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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The US550 million Grand Egyptian Museum project is scheduled to open in 2013. A project manager will be announced this month, and tendering begins in September. The museum project was conceived in 1992 and is an enormous undertaking – archeologists compare it to the Great Pyramid of Giza. The vast, stone roofed building will cover an area the size of 11 football pitches, extending from the edge of the Giza…
Emirates Airlines denied recent reports that fares to and from Australia have increase. According to weekend reports in Australia, ticket prices to and from Australia had been increased 7% for all cabins. The reports said that the airline was raising prices now to make up for losses after months of steep discounts. Emirates Airlines said from 23 July, only outbound flights booked in Australia would be subject…
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has commended Mersal Village, the Kingdom’s largest theme park, for helping to promote tourism in Jeddah. CEO of Mersal Village, Haythem Nasier, was given an honorary plaque at Jungle Land by SCTA executive director for tourism development in Makkah province, Al Amri. Al Amri said “We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Mersal Village for…
Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport grew 10.3% in June compared to the same month last year, while growth in the first six months of the year was 5%. The total number of passengers passing through the airports three terminals reached 3,361,413 in June 2009 up from 3,048,220 for the same period last year. The number of passengers during the first six months of the year reached 19,453,775.…
Garhoud Park, costing Dh6.75 million park and covering 6,600 square meters in Dubai, will open next month. The opening of the park is part of an effort by the municipality to develop and improve important areas in Dubai. The Director General of Dubai Municipality said they are placing more importance on creating more greenery and areas that are conducive for picnics and recreation. Hussain Nasser Lootah…
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) approved SR41 million for a number of programs to promote tourism and improve tourism services in the second half of 2009. Director of Purchasing and Contracts Administration for the SCTA said the schemes include consulting work for the school tourism education project “Ibtasm”. This program aims to increase patriotism and appreciation for the Kingdom’s…
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) World Tourism Barometer shows that the number of tourists visiting the Middle East plummeted 18% during the first four months of the year. The UN group attributes the sharp decrease to a decline in the number of tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. The UNWTO report said “Globally, tourism fell by eight per cent in the first four months of the year, continuing the trend that…
Etihad Guests announced it has partnered with the Australian hotel group Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International (RHI). Etihad Guests is the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways and provides extensive benefits for more than a half million members. Etihad Guest members with a qualifying stay at a Rendezvous Hotel will earn 500 miles and members with a qualifying stay at an RHI boutique Marque hotel will earn…
Saudi Arabia air traffic to Europe has dropped sharply due to the outbreak of the swine flu virus. The start of the summer usually brings in huge profits for most of the airlines, because many Saudi families spend their vacations abroad. This year many Saudis have opted not to travel to western countries affected by the swine flu virus, including the United States and several European states. Airline and travel…
Prince Sultan bin Salman announced the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) will open a branch office in the holy city of Makkah. The prince made the announcement at the Makkah Chambers of Commerce board of directors meeting. A chamber spokesman said the Prince requested cooperation from all in setting up a committee to endorse accommodation contracts for pilgrims this year. The Prince said…
The “Talking Art Louvre Abu Dhabi” exhibition will continue at the Emirates Palace until 29 August 2009. The exhibition was opened last May to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Sadiyat Island. The museum will open in 2013 and a sample of artworks are on display at the Emirates Palace. The Tourism Development and Investment Company is the organizer of the exhibition. They said it is being…
A flydubai flight to Berlin was cancelled at the last minute on Saturday, stranding over 100 passengers who had traveled from other emirates to take the flight. An airline staff said the 10:30 am flight was cancelled because of technical reasons. The low cost carrier issued a statement apologizing to passengers for the cancellation. The statement said “As a gesture of good will we have offered all passengers…
The UAE, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Bulgaria signed an Air Services Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding. Under the agreement the designated airlines of each country are granted unrestricted access on routes between Bulgaria and the UAE. Capacity and types of aircraft whether owned or leased, and for any type of service (passenger or cargo) may operate on these…
Multinational hotel chains are trying to boost falling occupancy rates by attracting Middle Eastern travelers with special packages and offers such as Arabic-speaking staff, private swimming pools, and butler services. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for South West Asia at Hyatt said the Middle East is and important market and they have developed “a wide range of services to attract business and leisure…
Tourism professionals in Morocco believe tourism in the county will slow this summer. Tourism experts say there will probably be a substantial fall in tourism activities because of the global economic crisis, lower purchasing power of Moroccan expatriates, the flu pandemic, and the start of Ramadan at the end of August. Between 1 January and 31 May the number of tourists visiting Morocco increased 10% to…
Gulf Air will resume flights to Iraq 33 years after discontinuing flights to the country. Direct services will operate between Bahrain and four cities in Iraq. There will be seven weekly flights to Baghdad and twelve to the holy city of Najaf. The Baghdad flight service will resume in September and the Najaf flights will begin after further work is completed on its airport. Increasing demand for service…
A survey carried out by the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research found that 38% of Bahrainis have altered their travel plans because of fears over swine flu. The survey found that 25% of respondents do not feel safe about measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Of the respondents who changed their travel plans, 44% postponed their departure date, 27% cancelled the trip completely, and 29% changed…
A Westin Hotel spokesman confirmed they are closing for 24 hours so its air conditioning system can undergo maintenance. Earlier this year three former guests of the hotel were diagnosed with Legionnaires disease. The hotel spokesman said the planned closure on 16 July is not taking place because of any new concerns. He said “It has nothing to do with Legionnaires.” All guests who have booked stays at the…
A private company in Lebanon has launched a cosmetic surgery tourism initiative. The company is operating under the auspices of the tourism ministry and includes post operation rest and recuperation in premium resorts, and summer camps for patients children. Lebanon is renowned for its highly skilled and affordable surgeons. The Dubai based company Image Concept will handle all bookings and accommodation for…
Etihad Airways opened its first premium lounge outside of the UAE, at Frankfurt Airport, The new lounge is the first of many planned across the airlines global network as part of a strategy to strengthen its brand during the economic downturn.. Etihad Airways chief commercial officer said it “marks the beginning of a gradual rollout of Etihad lounges across the airline’s network which will all offer the same…
Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of providing affordable domestic tourism. The Prince spokes about the issue following signature of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Taif President. The Prince, who is secretary-general of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) said the high price of tourism concerns everyone, and “it should be studied and any complaint from the…
The cabinet approved establishment of the Ajoun Special Economic Zone on Tuesday. It is expected the new zone, which was launched by His Majesty King Abdullah early in the month, will bring in about JD1.4 million in tourist revenues annually, and over the next fifteen years attract billions of investment dollars, creating thousands of jobs. Twenty four tourism projects are planned for the zone, including a…
Emirates Palace is planning to build its own world class, full size football training facility for the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup which will be held in the UAE capital. The new facility will be one of eight official training grounds during the tournament which takes place between 9 December and 19 December 2009. A Local Organising Committee official said it will be the highest quality football grounds…
The Burj Al Arab is often described as a seven star hotel in hotel reviews and industry pamphlets, although no hotel actually has such a rating. The Burj Al Arab management describes their hotel as a five star hotel and says they are not encouraging use of the term “seven star hotel” A Jumeirah Group spokesperson said “There is not a lot we can do to stop it.” and “We’ve never used it in our…
