Airline, airport, hotel, destination, visa, and Muslim travel updates from Irhal.
The 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.
Read full storyAbu 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.
Read full storyMalaysia 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…
Two hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai
Sharjah Museums Offer an Integrated Summer Experience Blending Culture, Science, and Discovery for All Community Members
New 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.
Read full storyThe Red Sea destination is introducing new summer experiences for families and children, from stargazing and coral reef discovery to marine learning, sports activities and heritage crafts.
Read full storyChief Projects Officer at Shurooq, Khawla Al Hashimi, shares rare insights behind the icon commemorating Sharjah’s global recognition as a beacon of knowledge
Read full storyEscape to Sharjah Collection This Summer and Enjoy 30% Off
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Etihad Airway’s new fleet of 35 Boeing 787-9 aircraft will be powered by the GEnx-1B engine. The GE90-115B engine will power its ten new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Delivery of the 787-9 aircraft will start in 2015 but delivery of the 777 aircraft will begin next year. Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said “The GEnx and GE90 engines not only have strong environmental credentials, but also are among two of the…
Air ticket sales have increased due to falling fares this summer. Emirates Vice President for Operations said there has been a big increase in ticket sales since April as they offered various promotions and increased flight services across their network. Khalid Bel Jafflah said “We have seen little impact from swine flu. As with previous years, demand has also picked up for the summer months.” A recent…
Chief Executive for Gulf Air said they are considering further expansion plans despite the global financial downturn. Bjorn Naf spoke at the expansion plans at launch of the carriers new summer season services to Alexandria, Salalah, and Aleppo. He said the global economic slowdown will not deter them from bringing in new products. Naf said their recent $8 million agreement with Honeywell Aerospace…
Work on new hotel projects previously postponed will probably resume as liquidity improves during the third and fourth quarter of this year. The global financial crisis reduced developers funding supply causing the delay of numerous projects in Dubai and elsewhere. Executive Vice President at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels said there will probably be an infusion of lending in the second half of 2009. Jelal…
Luxury hotel operator Jumeirah Group announced yesterday it has appointed four new general managers for its hotels in Kuwait, Dubai, Frankfurt, and New York. Expansion continues to be an important for this hospitality company. Dagmar Woodward was appointed general manager for Germany and will lead the Jumeirah Frankfurt pre-opening team. The new hotel is scheduled to open in mid 2010. Woodward previously…
Waha Capital, the holding company backed by the Abu Dhabi government, has agreed to buy a 50% stake in Aerventure from the parent company Aercap. Aerventure is a Dutch aircraft finance company with assets worth US 2.4 billion (Dh8.8bn). Aercap is based in Amsterdam and listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Under the agreement, Waha and Aercap will both invest $1 billion into the venture. Currently Waha has…
Civil Aviation General Authority chairman said Qatar Airways increased their Turkish flight services by 18 flights per week. Abdulaziz al Nuaimi said the increase was agreed to at a meeting with the Turkish Director General of Civil Aviation, Dr. Ali Arinduru in Ankara. Qatar news agency reported the aviation chief also agreed to add four air cargo flights and the air transport agreement between Qatar and…
Saudi Arabia tourism officials say they are investing $333 million in new hotel projects in order to build on the momentum from booming religious tourism. The Elaf Group announced an expansion of its hotels with five new hotel projects in three holy cities. The Elaf Group is a subsidiary of the Saudi Economic and Development Company and serves the Saudi Arabian travel, tourism, and hotel industries. The…
Qatar Airways announced on Sunday at the Paris Air Show they will increase their flight service to Paris, France to twice daily beginning on 25 October. Qatar Airways area manager for France said currently they fly 11 times a week to France, and the additional services will provide more connectivity to destinations in South Asia, Far East, and the Middle East. Eric Didier said they are adding more flight…
The United Arab Emirate’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and “open” Air Services Agreement with Turkmenistan on Sunday. Under the agreement the airlines of the designated countries are allowed unrestricted frequency of operations on the routes between Turkmenistan and UAE. The agreement specifies capacity and types of aircraft.
The busy autumn tourist season began in Omar’s Dhofar Governate in the far south. This marks the start of the holiday season which usually attracts tens of thousands of GCC tourists. Last year about 450,000 tourists visited Saleh, the main city in Dhofar, during the Khareef season. This is 24% higher than the previous year. Most of the visitors come from the UAE or other GCC states. The three month long…
Swiss International Airlines (SIA), the national carrier for Switzerland, began services to Dubai on their new A330-300 aircraft from Zurich. Passengers from Dubai made the inaugural flight to Zurich soon after midnight. An SIA sales executive said Dubai is the second market to receive the A330-300 plan and “this reiterates the importance of servicing passengers from the region.” SIA is investing more than…
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has signed an agreement with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to create new ventures in the DSO. The pact provides a boost to the hospitality sector because it will facilitate services and support so that companies can start new hospitality ventures. DTCM will be responsible for licensing and categorizing hotels in accordance with DTCM…
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said four airlines have expressed interest in flights to the capital. ADAC said the recession has not diminished the emirates appeal as an aviation stop. ADAC has been marketing aggressively in order to add more carriers to Abu Dhabi National Airport. Last year seven new carriers began services to the airport and this year, five new airlines have started services. The…
Asir Governor Prince Faisal ibn Khaled announced that starting this year, there will no longer be musical concerts at the Abha Tourism Festival. Prince Khaled, who is chairman of the Tourism Development Council, told a news conference the concerts are not an important part of the festival. However, an Operetta consisting of national songs and traditional dance will be held. The festival attracts large numbers…
Gulf travel agency associations signed an agreement to create a lobby group in order to protect and promote their interests as the tourism industry expands. The newly formed Gulf Travel Association headquarters will be based in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi have joined the new group, which will be headed by the Abu Dhabi Travel and Tourism Association (ATTAC). Secretary General for ATTAC…
Qatar Airways will move into the air charter jet market this year with three Bombardier business aircraft. The airline’s chief executive made the announcement at the Paris Air Show. Akbar al Baker said they are launching the new corporate jet division with “a Challenger 300, which is already operating, and two new Challenger 605s”. The Challenger 605 carries up to twelve passengers and the Challenger 300…
Dubai International Airport (DIA was awarded the Aerodrome License by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Aerodrome Interim License Extension Program was designed to enhance and strengthen operational standards and safety at UAE’s international airports. Director General of GCAA said DIA complied with regulations and demonstrated total commitment to increasing “the performance of its aviation…
Emirates Airlines expressed no interest in Boeing’s proposed larger wing for the 777 widebody jet. The Dubai based carrier, the regions largest airline, will be the biggest user of the 777 airliner. They have ordered 70 A350s and have signed a letter of intent buy another 30. Emirates Airlines chief executive said at the Paris Airshow said instead “I’d be thinking seriously about an all new aircraft.”,…
Etihad Airways closed one of the biggest, most far reaching engine deals in the history of airlines at the Paris Air Show Tuesday. The engine deals include long term service contracts and are worth up to $14 billion (Dh51.41). The new deals underscore the importance of the Gulf Region in global aviation. While it is estimated the industry will lose an estimated $9 billion, airline performance in the region has…
A Saudi Arabian Airlines scheduled flight aborted take off after the pilot discovered damage to two of the planes rear tires. The flight was about to depart from the Prince Muhammad Airport in Madinah and was carrying 83 passengers bound for Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport. An overheated brake system caused the damage. General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) spokesman said flight number…
German aerospace companies will be the first tenants to occupy the aerospace zone at Al Ain International Airport. MT Aerospace, Aerotech Peissenberg and Aircraft Electronic Engineering signed Memorandum’s of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Airports Company. The companies will build plants that produce avionic systems and aerostructures at Al Ain. Mubadala Development, an investment arm of the Abu Dhabi…
Ascot Racecourse in England and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority have entered a partnership including a branding agreement during the Royal Ascot thoroughbred racing event. The 300 year old, five day event starts today and this sponsorship is the first time Abu Dhabi has been directly associated with a UK horse racing event. Under the agreement Abu Dhabi’s tourism brand will be displayed on pennants, staff…
Gulf Air finalized an agreement to purchase engines from Rolls Royce worth $1.5 billion (Dh 5.5 billion). The Trent 700 enhanced performance (EP) engines will power twenty Airbus A330 aircraft and deliveries will begin in 2012. TotalCare long-term service is included in the agreement and a current long-term service agreement for Trent 700’s powering A330s already in service has been renewed. Gulf Air Chairman…
