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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Rose Rock Group, a Rockefeller family-backed alternative investment management firm, will help develop a $2.5 billion residential and hotel project on the south-central coast of Vietnam. The Vung Ro Bay development covering 200,000 square meters (2.15 million square feet) will be developed with Vung Ro Petroleum Co., a Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen province-based oil company. The Vung Ro Bay development enclave…
Architecture firm goCstudio is planning to launch a floating sauna on Lake Washington, Seattle, later this year. The WA Sauna, a self-styled ‘urban escape’, will be constructed from 55 gallon floatation barrels held in place by an aluminum frame and most likely anchored during the day. The sauna will be accessed by kayak. The miniature resort will offer an 8 x 8 foot sauna in addition to a platform…
For the second year in a row, an island off the north coast of Belize has been named the prettiest island in the world by TripAdvisor readers. After looking at the number of highly-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions on islands listed with the site during a 12-month period, Ambergris Caye emerged the highest-ranked island destination. Major area attractions include the second largest barrier…
Vienna has emerged as the city with the highest quality of living in a ranking that looks at everything from political stability, social and economic environments, housing and public transportation. According to Mercer’s annual Quality of Living report, the Austrian capital boasts the best living conditions in the world for expats. Vienna outranked 223 cities, and is followed by Zurich, Auckland, Munich and…
Here is a list of 10 restaurants from GQ‘s Alan Richman, which the magazine refers to as the “best restaurants of the year” and the “most outstanding restaurants of the year.” Taking the top spot is Paul Qui’s Qui in Austin, which Richman describes as “the most fascinating new restaurant in America.” “Qui’s talent is prodigious, and his food is filled with both subtle shadings and sheer…
Take a look at what the future of luxury air travel may look like, with renderings of the supersonic jet S-512 by Spike Aerospace. The Spike S-512 will reach international destinations faster than any jet on the market and break the sound barrier at 1,100 miles per hour (1,770 km/hr) — or Mach 1.6 — roughly halving conventional flight times. And one of the most innovative features of the luxury jet…
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced a new service that allows customers to make seat reservations, book or rebook flights, request excess baggage tags, and pay for all of them using their Twitter or Facebook accounts. After making their request, customers will be sent a private message on Facebook or Twitter. Flyers can then select their preferred method of payment and complete the transaction. One of 130…
Midamar, the US based halal food producer, will be attending the Gulfood Show to be held in Dubai between February 23 and 27 2014. They'll also be celebrating their 40 year presence in the Middle East at the show too. In addition to the Greek Style Gyros served in previous years, Midamar will be serving premium Halal Turkey Deli meats as samples at their stand at the Midamar Booth, USA Pavilion Booth numbers…
An opulent sandcastle built in the Indian desert has been named the most extraordinary place to stay on the planet by editors of Lonely Planet. The palatial boutique hotel called Mihir Garh built atop a sand dune dedicated to the warrior God near Jodhpur that harkens the decadent life of maharajas. And according to editors of Lonely Planet, the mirage-like oasis takes the top spot as the most…
Thai Airways International (THAI) is launching THAI Sky Connect, which adds inflight connectivity to passenger inflight experience on the airline’s Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A380-800 aircraft. The connectivity is provided by OnAir. From mid-February, passengers flying on THAI’s A380s and dedicated A330 flights will be able to log on to the on-board Wi-Fi product, Internet OnAir. It works exactly as a Wi-Fi…
With nearly 90% of parents reporting that their children’s preferences influence vacation destination decisions, hotels are targeting families through new kid-friendly programs, initiatives and outreach. “Families are an incredibly sought after group in the industry, and hotels are going out of their way to reach them,” says Lissa Poirot, editor of Family Vacation Critic. “There’s been a noticeable change…
Rotana has opened its second five-star hotel in Al Ain. The new 254-room Hili Rayhaan by Rotana has been specially developed to complement the ambience of the UAE’s picturesque Garden City, with its design, décor and amenities aimed at promoting the most relaxing of stays. It is located close to the heritage and archaeological sites of Al Ain city and is expected to be a first-choice for guests…
Le Royal Monceau- Rafles Paris is offering a totally original, inspirational children’s programme, Le Petit Royal. At its heart is a line-up of fun weekend workshops to be held during Saturday Brunch at restaurant La Cuisine. The hotel’s creative workshops are led by professional artists and available in French and English. Each workshop is inspired by major exhibitions currently taking place in Paris. Also…
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has announced the launch of a new daily all premium Business Class service from its hub in Doha to London Heathrow. The new service will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, commencing from 15 May 2014, with an Airbus A319 aircraft fitted with an all Business Class, single aisle, 2–2 seating configuration offering 40 seats. Qatar Airways currently operates five…
Heir to the British throne Prince Charles arrived in Riyadh late on Monday as part of a four-day Middle East tour, which includes a tour of an old Saudi Arabian city and a visit to a museum in the Qatari capital Doha. Yesterday, the prince took part in the annual Janadriyah Festival, a celebration of Saudi culture and heritage The Prince of Wales wore traditional robes and carried a sword as he…
Oman’s national carrier stated on Monday that from 2012 to 2013 the number of passengers connecting to its OnAir services increased by 45 per cent. The amount of data increased by 85 per cent.
EgyptAir has reinstated its service from London Heathrow to Luxor International, with the weekly flight departing each Monday. The move comes as the country tries so shepherd tourists away from the capital Cairo as it seeks to rebuild its shattered tourism industry. The reinstatement falls on the back of a significant increase in demand by tourists and Egyptian nationals wanting alternative…
The Arabian Travel Market roadshow arrives in Riyadh today to deliver a presentation at the offices of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities, to Saudi participants at this year’s exhibition. Executives from Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of ATM, are conducting a workshop ahead of this year’s May 5th-8th event in Dubai, bringing together key industry figures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,…
New York City’s Times Square was transformed into a giant ‘Oreo’ adventure land in the latest stunt for the ongoing ‘Wonderfilled’ campaign to introduce the world to the wonders of ‘Oreo’. In celebration of the iconic cookie’s 100th birthday, advertising agency The Martin Agency collaborated with design and animation company Brand New School to make use of the giant billboards surrounding Times Square in…
The Saudi Investment Bank World Luxury Expo - Jeddah will take place at the Park Hyatt from 14-16 March 2014. SAIB World Luxury Expo – Jeddah will feature carefully selected exhibitors from luxury categories including fine art, high-end jewellery, fashion, hand-crafted time pieces, designer furniture, fine dining, luxury executive cars and sports cars, private aviation and luxury travel. All participating…
Air Arabia has strengthened connectivity with Egypt with the launch of non-stop services to Cairo. The new service from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah marks Air Arabia’s fifth destination in Egypt and 90th worldwide. From February 27th Air Arabia will offer three weekly flights to Cairo, making it a convenient destination for passengers from and to the UAE, travelling for business or pleasure.…
As VisitBritain hosts its annual GCC travel trade mission in Saudi Arabia for the first time this week, figures show that during the first three quarters of 2013, total visits from GCC countries to the UK were up by ten per cent on the same period in 2012, whilst spend increased by 11 per cent. This level of growth resulted in visits and spending hitting new records for the January to September period, with…
Qatar has signed a contract to buy the townhouse at 19 E. 64th St., a 20,500-square-foot property owned by the Wildenstein family, and plans to use the space as its New York consulate. “This is the perfect choice for our consulate, given its location, size, layout and infrastructure,” Ahmed Yousef Al-Rumaihi, the consul general, said. The sellers were the Wildenstein family of international art…
Emirates is offering special fares in all classes of travel to 25 Emirates A380 destinations worldwide, including Jeddah, Barcelona, London, Bangkok, Singapore, Toronto and more. Economy Class rates start from AED 1,380, Business Class from AED 6,380 and First Class from AED 8,380* Book by 24th February 2014 for outbound travel from 3rd March to 10th June 2014.
