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 effects of the Boeing strike are finally being felt. Boeing said on November 14 that it is delaying deliveries of its 747-8 freighter and intercontinental airplanes due to design changes, limited engineering resources and an eight-week strike that shut down the company's factories. The first freighters will now be delivered in the third quarter of 2010 instead of in late 2009, as previously scheduled. The…
Sharjah-based budget carrier, Air Arabia, said on November 12 that it has signed a contract with European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, for 10 additional single-aisle A320 aircraft to serve its new hub in Morocco, in a deal worth about $770 million (Dh2.82 billion). With the launch of a new airline called Air Arabia Maroc in early 2009, the airline is scheduled to begin operations from its second hub in…
Saudi-based low-cost carrier Sama plans to lease up to five new aircraft in 2009, thereby expanding its fleet to 12. The Saudi low-cost carrier will however, wait for lease rates to decline further in 2009 before finalising the deals. Sama will also take on at least four aircraft on a wet-lease arrangement to cope with extra demand during the time of the Hajj pilgrimage in December. Source: www.ameinfo.com
The Business Standard has reported that Mubadala Development Co, the investment arm of Abu Dhabi's government has granted a loan of 10 billion rupee ($208m) to India based airline, Jet Airways. The Indian carrier had earlier reported a loss of 3.8 billion rupees in the quarter through September. Source: www.ameinfo.com
On Sunday, November 16, Air France passengers faced more cancellations as French pilots voted to press on with their demands and continue their strike. The agitation by the pilots has hit the national carrier hard with almost 35% of their long haul flights and half of all other files cancelled. The pilots are opposed to new pension and retirement rules that would come into effect in 2010 and would end the…
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) will be investing more than Dhs200m to create additional facilities at the City Airport, the Emirate's new dedicated private jet airport. The corporate jet facility will soon have stand capacity of over 120 jets and there will be specific areas in hangers for the maintenance of different sized aircraft. Source: www.ameinfo.com
Germany's leading operator of business jets, DC Aviation, and Al Futtaim Group on Sunday signed a joint venture agreement to establish, what they promise, will be one of the foremost executive business jet companies in the region. Omar Al Futtaim, chief executive of Al Futtaim Group and Dieter Heinen chief executive of DC Aviation signed the agreement under which the new aviation company will seek to serve the…
Al Jaber Aviation (AJA), the aviation arm of the Al Jaber Group, on November 16 placed an order for 12 private jet aircraft in a deal worth about $450 million (Dh1.65 billion). The company plans to launch operations in February 2009 with one Embraer Legacy 600. According to the company COO, Dr Mark J Pierotti the company expects to receive one aircraft every three months over a five year period. Pierotti also…
The Dubai Mall, the newest addition to Dubai’s shopping and entertainment scene is breaking one record after the other. Just five days since its launch, the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre has attracted a record turnout of more than 60000 visitors. More than 5000 skating buffs also visited the Dubai Ice Rink. Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said "The impressive visitor turn-out to The…
At a charge of SR5000 per person, approximately 8000 local pilgrims will be accommodated in new buildings in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The decision came after 14 days of negotiations between the Ministry of Hajj, domestic pilgrim service companies and the company in charge of the Mina foothills project. It was decided that buildings would be rented to 32 Tawafa domestic pilgrim companies for a period of two years,…
Movement in and out of Palm Jumeirah will be strictly restricted on Thursday, when galaxy of stars and A-list invitees will join pop star Kylie Minogue for the official opening of the Atlantis Hotel. In a circular to the residents, Nakheel Asset Management, which manages Palm Jumeirah, said that residents should reach their properties by 4pm on Thursday after which they will be required to carry special passes…
Qatar’s most popular and the award winning Indian restaurant chain “The Garden” launched its first overseas outlet in Dubai, Qusais. The outlet has been named “The D’Garden Casual and Xprez Restaurant”. The restaurant has been designed with dual dining sections- one section will serve authentic Indian cuisine and the other section will serve a mix of Indian fast food combined with international cuisines, with…
Bahrain Air announced the opening of its Sales office in Dubai on November 13. The airline has also appointed Al Majid Travel as their General Sales Agent (GSA). The airline said that it has plans to add another aircraft to its fleet in the last quarter of 2008 and expects to launch three new destinations namely Kuwait, Asyut and Luxor in Egypt, in November. Source: Khaleej Times
Despite not being fully ready, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort in Florida opened over the weekend amid much fanfare and some high profile guests and performances. Dubai based Nakheel Hotels; a business unit of Nakheel announced in April that they had bought a 50 per cent stake in the iconic Florida hotel in a deal worth $375 million. The hotel was subsequently closed for major renovation and was relaunched…
The Middle East Business Aviation Show saw the display of Eclipse 500, the world’s smallest lightest jet aircraft courtesy Dubai-based Palm Aviation and Turkey’s MyJet. The Eclipse 500, which will be performing flight demonstrations after the three day event, is designed to be cost effective, safe and reliable, with excellent fuel mileage and is fitted with twin turbofan engines and fire suppression system for…
According to a press release, Abu Dhabi Tourism authority (ADTA) has announced a five year strategic plan for 2008-2012 under which the ADTA aims to bring in 2.7 million hotel guests to the emirate by 2012. Abu Dhabi recently celebrated its second year as official Premier Partner at World Travel Market 2008 as the four-day show came to a close yesterday. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADTA Chairman,…
$1 billion worth Vision 3’ Hospitality Development Fund (HDF) of the Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH)’s is in process of finalising a number of deals just weeks after its launch, targeting raising $300 million by the first quarter of 2009. The current projects under consideration are based in the MENASA region and include a total of six projects under the Porta Moda and Entertainment City concept, in addition…
As the strike by Alitalia employees opposed to the takeover of the airline continued on the sixth day, the airline was expected to cancel about 40 flights into and out of Rome's Fiumicino and Milan's Linate airports on Saturday, November 15. On Friday, November 14, 60 flights in and out of Rome were grounded. The strike is in protest of a takeover deal by Italian Air Company (CAI). Under the terms of the deal,…
The Abu Dhabi Airports Company announced at the Middle East Business Aviation Show that the city’s new dedicated private jet airport will be renamed City Airport, Abu Dhabi. The move comes in the wake of ongoing attempts at the overhaul of the airport facility. The airport was formerly known as the Al Bateen airport facility. Source: www.ameinfo.com
Speaking to Capitol Club, Dubai International Financial Centre on November 11, Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dubai Airports said that a brand new Terminal 4 was planned at the airport in addition to extensions to terminal 1, 2 and 3. “We have Dh290 million that will be spent over the next two years on terminals 1, 2 and 3, making sure they are running to full capacity,” Griffiths said. He…
Addressing the media at the ongoing World Travel Mart 2008 in London, Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said that, owing to the rapid growth experienced by the tourism sector over the last five years, the influx of tourists into Sharjah is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2012. He also added “While tourism is today one of Sharjah’s…
Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) has signed an MoU with YOTEL Investments, to develop two new hotels in Abu Dhabi based on a the concept of cabins. The two hotels that will be built at the Airport and in the Abu Dhabi City Centre will cater to the requirements of participants, delegates and visitors to exhibitions and conferences that take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre situated nearby. The…
To facilitate travel from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah and Madinah for those making the Hajj Pilgrimage, Etihad Airways has announced that it will increase its services from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia in December. In addition to its regular daily Jeddah service, Etihad will offer 10 extra flights to the city between 24 November and 19 December. The airline will also add two flights to Madinah between 29 November and 2…
Malaysia’s low cost airline AirAsai announced on November 12 that it has abolished fuel surcharges on all its flights. The airline will also offer 500,000 seats for travel between June 22 and October 24, 2009, on all its routes. Source: Emirates Business 24/7
