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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Emirates has introduced a larger aircraft on its Dublin route two months early because of surging demand. Effective 1st May, a 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER has been deployed to Dublin, which has become one of the airline's most successful new passenger services. Just three weeks after the 9th January launch of flights, Emirates announced a larger aircraft would be fast-tracked from 1st July this…
British Airways scooped the ‘Best European Airline to the Middle East’ award at the Business Traveller Middle East 2012 awards. The award ceremony took place at the Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of the best regional and international operators in the Middle East across the hotel, airline, airport and car rental industries. British…
9th May 2012: The most common misconception about life in the Alps is that once the winter ski season is over, the mountain range and surrounding regions fall dormant. In reality, spring and summer give winter a serious run for its money when it comes to adventurous pursuits and laid back al-fresco living. A tempting example of the enticing year-round lifestyle available in Switzerland can be found in the…
YTL Hotels, in remaining true to its philosophy of crafting inspired experiences, will open its highly anticipated development, Gaya Island Resort, Borneo on July 1, 2012. This world class resort will be added to the stellar collection of luxury resorts across Asia and Europe, strengthening YTL Hotels’ reputation as Malaysia’s premier hospitality group. Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and set…
In 2011, international tourism receipts exceeded US$ 1 trillion for the first time, up from US$ 928 billion in 2010. In real terms, receipts grew by 3.8%, following a 4.6% increase in international tourist arrivals. An additional US$ 196 billion in receipts from international passenger transport brought total exports generated by international tourism in 2011 to US$ 1.2 trillion. According to the latest…
Mark Kirk, the General Manager of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, spoke to Irhal about a myriad of things including his perspective on the Arabian Travel Market, the exciting state of tourism in Oman and, most importantly, the happenings at his hotel. Here are some of the things we asked him: Where are the travelers who visit the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah mainly from? Our biggest market is the UK,…
Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York will open in 2014 in time for Baccarat‘s 250th year anniversary. It will be located at 20 West 53rd St., just off Fifth Avenue. The project is a partnership between Starwood Capital and Tribeca Associates, a New York-based real estate development and acquisitions company. The $403 million development will include 115 hotel rooms with some rates that Starwood said will…
Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Qatar Airways is enjoying a successful week at the Middle East’s leading travel trade show in Dubai showcasing its new exhibition stand and Boeing 787 seats - both taking centre stage at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The Four day exhibition kicked off with an official inauguration by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE…
Mall of the Emirates, a leading luxury and lifestyle destination in the region has revealed that it is broadening its retail offer with the opening of over 20 new stores and dining outlets this year. Strategically enhancing the mall’s strength in key categories such as luxury and high street fashion, dining and beauty and cosmetics, Mall of the Emirates will be unveiling…
Arabian Ranches Golf Club (ARGC), located in the heart of the Arabian Ranches and a key leisure asset of Emaar Hospitality Group, has launched its early summer rates for 2012. Through the course of May, Arabian Ranches will be offering an unmatched 18-hole green fee, which is inclusive of range balls and cart fee. The promotion is available to members and visitors from AED 265. Elliott Gray, General…
Global Holidays signed up General Sales Agent Agreement with Virgin Atlantic Airways for Lebanon. Both the companies believe that there is exciting future ahead considering the huge non-resident Lebanese population in the Western Hemisphere, especially in U.S.A and Canada. Global Holidays Chairman, Mr. Georges Moussa is very optimistic about the future and positioning of Virgin Atlantic Airways from Lebanon,…
The new Queen of the Skies has arrived in Frankfurt. Today Lufthansa became the first airline in the world to take delivery of a Boeing 747-8. After the handover at Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Everett, Washington, the new “Jumbo” with the registration D-ABYA performed a touch and go at Hamburg Airport, where Lufthansa Technik is based, before flying on to its future home base in Frankfurt, where it landed…
Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Myanmar and Iraq are among the highlights of Qatar Airways’ announcement today of launch dates for new routes in the Middle East, Africa and Asia with capacity hikes being introduced to a number of other international destinations from the carrier’s Doha hub. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier travel trade event taking place in Dubai this week,…
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara will open its doors on June 1, 2012, introducing a new level of luxury hospitality in the UAE capital. Nestled among Abu Dhabi's plentiful mangrove reserves, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa will appeal to business and leisure guests alike, serving as an urban sanctuary in the heart of the city which combines stylish comfort with natural beauty. The five-star resort…
One of Australia’s richest men, Clive Palmer, on Monday unveiled plans to build a 21st century version of the doomed Titanic in China, with its first voyage from England to New York set for 2016. Palmer, a self-made mining billionaire, said he had commissioned state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to construct Titanic II with the same dimensions as its predecessor. “It will be every bit as…
True to its commitment in preserving the Arabian traditions, the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa under the management of Planet Hospitality opens its door to Al-Hijaz Motel, an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle life of Al-Ras Deira. An impressive and inviting traditional mansion with a grandeur entrance to Courtyard, surrounded by dining and seating area shaded by sun roof, this restored villa has five…
Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Qatar Airways has been honoured in Dubai for the second consecutive year with the Best Business Class in the World award by readers of the Middle East edition of the prestigious industry magazine Business Traveller. The Doha-based airline beat off stiff competition from neighbouring regional airlines to take home the coveted award, presented at a lavish ceremony held at the…
The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh North Ring Road in Saudi Arabia. The property features 252 rooms and is scheduled to welcome the first guests in Q1 2015. Saudi Arabia continues to be a priority market for the Rezidor Hotel Group in the Middle East. The country’s strong…
A new resort property, Fairmont Ajman, will open in the United Arab Emirates in early 2013. Prominently situated on the Corniche, the sleek and contemporary resort fronts 250 meters of unspoiled, sandy beaches, perfect for leisure and incentive travelers. The property will feature 252 guestrooms and suites, including two luxurious penthouse offerings. Dining options include an all-day dining…
Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) today hosted guests and visitors at Arabian Travel Market where the first anniversary of the Dubai Calendar, along with the 15th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), were celebrated on stand. These two major milestones were marked by the cutting of a cake by Ibrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator General and Deputy CEO, DEPE. Also on stand to mark the…
Zurich (Switzerland), 30 April 2012—A Chinese name and logo, a new Shanghai executive team, a website in Mandarin, three new hotels under development and a record number of Chinese consumers embracing Swiss products are paving the way for success in China for Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. In China Mövenpick will be known as Rui Xiang (瑞享), which means “brings you enjoyment and luck with Swiss quality”. This name…
GO NATIVE, the UK based serviced apartment company, has chosen ATM 2012 as the launchpad for its new flagship London property - 208 Sussex Gardens, London W2 - due to open for its first guests in May 2012. The 63 apartments - comprising studios, one bed and two bedroom suites - all have the highest specification kitchens and bathrooms and are available for rentals from one night to three months. With a…
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 30 April, 2012 – Tamouh, Reem Island’s master developer headquartered in Abu Dhabi, today announced the official opening of Wadi Adventure at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, the Middle East’s first man-made facility to offer white water rafting, kayaking and surfing. Apart from the three world-class white water rafting and kayaking runs adding up to a combined length of 1,133 metres, the adventure…
Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit (29 April, 2012) – Yas Marina Circuit is adding two new weekly yoga classes to its increasingly popular Train Yas nights. Launching this Tuesday, 1 May on the rooftop of the Yas Racing School, Yas Yoga will infuse a holistic flavour into the circuit’s growing community sport portfolio. “Our Train Yas nights now attract over 800 participants each and every week,” said Nick…
