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 UAE based luxury airline for executives, Royal Jet, will participate in the 2009 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week. They will be the only private aviation company at the exhibition. The airline is a long standing supporter of ATM and has participated every year since its inception six years ago. Royal Jet is supporting Abu Dhabi as a world class tourism destination at its corporate corner within…
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will participate in the Arabian Travel Market for the 12th consecutive year. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the regions premier travel and tourism event which takes place annually. This year the ATM takes place at the Dubai World Trade Center from 5 May through 8 May. SCTDA chairman Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, said there will be a…
UAE hospitality firms bagged to awards at the World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony held in Dubai Tuesday night. Abu Dhabi won ten awards, the highest number of awards won by a new travel and tourism destination. Rotana, Etihad Airways, DTCM, Jumeirah, and Al Futtaim Group Real Estate were among the many other firms recognized with awards at the ceremony. WTA founder said he was excited to see the tourism offering…
A senior official at Dnata said hotel and airline prices are 20 per cent lower compared to last summer season. Dnata is the travel management company of Emirates Group and the General Sales Agent (GSA) for 30 airlines. They also sell tickets for other airlines. Prices continue to be slashed in order to boost demand because travel has declined. Hotels in popular destinations in the UAE are also cutting their…
Park Hyatt is planning a major expansion in the Gulf and Indian sub continent region. The American Hotel brand will triple the number of hotels in this region, adding 30 new hotels by 2015. Managing Director for Hyatt, Peter Fulton, said their revenue per available room is down 20 per cent, but they are still doing well in the Middle East. He explained they are going through cyclical changes because of…
Pope Benedict XVI, who is German born and 82 years old, began an eight day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Pope, who is leader of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics, said he will be a “pilgrim of peace”. He departed from Rome on a special flight to Amman and will then begin his trip to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. He will face a variety of difficult religious and political challenges during…
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority SCTDA figures show the number of European tourist visiting Sharjah increase 14% compared to 2007. About 49% of Sharjah’s 1.5 million visitors in 2009 were from Europe. STCDA chairman stressed the importance of Sharjah’s good ties with Europe at the Arabian Travel Market 2009 in Dubai. Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said the SCTDA figures reaffirm “the…
Leaders in the hospitality industry say the governments proposed ban on alcohol would cause severe job losses. The government proposal would ban the sale of alchohol at hotels, restaurants, clubs, and off-licenses, and was unanimously approved by MP’s on Tuesday. Next the Cabinet considers the proposal and they have the power to reject it. Managing Director for the Bahrain Institute of Hospitality Management…
Dubai International Airport (DIA) has again won the award for Leading Airport in the Middle East at the 16th World Trade Awards (WTA) - Middle East, held in Dubai. This is the second year in a row DIA has won the award, which recognizes DIA’ consistent quality customer service. The WTA encourages competition and inspires innovation and creativity which results in higher value for travelers around the…
Kenya’s Minister of Tourism is promoting the counties business and tourism potential at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2009 currently under way in Dubai. Najib Bala, accompanied by a delegation from the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) said their primary focus at ATM 2009 is to promote tourism, investment, and trade. Tourism is the counties second biggest foreign exchange earner, after agriculture. Bala said an…
Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC) will showcase Al Khozama-Madina Hotel at the Arabian Travel Market 2009. AKMC is a leading developer and manager of luxurious commercial properties in the UAE. The Al Khozama-Madina Hotel is located on the western side of the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madina Al Munawwara and is scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2009. The stunning boutique hotel has 120 room and 20…
StarHospitality Hotels and Resorts showcased its first property in Malaysia at the Arabian Travel Market 2009. The parent company of StarHospitality Hotels and Resorts is ETA Star properties, a leading UAE property developer. StarPoints, a luxury hotel and apartment is located in the Central Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between the old and new city. It towers over other buildings, giving vistors a…
CEO for Dubai Airport Paul Griffith said the economic slowdown does not affect the airports long term infrastructure plans. He said development of Dubai World Central had not been affected very much by the economic slump, but they have established a more realistic timeline for completing the project. Dubai World Central is a 140 square km aviation project being built in Jeb Ali around the Al Maktoum…
Abu Dhabi’s National Corporation for Tourism and Hospitality (NCTH) announced on Thursday they will open three five star hotels within three years. Company Managing Director Sultan Ahmed Ghunoum Al Hameli said the joint venture plans include a Dh600 million Bristol Hotel which will be built on Abu Dhabi Island and the Dh600 million Sadiyaat Island Resort. Sultan Al Hameli announced the new hotels after he…
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing launched its DefinitelyDubai.com portal at the Arabian Travel Market on Wednesday. The new website is part a plan to use social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to promote tourism in Dubai. DefinitelyDubai.com caters to business travelers, tourists, and residents. Within three hours of its launch on Tuesday it received 6,000 hits, before it was…
Prime Minister of the UAE visited the Arabian Travel Market 2009 on Wednesday. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum - President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and also Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Chief Executive of Dubailand, Mohammad Al Habbai briefed Shiakh Mohammad.
A top Marriot International official said yesterday they plan 33 new projects in the Middle East, in addition to the 33 projects already signed and contracted. President of Marriot International said “We are 33 now and I would envision two or three years we could double that.” However, because Marriot is currently more focused on Africa this figure may fall short. President Fuller explained that in the hotel…
Safir International Hotel Management (SIHM) announced it will develop ten new hotels by 2012 as part of its strategic plan to cater to niche markets. Vice Chairman for SIHM Said they are focusing on target markets with great growth potential and that have implemented aggressive growth plans in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Syria. Fawzi Mussalam, who is also CEO of Kuwait Group Company, said “We are committed to…
A top executive at Emmar Hospitality said their 2009 revenue will probably drop by 15% because of the global economic slowdown. Emmar Hospitality is a wholly owned subsidiary of property developer Emmar Properties Chief Executive Officer for Emmar Hospitality Group and Emmar Hotels and Resorts Marc Dardenne said the situation is not as bad as many people think, and that their leisure divisions are doing…
Dubai based Emmar Hospitality signed a management contract to operate a luxury resort in southern France. Emmar’s The Address Hotels and Resorts brand will manage the Domaine de Lavagnac. The resort includes a 17th century chateau being converted into a 70 suite hotel and 650 residential properties, 430 of which are dedicated for tourism purposes. The management contract is Emmar Hospitality’s entry into…
Work on the Dubai Monorail system continues despite delays in other transportation projects caused by the economic slowdown. The monorail will house 40,000 residents. Residents in the City of Arabia neighborhood will be connected when the project is complete. Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group are the developers for City of Arabia. Their executive director said system is still in the early stages of design and…
The Palm Monorail is the latest attraction to open to the public on Nakheel’s Palm Jumeirah. It costs Dh1.4 billion to build and opens a few months prior to the opening of Dubai Metro in September. The railway is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Altantis Hotel is the only destination and a round trip takes only ten minutes. Passengers pay Dh25 per ticket to depart from Gateway Towers at the entrance…
Abu Dhabi based Rotana Hotels revenue per available room (RevPar) in the UAE fell between 15% and 20% for the first three months of this year, compared to the same period last year. However, senior executives said the company will move forward with expansions plans. Rotana’s chief executive said the global slowdown has affected the UAE, and the slowing demand and increased supply will continue to affect…
Emirates Airline and Group has partnered with Marriot International to develop a new luxury $490 million 1,614 hotel in Dubai. Emirates is currently constricting the Park Towers twin tower property near Dubai’s Business Bay district on Shiekh Zayed Road. The two companies signed a contract for the development and Marriot has been appointed operator of Park Towers, which will be under Marriot management and…
