Airline, airport, hotel, destination, visa, and Muslim travel updates from Irhal.
The 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.
Read full storyAbu 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.
Read full storyMalaysia 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…
Two hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai
Sharjah Museums Offer an Integrated Summer Experience Blending Culture, Science, and Discovery for All Community Members
New 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.
Read full storyThe Red Sea destination is introducing new summer experiences for families and children, from stargazing and coral reef discovery to marine learning, sports activities and heritage crafts.
Read full storyChief Projects Officer at Shurooq, Khawla Al Hashimi, shares rare insights behind the icon commemorating Sharjah’s global recognition as a beacon of knowledge
Read full storyEscape to Sharjah Collection This Summer and Enjoy 30% Off
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The Trump hotel project on Palm Jumeirah, which was launched in 2008, will move forward despite recent rumors it was canceled completely. Vice President of the Trump Organization, Donald Trump Jr. said he would love to see the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Palm Jumeirah go ahead within the next two years. Mr. Trump talked about the project during his address to visitors on the first day of Cityscape…
State owned low cost carrier flydubai will begin twice daily flight to Doha, Qatar on October 18. This will be its first GCC route. CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the new service “is intended to benefit the economies of both the UAE and Qatar and help to increase passenger numbers overall by making air travel more accessible and affordable to a wider group of people.” This is flydubai’s seventh route since it…
The ‘India Tourism Road Show’ opens today in Riyadh with an event at 6 pm at the Sheraton Hotel in the Turki Hall. The road show is being organized by the Government of India Tourist Office (GOITA), Dubai in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Riyadh. Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed will head a large delegation from India’s Ministry of Tourism. GOITO executive directors from Dubai and Tokyo, and…
Prince Sultan bin Salman announced on Monday that development of the tourism industry is a strategic choice and national project for Saudi Arabia. The Prince, who is chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) made the announcement in his address to the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Astana, Kazakh. Prince Sultan talked about the SCTA’s steps to improve the investment…
Jazeera Airways is offering sharply reduced air fare with 111,000 promotional seats available at only Dh139 from Abu Dhabi and Dh133 one way from Dubai. The fares include air fare and taxes. Jazeera Airways CEO Stefan Pichler said “At Jazeera we are committed to giving our guests greater freedom to fly with us across the region.” Customers can book tickets to any of the carriers 24 destinations on…
Dubai’s hotel room inventory will reach 54,000 in 2010 according to Ishraq Gulf Estate Holding, a leading regional hospitality figure. This represents a 40 per cent increase over figures for 2008. CEO for Ishraq Gulf Estate Holding said the huge increase in hotel rooms will present a challenge for the hotel sector, which has been struggling during the global economic recession. Sami Ari Ansari said 2009…
Pilots and crew of an Air India flight from the UAE to India brawled on Saturday morning, causing minor bruises to one pilot and air hostess as punches were thrown. The fighting began in the cockpit over sexual harassment claims, but then moved into the galley. One hundred six passengers and seven crew members were on board the Air India flight the UAE to Delhi. The cabin crew claim the pilots sexually…
Emirates Airlines divisional senior vice president, Richard Vaughan, dismissed criticism from the Australian press that the carrier puts profits before safety in managing pilot’s fatigue risk. He said in a statement “Emirates reiterates its absolute commitment to safety. Emirates is a world leader in the management of pilot fatigue and alertness.” The Dubai carrier strongly refuted allegations in the Australian…
India’s Minister of Tourism, Sultan Ahmad, is in Dubai promoting tourism in India and seeking investors from Dubai. The Minister opened an exhibition promoting the country’s tourism industry. The Indian government is attempting to deliver 100,000 new hotel rooms to meet demand, and expects the UAE to be a partner in developing its tourist infrastructure. Minister Ahmad said “The number of classified hotels…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) launched six new information kiosks at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The ADTA is aiming for over 2.3 million tourists by 2012. More than 3,000 copies of the first official guide book were snapped up by tourists at the Abu Dhabi Travelers Welcome Visitor Information Desk, which opened at Terminal 1 and will operate around the clock. The guidebook contains…
A new report by James Lang Lasalle (JLL) said Abu Dhabi is close to replacing Dubai as the hotel destination of choice for investors. The capital is moving forward with various high profile events and project such as the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Middle East International Film Festival. Abu Dhabi also continues to develop Yas Island which will be home to the Louvre and Guggenheim museums. James…
President of the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) kicked off joint promotional campaigns and urged stronger inter-Arab tourism flow. Al-Fehaid said the ATO has been able to overcome obstacles to tourism by signing agreements with Arab and Global bodies. This has created new avenues for investment flow. He said the agreements helped bring down the unemployment rate, develop urban communities, and increased the…
A new report prepared by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) shows that 870,000 Saudi tourists spent SR4.7bn ($1.25bn) while travelling abroad this year. The report was released by the Data Center for Tourism Research of the SCTA. Saudi tourists travelling abroad this summer spent an average of SR5,400 or ($1,440) per person. The SCTA report said Bahrain was the most popular destinations…
Candylicious will open at Dubai Mall, one of world’s biggest shopping centers. The Dubai based company says the confectionary store will be the world’s biggest. Director of Retail Is Detail said they are planning a second store in Singapore early next year. Sunaina Gill said “We are planning 10-15 stores in the Gulf Arab region over the next 3-5 years, with additional stores to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in…
Emirates Airlines inaugural flight to Durban, South Africa landed recently at the Durban International Airport. Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saleed led a high level delegation on the airlines maiden flight to the South African port city. Al Mansouri said “This is an important development for Dubai, Emirates Airline, and for the UAE as a whole.” He said South Africa is an important trading partner and an…
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) initialed an “open” Air Services agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kyrgz Republic on September 30. The agreements were signed at the ICAO’s 2009 Air Services Negotiations Conference in Turkey. Director General of the UAE GCAA and Director of the Civil Aviation Authority for the Kyrgz Republic signed the accord. Representatives…
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said the opening of their new cruise terminal in January will boost the expanding cruise industry and strengthen Dubai’s position as an important regional tourism destination and hub. The 3,450 square meter cruise terminal, which can handle four ships at once, will have all tourist infrastructure, including ATM machine, money exchange, duty free shop, post…
Renaissance Hotels and Resorts will open five hotels in the Middle East by 2012, according to a senior executive with Marriot group’s lifestyle brand. Rene Mooren, Marriot’s Regional vice president for sales and marketing said they have 24 pipeline hotels in development around the world and these will open between now and 2012. Renaissance Doha will have 257 rooms and open later this year, followed by two…
The UN World Tourism Organization predicts that the number of visitors to the Middle East will more than double by 2020 because of ongoing investment in the sector. UN WTO regional representative for the Middle East said the growth rate will be more than double the world average. Amr Abdel-Ghafar said the number of tourist arrivals will increase to 136 million by 2020, compared to 54 million last…
Rotana Hotels has appointed Hussein Hachem as Cluster General Manager for two five star properties in Dubai – the Al Bustan Rotana and Al Murooj Rotana. Mr. Hachem is a veteran in the hospitality industry and has worked in with Rotana since the opened the Al Murooj Rotana Dubai. He is a specialist in award winning innovative hotels, who previously started and operated many hotel properties throughout the…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) put up the first new hotel classification sign outside the main entrance of Emirates Palace. The new hotel classification system is being implemented following two years collaboration between the ADTA and the emirates hospitality sector. ADTA will unveil a total of 110 signs classifying 63 hotels and 47 hotel apartments, ahead of the much anticipated Formula 1 Grand Prix…
Etihad Airways moved its three daily flight departures to Abu Dhabi at London Heathrow from Terminal Three to Terminal Four. The carrier opened a new lounge for premium customers across from the gates usually used for flight departures. To celebrate the move, a judge from the hit television show the X-Factor welcomed the first Etihad passengers and talked at length as they checked in. Etihad Chief…
Etihad Airways successfully negotiated the first export credit guaranteed transaction in $1 billion aircraft financing program for 2009-10. The airline said in a statement “The recently acquired Export Credit Agency (ECA) rating, which is also endorsed by all Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, effectively places Etihad alongside investment-grade airlines.” Chief Executive…
Kuwait will triple capacity at its international airport by building a new passenger terminal at an estimated cost of 213 million dinars ($2.72 billion). The new terminal is scheduled for completion in November 2016 and will have an annual capacity of 13 million passengers. This will bring the airports total annual passenger capacity to 20 million people. Minister of Public Works Faisal Al Ostad said four…
