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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Dubai’s Emirates Airline announced it will start flights to Madrid, Spain on August 1st, 2010. The new flight service fills a longstanding gap in the transport network between the two locations because it provides the very first direct passenger service between Spain and Dubai. Madrid is Dubai’s fourth new destination this year, after Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Prague, and the carriers’ 25th destination in…
Sharjah will try to put itself on the global tourism map by taking part in more international exhibitions and road shows this year. Participating in these travel exhibitions has proven to be a very effective way to attract more visitors to the emirate. This year the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), will participate in 23 events. SCTDA Director General, Mohammad A. Al No’man said…
Burj Dubai’s Armani Hotel will officially open on March 18th, it was announced on Monday. The hotel is the first to open as the result of collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties, and will be housed in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Dubai. The Armani Hotel Dubai is the renowned fashion designer’s debut into the world of hospitality. The hotel is being marketed as Dubai’s most exclusive…
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has displayed boundless vision and ambition in establishing the Burj Al Arab and bringing designer brands like Armani Hotels and Resorts and Palazzo Versace to Dubai. The world’s tallest building will be home to the world’s first Armani Hotel, designed by Giorgio Armani. Another brand designed by the designer will be added to Dubai’s luxury portfolio when…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is leading a significant campaign to provide substantial, sector wide, energy, water, and waste reduction by the end of 2010. ADTA is spearheading the campaign under its Environmental, Health, and Safety Management System (EHSMS) for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. The tourism authority is aiming to achieve a savings of 10 percent in energy, 20 percent in water, and 20…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said that Abu Dhabi will probably not cap hotel room rates for major events this year because the addition of new hotels will probably result in more competitive prices. In the past there has been a shortage of hotel rooms, making it hard for visitors to book rooms during popular events and conferences. However, ADTA director of tourism standards, Nasser al Reyami, said…
A tourism expert is promoting the potential for winter tourism in the province of Makkah and in the Kingdom in general. Luay Qunaitah, chairman of the Tourism Promotion Committee at the Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Winter tourism is as important as summer tourism and will help the tourism industry thrive throughout the year.” Qunaitah said the pleasant weather in Makkah attracts tourists, but…
General Manager of the French Hotel chain ‘Le Concord’ announced that the chain will increase its activities in Tunisia by building two new hotels by 2012. One of the hotels will be located near a unit it is currently operating at the Berges du Lac in Tunis, and the other will located in Bizerta, north of Tunisia. The Birzerta unit is part of the “Bizerta Cap 3000” project which involves building marinas,…
The many new restaurants and hotels that have opened in Dubai and the UAE are optimistic that 2010 will bring in more business. Four new restaurants have opened at the Al Kabayel Mall in the Al Quoz industrial area, and the Karama Hotel opened a new restaurant called Indigoa. The restaurant chain Calicut Paragon opened a new outlet at Sharjah’s Ansar Mall. There are also a number of small and medium sized…
Official have ordered forty furnished apartment blocks closed after inspectors discovered more than 40 safety code violations. The Commission for Tourism and Antiquities will issue fines for the violations, which consist of failure to obtain construction safety licenses from the Jeddah Mayor’s office, building safety licenses from Civil Defence, and insufficient standard safety facilities. Mohammed Al-Amri…
Hareb Al Muhairy has been appointed Vice President, Corporate Communications by Etihad Airways. Hareb will report to the carrier’s senior vice president for corporate affairs, and he will be based at Etihad’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Hareb is a UAE National who studied political science and management at the UAE University in Al Ain before joining Etihad’s corporate department in 2009. In his new position…
Dubai is gearing up for the historic opening of Burj Dubai on Monday. Security plans are already in place for the inauguration ceremony, which will be open to the public. About 6,000 visitors are expected to attend and there is parking space for over 7,300 vehicles. Over 1,000 security personnel have been deployed to secure the area. There are a number of locations in the city where the fireworks display…
Director General of the Ministry of Economy, Mohammad Ahmad Abdul Aziz Al Shehi, said restaurants and cafes must immediately stop adding a service charge to their customer’s bill, to comply with the decision of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection. During a meeting with representatives of economic development departments, Al Shehi said that it illegal for non-tourist restaurants to add a service…
More than 100,000 flights affected so far EUROCONTROL: European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation - Statement issued on Wednesday April 21 1pm UAE Time EUROCONTROL expects approximately 21,000 flights to take place today in European airspace. On a normal Wednesday, we would expect 28,000. Thus approximately 75% of the total number of flights are expected to take place in Europe…
Emaar properties launched a new website, www.burjdubai.com , to provide detailed information about the world’s first ‘Virtual City’ and tallest building, the Burj Dubai. The website provides an in depth introduction to all aspects of life, work and leisure in the Burj Dubai. A virtual tour of the tower and its many retail and hospitality attractions is available on the website. There are dedicated sections…
Indian carrier Jet Airways will expand its service in the Middle East with a daily flight to Doha, Qatar, starting on January 21st, 2010. The new service is in addition to daily flights between Mumbai and Karachi. Jet Airways said in a statement it is increasing its Middle East offering to meet growing customer demand for a direct service. In July, Jet Airways introduced flights from Mumbai to Jeddah in…
International Air Transport Association (IATA) statistics show that the Middle East again ranks at the top for global passenger demand this November with a16.5 percent increase compared to November 2008. The November increase in passenger demand continues a trend of double digit growth throughout the year. The region’s airlines also saw their highest year-to-date (January-November 2009) passenger demand…
Budget carrier flydubai released its summer schedule for 2010 yesterday. Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai said “Releasing our 2010 summer schedule well in advance will allow our customers to plan ahead, giving them the opportunity to book early and take advantage of better rates.” Reservations can now be made for flights operating to any of the carrier’s eleven routes, through October 30th next year. The…
JAL Hotels is planning to launch a luxury hotel in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road in April 2010, despite financial difficulties plaguing its parent company, Japan Airlines (JAL). JAL Hotels became the first Japanese company to operate hotels in the region when it opened the JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa in 2007. The new 471 room Hotel JAL Tower Dubai will be a five star property aimed at business travelers. JAL…
Hotel bookings in Dubai and the UAE have increased from 75 percent to full occupancy during this holiday season as airlines offer reduced fares to some destinations. Deputy General Manager of Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Antony Wade, said their hotels are at full occupancy for the Christmas and New Year festivities. He said they were fully booked for the Christmas brunch and dinner reservations are very…
The latest data compiled by STR Global shows hotels in the UAE had a difficult year with falling occupancy rates and a 28.3 percent drop in revenue per available room (revPar) to AED 766.11 in November. The year-on-year average daily rate (ADR) also fell more than 21 percent to AED 1,015.23. By contrast, figures for Saudi Arabia showed an increase in all three categories: hotel occupancy rates increased over…
Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Duty Free announced that their revenues increased 12.7 percent in 2009 to more than AED500 million. This is the first time Duty Free revenues have exceeded AED500 million. Passenger growth in the UAE has increased 7.5 percent and average passenger spending is up 5.5 percent. Chief Commercial Officer for Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Huraiz Almur Bin Huraiz said “We are…
The newly opened Gold Swiss-Belhotel on Al Mina Road in Dubai has been giving free bags of croissants, juice, and chocolate bars to cabbies in the hotels driveway so they will remember the hotel and the location. Deepak Dahiya, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel said in the past there were times when the taxi did not know the location of the hotel, and this caused guests arriving at the airport to reach…
Advertising campaigns in Dubai are focusing more on budget and midscale hotels, and less on high priced hotel and glitzy shopping centers. Professor of Marketing at Zayed University in Dubai said about one recent television advertisement by Emirates Airline, “It is trying to highlight Dubai as a place for all segments of the market.” He explained that there is a movement now to brand Dubai away from the luxury…
