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.
Read full storyShowing 73–96 of 5,397
Ras Al Khaimah is anticipating its busiest outdoor activity season to date as the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (Iron Path) challenge begins from November 1 2017. Since launching in November last year, the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata, which sees enthusiasts climb and trek almost 400 feet above sea level on the country’s highest peak soaring 1,934 meters, has become one of the most thrilling experiences in the UAE. A…
Former England international and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has been showing off some of the football skills that saw him play in three FIFA World Cups and win six Premier League titles during his trip to Dubai. Ferdinand, who helped launch the first-ever Dubai fitness challenge, an initiative by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, encouraging residents to do 30…
Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive Officer Nick Varney officially announced that LEGOLAND® New York is being built in Goshen, NY, which is an hour’s drive from Manhattan. The Park’s design will build upon the successful models of parks operating in California, Florida, the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia, Denmark, Dubai and Japan. The New York Park is expected to be ready by 2020 and will be open…
Emirates will operate a special one-off A380 service to Bahrain on 15 December, one day ahead of the country’s 46th National Day celebrations. On 15 December, the Emirates A380 service will operate as EK 835 and EK 836, departing Dubai at 0055hrs and arriving in Bahrain at 0110hrs. The flight will then depart Bahrain at 0350hrs arriving in Dubai at 0605hrs. Emirates has been flying to Bahrain since 2000,…
Qatar Airways is launching direct flights to Pattaya, the airline’s fifth route to Thailand, from 28 January 2018. The new four-times-a-week service is in addition to the airline’s existing flights to Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket and soon to be launched, Chiang Mai. The service to Chiang Mai is scheduled to start on 12 December, 2017. Located on the popular southeast coast of Thailand, Pattaya and nearby Rayong are…
Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest peak, hosted the highest concert in the country on Friday 27th October 2017, when award-winning Czech musician and film composer Michal Dvořák brought the global musical sensation Vivaldianno – City of Mirrors - to the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. More than 1200 guests attended the event which is part of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) goal of developing…
The newly launched Market Menu at the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa, is a great place to have lunch or dinner if price is no concern. Start your five course meal with Home Smoked Mackerel proceeded with fresh and aromatic Risotto brilliantly combined with Tomato Jelly and Pu’Er Tea. Indulge in a choice of fine mains including Pan Seared Bream designed to combine spiced aubergine and…
Emirates today launched a US$15 million campaign to inspire travel and promote the airline’s extensive network of global destinations including its home and hub, Dubai. The campaign is backed by the iconic soundtrack “Don’t stop me now” by British rock band Queen. Using clever camera work that seamlessly transitions between key destinations and Emirates’ onboard features, the ad culminates in Dubai, with a…
Six year old Adam Mohammad Amer of Egyptian-Moroccan origin, surprised pilots onboard an Etihad Airways flight from Morocco to Abu Dhabi by giving detailed procedural accounts of aircraft operating systems and demonstrating a deep understanding of emergency procedures. Responsive Video Generator von T3 Premium Captain Samer Yakhlef, through the consent of the family, filmed the encounter and posted it to his…
The Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski is organizing a Turkish Kebab Festival at the hotel’s signature Ottoman restaurant, Tuğra. The Turkish ambassador will launch the restaurant on Sunday October 8th 2017. The Turkish Kebab Festival timings are from 7PM until 11PM daily and will continue for a week. A wide range of kebabs prepared with authentic Turkish seasoning along with well-known Turkish traditional dishes will…
Chef Josephina Valvi has joined the award-winning Argentinian restaurant "Assado" at The Palace Hotel Downtown Dubai. Chef Josephina has extensive experience in the industry, and is a graduate of the Galia Institute for cooking in Peru. Josephina has worked in many fine restaurants and created a variety of dishes that celebrate Peru's culinary arts based on its rich experience and rich cultural…
Thousands of people watched as a Qatar Airways A 350 aircraft flew in formation over Doha with the world-famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the airline's launch. The event was hosted by British Ambassador to the State of Qatar HE Ajay Sharma and HE Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group. "It is an honor for us to see one of our Airbus A350…
With 20% of travelers now transforming a business trip into a pleasurable stay, the ‘bleisure’ trend is becoming popular particularly among millennials who seek to combine work trips with time off to make the most of desirable destinations. Commenting on the desires of these travelers, Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Hilton says, “We know that today’s business…
Dubai will host a number of events in September to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in support of the fraternal relations and historical ties between the two brotherly nations. The Saudi National Day is on September 23 2017 which is a Saturday. The weekend will be full of events such as free concerts by selected artists as well as a variety of activities at shopping malls and leading…
The prestigious Hotels.com Loved by Guests Awards is an annual awards program where guests take the role of judges. It celebrates and recognizes those hotels that have achieved the best average guest review rating, from over 25 million genuine and trusted reviews from guests who have actually checked in and spent the night. 100 hotels worldwide have received the ‘Best for Family’ 2017 award and here are three of…
Dubai’s most anticipated opening of the year, the state-of-the-art aqua theatre, La Perle, is just days away. Opening in September 2017, the show, produced by cultural creative company Dragone, directed by legendary artistic director Franco Dragone and brought to Dubai by Al Habtoor Group, is set to become one of the must visit entertainment events in Dubai. The new 1,300 seat theatre, located in the heart of Al…
Dubai Parks and Resorts, the region’s largest theme park destination, announced its new season line up featuring the premiere of the Lionsgate zone at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai and other exciting events on the river at Riverland™ Dubai. The Lionsgate zone at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, which will shortly be unveiled to the public, features the world’s first rides and attractions inspired by the international blockbuster movie…
An Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft landed at Bandaranaike International Airport which is 27 km north of Colombo, on August 14 2017, creating a milestone in the aviation history of Sri Lanka. Arranged to celebrate the BIA’s recently resurfaced and upgraded runway, the special one-off A380 flight operated as EK654 from Dubai, replacing the B777 aircraft usually deployed by Emirates on flights to Sri Lanka. The…
Have you ever wondered how you can master UAE cooking? The Radisson Blu Hotel, Deira Dubai, has launched cooking classes at their Emarati themed restaurant Aseelah, where Chef Rabeh's culinary offerings will be presented. Those of us who have lived in Dubai for many years or have grown up here know very little about traditional Emirati food - kebabs or hummus are not all that there is to Emarati…
Emirates will increase capacity on its services to Egypt from 29th October 2017, with the launch of four additional scheduled flights every week to Cairo. The four new flights will take the total number of weekly Emirates flights serving Cairo to 21 - three flights daily. “Emirates will continue to invest in Egypt, empowering the local economy and helping it expand its business and tourism presence,” said Orhan…
Modhesh, the mascot for Dubai Summer Surprises, surprised visitors to the Burj Khalifa At the Top observation deck with an unexpected visit. Modhesh was accompanied by a number of acrobats who came specifically from Modhesh World to offer unique acrobatic performances in an unforgettable experience. Modhesh World, which began on June 20, continues until August 12, 2017, in halls 1 through 6 at the Dubai World…
When you arrive in a city in the morning and need to be at a meeting right away you hate having to take your luggage to the hotel as it wastes time. When you have a late night flight back and you have to check out from the hotel you experience the same problem - storing your luggage at the hotel’s bell desk and coming back later for it. To address this struggle, the founders of DUBZ have launched a secure and…
Etihad Airways has introduced the Boeing 787-9 on its scheduled daily service from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to Seoul. The first Etihad 787 touched down on August 2 2017 at the South Korean capital’s space-age Incheon International Airport. The new two-class 787 Dreamliner service replaces the Airbus A340-600 aircraft previously operated on the route, and features Etihad Airways’…
If you are a football fan and want to be part of a historical event, here is an opportunity of a lifetime. The newly formed Shabab al Ahli Dubai Football Club that was formed in May 2017 after the merger of Al Shabab and Al Ahli clubs, will be playing their first ever game in September 2017. The exact dates will be announced when the draw for the 2017/18 12-team Arabian Gulf League (AGL) will take place at the…
