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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Kerzner International is considering launching a second luxury product in Dubai – The Cove Atlantis. Last September the resort developed the $1.5 billion (Dh5.5bn) Atlantis The Palm. The Cove Atlantis would be located at the Atlantis site in Dubai and replicate the Cove in Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. President and Managing Director of Kerzner International said they did a lot of planning on…
Hotels in Abu Dhabi will be able to receive entertainment licenses online within 24 hours, starting next week, after the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) introduces its online program. The switch to an online license application system will lessen reliance on the prior manual system, which required the involvement of various authorities. The move to the online system will take between two and six weeks to…
SITA, a specialist in air transport and communications and IT solutions, is installing self service kiosks at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The five year, $2.2 million deal with SITA is aimed at simplifying the check-in procedures by installing SITA’s (common use self-service) kiosks. Twenty four kiosks will be installed throughout Abu Dhabi International Airport’s three terminals. They will be…
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) will probably achieve its 2009 tourism goals despite the economic downturn, according to tourism chiefs. The ADTA is aiming for about 1.5 million hotel guests this year. ADTA director of strategy and policy said “The targets we have in place are based on a solid understanding of demand and supply fundamentals.” Laurence Franklin said the launch of Air Asia flights…
The Supreme Haj Committee issued a report announcing the monorail project linking the holy sites of Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah will be finished for Haj next year. The report said “Work on the project began in Muharram (soon after the last Haj season) and will be ready for use to 35 percent of its capacity during the Haj season of 1431.” The multibillion-riyal project was approved by King Abdullah in order…
Atlantis The Palm Hotel announced Serge Zaalof, a French national, as the new Chief Operating Officer . He replaces General Manager Amadeo Zarzosa who last week resigned suddenly to the surprise of many. The hotel did not offer a reason for his resignation. . Serge Zaalof has ten y ears experience with Jumeirah Group and will now be the Chief Operating Officer for Kerzner International, which Atlantis…
The Sofitel Dubai Jumeriah Beach hotel is set to shake up the hotel sector with its unique brand of French hospitality. The hotel’s general manager believes the Gallic approach to life and entertaining will set his 438 room property apart from the rest. Gilles Longuet said “It’s the only luxury hotel with the French art de vivre, art de recevoir”. He said over time they want to be the leader among hotels in…
Noor Islamic Bank launched a foreign currency exchange service at its Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 branch, located in the departure area of Terminal 3 (T3-08). It will operate 24/7 Buy and sell services will be provided at market rates for all GCC and international currencies including the Kuwaiti dinar, UAE dirham, Saudi riyal, US dollar, British Pound, and Japanese Yen. Travelers' checks may be…
Infrastructure work on Yas Island is nearly complete and will be ready for the inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix motor race on 1 November 2009. Yas Island is located about 30 minutes from the Abu Dhabi mainland and will host many attractions including world class racing circuits, signature hotels, theme parks, marinas, and golf courses. Aldar Properties is the developer of the…
Luxury brand dealers in the Dubai Airport Freezone are attempting to increase sales among oil rich Gulf states to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis. The Middle East is less affected by the credit crunch than other states, and luxury brand dealers are optimistic about increasing demand for high end brands in the Gulf market. A study released by the global consulting firm Bain & Company said…
Travco Group bought a 99.6% share of the European hotel chain ,Steigenberger Hotels AG. Travcor Group is a hotel and tour operator based in Egypt that owns 50% of TUI Group, the biggest and most experienced tour operator in Europe. Travcor Group has assets of more than 1.25 billion euros and posted posted consolidated revenues of 600 millon euros in 2009. The company employs 18,000 people. Steigenberger was…
Etihad Airways introduced its new first class suite on the Abu Dhabi to London route last week, on an Airbus A340-600 aircraft. This is the first Etihad aircraft to feature the suite. Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan called it a major milestone that demonstrates “our continued commitment to providing a world class experience for our premium passengers.” Each state of the art suite features an extra…
Jumeirah Group is considering adding a lifestyle hotel brand to bring further depth to their current traditional luxury hotel offering. Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless said they are considering developing another hotel brand but if they did “we would still do it in the luxury, five star segment but more on the lifestyle, contemporary styled brand.” Jumeirah Group’s overall revenues have dropped between 25%…
Media One Hotel, a mixed use development consisting of offices along with 216 hotel rooms, will open in October. The recently appointed General Manager of the new four star hotel, De Conceicao-Stuart said “Since it is a new property with all the facilities, the revenue per available room, an industry benchmark, would be comparable to the industry standards.” The hotel occupies the first 23 floors of the mixed…
Dubai hotels revenue per available room (RevPar) declined 24% in July to US$107.09 (Dh393.35), a significant improvement over the 33.9% fall the previous month. RevPar is an important measure of the health of the hotel industry. The information was reported by STR Global, whose managing director said “The Middle East finally showed some signs of improvement, with Dubai making significant gains.” Hotel…
Makkah hotels and Umrah companies will suffer heavy losses during Ramadan this year because many foreigners are cancelling their pilgrimage plans due to fears over the H1N1 virus. Businessman operating in the Umrah sector asked the Haj Ministry to seek financial compensation from authorities. One prominent industry representative said hotel cancellations have so far reached 50%. Walid Abu Sabaa said…
Saudi Arabia is allowing stranded Emirates to exit the country without passports. The Emirates were stranded after the county issued a new rule requiring the use of passports, rather than ID cards, when travelling. The rule has been relaxed so the travelers can return home. Many were not able to pass through the Al Ghwaifat checkpoint until Tuesday when the restriction was eased. Saudi Arabia announced on…
Dubai malls bring the charm of Arabian culture by putting up Majlis, featuring family shows, and playing Ramadan movies. “Journey to Mecca” is now playing at Ibn Battuta Malls Grand Cinemas, along with other special Ramadan movies for families. Also at the Ibn Batuta mall, a historical documentary show takes place between 3:30 pm and 9:30 pm and is open to all shoppers and guests. The inspirational documentary…
A list published by the European Union (EU) over the weekend showed that UAE airlines will be monitored under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Emirates Airline, Air Arabia, and Etihad Airways are some of the airlines in the program, which starts in 2012 and will monitor airline carbon dioxide emissions. Depending on the results, carriers could have to reduce environmental effects by buying carbon credits…
The new chief of Bahrain’s Gulf Air said they may cut loss making routes and renegotiate aircraft orders to end their dependence on their sole shareholder, the Bahrain sovereign wealth fund – Mumtalakat. Samer Majili, who last month left Royal Jordanian to become chief executive of Gulf Air, said all options were being considered as part of a wide review of the struggling company’s business plan. He said “Gulf…
Kingdom Hotel and Investments (KHI) H1 profit fell 61% to US $8 million (Dh29m) from $20.6 million for the same period last year. The fall in profit is due mainly to weak performance by its Four Seasons Hotels in Paris and Cairo, property sales, and impairment charges. KHI, based in Dubai, is a hotel and resort investment company. Saudi billionaire Prince Alaweed bin Talal founded the company and is…
Jordan’s first internationally branded economy hotel in Jordan, the ibis Amman, will launch on September 2009. Kuwait based Action Hotels and Accor Hospitality Middle East made the announcement today. Action Hotels is a subsidiary of Action Group Holdings. The ibis Amman is in the Tila’Al Ali district, exactly opposite the Amman mall, close to the center of the capital’s prime commercial and leisure areas –…
Gulf Air won the “Middle East’s Leading Airline Reward Program at the recent World Travel Awards 2009. Bahrain’s national carrier said they have made it easier for members to use their Frequent Flier Program (FFP). They added new facilities to its online FFP site allowing members to log onto their personal account to redeem their miles or check their loyalty points – any time, any where. Gulf Air…
Rotana Hotels, based in Abu Dhabi, sees great potential for development of the tourism sector in Iraq as the countries security improves. Rotana has signed up to manage two five star hotels in Iraq over the past two years. One hotel will be in the heavily guarded International Green Zone and the other in Erbil, the Kurdistan region in the north. President and Chief Executive of the hotel, Mr. El Zyr, said…
