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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If you are planning a trip to Bangkok, and you visit the MBK shopping mall, do not forget to visit the Yana Restaurant which has just received a 4-star Halal rating from the Ministry of Tourism of Thailand and the Central Islamic Council of Thailand. Yana serves both Thai and international cuisines in a clean atmosphere. Give it a try and let us know how you find the food. Do not skip the mouth watering and…
The Oxford Street Christmas Lights Switch On event took place at John Lewis' Flagship Store on Oxford Street in London on November 6, 2014. This marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. From Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, the entire length of London’s traditional shopping area is lit up with fancy lights until the New Year. If you are planning to visit London this year in winter you can not only…
The SPG Keyless is part of a global Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) initiative, which made its official debut this week in 10 hotels in markets including Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles and Doha.
Qatar Duty Free has added four new premium shopping boutiques to its portfolio of retail destinations at Hamad International Airport. Passengers looking for luxury brands as they travel through Doha will now be able to shop at Coach, Montblanc, Almotahajiba and Hugo Boss, as well as more than 70 other retail outlets that are already available within the 25,000sqm of retail space at the new Doha airport. The…
Zurich's famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping centre is preparing for the Christmas shopping season with festive decorations. On November 20 2014, the special lights will go up and a Night Shopping event will take place. Shops will be open until 10pm and shoppers can enjoy walking in the brightly lit streets. Swiss currently has a special offer from Dubai to Zurich for only AED 2,550 round trip inclusive of all…
Imagine traveling on an aeroplane without windows. You cannot look out. It will be perpetually dark inside the cabin with no natural light. Your worst nightmare? Not quite. Now imagine flying past the world's tallest building and hearing the pilot say that those of you on the left of the plane can look out to see Burj Khalifa. If you are seated on the right of the aircraft you peer across the aisle to catch a…
The Dusit International group of Thailand is expanding into Vietnam with the construction of a luxury resort along the Cam Ranh Bay which is considered by many to be the jewel of Vietnam. The resort will be a five-star, fully-fledged mixed-use project, just 15 minutes by car from Cam Ranh International airport and 20 minutes from popular Nha Trang. The resort’s prime location will allow guests and residents…
If you are into guns and daggers, you can have a fun time at the Myrtle Beach Gun and Knife Show which is being held from Nov 1-2 2014 at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Located about 7 hours drive from Washington DC. Myrtle Beach is also a great destination for a summer holiday and summer in this coastal town with 60 miles of sandy beaches extends up to the end of October. At the Gun Show you can look at and buy…
More than 1 million tourists have visited Oman in the first half of 2014 and 38% of them have come from the GCC. Tourist arrivals from the GCC have surged by 10.8% and the Ministry of Tourism of Oman along with Oman Air are trying to woo more travelers from the GCC. Salim Al Mamari, Director General of tourism promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said, “Because of its diverse geographical features, Oman is an…
The new 5-star Anjum Hotel in Makkah is inviting guests to experience the grand Andalusian style hotel with 1,734 rooms and suites. With a dedicated air-conditioned walkway connecting the hotel with the new King Abdullah Gate at the Holy Haram, the hotel is ideal for those who seek to immerse themselves in religious activities but at the same time wish to ensure their worldly comfort. With 26 elevators…
Qatar Airways will be the first airline in the world to receive the A350 aircraft which has just had its first test flight in full Qatar Airways livery. “We are delighted to see the new A350 taking to the skies in our livery,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “The A350 will be a very valuable addition to our fleet, and thanks to its extra width, we will be able to offer our passengers…
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will become the 100th destination for Air Arabia when it starts its twice weekly service to this city of 1.5 million people on October 28 2014. “The beautiful city of Tbilisi is a tremendous addition to the Air Arabia network and we are confident the route will prove to be highly popular with leisure and business travellers alike,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer,…
If you an art lover and you are well endowed with loose change, you can join the ranks of the art connoisseurs. A total of 63 works of Modern and Contemporary Art from the Middle East are being offered at the Christie's Dubai online store. Price estimates range from $1,500 to $40,000. Christie's Dubai branch is located in the financial hub of Dubai - DIFC. The sale room and viewing of art can be done at…
TO: Etihad Airways Date: October 13 2014 My wife and I were traveling from Boston to Abu Dhabi (BOS-JFK on American Airlines and JFK-AUH on Etihad Airways) on Oct 2 2014 and had a very disconcerting experience. We happen to be practicing Muslims and eat Halal food. We had an American Airlines flight out of Boston at 2:30 in the afternoon – what with returning a rental car and checking in four pieces of…
Team Abu Dhabi who are on the first leg of their nine months long Volvo Ocean Race had a pleasant surprise when some dolphins decided to compete with them off the coast of Morocco. The round-the-world yacht race is a gruelling challenge which started in Alicante, Spain, on October 11 2014. The first leg will take the teams to Cape Town where they are expected to arrive between November 2-6. After a two weeks…
The Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi has recently upgraded its spa to feature four brands each of which focus on a different area of relaxation and grooming. The full range of treatments for men and women combines precious elements such as gold, diamonds, and caviar with ancient spa traditions like the Moroccan Hammam. A designated manicure and pedicure salon features products from leading podiatric…
The venerable New York hotel, The Waldorf Astoria, was sold by Hilton to China's Anbang Insurance company in a deal valued at $1.95 billion. The new buyers will invest in renovating the hotel but Hilton will retain the rights to operate the landmark hotel for another 100 years. The US State Department has expressed concerns about the renovation of the hotel and thinks that the Chinese may be preparing to bug…
Qatar Airways has added its first Airbus A380 to its six daily flights to London from Doha. The new aircraft has 517 seats with 8 in First Class, 48 in Business and 461 in Economy. While the premium classes are understandably luxurious and offer flat beds, even those flying Economy can recline their seats back by 7 inches and watch entertainment on a 4th Generation state of the art 10.6" entertainment screen.…
The UK health authorities have started Ebola screening of passengers arriving at Heathrow airport. While there are no direct flights into Heathrow from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, where Ebola has killed more than 4,000 people, passengers who are coming from these countries will be subjected to strict screening. Air France, Royal Air Maroc and Brussels Airlines are the only airlines that fly out of the…
In just one year the Conrad Dubai has established itself as an important member of Dubai's hospitality sector. The 58-storey hotel with 555 luxurious rooms has managed to win seven major awards including ‘Middle East’s Leading New Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards. Being in Dubai, one has to aim at being the best and the Conrad is no different. The hotel has become the most sought after wedding destination in…
For the fifth year in a row, Qatar Airways won the award for being the Best Middle East Airline at the 2014 Business Traveller Asia Pacific Awards which were held in Hong Kong last week. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We would like to thank Business Traveller Asia Pacific for their recognition and look forward to offering our passengers in the region the best in Qatar Airways…
The chances of meeting a multi-millionaire are highest if you are staying at a hotel in Las Vegas. But not any hotel. The Bellagio Las Vegas hosted 6,400 people in 2013 who each have a net-worth north of US$10 million. Other Vegas hotels making the list of multi-millionaire friendly hotels are Ceasars Palace (No.3) and the Wynn Resort (No.10). New York comes in second place with The Plaza (No.2) and the…
The legendary American jewelry store Tiffany & Co has moved its retail store in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates to the Fashion Dome area. Announcing this move a large Tiffany T bracelet in white, yellow and rose gold has been installed on the ceiling of the Fashion Dome. Perhaps, soon someone will discover that this is the world's largest Tiffany bracelet and people will start flocking to see another one of…
