Airline, airport, hotel, destination, visa, and Muslim travel updates from Irhal.
The 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.
Read full storyAbu 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.
Read full storyMalaysia 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…
Two hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai
Sharjah Museums Offer an Integrated Summer Experience Blending Culture, Science, and Discovery for All Community Members
New 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 storyThe Red Sea destination is introducing new summer experiences for families and children, from stargazing and coral reef discovery to marine learning, sports activities and heritage crafts.
Read full storyChief Projects Officer at Shurooq, Khawla Al Hashimi, shares rare insights behind the icon commemorating Sharjah’s global recognition as a beacon of knowledge
Read full storyEscape to Sharjah Collection This Summer and Enjoy 30% Off
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Marriott International, together with British luxury brand Lily and Lionel and non-profit company SleepingBags, is releasing a limited edition tote bag made entirely of recycled bed linens from its hotels. With the launch of this limited edition bag, Marriott International scores two points for corporate social responsibility. The first involves the reduction in waste that comes from upcycling its worn out…
According to the second annual Chinese International Travel Monitor released by Hotels.com, China has now overtaken the US and Germany to become the world’s biggest travel spenders. The survey was conducted among 3,000 international Chinese travelers and 1,500 hoteliers around the world in June 2013. It found that Chinese travelers spent US$102 billion on international travel in 2012, an increase of 40%…
The Italian luxury brand has signed a deal to open its third ‘Palazzo’ hotel, as part of a new casino resort development in Cotai, Macau. Versace has partnered with Hong Kong based SJM holdings on the deal, which will see a new five star hotel opening in the Chinese city of Macau. The new location will join the company’s two Palazzo Versace hotels, located in Dubai (where plans for a refrigerated beach…
Most marathon's are held during the day but there is one city where the annual marathon is held at midnight. To avoid the sweltering daytime temperatures, the Amari Watergate & BMW Thailand Charity Midnight Run starts at midnight when the temperatures in Bangkok cool down to about 24C. The Amari Watergate Hotel in Bangkok is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the vibrant Pratunam neighbourhood in downtown…
One of the biggest problems that Muslims have while travelling abroad is to find halal food. Many Muslims avoid beef and chicken because they are not sure if the animal has been slaughtered in the proper way. What do you do when you are abroad and cannot find a halal restaurant? Seafood is a healthy and halal alternative. Salads and vegetables can become tiring for someone used to eating meat, so it is always…
Tourism accounts for 10% of all jobs in the world and according to the latest statistics announced by the UN World Tourism Organization, tourism grew by 5% in the first half of 2013 showing that tourism can be a major engine of growth for the world economy. “The fact that international tourism grew above expectations confirms that travelling is now part of consumer patterns for an increasing number of people…
There aren't many hotels where you can see zebras grazing in the front yard. The Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia is an exception. It is located a short walk from the Victoria Falls in the Musi-o-Tunya National Park which is a wildlife sanctuary. The uber expensive Royal Livingstone charges over $600 per night for a standard room and over $2,000 per night for its Presedential Suite - unlimited visits to the Park…
Planning an exotic wedding? The Angsana Velavaru, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, is offering an out of this world experience for couples who wish to tie the knot in paradise. In fact, if you are on a honeymooon and just wish to re-enact your wedding, you can do so simply by booking 5 nights at the hotel. You will get the following wedding package free of cost: Wedding ceremony at the Beach Pavilion Traditional…
If you want to experience the ultimate in luxury, you have to wait for three years before you can get it in Shenzen. Until then, you can be pampered at one of the 45 hotels and luxury resorts operated by the Mandarin Oriental Group in 27 countries. The Hong Kong based hotel group has just signed an agreement to manage a luxury hotel atop a 400m tower in the premier Shum Yip’s UpperHills area close to the…
Caffe Lavena has been a favorite meeting place for tourists in Venice since 1750. Situated in St Marks Square - Piazza San Marco - near the clock tower, this boutique coffee shop has attracted musicians like Wagner and writers like Honore de Balzac. Mortal tourists can also share the glory of the past by sipping coffee in this illustrious cafe. But those on a budget better watch out. Drinking coffee while…
With the political crisis simmering in Egypt and bomb blasts in Lebanon, several Middle East countries have issued travel alerts advising their nationals not to travel to Egypt or Lebanon. Irhal.com would advise its visitors to take all necessary precautions when traveling. If possible, avoid traveling to areas where there are disturbances. If you have to go then at least avoid those areas where protest…
Airline passengers in the United States were stopped at the security gates by Transportation Security Administration officials with 69 loaded handguns. Another 8 unloaded guns were also found in carry-on baggage. A number of swords and knives were also found besides 27 stun guns. And that is the tally over just two weeks in July 2013. Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons is of course not allowed in hand…
A security high alert has been announced at Heathrow Airport as there is a threat of an Al Qaeda attack. The perpetrator is feared to be a woman and according to some reports it is believed that females with breast implants may try to smuggle explosives in their implants. Gives new meaning to the word, "bombshell!" In view of the threat, major delays are expected on all flights out of Heathrow Airport -…
Eid al Fitr, the holiday celebrating the end of the month of fasting is now over and people are getting ready to get back to work. But the smart ones are already booking their flights for Eid al Adha which is just over two months away. Flights will be filling up soon and airlines will start increasing their fares. If you plan now, you can still take advantage of early booking discounts and save some money to…
The German consumer products company Henkel faced an embarrassing situation when it was informed that the color scheme of its Bref toilet freshner had an uncanny resemblance to the Ukrainian flag. The product was being sold in Russia but some Ukrainians who watched a TV commercial for Bref expressed their displeasure. Henkel promptly withdrew the product from Eastern Europe. They will probably come back soon with…
The days of the traveller's cheque are gone. Credit and debit cards are now the norm. But did you know that your bank usually charges a premium of as much as 3% every time you use your credit card abroad. And that does not include the profit they make by converting your foreign currency shopping at an exchange rate that you know is not in your favour. Gocash by UAE Exchange in association with Mastercard is your…
The summer travel rush is now almost over. Does that mean an end to travel? No! For those who do not have school going children this is the time to take a break. Hotels in the United States generally offer discounted rates after the first week of September. Lines in museums and other tourist attractions are short and the weather across most of the US remains pleasant. CityPass, a company that provides discounted…
The monsoon in Oman has become more accessible thanks to Rotana Jet's thrice weekly flights from Abu Dhabi's Bateen Airport. Rain clouds hanging low over the hills of Dhafur, lush green plains and natural waterfalls are a pleasant change from the harsh summers of Abu Dhabi. A weekend away on a 50-seater Embraer jet to Salalah in Oman can be a great way to recharge. Rotana Jet flights leave Abu Dhabi every…
Steamboat Geyser, the world's largest geyser came alive after 8 years at Yellowstone National Park spewing steam and water over 300ft into the air. The park famous for Yogi bear is a major tourist attraction not just for its geysers - particularly Old Faithful, which faithfully works up its magic every 90 minutes - but also for its wildlife. Although Yellowstone National Park has become immortalized by its…
Riyadh does not usually evoke any instant association with holiday and tourism. It is a city with no beaches and no mountains. Admittedly, it is the capital of Saudi Arabia but unlike Jeddah it is not accessible to the millions of religious tourists who visit the kingdom every year. So, how does a classy hotel in Riyadh promote itself as a destination for the Eid holiday? It follows the old adage - the way to a…
Airport hotels are usually very convenient. You land, collect your luggage and wheel it to a hotel that is connected to the airport. After a tiring long haul flight you do not want to worry about taking a train or a taxi to the city and checking into a hotel that is at least a 30 minutes ride away. But there is one airport hotel that guests love to hate. They love it for the experience. They hate it because…
The Eid al Fitr holiday rush has begun! Emirates Airline has asked passengers to reach the airport early to avoid missing their flight. Dubai Airport is already experiencing tremendous growth in passenger traffic - with over 5 million passengers passing thru the airport every month since the last seven months - and during the Eid holiday a spike in traffic is expected. While the Eid holiday starts from August 7…
Located close to the Islamic Centre of Norway, the Asia Kebab Grill and Pizza Hus is a place where even the Imam of the Islamic Centre masjid can be seen occasionally having lunch after Friday prayers. This is not a fancy place. It is a no-frills restaurant where you can find tasty kebabs which are economical and filling. Asia Kebab Grill & Pizza Hus Grønlandsleiret 10 0190 Oslo Neighborhood:…
Laurent Aigon, from Lacanau, France always wanted to be a pilot. When he was a little boy he would see planes landing and taking off because he lived in Beutre, just 200 meters from the Merignac Airport. His childhood dream to become a pilot became a reality at the early age of 12 when he got his first Flight Simulator computer game. He never went on to become a pilot but what he did for his own son is a…
