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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Air India Express is expanding its service with the addition of more flights between India and the UAE from 25 October 2009. The low cost carrier will take over routes currently operated by the company’s domestic carrier Air India, in order to save costs. Air India Express ticket prices are about 15 per cent less than the full service carrier tickets, although passengers do not get complete meals and must…
The Ministry of Haj has urged Umrah companies and service providers not to permit Haj pilgrims to depart unless they have first obtained confirmed bookings for airlines or ships. Many pilgrims are arriving at airports and seaports in Jeddah and Madinah to begin their return trips. Companies must ensure that pilgrims arrive at King Abdullaz Airport in Jeddah six hours before departure and Prince Muhammad…
The Java World Travel Fair had strong participation by the UAE, including the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, and Dubai’s Emirates Airlines. The World Tourism Congress organized the JATA fair and it took place in Tokyo between September 17th and September 20th. More than 100,000 people visited the UAE booths, which…
Hoteliers in Dubai are seeing a brighter future as the summer season comes to an end. Monarch Dubai director of business development said “Hopefully for Dubai, summer is a turning point, and Marriot Middle East and Africa sales director Jeff Stracchan said “We believe there is room for optimism.” The Atlantis Resort on The Palm Island in Dubai doubled their rates last week from a promotional offer of Dh800 per…
The Elaf Group of Companies announced they will build four new five star hotels in Abu Dhabi – two in Jeddah and one each in Makkah and Madinah over the next three years. The company’s president, Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, said they currently have 15 hotels and plan to double that number in the short term. He said “the kingdom remains a significant growth market and an important consolidating force in the region’s…
Wataniya Airways received a bomb threat hoax forty minutes into its flight to Damascus, and returned to Kuwait. Chief of Operations at Wataniya International Airports said a passenger made the threat during during an argument with a flight attendant. The male passenger refused to stow his hand luggage in the overhead compartment, claiming it contained a bomb. The captain immediately returned to Kuwait,…
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, based in Canada, will operate the new Dh800 million luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi when it opens on 1 October 2009. A source close to developments said “It’s a five star property, owned by the Al Fahim Group unit Rmal Hospitality.” Fairmont is seeking to establish a presence in one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi aims to have over 26,000…
A top Kerzner International official said plans for the $1.5 billion Atlantis Dubai on Palm Jumeirah are still in the pipeline and will move forward after economic conditions improve. Managing Director Alan Lieberman said he is very comfortable about prospects for 2010, but noted that it is difficult to make predictions because “Our business continues to be very, very short term”. He said consumers tend to wait…
A new report by STR Global shows that revenue per available room (RevPar), and occupancy rates fell dramatically during Ramadan. STR Global Managing Director said “With Ramadan taking place from August 21 to September 19 2009, the Middle East/Africa region dropped 21 per cent in RevPar for August.” Elizabeth Randall said this is the first time RevPar for this region has fallen behind Europe and the…
New figures released on Sunday show aircraft, cargo, and passenger traffic increased at Abu Dhabi International Airport in August, but the rate of growth slowed. The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said there was a 12.5 per cent rise in aircraft traffic in August compared with the same month last year, a 6.2 per cent increase in cargo movments and 2.5 per cent increase in passenger movement – compared to 10.3…
India’s Taj Hotels joined Etihad Airways ‘Etihad Guest’ loyalty programme. Taj Hotels is a leading Indian hospitality group. ‘Eithad Guest’ was launched in August 2006 and now has over 650,000 members. The program lets members accumulate miles then redeem them against a wide selection of up to 1,600 flight and non flight rewards from over 200 partners. The rewards include car rental, hotel accommodation,…
The UAE will host the three day “Low Cost Airlines World MENA 2009 Conference” from October 12 to October 14 2009 in Al Ain. The event is being sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC). Aviation industry specialists from the Middle East and around the world will meet and discuss new routes and ways of increasing revenues. Sharjah based Air Arabia was the first low cost carrier (LCC) to launch in…
The hotel industry in Saudi Arabia will expand massively over the next few years as the Kingdom’s multi pronged initiative to boost tourism revenues is implemented. The Elaf Group of Companies has announced they will build an additional four five star hotels in the Kingdom over the next few years. The ambitious plans by Saudi Arabia’s pioneering tourism company are another indication that “the worst is over”…
The Sharjah compliant five star all suite Tamani Hotel in Dubai Marina is flourishing during the economic downturn because of its Sharia niche. The 240 suite hotel doesn’t serve alcohol, all food is halai, and there is a floor reserved exclusively for woman and only female staff are allowed to enter. The female staff are dressed conservatively and consistent with Islamic tradition. General Manager for…
Stargate Resort has opened its doors in Zabeel Park, Dubai, after four years of construction. The ‘eductainment center’ which was initiated by real estate company Osus and Dubai municipality, features state-of-the art interactive play and parent pleasing education. The center will teach visitors about the far reaches of the solar system. CEO of Osus said “Stargate is a one-of-a-kind interactive learning…
The hotel industry believes customers will be more loyal if there is value added to their stay with courses like language classes, golf lessons, and culinary arts training. An increasingly common mantra among those in the hospitality industry is there should be focus on the basics and enhancing people’s skills. Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group said he believes that there is a clear change in hotel guests…
Perfumes Y Diseno (PYD) invested Dh11 million to establish headquarters for its Middle East Unit at the Dubai Airport Freezone. PYD said they are expanding their market in the region by developing tie-ups with retail chains in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Gulf region. Managing director for the PYD Middle East Unit, PYD Middle East Distribution FZCO, said “Growth in cosmetics and perfumery…
Dubai Malls highlighted traditional Arabic dancing during the Eid celebrations. Large crowds watched dancers perform the Tanoura and Khaligi with Dabkeh in Palestinian and Syrian styles. More visitors were attracted by discounts offered by outlets. Shoppers at the Reef Mall in Deria enjoyed their outing with the festive backdrop of traditional Arabic musicals and dance acts. A Tanouri dance show followed…
Dubai Hotels are promoting their brands and increasing business by using social media websites. Revenues have dropped due to the slowdown in international travel and more competition, so hotels are looking for less expensive ways to attract guests. The Monarch Hotel used the twitter social networking website to launch its Eid promotion this month, and this was responsible for around 12 per cent of its…
Airbus is projecting that Dubai will be the world’s fourth largest aviation hub after Hong Kong, London Heathrow, and Beijing. Airports Council International statistics show that Dubai overtook Singapore Changi Airport last year to become the world’s sixth largest aviation hub. By 2028 around 14 of the world’s biggest airports will be located in Asia Pacific. Dubai Airport Chief Executive Paul Griffiths…
Attention is turning to the different rail projects throughout the Gulf in the wake of the successful launch of Dubai Metro. There is a possibility of a Pan-Gulf network linking the major cities in the region. Dubai Metro is the most important passenger rail services but it is one of many rail systems that will connect GCC countries and the whole region. It took four years to launch Dubai Metro at a cost of…
Dubai Hotels are getting ready for the Eid holidays by offering special packages after the number of holiday makers declined between 20 and 25 per cent during Ramadan. Dubai is attempting to bring holiday makers back with the best hotel room bargains combined with discounts on food, beverages, and complimentary offers for children. Dusit Thani Dubai’s Eid Festival package, valid between September 20 and…
International Air Charter (IAC) has bolstered its fleet to meet the expected surge in demand during Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. IAC is one of the world’s biggest independent private jet charter brokers and consultants. The company hit their growth target this season and expects a 50 per cent increase in the number of clients. IAC Middle East Partner Elie Abdo said “While IAC has been hitting…
Dubai based luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Group will manage the Jumeirah Marrakech Golf & Polo Resort. Jumeirah Group recently signed an agreement with SGTM Immobilier to manage the new luxury resort, which is located seven kilometers south of Marrakech at the side of the Atlas Mountains. SGTM Immobilier is a subsidiary of Societe Generale des Travaux du Maroc (SGTM). Executive Chairman for Jumeirah…
