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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A research firm for the leisure industry reported that occupancy rates in the Gulf region will return to previous levels by 2010, and significant growth will follow by 2013. The research house Pro Leads released their report at The Hotel Show, a hospitality services trade show being held in Dubai. There are currently 300 new hotels under construction in the Gulf region valued at more than Dh 514 billion…
United Arab Emirates quarantined an airline passenger arriving from Canada suspected of having the swine flu virus. The official WAM news agency said health officials suspected the passenger displayed symptoms of infection from the A (H1N1) virus, and he was then isolated. The report did not disclose the man’s nationality, where he was quarantined, or through which of the regions two international airports…
A top government official said Egypt will proceed with its planned Dh4.14 billion ($6.3 billion Egyptian pounds) airport expansion despite the global economic crisis and slowdown in aviation activities around the world. 4.3 billion will be spent on three new airports which will have a combined 10 million passenger capacity. An official with Cairo Airport Company said the three new airports are Burg El Arab…
A top official with the Fujairah International Airport (FIA) said they expect to receive three new airlines by the end of this year. The airports General Manager said talks regarding transporting passengers from the airport are under way now. Dr. Khaled Almazrouri said they are in an advanced stage of discussion and “the airlines will get passengers from the whole east coast including Qalba, Dibba, Khurfakan,…
Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC) released data showing passenger traffic through Abu Dhabi National Airport increased 12% in April 2009 compared to the same period last year. Aircraft traffic increased 5%. London was the busiest route for the airport, followed by Bangkok, Doha, Bahrain, then Jeddah. The increase in traffic at Abu Dhabi Airport is due mainly to exhibitions and conferences in April, such as…
British Airways next week will restart flight service to Saudi Arabia from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5. The carrier is resuming service to Saudi Arabia following a four year hiatus. Five weekly flights will operate to Jeddah and Riyadh, bringing British Airways summer schedule in the region to 66 weekly flights- from eight GCC destinations. This is an increase of 35% compared to the same period last…
The Hotel Show, the region’s premier tradeshow for the hotel industry opens in the Dubai World Trade Center at the Shaikh Rashid Hall on Sunday. The hotel industry is looking for strategies to deal with the global economic slowdown, so the trade show is receiving more attention this year. The exhibition director for The Hotel Show said hospitality professionals will be looking for the opportunities that come…
A senior executive said the City of Arabia project expected completion date is now between 2014 and 2015. Group Executive Director at City of Arabia explained they have not delayed the project because there have been so many changes to the master plan. SM Syed Khalil said the traffic impact study is a big issue because there are two interchanges on both sides of the city, and “a project such as this will have…
Despite the unprecedented challenges for the airline and travel industry, Emirates Group recorded its 21st year of consecutive profit for the 2008/2009 financial year. For the financial year ending 31 March 2009, the group’s net profit was Dh 1.49 billion ($406 million). This is a 72% drop from the prior year’s record profits of Dh 5.3 billion ($1.45 million). The large fall in profit is due to the record…
Emirates recently opened its third lounge in Germany as part of a multi-million dollar push to offer pre-departure convenience and comfort at important airports around the world. The new lounge at 700 square feet is its biggest, and is located in Dusseldorf International Airport. It is similar to other luxury travel lounges in Frankfurt and Munich. It includes complimentary broadband access, Business…
Dubai Airport Free Zone will add six new buildings and a hotel at a cost of Dh1.3 billion to nearly double its current capacity. Currently there are about 1,500 companies in the zone and the space need varies greatly between companies. Director General of the Dubai Airport Free Zone said more than 1,000 companies can be accommodated in the new buildings, which will occupy 100,000 square meters, or 300,000…
CEO of Dubai Airports said expanding military no fly zones and better air traffic control are necessary in order to maximize potential passenger growth at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Paul Griffiths talked about the need for co-operation the need cooperation at the two airports at the Airport Show 2009 conference. Also in attendance were Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company Rudy Vercelli, and…
Jazeera Airways will cancel direct flight services to four destinations and discontinue operations for two other destinations. This has caused thousands of vacationers to change their travel plans. The airline recently announced that beginning in June they will not fly directly to New Delhi, Mumbai, Sana’s, and Salalah. Except for Bahrain and Kuwait, non-stop services will be continued only via Kuwait, and…
Hamra Hotels and Resorts announced it will open its new four star hotel business hotel Acacia in August 2009 and Al Hamra Palace Hotel soon after. Acacia has 373 units and is located next to the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority Free Zone. The Al Hamra Palace Hotel is a palatial beach resort and apartment hotel expected to fill the increasing demand for hotels and serviced apartments in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).…
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said it expects to complete the new 110 meter tall air traffic control tower later this year. This will be the first project completed under the US 6.8 billion (Dh25bn) airport redevelopment plan. Chief Executive for ADAC, Rudy Vercelli, said the new airport tower “will resemble a torch in the evening”. It will be lit from the inside and be a beacon for aircraft as well as…
Union Bank of India (UBI) plans to double its non-resident Indian remittances from GCC within two years. UBI has representative offices in the UAE capital and handles five percent of the total remittances from GCC states to India. The banks chairman and managing director is now visiting the UAE and talked about the remittances at a press briefing. MV Nair said they are launching three initiatives designed to…
It was announced Tuesday that MGM Mirage will operate three of its world famous hotel brands under the Dh15 billion Dubai Pearl Project. The Dubai Pearl is Dubai’s first hotel and residence under the MGM brand. The three hotels are the 350 room MGM Grand hotel, 30 suite Skylofts hotel, and 250 room Bellagio hotel. Dubai Pearl will own and finance the 250 room hotels while MGM Mirage hospitality will manage…
The expansion of the King Abdul Aziz International airport has begun and several contracts will be awarded at the end of this month. The $11.3 billion (Dh41.5) will increase the current 16 million passenger capacity to 80 million in 2025 when all phases are completed. Last year passenger growth at the airport was 6.6% compared to 2007. The runways are being increased to 4,000 meters in length and 75…
Chief Executive of Dubai Airports said the biggest challenge ahead will be to keep the entire system from becoming totally gridlocked. Paul Griffiths, speaking at the airport show in Dubai on Sunday said airport movements are projected to increase from 53 per hour today to 169 per hour over the next few years. He said this will create difficulties because there are several no-fly zones around the…
Four senior management of Kingdom Holding Company bought 4 million shares in Kingdom Holding Company (KHC). The four management people are KHC Board and Investment Committee members. They are Eng. Talal Al Maiman, Mr. P. Shoucair, and Eng Ahmed Halawani. Their titles are respectively, Executive Director for International Investments, Executive Director for Private Equity, and CFO. KHC Kingdom Holding Company…
An emirati decree was issued to restructure Etihad Airway’s Board of Directors by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai. The new board will be chaired by Shaikh Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and its tenure will be for three years.
Flydubai CEO said they are looking beyond the recession this year and expect to achieve 70% in their bookings by year end. Ghaith Al Ghaith said they are not concerned about slower than expected air travel transportation. He said flydubai’s vision, and the vision of the Dubai government and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed is to look beyond the current economic recession the world is suffering from. Regarding…
Guest nights in Dubai fell 16% and revenues dropped 15% because of the impact of the global economic recession. The drop shows that the tourism industry in Dubai slowed during the first quarter. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) data showed the number of hotel guest nights dropped to 3.87 million during the first three months of 2009. However the DTCM figures showed total number of…
Turkey is actively promoting tourism in their country to Saudi Arabian travelers. A delegation of representatives from the tourism industry in Turkey and Saudi Arabia met for workshop at the Sheraton Villa on Sunday night. The Turkish delegation hopes to receive 100,000 tourists from Saudi Arabia this year. The counselor of culture and information at said this is the first time a Turkish delegation has…
