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 UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said yesterday tourism in the UAE grew 3% in the first four months of the year, bucking the global trend. However, tourist numbers in the Middle East dropped more than in any other region of the world. The UN groups World Tourism Barometer said tourism fell 18% between January 2009 and April 2009 compared to the same period last year, while tourism declined 8%. In…
Blue City Company signed an agreement with the Intercontinental Hotel Group to develop a five star beachfront property in Oman. The Intercontinental Al Madina A’Zarqa will have 200 rooms including 50 suites. The coastline hotel will be near the Al Na’man community, creek marina, golf course, and shopping district. Chief Operating Officer for Intercontinental Hotel Group – Middle East and Africa said the Al…
Jeddah Labor Minster urged coffee shop and restaurant owners to create a conducive working environment for the Saudi worker. Speaking to the Hospitality Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, Ghazi Al-Gosaibi said he will do his best to remove any obstacles “facing the Saudization of jobs in this sector. He said “Restaurants and coffee shops are important areas of work Saudis…
Air Arabia and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) launched a new online ticket payment system for Air Arabia customers. Payments for Air Arabia tickets can now be made using DIB’s Al Islami online banking services from the comfort of one’s own home. DIB previously signed an agreement with Air Arabia to provide a ticket payment facility for Air Arabia customers, and now the bank is enabling payments through their…
The number of outbound tourists traveling on round trip tickets increased to 80%, indicating travelers are returning to Dubai. Travel agents said 20% of travelers are departing on one way tickets because seats are not available. Those who travel on round trip tickets must wait ten days for the return trip departure date to be confirmed by the travel agent. According to Dubai based travel agents and tour…
Emirates Airlines announced it added flight services to West Asia to meet an expected increase in demand. Four flights to Colombo and five flights were added to Malee bringing its services to Sri Lanka and Maldives to 18 and 14 flights respectively. Flights from Dubai to Malee, and Columbo to Dubai will operate on an A330 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The A330 is configured with 12 first class, 42…
The UAE is gearing up to be the center for global events, preparing promotions that will bring the business meetings and convention sector to new heights. UAE is already seen as the MICE hub in the region (Meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions). Managing Director for Epoc Messe Frankfurt said Dubai has “emerged as the definitive MICE hub in the region.”. Elisabeth Brehl said the MICE sector is…
More than 200 back office employees at Dubai Airport have moved to the frontline to help process transiting passenger during the peak summer season. During their second annual “summer mission” airport employees normally working in the back office will be deployed in the arrival and departure areas at three different terminals – from 1 July 2009 until mid September. They will welcome and assist passengers at…
Flydubai secured a $320 million agreement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to finance to finance four Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Under the terms of the sale and leaseback agreement two aircraft will be delivered in July, one in October, and one in December. Newly named President and CEO of GECAS said “This is a major achievement, the product of excellent work between our two teams – we wish flydubai every…
Historic treasures have been unearthed by municipal employees in Jeddah’s historic center, which has hundreds of homes dating back to the 14th century. The items include cannonballs, an old dagger, and a cache of artifacts. The municipal employees are attempting to preserve old buildings in the historic center. The recovered items will be delivered to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities to date…
Thailand has extended a tourist visa fee waiver through 4 March 2010. Middle East and UAE tourists may travel to Thailand without paying the visa fee during this time. Thai Consul General said the Thai government is temporarily waiving the tourist visa fee because of an increase in the number of applications for tourist visas. Pasan Teparak said applications for a tourist visa from the Middle East…
Two hotel projects planned to be built at Dubai Festival City have been shelved due to the global economic crisis. The two cancelled hotel projects are the Four Seasons Hotel and the W Dubai Festival City. The Four Seasons Hotel was to be located next to the Al Baida Golf Club and scheduled to open by 2011. The W Dubai Festival City was scheduled for completion by 2013. The two hotels would have been part…
Air Arabia today announced a special summer promotion that will bring families and friends together in the UAE. Air Arabia is the first and biggest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa. Air Arabia is offering round trip tickets for only AED975 and a one month UAE tourist visa. The destinations eligible for the offer include Sharjah, UAE and any of the other 46 destinations served by the…
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched an H1N1 public awareness campaign for UAE residents and tourists. SCTDA is collaborating with the UAE to launch the initative, which was prompted by the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of the worldwide pandemic alert level change to Phase 6. This level indicates a pandemic is under way. The swine flu presents a real threat to…
ANC Holdings partnered with Amusement Whitewater (AWW) for $10 billion of new projects over the next five years. The deal will give ANC Holdings a significant share of the entertainment market in the GCC. ANC Holdings Chairman said they want to take AWW “anywhere in the GCC where we can build and create parks.” AWW and its partners ANC Holdings and Flag Holdings – based in Abu Dhabi, will develop new theme…
The Oman News Agency reported on Tuesday that UAE and Oman officials met to discuss ways to facilitate cross border travel between the two countries. Both sides considered a number of initiatives aimed at easing border crossings for tourists and expatriate residents. Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior were among those leading the…
An industry expert says the number of Middle East business jet flights fell 20% during the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. Chairman and founder of private jet operator VistaJet says this shows that even in the Middle East, companies are affected by economic crunch. Thomas Flohr explained “In the first quarter the world was still in shock and wondering where the financial…
Director of Bahrain International Airport, Mohammed Tamer Al Kaabi said the number of passengers departing from Bahrain International Airport this summer has dropped between 20% and 25% compared to the same period last year. The fall in passenger departures is attributed to the impact of the global financial crisis and the swine flu. Al Kaabi said the number of people flying into the US, Canada, and Europe…
Dubai has decided to bid for the 2020 Olympic Games and World Expo, boosting the moral of Dubai’s travel and tourism sector during this economic downturn. The Dubai 2020 initiative was launched by His Highness Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Sunday. Shiekh Al Maktoum is Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The 2020 program will focus on numerous sectors within Dubai and…
All seven international airports in the UAE have passed tests to for the Aerodrome license. The licenses will be issued by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and are in accordance with domestic and global norms. Airports in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are the last two airports to pass the tests. The other five airports – Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen…
Passengers transiting form countries hit by the H1N1 virus are tested and treated locally in Dubai. During the transit period in Dubai, passengers are quickly tested on the aircraft before disembarking. Head of Infectious Disease Unit in Rashid Hospital explained “A special ambulance takes doctors to the aircraft to test passengers where a rapid test is carried out.” Dr. Abudulla Ustadi said patients testing…
Dubai Sports City, the world’s only purpose build sports city, will play a pivotal role in Dubai’s bid to host the 2020 Olympics. One of the partners and founders of Sports City, regarded as the brains behind the creation of the world class sports facility, indicated it will be completed by 2011. Abdul Rahman Bukhatir said they have already delivered the cricket stadium and the hockey stadium is almost…
Oman believes that growing fears of swine flue will cause a record number of Gulf tourists to visit the resort town of Salalah this year, as they seek safer holiday destinations. Last year Salalah, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, attracted the highest number of UAE vacationers and official believe this year another record will be achieved. Ministry of Tourism undersecretary said they expect a higher…
Machine Readable Passports (MRP) in Pakistan have a technical fault and this is causing a backlog in the UAE and causing many to cancel or postpone their holiday plans. The passport booklets are laminated in Islamabad then delivered worldwide. The Pakistani community says their delay is hampering their holiday plans. Currently delivery of the passport takes about a month but the normal delivery time is about…
