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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Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced they will participate in the International Tourism Bourse Asia (ITB Asia). The exhibition is being held in Singapore at the Sontec Conference and Exhibition Center between Wednesday and Friday. SCTDA’s participation is part of the emirate’s strategy to promote tourism and investment opportunities to new markets. SCTDA Director General…
One must first register with the DNRD to use this service, which will also soon be available for use by visitors entering Dubai. The orange colored physical copy of entry permits will not be required if one has the M-visa. Users are charged each time they log in, and they may check their personal DNRD record, visa status, fines and fees. Users will be notified via email and sms text message when their entry permits or visas are issued.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will open its doors in Beirut in December, 2009. Four Seasons has been appreciated for its warm, caring, and personalized services for more than 50 years. The Four Seasons hotel in Beirut will have 230 rooms and suites, and boast panoramic views of the Mediterranean, city of Beirut, and surrounding mountains. A glass enclosed, sun drenched pool awaits travel weary guests on…
The Hilton Garden Inn opened its first Hilton Garden Inn in the Middle East, in Riyadh, Olaya. The hotel has 180 rooms. President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, Christopher J. Nassetta, said “The opening marks the entry of our first mid-market, mid priced brand into the Middle East and Africa, and is expected to be the first of many Hilton Garden Inn Hotels in Saudi Arabia that we are developing with the owners,…
Saudi Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah said talks regarding purchase of major stakes in Liverpool by his F6 company are nearly complete, with club co-owner George Gillett visiting Riyadh. Gillette is visiting Riyadh mainly to talk about a project that will create Liverpool soccer academies around the region. He is one of two US owners of the English football team, which is heavily indebted. Mr.…
The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and Jeddah municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make Jeddah a world class city able to host major international events. Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh said “The MoU aims at strengthening the relations between JCCI and the municipality to improve services required for the city’s development plans and investment projects.” The mayor said the…
The government of Malta opened its tourism office in Dubai in order to promote tourism from the UAE and the Gulf. Chief executive of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) said “We are now offering a three night stay in five-star hotels, including airfare and taxes at Dh2,290, which is very attractive.” Josef Formosa B. Gauci explained they are looking at other markets because of the current economic situation and…
Chief executive of Hilton Worldwide said Dubai can handle more hotels even though demand has declined and more hotels will open soon. The hotel operator is moving forward with aggressive expansion plans in the Middle East, and will open at least 3,264 more rooms over the next three years. Yesterday Hilton Worldwide opened its third hotel in Ras al Khaimah, and its third Garden Inn hotel in the region in…
Khimji’s ‘House of Travel’, under an exclusive agreement, is now the General Sales Agent (GSA) in Oman for SpiceJet. Khimji’s House of Travel is the new flagship brand for Travel and Business Tourism Services under the Projects and Logistics group of Khimji Ramdas, which will now sell, promote, and advertize SpiceJet tickets to the people of Oman. Chief Commercial Officer for SpiceJet Limited said Khimji…
The Bawadi Mall rink, which allows both ice skaters and roller blades, was opened on Monday. A company statement said the rink has a capacity of 200 skaters and a spectator area and is the regions first artificial ice skating rink. Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager at the Bawadi Mall, said “The new technology is suitable for metal blade shoes and roller shoes, offering a great experience to both professionals…
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince H.H. Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi bridge. The bridge is now the main gateway to Saadiyat Island, which is connected to Abu Dhabi from the Mina Zayed port area. The bridge creates a five minute drive between the Island and Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Island is being developed into a strategic international tourism destination. The bridge…
Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding has begun construction work on the 22 story Holiday Inn Express in Manama. The company is the exclusive developer of the Holiday Inn Express brand in the GCC. CEO of Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding, Sami Al Ansari, said “We are vey excited about our entry into Bahrain and the opportunities its hospitality sector holds. Holiday Inn Express Manama is located in Bahrain’s…
An Air India pilot and co-pilot were arrested over a scuffle that ensued during a flight from Sharjah to Delhi, in which pilots were accused of assaulting an air hostess. They were later released on bail it was reported on Wednesday. Police questioned pilot Ranbir and co-pilot Aditya Chopra on Tuesday night regarding the mid-air scuffle that occurred on October 3. A senior police official said “As the offence…
Revenue per available room (RevPar) in Dubai is expected to fall by up to 28 per cent in Dubai by the end of 2009, compared to 2008. The latest Hotel Market Forecast from STR Global hospitality analysts show the worst case scenario forecast for RevPar falling 29 per cent. However, PKF Consulting House said in their latest report that average daily rates and RevPar are expected to increase in December and…
Malaysia’s low cost carrier (LCC) AirAsia X is taking an unusual step for a budget airline of installing seats that recline fully flat. The carrier is betting that some passengers on its long haul flight will want a bed and be willing to pay for it. Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani told an industry conference in Al Ain, “Nothing’s engrained when it comes to LCC’s.” The airline also plans to offer pay…
Emirates Airlines won three awards at the at the Business Traveler Middle East Awards in May 2009 including the much coveted ‘Best Airline’, ‘Best Regional Airline’, and ‘Best First Class’ titles. Shortly after it won these accolades, the airline received trophies for ‘Best First Class’ and ‘Best Middle Eastern Airline’. The trophies were awarded by readers of the monthly magazine Business Traveler UK…
Air Arabia’s chief executives said the carrier will open its new operating hub in Alexandria, Egypt, during the first quarter of 2010. The biggest low cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East had previously announced plans for a hub in Egypt. Chief Executive Officer Adel Ali told an aviation conference in Al Ain that the hub in Egypt will make the carrier a truly Pan-Arab airline, because it will fill a gap in…
The number of Sharjah hotels and hotel apartment increased by 13 to 4,248, according to the tourism development authority. Sharjah’s hotel classification system, which came into force in 2008, has been important in increasing occupancy levels. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority implemented the system in order to help the tourism sector compete globally. SCTDA Licensing and…
Industry officials, speaking in advance of the Low Cost Airlines World MENA 2009, said the financial crisis has made low cost carriers (LCC) more accepted and bought new carriers into the UAE. The conference starts today at Al Ain, and will host over 30 Chief Executive Officers airlines and airports who will review the development of budget airlines in the region. Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports…
Head of Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADEC), Khalifa Al Mazroui said at press conference that a center for business and logistics will be established at the Al Ain Airport. The aim will be to make it a regional center for cargo and budget airlines.
A Qatar Airways flight from London, Gatwick to Doha made history by being the first to use fuel derived from natural gas. The A340-600 aircraft used a mixture of synthetic Gas to Liquids (GTL) kerosene and conventional oil based kerosene. The GTL blend produces less emissions and sulphur dioxide. A consortium of companies developed the fuel over the past few years – Qatar Airways, Airbus, Qatar Petroleum,…
The number of visitors to the Gulf’s biggest exhibition center, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has increased 20 per cent. The developer is moving forward with big expansion plans including construction of a 160 meter tower called Capital Gate that tilts more than the Tower of Pisa. Business development director Sanjay Tanna said “ADNEC is committed to expanding its economic impact on the…
The Intercontinental Hotels Group will expand in the MENA region over the next three years, adding 49 hotels. This will add nearly another 14,000 new hotel rooms. IHG is looking to hire 33,000 new staff to work in its new hotels, in all roles, including general managers, sales and marketing, and food and beverage. The new hotels include the Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Intercontinental…
Gulf Air, the national carrier for Bahrain, began its five year plan to replace its fleet by putting the first of 15 new ‘fuel efficient’ Airbus A320 aircraft into service. Gulf Air chairman Talal Al Zain officially welcomed the aircraft at the Bahrain National Airport. He said “By investing in our fleet now, we are securing the future of Gulf Air.”, and called it a proud moment for the airline because it is…
