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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Air travel in the Middle East bounced back from 0% growth earlier this year to 12.9% growth last month, due to higher demand on Asia and Europe routes. The International Air Transport Association reported that the improved results in the Middle East was the only bright spot among global airlines – passenger demand was down 7.2% worldwide compared with the same period last year. Regionally, airlines are…
Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC) announced Ukraine International Airline (UIA) will being flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Kiev, Ukraine on 25 September. The twice weekly UIA flights will arrive in Abu Dhabi at 8:30 pm on Mondays and Fridays, and depart for Kiev on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:55 am. The new service is intended to increase passenger traffic between the two cites and provide more…
Dubai Duty Free has emerged as the world’s single biggest air retail operation in 2008, based on sales data released by independent industry experts Generation Research. Dubai Duty Free recorded sales of $1.1 billion last year. London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon recorded slightly less sales of just over $1 billion. Chairman of Dubai Airports Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said it is a great achievement to…
The Shandur Polo festival, which has become a fixture of life in this remote and mountainous region begins on 7 July and end on 9 July. The traditional two team contest began in 1936 and for many years did not have a fixed date. Over the last twenty years with increased international travel and corporate sponsorship the event has developed a more settled look and feel. The event also contributes significantly…
The two day ‘Ikebana for Peace’ floral arrangement was held the Japanese Consulate and Cultural Center Friday evening. Ikebana is the Japanese traditional art of flower arrangement intended to bring about a sense of calm and peace. Sassui Palejo, the Provincal Minister for Culture and Tourism, thanked the Japanese Consul General for the invitation to the exhibition and stressed the importance of…
A new bus terminal at Khaepwali, constructed by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), was inaugurated on Friday. The new terminal will provide bus service for Nankana-Amristar, and is located about 5 kilometers from Nankana Sahib. Federal Minister for Tourism said the NWFP and Sindh provinces do not need to be concerned about the Kalagh Dam, and if electricity requirements are met, it will not…
Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities released figures showing tourism revenues in Jordan were up 1.9% in the first six months of the year. The total number of visitors increased 3%. Tourism revenues between January and June 2009 were JD847 million compared to JD831 million for the same period last year. There were 751,293 tourists origination from Arab countries, accounting for more than 25% of the…
Emirates officials said a proposed ban on elderly and children performing Hajj this year would not affect their passenger loads if it is enforced. The Dubai airline was commenting regarding an agreement announced last week between Arab health ministers to restrict certain people from travelling in order to minimize the risk of transmission of the H1N1 virus. About three million Muslims will arrive in Mecca…
Nuran Serviced Residents will focus on the GCC leisure market in an effort to boost its occupancy levels. The company is part of Emmar Hospitality Group. General Manager for Nuran said GCC presents the biggest opportunity, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Socrates Alvaro said Nuran participated in the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing road show and received especially good feedback from…
Some Dubai hotels in the economy market have begun displaying their rates outside their entrances in an effort to attract last minute walk up guests. Deloitte and Touché Partner Robert O’Hanlon explained “Public announcement of rates happens in many international cities, particularly in budget and economy range hotels, and it is not unexpected to see such a trend emerging locally as the same international brands…
India’s private international airline, Jet Airways, begins new Mumbai-Riyadh flight service from 6 August 2009. This is the airlines second destination in Saudi Arabia. They currently have a daily Mumbai-Jeddah service. The new service will operate on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. With the addition of this new service Jet Airways now flies to 8 cities in the Gulf…
Emirates Airlines has partnered with Virgin Blue Airlines to offer the Emirates Visit Australia Pass which provides great air travel bargains in Australia. Domestic connections to 22 additional Australian destinations on Virgin Blue are offered from the four Australian cities currently served by Emirates – Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney. In the future Virgin Blue will expand the list of cities…
A branding expert says Lebanon’s branding efforts will help transform that country into one of the world’s top business and tourist destinations. The Director of Strategy and Brand Communication for BrandCentral said Lebanon has emerged “as one of the few positive stories in 2009 with remarkable growth in its tourism industry and overall economy.” Ibrahim Lahoud said that many around the world are not aware…
The UAE travel sector saw a 7% increase in volumes in July compared to April. 693 UAE travelers were surveyed on YouGovs’s Travel Tracker between April and July, and data shows that there was a 7% increase in the number of people taking short haul business and long haul leisure trips. YouGov’s Travel Tracker is a research tool that reports current and future travel trends each quarter. The survey showed…
The Department of Transport has invited tenders for the design of a 340 million tram network in Abu Dhabi. Several weeks ago the department agreed on a list of six consultancies to help design the metro system. The new projects are part of the government’s plans to invest more than Dh 300 billion in transport development projects over the next 20 years to decrease road congestion. The first phase of the…
Jumeirah Group signed an agreement to take over management of the Qing Shui Bay resort in China, about an hour’s flight from Hong Kong. The resort is on the southern island of Sanya and scheduled to open in 2013. Alex Lieu – Vice President of Agile Property Holdings and Gerald Lawless – Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group signed the agreement in Hong Kong. Jumeirah Qing Shui Bay will have 50 private…
Emirates Airline said the European Union should carefully consider implications of international airline alliances to ensure they do not violate antitrust rules. Airlines have been severely affected by the global economic crisis, after years of building their international operations. Many airlines have been developing relationships so they can cut costs and capacity. Andrew Park, a senior Vice President at…
Aabar Investments announced it will buy a 32% stake of Virgin Galactic, the space tourism division of Virgin Group for $280 million (Dh1 billion). Aabar Investments is 71% owned by Abu Dhabi’s Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). IPIC took over the company last February and since then has substantially increased investments in new technologies. Aabar Chairman Khadim Al Qubasi said the partnership is consistent…
Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the hosting of a conference of India’s biggest travel and trade conference between 29 September and 2 October. DTCM Director General Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem signed the agreement with the president of the Trade Agents Association of India (TAAI) The MoU provides for…
A senior research analyst at Deloitte and Touche said the hospitality industry is trying to attract new market segments such as transit passengers. Occupancy levels in Dubai fell more than 12% in June. Deloitte and Touche partner Robert O’Hanlon explained that with new hotels joining the market “we are seeing innovative ways to attract transit passengers out of the airport”. Emirates Airline and the Ritz…
Departure fees from Dubai International Airport have been raised to Dh75 from 1 May 2009. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued the relevant amendment to Law No3 of 2004 governing departure fees from the airport. His Highness is Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and issued the ruling in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai.
Sharjah, the culture capital of the UAE, is gearing up for a higher percentage of regional tourists as it increases its cultural tourist attractions. A wide variety of holiday package deals are being offered as part of the “Sharjah Summer Breaks Campaign”. Between 15 June and 15 August this year hotels and hotel apartments are offering discounts of between 20% and 40%. Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and…
Gulf Air will restructure again this summer to help restore the carrier after several years of losses. The Bahrain based company Mumtalakat Holdings is looking for advisors to help rebuild the airline which has spent most of the decade in and out of recovery campaigns. Gulf Air has talked with a number of different asset companies and specialist aviation consultancies including Seabury and Cesart Consulting,…
The international luxury executive flight services company Royal Jet seems to be pulling out of the economic downturn, with a 15% increase in holiday bookings compared to the same period last year. President and CEO of the Abu Dhabi based company said travelers tend now to book their flights much later than they used to – between two and four days prior to departure. Shane O’Hare said “We are finding that…
