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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Leading Asian hospitality group Dusit International announces its intention to partner with Changzhou-based real estate and hotel developer, Changzhou Qiao Yu Group, in a joint venture agreement that will see the company add a further 10 hotels in China to its growing portfolio of nearly 30 hotels, resorts and residences. In addition to the two major shareholders, Dusit International…
AirAsia X will launch flights between its hub in Kuala Lumpur and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on February 16th 2013. The route will initially operate three flights weekly from February 16th to April 30th 2013, increasing to four flights weekly from May 1st 2013 onwards. “With Jeddah being the gateway to Holy cities of Madinah and Makkah, we are delighted that our services will provide more affordable travel for…
DUBAI, January 2013 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), and Immigration Bureau, are launching Amazing Thailand Amazing Romance during the month of love, February 1 – 28, 2013. The project is aimed to facilitate couples during their journey to Bangkok, Thailand by giving them the privilege to use the Immigration Bureau’s “premium lane”…
Aston Martin stopped traffic in Dubai in the latest of a series of events the company has organized throughout this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Airlifted via helicopter, an Aston Martin Vanquish was flown over the streets of the city en route to the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel, over 300 meters above the ground. Of the stunt, Aston Martin Chairman and CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Aston…
The town of Montreuil-Sur-Mer in France is experiencing a huge spike in bookings thanks to the selling power of the Hollywood blockbuster “Les Misérables.” That’s according to online reservations site LateRooms.com, which says it’s seen a 366 percent increase in hotel bookings for the town in the north of France where much of the story unfolds. In Victor Hugo’s book, Montreuil-Sur-Mer is the hometown…
The town of Montreuil-Sur-Mer in France is experiencing a huge spike in bookings thanks to the selling power of the Hollywood blockbuster “Les Misérables.” That’s according to online reservations site LateRooms.com, which says it’s seen a 366 percent increase in hotel bookings for the town in the north of France where much of the story unfolds. In Victor Hugo’s book, Montreuil-Sur-Mer is the hometown…
British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has hinted of plans to return to Dubai with a new restaurant after pulling out of the city-state more than a year ago. In an interview with GulfNews.com, Ramsay said he’s looking at two potential locations for his latest Middle Eastern outpost, but otherwise remained tightlipped. Ramsay has a long history with the United Arab Emirates, having steered the restaurant…
Kathmandu, NEPAL – Qatar Airways has achieved another aviation industry milestone by becoming the first airline in the world to operate an aircraft with a new navigational approach into Nepal utilising the latest aircraft technology. The Doha-based airline implemented a Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required (RNP AR) approach into the Nepalese capital’s Tribhuvan International Airport.…
A luxury, ocean-side resort in Hawaii beat out 6,000 other properties to take the title of top luxury hotel in the world, according to members of TripAdvisor. Here are the top hotels around the world according to the website’s 11th edition of the Traveler’s Choice Awards 2013 and what TripAdvisor members said about them. 1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu, Hawaii…
British Airways has seen a boost in bookings to celebrity-favourite destinations such as Dubai as a result of stars uploading holiday photos to social media sites over the Christmas and New Year period. Proving that Dubai remains on-trend in the world of luxury travel, and a firm favourite among celebrities seeking respite from the freezing temperatures of Europe, famous faces…
More than 550 travelers and bloggers voted for their favorite in-flight menu in Skycanner’s second annual European Airline Food Awards released this week. KLM offers four business-class menus that alternate weekly, economy-class sandwiches made with organic bread and tableware, glassware and cutlery created by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. The win comes less than two months after the airline began…
The Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Mr. Shao Qiwei, and UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, have agreed to strengthen cooperation between both organizations as a key step towards advancing China’s tourism development objectives. On the occasion of his visit to Spain to receive the UNWTO Award for Lifetime Achievement, Mr. Shao also met with the Minister of Industry, Energy and…
Washington, D.C. – David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today's Labor Department report on December 2012 employment numbers: "After consistently adding jobs during the prior 12 months, travel industry employment edged down in December, falling by 2,900 jobs. However, one month does not make a trend and the travel industry…
While luxury spas are aplenty, wellness spas have a different take — alongside a steady menu of massages and facial treatments, spagoers can consult with physicians, lose weight, quit smoking, sample “detoxifying” body treatments, and enjoy specialized meal plans — often set in some of the most pristine places in the world. Here are a few top spas that aim to heal body and mind. Canyon Ranch Tucson…
Wikivoyage, a Wikipedia-style travel site, previously in Beta, launched in full on Tuesday, January 15. Do you think they'd be competition for Irhal? Wikivoyage is a Wikipedia-style travel-focused site operated by the Wikimedia Foundation. Like Wikipedia, the site is a collaborative effort with many writers contributing to closely monitored articles on practical information about travelling. The site…
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A San Francisco lawmaker on Tuesday introduced legislation that would ask voters to rename the city's airport after slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk. The charter amendment sponsored by Supervisor David Campos would put the question of creating Harvey Milk-San Francisco International Airport on San Francisco's November ballot. The proposed name change will be sent to committee…
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (January 16, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Qingdao, introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to China’s booming coastal city in the Shandong province. Hyatt Regency Qingdao will be the first upscale urban resort in northern China with an idyllic ocean setting. Known as the “Pearl of the Yellow Sea,” Qingdao’s location on the…
There has been much media speculation in recent days linking Qatar Airways with airlines in India, for which Qatar Airways would like to put the record straight. Qatar Airways’ Statement: Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways categorically denies it is interested in investing in Spicejet or any other Indian airline. This is pure speculation by individuals who…
Abu Dhabi: Yesterday marked a memorable day for the team at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort with it playing host to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship opener and 2014 Ryder Cup Captain announcement. “This is an exciting week for all involved at the resort,” commented John Pelling, General Manager of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. “To have the world’s greatest players experiencing the St. Regis…
Boutique Asian hotelier, Alila Hotels & Resorts has revealed its plans to expand into Oman in late 2014 with the opening of Alila Jabal Akhdar. The resort will be set in the Jabal Akhdar mountain range, a region of the sultanate that has seen limited tourist development, two hours’ drive from the capital Muscat. Alila Jabal Akhdar will offer 78 rooms, 6 suites and 2 royal suites as well as a hillside…
Madinah has been selected as the Islamic cultural capital of the world for 2013. Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed said his administration would organize year-long celebrations to mark the occasion, adding that the programs would start on Jan. 20. Muslim cities including Rabat, Isfahan, Dakar, Fez and Alexandria were declared the Islamic cultural capital in the past, but this year it's Madinah. A…
Dubai hosted 2,847 chefs last week, breaking the record for the largest gathering of chefs in one place. It’s a city that boasts a slew of world records, including the tallest building (Burj Khalifa Tower), the largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall) and the largest box of chocolates (a box filled with Kit Kats weighing 1,700 kg). And last week, the city played host to the largest gathering of chefs in one…
A Manhattan restaurant has created a pasta dish topped with fresh lobster and one ounce of black truffle to usher in the new year, for the princely sum of $2,013. BiCE, a posh Italian restaurant in New York, is confident that customers with deep pockets will be willing to shell out more than $2,000 (€1,530) for a dish of homemade tagliolini, two pounds (0.45 kg) of fresh Maine lobster, wild mushrooms and a…
A consortium led by Dubai-based Arabtec Holding will build the Louvre Abu Dhabi art gallery for $654 million, the developers of the project announced on Tuesday. Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company said construction would start immediately with the aim of opening the museum in 2015. The contract was awarded to an Arabtec-led joint venture with Spanish company Constructora San Jose SA…
