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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IFA Hotels and Resorts acquired another 14.92% share in Raimen Land, the luxury condominium and real estate company based in Bangkok. This increases IFA’s stake in Raimen Land to 41.07%. Vice Chairman and Chief-Executive Officer said their increased ownerships shows their belief in management of the company and value it provides. Talal Jassim Al Bahar said “we will continue to support the company and benefit…
A Travelport GDS executive said global air ticket bookings fell less than expected in June, an indication the decline in business has reached its lowest point. Compared with June last year bookings dropped 12%, but this is 4% less than forecast. Travelport Vice President for the Middle East and Africa said “Statistics for June, while still indicating a decline, started to show small signs of recovery and give…
Etihad Airways added its seventh Indian destination with the launch of service to Hyderabad, the state capital of Andrah Pradesh. The Abu Dhabi based carrier will start the four times a week service in November, and it will become a daily service at the beginning of 2010. Etihad is the first carrier to offer flights between its home base and Andhra Pradesh. Etihad Airways Chief Executive James Hogan said…
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said hotel occupancy reached 671,662 guests during the first six months of the year. During the first quarter of 2009 there was a 15% decline in the number of tourists, but once source explained “the recent summer promotions have helped the hotel sector to record higher occupancy. As a result, the second-quarter hotel statistics reflected a growth…
A top Chinese diplomat in Amman said better promotion of Jordan’s tourism sites will help the country realize its huge potential for Chinese tourism. Yu Hongyang, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan said the government earlier this year streamlined the entry and visa procedures. He said this will greatly increase the number of Chinese tourists to the Jordan, especially after the current global economic crisis…
Movenpick Hotels and Resorts announced the creation of 2,000 new jobs in Dubai. Movenpick is on schedule to open five new hotels in Dubai over the next twelve months, as part of an ambitious expansion plan - starting with the Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach this year. Thomas Tapken, MH&R General and Regional manager for Dubai said “We have taken on 10 people on board now, so there’s a fair way to go.” The…
The Geographical Information System (GIS) website for Dubai Metro was launched by the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) on Tuesday. CEO of RTA’s rail agency said the website http://metrogis.rta.ae used GIS technology and functions to provide information about stations, runtime, metrolines, and multi-modal interchange points. An official said the system can be used to obtain information about distance…
Thai Airways returned to the UAE capital after a six year absence. The airline announced yesterday flight service between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi International Airport will begin 26 October 2009. Thai Airways will operate the new service four times a week on the wide bodied Airbus A330-300 with 239 economy class and 41 business class seats. The Abu Dhabi sales manager for Thai Airways said they will also…
Jet Airways begins its new Mumbai to Riyadh flight service on 6 August 2009. The service will operate four times a week – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The new service is Jet Airway’s eighth destination in the Gulf and second in Saudi Arabia. Currently they have a daily Mumbai-Jeddah service. Jet Airways provides flight service to Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, to numerous…
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday toured Saadiyat, Yas Island Tourism, and Al Raha Beach tourism projects in Abu Dhabi to review work progress. He was accompanied by Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He started the tour at Abu Dhabi Corniche then continued to Saadiyat, viewing new bridges and road linking the…
Two luxury hotels will open in Doha by year end, and two more will open next year. The first two hotels to open are designed to be linked to the City Center building. Five luxury hotels in all are planned – two will be attached to the east side of the shopping mall and the others will be on the west. The planned hotels are the Marriot Courtyard, the Renaissance Hotel, the Doha Shangri-La, the Doha Rotana…
Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways said the number of passengers traveling with them increased 9% to 616,000 in July compared to the same period last year. This make July 2009 the busiest month in the airline’s history. Etihad Airways flights were 88% full and weekly flights increased 20%. Chief Executive James Hogan said “We now look forward to building upon this for the remainder of the summer holiday…
The America Cup may be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 158 year history. UK and France media reported that the current cup holder – Swiss team Alinghi and Society Nautique de Geneve have made an agreement with Ras al-Khaimah to hold the race there in February 2010. The cup challenger, San Fransisco based BMW-Oracle, will probably oppose the move. Alinghi, as cup holder, is required to give…
Dubai World has cancelled between six and eight tourism development projects in Rwanda. These projects were part of a $230 million investment announced by the company in 2007. Dubai World had said the $230 million investment would have been managed by its subsidiary Istithmar Real Estate and “make a significant contribution to the tourism offering in Rwanda.” The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said Dubai…
Abu Dhabi has emerged as a front runner to be the Middle Eastern hub for Air Asia X. Group chief executive for Air Asia said Air Asia X will be located in the UAE capital. Air Asia X is a popular long haul budget carrier based in Kuala Lumpur. Abu Dhabi executives said they still have not received an official letter of intent from the airline. Air Asia X said they plan to open the base initially with a…
A European diplomat has warned that dishonest travel agents are overcharging Saudi tourists up to 166% more for visas to the Schengen area. A tourist visa to Schengen costs about $85 or (SAR300) but some companies have been charging as much as SAR800 for visas. A Riyadh based diplomat said the visas include fraudulent medical insurance programs. Travelers in Schengen car move freely within the region as long…
Victor Louis, formerly a Hilton Fujairah Resort General Manager has been named Director of Sales for the Arabian Peninsula & Indian Ocean. Mr. Louis replaces Guy Epsom who reportedly resigned in June. He will be based in the regional office at Dubai Internet City and lead the hotel group’s MEA sales team. Mr. Louise will be responsible for overseeing 19 properties in the UAE, Kuwait, Mauritius,…
The number of travelers from the Middle East visiting Sri Lanka has soared by 85% since the war there ended. Middle East director of the Sri Lanken Tourism Promotion Bureau said the growth in the number of travelers from Saudi Arabia in June was extraordinary “with Saudi travelers up by 186% and UAE travelers up by 181 per cent compared to the same month last year.” Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoon said the number of…
Travel sector executives said there have been several cases of fraud by travel agents due to the economic crisis and subsequent liquidity crunch. General Manager of Air Choice Travels in Abu Dhabi said only small agencies, sub agents, and those selling airline tickets illegally are having serious problems. Fais Mohammed explained “some agents are facing liquidity problems because payments from their clients,…
The most senior official of Hilton Hotels Corporations regional operations said they plan to open 12 new properties in the GCC and add 3,370 rooms by 2012. Jean-Paul Herzog – President, Middle East and Africa said “For the regional office, we are creating new roles to cover the pipeline of hotels.” He said there will be a30% increase in their personnel headcount by the end of 2009 in order to support new…
Lufthansa Airlines last year signed an agreement to acquire a 41.6% stake in loss making Austrian Airlines (AUA) and last week the European Commission granted a cautious approval for the deal. Austria had to make big concessions to secure the agreement including a €500 million (Dh 2,617m) payment. Niki Lauda, owner of budget carrier Niki Airline and former Formula 1 world champion describe it as “The biggest…
Dubai hotel profitability continues to lead the world 35% margins in 2009 according to researchers. CBRE Hotels Vice President Armine Hamdi said their net margins are still excellent compared to other parts of the world. CBRE is a hospitality consultancy and asset management firm. Vice President Arnoud Andrieu said the average net profit in Europe now is between 18% and 20% for the five star segment. Mr.…
Abu Dhabi National Hotels announced yesterday their profits during the first half of the year increased 17.1% to Dh342.2 million, compared to the same period last year.
Abu Dhabi based Rotana Hotels plans to double the number of hotels it operates from 27 to 67 within three years. Chief Executive Selem el Zyr said he ultimately dreams of running 100 hotels. The Rotana brand was inaugurated in 1993 with Beach Rotana Hotels and Towers. Mr. el Zyr was first introduced to the hospitality industry as a 16 year old boy and decided then he would go into the business. He…
