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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TNT Express, based in the Netherlands, said the UAE continues to be the only bright spot among global logistic hubs. TNT Express is a global logistics and freight forwarder. The emirates were the only country for which the company recorded an increase in growth so far this year – 2% compared to the same period last year. Manager of TNT Express Bryan Moulds said “The region is reasonably buoyant. We’re…
Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) operating profits plummeted 38% to US$179 million during the first half of this year from US$291 million for the same period last year. IHG is best known for its Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn brand and has the biggest presence in the Middle East of any hotel company. They describe the Middle East and the UK as their strongest markets. During the first half of the year…
Dubai’s new low cost carrier gave all passengers a refund after they were forced to postpone plans to begin new flights to India. The airline had previously requested permission to fly to Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and Lucknow beginning in mid-July, but this has been delayed for operational reasons. A flydubai spokesman said “We have refunded all passengers who had booked flights to India with us and we sent…
Great Britain’s second biggest long haul carrier, Virgin Atlantic, has appointed Fursan Travel its General Sales Agent in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Fursan Travel is based in Riyadh. Virgin Atlantic’s regional manager for the Middle East said he is very happy about the appointment and it will allow them to promote their services to the Kingdom’s consumers. Andrew Fyfe said “Since launching our daily services…
Occupancy rates at Dubai’s Atlantis Hotel nearly reached 100% even with many hotels experiencing big drops in revenues and tourist numbers. Atlantis Hotel General Manager said they are extremely happy with their outstanding business results. Amadeo Zarzosa said “For the first six-seven days of this month we’ve nearly been at 100 percent”. He said their share of the market has been in the 90’s and for a 1,539…
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) officials said the number of tourists visiting Dubai increased 5% to 3.85 million in the first half of 2009. Business Monitor International (BMI) published a report last week projecting the number of tourists visiting the UAE were predicted to drop by 3% compared to 2008. DTCM figures showed that during July the 64,102 GCC guests staying at three,…
A new survey says Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive city in the world for business travelers and will soon take the number one spot. Data provided by the Hogg Robinson Group, an international corporate travel firm, showed that hotel prices in Abu Dhabi rose five per cent. Hotel prices in most of the world’s most popular business tourism destinations fell by up to 25%. Moscow is still the most expensive…
Horizon International Flight Academy in Al Ain will offer undergraduate degrees and become a full fledged university. Horizon’s general manager Mohammed al Zaabi said “By 2016, we expect Horizon will be an aviation university.” The flight academy is now planning to offer a new “higher diploma” in aviation business this fall. Governments and militaries in the UAE and region sponsor many students attending the…
Saudi airlines and hotels are preparing for a steep fall in tourism revenues. The number of pilgrims travelling to Makkah is expected to fall because of swine flu fears. There will probably be 25% less travel on the kingdom’s airlines for the Umrah and Haj pilgrimage this year. In order to reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus, health officials from the UAE and other Arab countries have decided to ban the Haj…
State owned carrier Iran Air will begin a ban on flights to Saudi Arabia in order to prevent the spread of swine flu. The ban will start on Monday. Last month the Iranian government banned all pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia during the month of Ramadan – between 22 August and 19 September. The countries Health Minister said “We will have no pilgrims in Saudi Arabia during the month of Ramadan.” The…
Gulf Air online tickets sales were up 160% between January and July of 2009, with 140% more 140% more bookings in July than in January. They launched their online booking website www.gulfair.com in January 2008. Bahrain’s national carrier attributes the increase in online sales to its ease and convenience and expect the growth trend to continue. Gulf Air Director of Distribution and E-Commerce said “The…
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) announced the new Aloft Hotel will open in Abu Dhabi. It will be the second largest hotel in Abu Dhabi, providing 408 additional hotel rooms. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide will operate the new Aloft Hotel which will be linked directly to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre near the Capital Centre district. Adnec Group CEO said an exhibition…
IFA Hotels and Resorts (IFA HR), based in Kuwait, yesterday announced their year end profits were $108 million or 77.75 fils per share (27cents per share). Total revenues were $184.67 million. The company’s chairman, Ebrahim S. Al Therban expressed satisfaction with the results. He noted this year has been very challenging but “we believe there are still many opportunities for us as a company to explore in…
The global aviation industry continues to face challenges with the outbreak of swine flu increasing its difficulties. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said most Gulf Airlines are still experiencing solid traffic, despite rising oil prices and a potential $9 billion loss this year. Air Arabia chief executive explained the current economic crisis is difficult to assess and…
Flydubai will add to its Africa network with new flights to Djibouti beginning on 1 September 2009. The one way flight to Djibouti from Dubai will cost Dh650 inclusive of taxes and one hand baggage weighing up to ten kilograms. Flight FZ601 will operate three times a week, taking off from Dubai at 8 am and landing in Djibouti at 10:15 am local time. The return flight to Dubai will depart from Djibouti at 11:00…
Thailand and the United Arab Emriates are discussing a draft of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at increasing UAE visitors to Thailand. Thailand’s ambassador to the UAE said Thailand has initiated a number of policies to encourage tourism between the two countries. For example, from 25 June 2009 to 4 March 2009 the tourist fee is exempted. Karn Chiranond said UAE is one of the biggest markets in the Middle…
A Travelport GDS senior executive said premium and business class travel to and from African countries increased a marginal 2% in the first six months of the year. Premium and business class travel in other regions dropped 20%. GDS provider executives say the Middle East hospitality industry has fared better than others during the economic slowdown, and they are regionalizing their services to increase their…
Dubai hotels are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and guests are becoming more concerned about the environmental effects of hotels. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said they are planning to implement a required carbon reduction program this year, although there so far no set date. The initiative will aim for Dubai hotels to reduce their carbon footprint 20% by the…
Air Arabia profits in the second quarter increased 10% due to their expanding network and higher demand from passengers looking for more affordable fares. The carrier reported net profit of Dh90 million (US $24.5m) up from Dh82 million last year. The airline has launched two new routes from Sharjah and added a Moroccan subsidiary. Air Arabia chief executive Adel Ali said their good performance during the…
Gulf Air, the national carrier for Bahrain, announced it will start new flight services to Baghdad, Iraq beginning on 1 September 2009. CEO Samer Majali said “Gulf Air will become the first GCC Airline to offer direct flights to Iraq, adding to its pioneering legacy.” He said there are many reasons geographically and economically to include Iraq in their regional network. There is a direct demand from…
Michael Schumaker, who won the Formula 1 Championship seven times, is the newest high profile citizen to pre-book a space flight with Virgin Galactic. The news that Schumaker will fly on Virgin Galactic comes several weeks after the Formula 1 champ announced he would return to the sport – and this follows Felipe Massa’s crash in the Grand Prix qualifying event. Will Whitehorn is president of the Virgin…
Etihad Airways launched its six week long ‘Race To Gold’ promotion for Pakistan trade partners in July. The campaign celebrates its relationship with the first ever Formula 1 race to be held in Pakistan in November 2009. The carrier presented ten lucky draw winners 10 gram gold coins to mark the start of the promotional campaign. Two entrants also received two Ferrari themed gift hampers and an addition two…
The latest forecast from Business Monitor International (BMI) projects the number of tourist arrivals in the Middle East in 2009 will fall 3% compared to 2008. The BMI report said “BMI continues to maintain that the UAE will face a challenging period ahead in the tourism sector. Our forecast of negative growth in tourist arrivals in 2009 remains -3 percent year-on-year. The BMI report forecasts a small…
Hotel booking cancellations in the Saudi city of Makkah have increased dramatically in the few weeks before Ramadan starts, due to fears of the H1N1 virus. Ramadan usually indicates the beginning of high season Makah hotels. More than two million Muslims visit the city each year during the fasting month to perform the umrah pilgrimage. Bookings for the Ramadan season at the Makkah Hilton & Towers have…
