Cruise ship Costa Deliziosa will be named in Dubai on February 23rd, the first major milestone for Dubai’s new cruiseship terminal, which opens on January18th. The event is being organized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and the European Cruise Company, Costa Crociere. The naming ceremony will be held during the ship’s inaugural cruise, which departs from Savona, Italy on February…
Lebanon ski resort owners are praying for snow because the unusually warm weather this year has stalled the country’s lucrative ski season. Walid Kanaan runs the luxurious Intercontinental Mountain Resort and Spa at Mzaar in the Mountain town of Faraya, northeast of Beirut. He said many clients cancelled their reservations for the month of January. Faraya is about 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level and…
A number of hotels in Abu Dhabi are claiming they have more stars than were awarded to them under Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) strict star rating system introduced last September. The new system is meant to increase standards at hotels in the capital and provide tourists with a consistent guide. Before the system was in place, hotels effectively determined their own ratings. Abu Dhabi spent about two…
