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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Fancy a lollipop made from dates or a kebbeh tart? The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is putting together an international array of delicacies during the month of Ramadan for their Iftar special. Nasi Goreng from Indonesia, Beef Rendang from Malaysia, mouthwatering Tandoori from India, Emirati Lamb Ouzi and Moroccan Mobakar Lamb are all on offer. An array of Arabic sweets plus a North American treat – Date Taffy Lollipops…
If you want to do something different this summer, go to Athens and have dinner perched 100ft above the ground in a platform held up by a crane. It will be fun. It will be different. And the selfies will be astounding. It is not inexpensive. A dinner in the sky costs Euro 120 per person. The meal is mainly halal - seafood and vegetarian - however, the main dish is veal but you can call in advance and ask for…
Dubai's Mall of the Emirates is now 10 years old. Celebrating its anniversary, the Majid Al Futtaim flagship shopping mall is giving away 10 chances to win Dh10,000 every week in May to shoppers who spend Dh 450 in the mall. Mall of the Emirates welcomes close to 40 million visitors annually. It has more than 500 international stores including 80 of the world’s most prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton,…
The Volvo Ocean Race which started in Alicante, Spain on October 4 2014 is now on its seventh leg. It set sail from Newport, Rhode Island for Lisbon, Portugal. The Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 is the 12th running of the world's premier ocean yacht race marathon. The route, spanning some 39,379 nautical miles, visits 11 ports in eleven countries (Spain, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, China, New Zealand,…
From 9 May to 22 November 2015 you will find a mosque in Venice. This is the first time that the 20,000 Muslims who live in the city will have a proper mosque to pray in. But this is not an ordinary mosque. It is a unique cultural exhibit. The mosque is located inside an old cathedral which was abandoned 40 years ago. As part of the 2015 La Biennale Art exhibition in Venice, the Iceland Pavilion commissioned…
If you are craving good chicken tikkas and kebabs, you will ignore the ambience. Man o Salwa in Boston is not really a restaurant you eat in. It is a takeout place that has a couple of tables. But the food is delicious. If you are in Boston you should experience their culinary delights. Mr and Mrs Irfan Qureshi and family run this Pakistani convenience store cum restaurant. The name outside says S&S Market.…
Chicago's premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Water Tower Place, has become one of the foremost tourist attractions in the city. Located in Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, the center features a stunning eight-level atrium and includes American Girl Place, Macy's and more than 100 stores and unique dining options — many of which are exclusive to downtown Chicago. Water Tower Place has…
If the summer heat is getting you down, the Crowne Plaza Amman has just the right solution. They have recently renovated their majestic swimming pool and claim that it is the first hydro/heated pool in Amman. Two jaccuzis and a pool for children have also been added to meet the aquatic needs of guests. Amman is the most popular city among Irhal visitors. Perhaps some of you can visit the Crowne Plaza Amman…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU) have signed a reciprocal bilateral short-stay visa waiver agreement exempting the UAE citizens from Schengen visa and making the UAE the first Arab country to receive such a visa waiver for its nationals. From May 7, UAE citizens who hold diplomatic, special, service and ordinary passports will be able to travel without a visa to EU countries which…
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi revealed one of its upcoming attractions at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The new roller coaster is set to break new world records, and is considered a major addition to the theme park’s offering as part of the undergoing large-scale expansion. Already boasting the world’s fastest roller coaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is planning to become home to the world’s steepest steel…
Carlson Rezidor re-enters Libya by announcing the Radisson Blu Hotel, Misrata. The 126-rooms property is scheduled to open in early 2016 and will be the first internationally branded hotel in Misrata. The hotel the conversion of an existing hotel and currently undergoing full renovation to meet Radisson Blu’s high service and safety standards. “We look forward to arriving in Misrata. We know Libya from our…
Air Arabia Jordan, the Kingdom’s new low cost carrier (LCC) recently announced that it will commence operations from its Amman Queen Alia International Airport base mid-May this year. Beginning with direct flights to four countries in the region, Air Arabia Jordan will greatly strengthen connectivity between Jordan and the Levant, Middle East, Europe and North Africa. Starting Monday May 18 2015, Air…
Where do a million Arabs want to go this summer? There was no cajoling. No persuasion. No incentives. We gave them the option to choose. They clicked. And now we have the score. Pure. Unbiased numbers. But first something about our users. 1,050,464 unique users visited Irhal.com in 2014. More than 80% of them are Arabs. 36% are from Saudi Arabia. 64% of them live in the GCC-Levant. 18% of the visitors are not…
The 22nd annual gathering of travel trade professionals begins in Dubai today. More than 400 exhibitors including 64 country pavilions will be trying to network with the expected 23,000 travel agents, tour operators and other travel trade professionals to send tourists in their direction. In an age when technology has overtaken physical contacts and old world across-the-table meetings, the travel trade in the…
Emirates, a global connector of people and places, announced the launch of its Apple Watch app, making it the first airline in the Middle East and African region to offer an app for the Apple Watch. Emirates’ customers from around the globe will be able to enjoy the smart features and sleek interface of the Emirates app for Apple Watch, designed to complement the Emirates iPhone app. "In today’s connected…
Etihad Airways announced its launch of new services between Abu Dhabi and Entebbe, in central Uganda, on Saturday. The inaugural flight, EY645, departed Abu Dhabi at 7:50am and arrived at Entebbe International Airport on schedule at 12:50pm, where it was welcomed by a delegation consisting of senior representatives from the airport, government officials and local dignitaries. Operated by a two-class…
Emirates is enhancing the entertainment experience for Economy Class travellers by introducing new, redesigned headsets for its award-winning ice entertainment system in Economy Class. Starting from the end of June, all Emirates A380 aircrafts will be equipped with new headsets, as well as the Boeing 777 fleet later in the year. These headsets have been completely redesigned with a view to improving sound…
Are ye an Ol’ English lover? Fan of William Shakespeare? Well, you are in for a treat. Every year Stratford-upon-Avon celebrates Shakespeare’s birthday on the weekend closest to it, bringing together performers, artists, the local community and ambassadors from around the world in a vibrant celebration of the life and works of William Shakespeare. This Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, remember…
It is always a good idea to own a passport from a country that is on good diplomatic terms with its peers, for it allows easy travel across borders. Financial firm Arton Capital, which specializes in helping wealthy individuals obtain multiple citizenships, sometimes through immigrant investor programs, has put together a ranking of the world's most powerful passports. The ranking shows which passports give…
Who said all it takes for a good night’s sleep is a comfy bed? Irhal has put together the top 8 really, really cool hotels from around the world to inspire your adventurous side - and perhaps convince you to pay a visit this summer. 8. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur Located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India, the Taj Lake Palace is one of the most romantic and luxurious hotels in the…
The internationally-renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu is set to open its Doha branch on Friday, April 17, at the Four Seasons, Doha. This will be the second outlet of the upmarket chain in the Gulf, following Nobu in Dubai, which opened at the Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah in 2008. The Qatar branch will be the 32nd restaurant for the global brand, which was started by Japanese chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa when he…
تقع هذه الفيلا الفاخرة الحديثة على بعد مسافة قصيرة من الشواطئ الرملية العامة، وهي رائعة للعائلات أو الأزواج الذين يبحثون عن الخصوصية والاسترخاء. تضم الفيلا ثلاث غرف نوم، وحمامان، وحمام خاص (أون سويت). كما تضم ايضاً مطبخ مفتوح، وغرفة معيشة ومنطقة لتناول الطعام. الفيلا مؤثثة ومفروشة بشكل جيد. تضم الفيلا أيضاً حمام سباحة خاص في الهواء الطلق، وجاكوزي داخلي، وشرفة للتشمُّس، ومطبخ مُجهّز بالكامل، وحديقة خاصة، وشرفة،…
The St. Regis Istanbul is home to the first international outpost of the three-time Michelin star winner, Wolfgang Puck's iconic Spago restaurant. Located on the hotel's rooftop, the restaurant offers contemporary design and stunning views of the vibrant city. Inspired by the celebrated chef's global travels, the modern and imaginative seasonal menus include signature dishes, such as blue crab and lobster…
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc., recently announced the debut of the highly anticipated St. Regis Istanbul. St. Regis has tripled its global footprint in the last decade to 34 hotels and is set to open three more hotels this year, strengthening its position as a leader in luxury hospitality. The hotel is situated in the upscale Nişantaşı region and is surrounded by…
