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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Flydubai is setting itself apart from other airlines with its recent push to promote simpler ways to travel during these economically difficult times. They will be the first carrier in the region to discontinue check-in counters and also charge for all luggage as it is checked in. The change will begin on 1 June when flydubai launches its first flight to Berlin using preprinted boarding passes. Flydubai will…
Chairman of flydubai unveiled the first of its Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft yesterday in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum called it a tremendous moment for flydubai and the development of aviation in the region. Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai is one step closer now to providing a low cost carrier because of the vision and leadership of the UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al…
Following a three year absence, wireless internet service is now returning to air flight service, allowing passenger to surf the web, check their email, and log-on to their corporate network during their flight. Boeing at one time had a very expensive, multibillion dollar plan to equip planes with a satellite based system, but the idea was shelved. However, several small internet companies have now developed…
Emirates Airlines is disputing a report by the European Commission’s Consumer Affairs Division which charges that the airline is one of 12 to consistently mislead consumers regarding airfares on their website. During the commission’s 18 month long investigation these carriers, including Aeroflot, Northwest, and Olympic, did not adequately respond to charges of misleading fare advertising. Initially, 137…
Tourism Development and Investment Company (TCIC) said they are making every effort to ensure rights of workers involved in construction on Saadiyat Island are protected. The 27 square km island is adjacent to Abu Dhabi and is an important leisure, residential, and cultural destination. TDIC officials commented on workers rights at a press conference held to update journalists on progress made building the…
The Dubai Mall was officially launched on 8 May, opened in November, and has already attracted more than 160,000 visitors, more than ten percent of the city’s population. The mall is the largest indoor shopping center in the UAE as measured by internal floor space, and has the country’s largest collection of international retail brands in one building. More than 600 of the malls 900 shops are open and the…
Zabeel Investments has decided not to invest $1 billion in US hotels and instead will place more priority on finishing property projects in Dubai. Zabeel Investments executive chairman explained their focus is on investments and everything they do is in Dubai. Mohammad Ali Al Hashimi said “Right now, internationally, we do not have any intention of looking at anything.” Al Hashimi said they are closely…
The Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) met in Doha yesterday to discuss ways to boost tourism. QCCI represents the local hospitality and travel industry. Members favor simplification of tourist and family visa rules as a way to increase tourism. They maintain the current visa rules are strict and stall attempts to bring tourists to Qatar. QCCI members also discussed the need for reducing taxes on…
Luxury air carrier Saraya Skies has made several high level appointments coinciding with its participation in the European Business Aviation Convention (EBAC), the world’s largest aviation exhibition. Bilal Yousaf was appointed Managing Director and Ivan Tehaghapsao were appointed Sales and Marketing Director. Prior to joining Saraya Skies, Yousaf held management positions with several leading aviation…
The government confirmed again that Dubai World Central will open in June 2010. Dubai World Central is a 140 square kilometer aviation and logistics city in Jebel Ali. Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation said the integrated multi-modal logistics platform in DWC will “change all known air, land, and sea transportation parameters.” Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is also President of Dubai Civil…
Middle East air bookings were 1% higher in the first quarter of 2009, and the region as a whole registered positive growth. However, Europe and Asia registered double digit drops in growth during this period according to industry data. Bookings through travel agents in the UAE between January and March 2009 fell 3.2% compared to the same period in 2008. Europe air bookings fell 12.95% and Asia fell 15.12%…
The worlds largest water feature, the Dubai Fountain, opened in downtown Burj Dubai last weekend. American designers WET and Emaar completed the 275 meter fountain whose height is matched by its technical innovation. The fountain is the length of two football fields and can shoot sprays of water more than 150 meters. The water sprays are set to the sound of classical Arabic and Western music, and when in…
The Rezidor Hotel Group will open its first Park Inn hotel in the UAE on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. A senior executive said that the economic slowdown has affected its high end hotels. The new Park Inn hotel will open in time for the formula Grand Prix event in November. The Middle East Vice President for Rezidor explained there is increasing demand from corporate and leisure travelers for less expensive…
Emirates Airlines dismissed recent criticisms about its promotion offering free air fare, hotel stays, and meals to children of two traveling parents. The airline explained it is quite normal to offer special promotions during the summer season, and the aim of this promotion is to give families a chance for an affordable holiday. Recent statements imply that the offer is being made because of falling demand for…
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) officials said a massive advertising campaign in the UK and Ireland has been launched. The goal of the campaign is to boost the number of tourists visiting Dubai during this summer’s Dubai Summer Surprises period which runs from 11 June to 14 August. Industry experts believe that the tourism sectors current 19% contrition towards GDP may be increased…
Sharjah Commission and Tourism Development Authorities (SCTDA) officials said Wednesday that tour operators and others working in the tourism industry must obtain a tourism license and degree by 2010. This is a tentative deadline. The new regulations are being implemented in order to ensure those working in the tourism industry have adequate knowledge and also are portraying Sharjah appropriately. Sharjah…
Travelport GPS and Pegasus Solutions have finalized an agreement which will give travel agents higher commission rates. Travelport GPS is a leading provider of worldwide distribution systems while Pegasus Solutions is the hotel commission for travel agents. The agreement allows Travelport to offer better prices on commission processing services so agents will get better hotel commission rates. In addition,…
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, delivered a speech for the Emirates Group Chairman which emphasized the importance of accommodating the needs of special travelers. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is also chairman the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said in his speech it is important to make the tourism sector in the Middle East one of the main contributors of GDP in Arab countries. In order to…
Many hoteliers are confident about finding investors despite the global economic crisis and economic slowdown. President of Hilton Hotels, Middle East and Africa said they continue to expand aggressively as the economic downturn continues. Jean-Paul Herzog said many investors remain interested in new opportunities because of mid-term and long term potential. Herzog said many large hotel developments take…
Emirates Airlines clarified on Wednsesay that its “Best Offer” promotion applies only to Emirates services and not those of other airlines. The airline announced their "Best Offer“ promotion earlier this week, which gives refunds to passengers if they find a better deal elsewhere. However the airline did not specify that the offer refers only to its own services. An Emirates spokesman explained that some…
British Telecom (BT) has signed a contract to provide the technology link to Emirates Airlines worldwide call centers. Under the five year contract BT will connect Emirates call centers to a single globally managed platform. The call centers are in Mumbai, Melbourne, Manchester, Dubai, and New York and also nine town office locations. BT said operating costs will decrease and efficiency will improve with the…
EAD, the parent of Airbus, registered a 70% dive in operating profits during the first quarter, following a new charge for its postponed A400 military plane. They also cut their forecast for civil plane order, which caused their share price to slide. EAD results reflect the challenges faced by aerospace firms because airlines avoid expanding their fleets while funds are scarce. Backstop accounting measures…
A Bahraini MP is pushing to have a new law enacted that would protect air passengers from flight cancellations or delays and give them financial compensation. Other lawmakers are expected to provide their support so that it can pass the upper house before moving to the lower house for debate. Faisal Fouladh is a member of the upper house in the bicameral parliament. He said the new law will ensure that…
Kuwaiti premium class carrier Wataniya Airline slammed rumors that its Cairo flights were in jeopardy because of failure to comply with regulatory requirements. Recent reports suggested Wataniya did not meet Directorate General for Civil Aviation rules. The airline says there is no truth to the rumors. In a company statement they assured its stakeholders and guests that “it has complied with all regulatory…
