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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Emirates Airlines is increasing weekly flight services to Beirut, Tehran, and Damman from 1 May 2009. There will be two additional weekly flights to Damman and Tehran, and three more for Beirut. Emirates Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations in the Gulf and India, Ahmad Khoory, said the Middle East is an integral part of Emirates operations and one of the most active aviation markets in the world.…
The Director General of Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) again said DNRD will support the tourism sector by ensuring smooth entry an exit, simplifying procedures, and attending to travelers needs quickly. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Mari urged relevant authorities to coordinate their efforts in order to boost the economy, and help Dubai to become the regions tourism hub. Mr. Al Mari…
Geneva based International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Tuesday that air travel demand in the Middle East will increase 1.2% this year. However because of current overcapacity, airlines will post a loss. Capacity has increased 3.8% this year. The IATA just revised its projected loss estimate for the coming year at $800 billion, four times their initial forecast . IATA said that the airlines in the…
Low cost carrier Flydubai announced a fresh new approach to air travel in the region. Check in process has been simplified with the elimination of e-tickets and paper, instead a boarding pass will be issued. In effect this means passengers will have already been checked in once they have paid for their booking. For a small fee, passengers will be able to book flights at the new flydubai.com website, which will…
Dubai’s financial chief said Tuesday that urgent action is necessary to shore up Dubai World’s Nakheel, and Dubai Holding. However, Nasser Al Shaikh, Director General of Department of Finance, said the company is not asking for emergency help as they think they can handle the crisis. Dubai’s properties are a lynchpin for the economy, and they have been slumping since last year as oil prices and the global…
Dubai World’s Infinity World subsidiary on Monday filed suit against MGM Mirage because it is concerned that funding commitments for the $8.6 billion project will not be met. The 67 acre city center project is currently being built on the Las Vegas strip. MGM recently filed SEC returns indicating it may not be able to meet its debt repayment obligations. MGM has over $13 billion in outstanding debt…
According to the new 2009 Hotel Pipeline Report by Lodging Econometrics Dubai is the tops in the region for the number of new planned hotels. New hotels in the pipeline in Dubai account for 34% of all the hotel projects in the region The Middle East has 503 projects planned representing 147,488 rooms. Dubai’s 136 planned new hotels accounts for 50,514 rooms. Abu Dhabi is second in the region with 73 projects…
Budget carrier flydubai confirmed it will charge passengers a separate fee for checking in their bags when it begins service this summer. Checked-in baggage weighing between 10kg and 32 kg will be added to the bill, while baggage weighing less than the 10kg ticket price will be included in the ticket price. The airline will also charge additional fees for seat selection, food and drink. The airline is…
Dubai World on MOnday confirmed its subsidiary Infinity World filed a lawsuit against its partner the MGM hotel and casino operator. Infinity World is a joint venture with MGM in the development of the CityCenter project in Las Vegas. Infinity World alleges in its lawsuit recent submissions to the US regulatro made by MGM filed breach the CityCenter joint venture agreement and puts the project at risk. MGM…
A top official of Bahrain Ministry of Culture and Information said the country plans to double the current tourism sector contribution to the economy. Essa Hassani said that plans include 20 new five star hotels to be added within the next few years. Mr. Hassani said tourism is a big contributor to the county’s economy, accounting for 12% of GDP. He expects the tourism sector contribution to GDP will increase…
Daimler announced on Tuesday that it had signed a deal to provide 260 Mercedes Benz Citaro city buses to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). In 2007 RTA announced what was reportedly the largest one off bus deal at the time – purchase of 1,616 buses from five different suppliers at a cost of US $ 2.34 billion (Dh 8.59 billion). The latest deal with Daimler follows a series of expected orders from…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) revised forecast projects the regions airlines are likely to see a $900 million loss in 2009 due to falling revenues, high fuel hedging positions, and overcapacity. The $900 million projected loss is more than four times higher than IATA’s original projected loss of $200 million for Middle Eastern airlines in 2009. IATA revised its forecast due to the strength…
The National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels, a leading hotels group, has reported a 7% increase in the number of European visitors to the UAE during the first three months of 2009, compared to the first three months of 2008. General Manager for Danat Hotels and Resorts, NCT&H, Raman al Rawas said that during the last three months hotel rates have beaten expectations. She said also that their participation…
In line with its goal to diversify its oil based economy, Abu Dhabi expects to invest almost $230 billion in tourism related projects, a government official said on Sunday. Vision 2030 is the Emirates long term expansion plan aimed at expanding non-oil sectors and attracting capital. Azhari Issa, an economic researcher at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economy and Planning (DPE) talked about Vision 2030 in a lecture…
Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide has 19 project planned in the Gulf region and a senior executive said they will be ready for launch within 2 to 3 years. Eva Ziegler said that Starwood wants to increase its existing offering of 49 hotels in the Middle East, and is also considering expansion in Russia, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the Levant. Miss Ziegler said “There is no cancellation of projects as…
Emmar International Jordan has started construction of the Samarah Dead Sea Resort in Jordan. The project is consistent with the Kingdom’s growth plans as outlined by King Abdullah II Fund for Development. Construction of the luxury resort community will use sustainable project management practices. The General Manager for Emmar International Jordan explained that the project will bring a new dynamic to the…
Cultural events were held on the West Bank on Saturday to recognize Jerusalem’s designation as the 2009 “capital of Arab culture”. Arab culture ministers have named a city each year since 1996. Last year Damascus held the title. Previously Israel had banned such events in the disputed holy city. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas opened the ceremony at 1500 GMT. The streets of Bethlehem in the West Bank were…
Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways expanded its existing codeshare agreement with Brussels Airlines of Belgium, providing its customers access to Spain for the first time. The agreement is effective from 29 March 2009. The two letter code “EY” will appear on Brussels Airlines flights form Belgium to Madrid Spain, and Barcelona, Spain. The agreement also covers Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Under the agreement,…
The regions religious tourism sector can play a decisive role in driving the short term industry revenues according to Kevin J. Wright, President of the World Religious Travel Association. The regions burgeoning religious tourism sector is valued at $18 billion per year and helps fuel the regions current annual tourism growth of 11 per cent. Three billion people worldwide trace their religious roots and…
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is offering new hotel rate cuts as part of their “Keep Discovering Dubai” campaign. The new hotel offers range from free to discounted rooms and will last until the end of the campaign in May. The Hyatt Regency is giving complementary rooms to all DTCM guests including free meals between 17 March 2009 and 17 May 2009. The “Keep Discovering Dubai”…
Amadeus, a major booking system provider for travel agencies, reported a steep drop in the number of business travel bookings. In January and February bookings fell 20%. Liesure travel bookings for the same period fell 12%. Airlines and travel agencies expect that the slump in business travel bookings will continue because the global economic slowdown will keep budgets tight. At the ITB Traveler fair,…
Vision Hotels Management is going ahead with plans to add 1,655 new hotel rooms in Abu Dhabi, despite the economic slowdown. Three years ago Vision Hotel Management opened luxury hotel apartments in Abu Dhabi’s Tourist Club area. The new rooms are estimated to cost Dh600 million (US 163.3mm) In November the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) chairman announced it would add more than 26,000 rooms by the end…
More than two dozen new hotels will be completed throughout the Gulf region by the end of next year according to a new survey. Twenty two of the new hotels are being built in the UAE. An additional 13 will be completed by the end of 2010. Five will be built in Saudi Arabia this year and seven more are planned by the end of 2010. Five new hotels will be built in Qatar this year and an additional two are…
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) will establish a separate group to promote tourism. The new body will construct, renovate, and develop hotels throughout the Kingdom in order to develop tourism SCTA President Prince Sultan spoke about the plans following the one day Saudi Events Industry Forum at Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel’s King Faisal Hall. The Prince said that plans are in…
