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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Cash strapped yacht owners are keeping the second hand boat market busy as they look to recover some of their investment. Many who bought their yachts during better economic times are now trying to free up cash by selling their boats. Rashid, who owns a property company in Dubai, purchased a new 50 foot luxury yacht over two years ago for Dh10 million (US$2.72m). At the time Rashid had the funds to maintain…
SAS Scandinavian Airline will use Dubai as a regional hub in order to expand in the Middle East and South Asia. The carrier is the combined multinational airline of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The newly appointed manager for the UAE said “Dubai is a good and increasing market and the region is becoming more and more important for us.” SAS is coordinating with Dnata travel booking service to meet demand…
The slowdown in the construction industry has provided an unexpected bonus for the Louvre and Guggenheim museum projects in Abu Dhabi. The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) launched both these projects last year at a cost of Dh5 billion (US$1.36 billion). Because of less demand in this sector, costs are expected to be 30 per cent less than last year, and contractors, which were once difficult to…
Tourism official and operators in Oman expect the number of tourists visiting Oman will increase 11 per cent to 2 million this year, because Gulf residents are looking for less expensive holidays in the region. Ministry of Tourism head of development Khalid Al Ghassan said “The global crisis has forced Gulf nationals to travel closer from home and Oman is hugely benefiting from it.” Al Ghassan said about…
The International Air Transport Association revised their global financial forecast downwards, but said the region’s carriers would lose $500 million, compared to the previous estimate of $1.5 billion. Although the crisis for aviation sector globally is increasing the outlook for Middle Eastern airlines is improving. IATA said “Airlines continue to gain long-haul market share with expanded capacity and hub…
Emirate Airlines, based in Dubai, announced their first codeshare agreement with Virgin Blue Group’s new international airline V Australia on the trans-Tasman route beginning 25 October. The agreement will provide connections to V Australia guests when travelling between New Zealand and the USA. Passengers using Emirates to travel on the Trans-Tasman sector can conveniently connect to and from V…
The newly opened Elaf Jeddah Hotel, located in the Red Sea Mall complex, held its first event on Sunday – an Iftar party for media. The hotel is Elaf Travel, Tourism, & Hotel’s 11th property. The Elaf group is part of SEDCO. They have eight other hotels in Makkah and two in Madinah. The company’s General Manager for Business development, Ehab A. Eid said they plan to add an additional 2,400 rooms within…
Riyadh municipality has announced new activities for this years Eid celebration, which will probably start on Sunday. A spokesman of the High Commission for Development of Riyadh said “The 2009 edition of Eid celebrations will begin with prayers and will highlight the festivity through a range of events and activities, featuring fireworks, concerts, shows, local plays, poetry sessions, and woman’s…
The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels signed their first hotel in Yemen, the Millennium Gold Mohur Beach Resort Aden, and a five star hotel fronting the Gulf of Arabia. CEO and President of Millennium & Copthorne Middle East Holdings Limited – Mr. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Ezaabi signed the agreement at the Grand Millenium Dubai with Dr. Abdullah Ahmad Al Kathri - Chairman of Al Kathiri Investment Group and the owner of…
Hotel occupancy rates in Dubai could be boosted by transit passengers if they are encouraged to pause their travels for a break in Dubai. Managing Director of Premier Inn said that while Dubai Airport is bucking the trend with big increases in passenger traffic, the challenge is “to encourage more people who transit through Dubai to spend a few days in the city.” Darroch Crawford said hotels must work with…
Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates (MoE) occupancy rates reached 92 per cent for July 2009 and the first fifteen days of August 2009 This is a 4 per cent increase over the same period last year. The hotels general manager said “Special offers and activities during Dubai Summer Surprises at the hotel and adjoining Sky Dubai and Mall of the Emirate” contributed to the very healthy occupancy rate. Holger…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) will promote tourism in Abu Dhabi in the Leisure Moscow Exhibition, which runs from 22 September through 24 September. The exhibition is an opportunity for the ADTA to increase its profile in the Russian market. A dedicated pavilion will showcase hotels and new properties on Yas Island, which is hosting the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. ADTA…
The latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index shows that the average price of hotel rooms around the world declined 17 per cent during the first six months of 2009 due to price falls on every continent. Room rates in June 2009 were over one sixth lower than they were a year earlier and only one per cent higher than in January 2004, the year the Hotel Price Index started. Dubai became a more desirable place to…
Participation in international conferences and exhibitions in Dubai will increase between 10 and 15 per cent this year compared to 2008. Major exhibitions like the Dubai Airshow 2009, Media and Marketing Show, and the Big Five will have more exhibition space to accommodate higher demand this year. However, the international property investment and development exhibition Cityscape will probably see a 25 to…
Associate Director for Tri Hospitality Consulting said smaller developers will continue to have difficulties funding hotel projects because banks are reluctant to lend for this asset class. John Podaris said “Life is hard for small developers. They will be looking to the private equity market – and the private equity market is particularly risk averse at this time.” He said liquidity will probably not filter…
The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort welcomed three new members – a pair of Chilean flamingos and a white bellied bustard. The resort is home to 4,300 members of the animal kingdom. The Chilean flamingos were born to a first time mother in the park one month ago and are in good health. The birds grow to between 110 cm and 130 cm in height and their colors range from pale pink to dark pink, depending on their…
The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments announced Haj pilgrims must furnish a health certificate showing they are free of the H1N1 virus in order to obtain an entry visa. The authority’s executive director said “We are joining hands with the Ministry of Health and other local health authorities to lay out the standard health form for the medical fitness certificate. Mohammed Obeid Al…
Emmar Middle East is showcasing its diverse development portfolio at premier hotels as part of Ramadan activities. Emmar Middle East is a premier property developer that focuses on lifestyle projects in Saudi Arabia. They are sponsoring Ramadan events at the Sheraton Dammam and Jeddah Hilton, and set up special booths showcasing three important projects – Emmar Residences at the Fairmont Makkah, Al Khobar…
Dubai Airports reported Monday they expect international passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum to grow 13.6 per cent in 2010 to reach 46 million, up from an expected 40.5 million by the end of 2009. CEO of Dubai Airports Paul Griffith attributes the increased traffic to “Improving economic conditions, state of the art infrastructure, strong expansion by Emirates…
The number of visitors from the Middle East increased 6 per cent to 53,575 during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period last year. There has been double digit growth in tourism arrivals in Singapore from the Middle East for three consecutive years. Singapore Tourism Board area director for the Middle East said the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are the top visitor markets for Singapore from…
Emirates Airline announced they are constructing a new 7,000 square foot Emirates Lounge at the Birmingham Airport. They made the announcement during the 70th anniversary celebrations of the airport.
Emirates Palace Hotel ranked among the highest hotels in the world in the Business Hotels Survey 2009 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine in the UK. The luxury hotel ranked 16 with a score of 81.46 and achieved the highest score of 87.5 for shopping facilities. The magazine asked readers to vote for the best of different travel and tourism sector categories including airlines, cruise lines, and…
The first budget airline in the region will benefit from the economic downturn as passengers seek less expensive flights The carrier just opened a third hub in Egypt, indicating a new phase of expansion from its Sharjah and Casablanca bases. Growth in its Sharjah hub is expected to slow and the carrier will try to springboard into the region using funds from its 2007 initial public offering, commercial…
Qatar Airways officials said they are expanding routes and increasing frequencies across all its destinations. Ali Al Rais, vice president of commercial for GCC said “We will be stepping up our frequencies to existing destinations” and that India is an important market. Two new India destinations will be added – Amristar on 11 October and Goa on 25 October. This will bring to ten the number of…
