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Khimji’s ‘House of Travel’, under an exclusive agreement, is now the General Sales Agent (GSA) in Oman for SpiceJet. Khimji’s House of Travel is the new flagship brand for Travel and Business Tourism Services under the Projects and Logistics group of Khimji Ramdas, which will now sell, promote, and advertize SpiceJet tickets to the people of Oman. Chief Commercial Officer for SpiceJet Limited said Khimji…
The Bawadi Mall rink, which allows both ice skaters and roller blades, was opened on Monday. A company statement said the rink has a capacity of 200 skaters and a spectator area and is the regions first artificial ice skating rink. Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager at the Bawadi Mall, said “The new technology is suitable for metal blade shoes and roller shoes, offering a great experience to both professionals…
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince H.H. Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi bridge. The bridge is now the main gateway to Saadiyat Island, which is connected to Abu Dhabi from the Mina Zayed port area. The bridge creates a five minute drive between the Island and Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Island is being developed into a strategic international tourism destination. The bridge…
Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding has begun construction work on the 22 story Holiday Inn Express in Manama. The company is the exclusive developer of the Holiday Inn Express brand in the GCC. CEO of Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding, Sami Al Ansari, said “We are vey excited about our entry into Bahrain and the opportunities its hospitality sector holds. Holiday Inn Express Manama is located in Bahrain’s…
An Air India pilot and co-pilot were arrested over a scuffle that ensued during a flight from Sharjah to Delhi, in which pilots were accused of assaulting an air hostess. They were later released on bail it was reported on Wednesday. Police questioned pilot Ranbir and co-pilot Aditya Chopra on Tuesday night regarding the mid-air scuffle that occurred on October 3. A senior police official said “As the offence…
Revenue per available room (RevPar) in Dubai is expected to fall by up to 28 per cent in Dubai by the end of 2009, compared to 2008. The latest Hotel Market Forecast from STR Global hospitality analysts show the worst case scenario forecast for RevPar falling 29 per cent. However, PKF Consulting House said in their latest report that average daily rates and RevPar are expected to increase in December and…
Malaysia’s low cost carrier (LCC) AirAsia X is taking an unusual step for a budget airline of installing seats that recline fully flat. The carrier is betting that some passengers on its long haul flight will want a bed and be willing to pay for it. Chief Executive Officer Azran Osman-Rani told an industry conference in Al Ain, “Nothing’s engrained when it comes to LCC’s.” The airline also plans to offer pay…
Emirates Airlines won three awards at the at the Business Traveler Middle East Awards in May 2009 including the much coveted ‘Best Airline’, ‘Best Regional Airline’, and ‘Best First Class’ titles. Shortly after it won these accolades, the airline received trophies for ‘Best First Class’ and ‘Best Middle Eastern Airline’. The trophies were awarded by readers of the monthly magazine Business Traveler UK…
Air Arabia’s chief executives said the carrier will open its new operating hub in Alexandria, Egypt, during the first quarter of 2010. The biggest low cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East had previously announced plans for a hub in Egypt. Chief Executive Officer Adel Ali told an aviation conference in Al Ain that the hub in Egypt will make the carrier a truly Pan-Arab airline, because it will fill a gap in…
The number of Sharjah hotels and hotel apartment increased by 13 to 4,248, according to the tourism development authority. Sharjah’s hotel classification system, which came into force in 2008, has been important in increasing occupancy levels. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority implemented the system in order to help the tourism sector compete globally. SCTDA Licensing and…
Industry officials, speaking in advance of the Low Cost Airlines World MENA 2009, said the financial crisis has made low cost carriers (LCC) more accepted and bought new carriers into the UAE. The conference starts today at Al Ain, and will host over 30 Chief Executive Officers airlines and airports who will review the development of budget airlines in the region. Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports…
Head of Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADEC), Khalifa Al Mazroui said at press conference that a center for business and logistics will be established at the Al Ain Airport. The aim will be to make it a regional center for cargo and budget airlines.
A Qatar Airways flight from London, Gatwick to Doha made history by being the first to use fuel derived from natural gas. The A340-600 aircraft used a mixture of synthetic Gas to Liquids (GTL) kerosene and conventional oil based kerosene. The GTL blend produces less emissions and sulphur dioxide. A consortium of companies developed the fuel over the past few years – Qatar Airways, Airbus, Qatar Petroleum,…
The number of visitors to the Gulf’s biggest exhibition center, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has increased 20 per cent. The developer is moving forward with big expansion plans including construction of a 160 meter tower called Capital Gate that tilts more than the Tower of Pisa. Business development director Sanjay Tanna said “ADNEC is committed to expanding its economic impact on the…
The Intercontinental Hotels Group will expand in the MENA region over the next three years, adding 49 hotels. This will add nearly another 14,000 new hotel rooms. IHG is looking to hire 33,000 new staff to work in its new hotels, in all roles, including general managers, sales and marketing, and food and beverage. The new hotels include the Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Intercontinental…
Gulf Air, the national carrier for Bahrain, began its five year plan to replace its fleet by putting the first of 15 new ‘fuel efficient’ Airbus A320 aircraft into service. Gulf Air chairman Talal Al Zain officially welcomed the aircraft at the Bahrain National Airport. He said “By investing in our fleet now, we are securing the future of Gulf Air.”, and called it a proud moment for the airline because it is…
The new President for Oberoi Hotels and Resorts says funding is on track for their planned new Middle East properties – a city hotel and beach resort in Abu Dhabi, a beach resort in Oman, city hotel in Dubai, and a property in Marrakech, Morrocco. Liam Lambert said “All the funding is in place. I think there was a slowdown for the property in Oman but so far our partners have not run out of cash.” Mr.…
CEO of British Airways announced they will operate bigger aircraft to handle the increasing number of pilgrims for this years Haj. Willie Walsh said “We will be operating aircraft with larger capacity to accommodate the pilgrims.” Walsh made the announcement during a three day visit in Riyadh. Walsh participated in celebratory events marking the return of direct flights from the Kingdom to London’s…
