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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Etihad Airways first flight from Abu Dhabi to Chicago will depart on 2 September. Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. There will initially be three flights a week but starting on 1 October, flights will be daily. The new route is aimed at boosting Etihad’s North American presence. The new flight service will operate on an Airbus A340-500 wide body aircraft with a capacity for 240…
Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency (SNTTA) yesterday announced a three year growth strategy for the Abu Dhabi market. SNTTA said there is a projected increase in demand for outbound tourism in the UAE, and they are ready to capitalize on that in niche markets like medical tourism, golf tourism, cruises, and other leisure packages. SNTTA has 18 travel and tour outlets in Dubai, Sharjah, and Northern…
National Projects and Construction (NPC) announced yesterday they completed work on Abu Dhabi’s first Holiday Inn Hotel, the Holiday Inn Al Dana Hotel. NPC said in a statement they handed over the structure to Al Qudra Real Estate, which will now fit out the interior. Al Qudra Real Estate is the real estate arm of Al Qudra Holding. The Holiday Inn Al Dana Hotel will be the third Inter Continental Group…
The new charter airline Elite Aviation, the first carrier to connect Abu Dhabi with Berlin, will next week announce new routes between Abu Dhabi and Europe. Previously Emirates Airlines have attempted to launch services between the UAE and Germany but have been stopped because of aviation rights rules. Elite Aviation formed a partnership with the German airline Blue Wings to get around these rules. Elite…
Hilton Hotels Corporation signed an agreement with the New Doha Hotels Company for the Hilton Doha Residence scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2012. The 288 apartment Hilton Doha Residence will be Hiltons’ second property after the Hilton Doha which is currently being developed. The new residence will have 288 studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments, health club, outdoor swimming, a restaurant,…
The Sharjah Summer Promotions 2009 offers attractive hotel rates and themed Sharjah Summer Breaks for tourists. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched the annual promotion on 15 June 2009. It ends on 25 July. The promotional campaign is consistent with SCTDA’s strategy to diversify tourism offerings to develop the tourism sector, attract more international and national…
The Sharjah Summer Promotions 2009 offers attractive hotel rates and themed Sharjah Summer Breaks for tourists. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched the annual promotion on 15 June 2009. It ends on 25 July. The promotional campaign is consistent with SCTDA’s strategy to diversify tourism offerings to develop the tourism sector, attract more international and national…
A hotel industry executive says hotel rates in Dubai have dropped to dangerous levels and will probably drop further. Industry experts explain rates have come under severe pressure because of declining business travel and ongoing new supply entering the market. Data from STR Global and Deloitte Travel and Hospitality showed that hotel occupancy levels in the Middle East fell 9.6% in April 2009 compared to the…
An industry survey carried out by the hospitality research company STR Global showed that hotel revenues in Dubai dropped over 40% in May compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy in Dubai dropped 14.5% to 66.5%. The survey results underscore the impact of the economic crisis as travelers across the globe are cutting expenses and tightening their belts. The industry benchmark revenue per…
Dubai Airports vice president of strategy said carriers across the globe are competing for services to and from Dubai, despite the global economic slowdown. Richard Talien said compared to other airports of similar stature, “it’s a healthy picture and we are still actively talking to carriers to continue that growth going forward.” Talien spoke about the airports growth at the sidelines of a Kingfisher press…
The five star luxury Monarch Hotel in Dubai announced it will launch a “name your price for luxury” auction in July. People will have the opportunity to bid for rooms, meals and spa treatments in an online auction. Director of Business Development at the Monarch said the hotel was reluctant to lower rates in an attempt to attract guests away from competitors. Arshad Hussain explained “In a recession it’s…
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and Fujaira Tourism and Archeology Authority (FTAA) are planning to develop tourism ties and are exploring ways to co-operate for tourism promotion. Director General for the SCTDA – Al Noman talked with the FTAA Director about the importance of co-operation between the tourism departments in UAE government. Al Noman said “Domestic tourism is a very…
The government of Dubai launched a “kids go free” program to entice more tourists to visit during the global economic slowdown, which has severely impacted the tourism industry. New data from STR Global showed that revenue per available room in Dubai dropped by 40% compared to the same month a year earlier. The worldwide promotion will begin on 1 July according to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce…
Dubai’s first low cost carrier, has seen their flight bookings soar to 6,000 during the first 24 hours from Monday night. Twenty four per cent of all flight bookings were for flights arriving in Dubai. Flydubai CEO said “for bookings to have reached more than 6,000 between midnight on Sunday and Midnight last night is quite incredible.” Ghaith Al Ghaith said a flydubai sale began on Sunday, 21 June at 23:59…
Stefan Pichler has been named the new chief executive officer of Jazeera Airways board. He will be responsible for the airline’s operational performance. Stefan joined Jazeera Airways on 21 June after an impressive career with many leading brands including Nike, Thomas Cook, Lufthansa, and Virgin Blue. As chief executive officer of Thomas Cook, Stefan transformed the national tour operator into the second…
Emirates Airlines disclosed its expected delivery date for Airbus A380s, shortly after the carriers CEO indicated there would be delays. Emirates is the biggest customer for Airbus A380s with 58 orders. Head of the airlines operations for France and Benelux countries said they are scheduled to receive six A380s in 2010, five in 2011, twelve in 2012, and eleven in 2013. They have so far received five A380s…
Al Jaber Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) was awarded a contract by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) to build a five star hotel on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The hotel will cost over Dh1 billion to build. ADNH is a hotel, tourism and catering organization in the United Arab Emirates. ADNH CEO said the new project is financed and scheduled to be ready by the first quarter of 2011. Richard W. Riley…
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) reported the number of passengers passing through Abu Dhabi International Airport increased 6.6% in May and cargo traffic rose 6.4% for the same period. The increase is an anomaly for the global industry during this economic downturn. Most regions are experiencing a decline in air travel demand. During the month of May, 739,753 travelers passed through the airport and…
Dubai’s first low cost carrier flydubai will begin their first flights to India with the launch of flight services to the northern city of Lucknow on 13 July 2009. On 14 July flydubai will begin flights in the south of the country in Coimbatore, and on 23 July flight service to the north western city of Chandigarh begin. Flydubai CEO said there is a large population of Indian expatriates living in the UAE…
Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina Club and Spa opened on the Jeddah Corniche, marking Hyatt Hotels and Resorts entry into Saudi Arabia. The Park Hyatt Jeddah is in an ideal and very desirable location at the heart of the city in the Al-Hamra district at the Equestrian Club of Jeddah and only a few minutes away from the central business district. The Park Hyatt Jeddah is an “innovative five star sanctuary where…
The Australian government announced they cut the amount of processing time for Australian visas to ensure Saudi travelers can obtain a visa in two days. Previously a Saudi national or resident could wait several weeks for the visa application to process. A spokesman for Tourism Australia said “We are thrilled that the Australian government has implemented steps to shorten visa processing times. People to…
The Ministry of Health reported yesterday that one of six newly identified swine flu cases is a 25 year old Saudi passenger who arrived from New Delhi yesterday. This brings the total number reported swine flu cases in the kingdom to 45. A spokesman for the Ministry of Health said the Saudi man arrived at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on Saudi Arabian Flight SV763. He was identified with…
An official report released by the Syrian Tourism Ministry showed the number of tourists visiting Syria jumped 14% to 370,000 in May compared to 326,00 for the same period last year. European visitors rose 20.8% to 29,000 in May compared to 26,000 for the same period last year. The report focused on the 1.1 million Arab tourists, 425,000 foreign tourists, and 341,000 Syrian expats over the last five…
The European Commission (EC) withdrew accusations it made against Emirates Airline last month, saying the airline is in full compliance with EC consumer legislation. The EC consumer watchdog said the Dubai carrier properly discloses fare information to customers. The director general for health and consumers at the EC said “I commend Emirates Airline as a non-EU carrier for the observance of community law and…
