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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Doha, QATAR – World number six tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga put on a top performance in Qatar over the weekend, winning the Qatar Airways-sponsored Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2012. The French star won the title in two straight sets, beating compatriot Gael Monfils, 7-5, 6-3, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Qatar Airways, Official Airline of the…
Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, launched its new Dublin route today. It is the third new route to be added to Emirates' route network in the opening days of 2012 as the airline forges forward with its global expansion. After the launch of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina on 3rd January 2012, the Irish capital took its position as Emirates' 118th…
Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, has extended its South American network by linking Dubai with Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, further broadening the airline's reach across the Americas. Emirates' inaugural Flight 247 made its first landing at Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where it was initiated by a traditional water cannon salute. The flight,…
dnata, the world's fourth largest air services provider announced it has acquired a majority stake in Travel Republic (www.travelrepublic.co.uk), the largest privately owned online travel agency in the UK on 3rd January. The acquisition represents one of dnata's biggest business transactions in the company's 52 year history. Through the use of pioneering technology, Travel Republic offers unbeatable prices on…
As thousands of years of tradition come to life in one of history’s most vibrant celebrations, Burj Al Arab will bring all the colour and sensory experiences of Chinese New Year to guests this month. Falling on January 23rd, guests to the UAE’s landmark hotel can welcome the Year of the Dragon with a number of dynamic festivities that pay homage to the longest- standing and most important celebration in the…
As the majestic Volvo Ocean Race fleet is now in Abu Dhabi, tourists and residents are encouraged to visit the stunning Destination Village on the Corniche breakwater for entertainment, activities, concerts and all the race action until 14th January. Highlights of the event are as follows: 3-8 January - Team Sailing Clinic 12 January - Pro-Am Race 13 January - In-Port Race 14 January - Departure…
Nora Bheag, a near century old Galway ‘Hooker’ boat, has arrived safely into Abu Dhabi after an historic voyage that set out from the city on Ireland’s West Coast more than six weeks ago. Nora Bheag ('Little Nora' in English which also means 'Little Light' in Arabic) is in the UAE capital as part of a culture exchange programme to celebrate the maritime histories of Ireland and Abu Dhabi around the emirate’s…
Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways is the Official Airline of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2012 tennis tournament taking place in Doha from 2 - 7 January 2012. Widely acclaimed as Qatar’s most prestigious Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) event, former World No.1 players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will take centre stage and battle it out on the courts of the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex…
New York may be officially the most popular place in the US to spend New Year, but travelers will still be paying through the nose for the privilege. Staying in the Big Apple in 2012 will cost revelers up to 700 percent more than normal, price comparison site NewYorkHotels.org said this week. On average, the 50 properties that have room availability are charging more than triple their regular rates, the…
A Japanese department store is offering anyone with a quarter of a million dollars a lucky dip bag stuffed with expensive jewellery to ring in the New Year. One lucky customer prepared to hand over a numerically significant 20.12 million yen ($259,000) can celebrate the turn of the year with a fistful of precious baubles. The “fukubukuro” (lucky bag) — a feature of the New Year in Japan, one of the…
US fast-food chain Wendy’s, known for its square beef patties and baked potatoes, on Tuesday unveiled a foie gras burger as it sprang back into life in Japan. Two years after shutting up shop because of falling profits, Wendy’s is hoping its exotic new menu will tickle the sophisticated Japanese palate. The regular buns are still there but are joined by the foie gras burgers, which cost 1,280 yen ($16), and…
Four Seasons has announced a new in-room menu designed for travelers who are tight for time. The option guarantees a delivery to the room within 15 min of ordering. The fast food service will be rolled out across all Four Seasons hotels by the end of the year, with each hotel offering a different twist on rapid cooking. Examples of the menus include wonton noodle soup with Chinese greens from the Four…
Hilton has announced the opening of two new properties in a landmark development at Frankfurt Airport. The hotels are part of the new SQUAIRE building, a huge center built within Frankfurt’s Airport, continental Europe’s second-busiest terminal. Comprising a five-star Hilton and a three-star Hilton Garden Inn, the chain’s new developments offer a total of 583 rooms. Designed by JOI Design, the name…
The Colombina Medellin crime mafia is famous all over the world and makes headllines every so often. However, there is now some good news from Colombia's second largest city. Medellin has had a major overhaul and an inner city renewal project has transformed this crime infested city to one which has become increasingly safe for tourists. Nestled at 5,000 ft above sea level, this city has many residential…
A wealthy businessman has purchased a wildly extravagant chocolate pudding glazed with edible gold and strawberry champagne caviar for a record £22,000. Carl Weininger splashed out on the world’s most expensive dessert for his 60th birthday – and as a treat for himself after his three-year relationship ended. He bought the cake from Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria – the former home…
As research has proved, guests will steal plenty of things from hotels given the chance — but most would draw the line at a piece of art valued in the thousands. One hotel, however, is inviting guests to steal art, in a clever promotion drawn up by Art Series Hotels, an Australian chain, for the summer. Guests who book a room at the chain’s properties between December 15 and January 15 are being…
A London hotel has become the latest to roll out a suite of amenities for women, despite a ruling that declared a similar scheme in Copenhagen as illegal under discrimination laws. The Dukes Hotel in London will assign some of its rooms ‘Duchess Rooms’, loading them with treats to tempt single female travelers or groups of women. The Duchess rooms will be looked after by exclusively female room attendants,…
Flydubai, the low cost airline of Dubai, has just taken delivery of the 7000th Boeing 737 aircraft to be built at the Boeing production line in Seattle, USA. This is flydubai's 21st aircraft and is part of their fleet expandsion program which envisages acquisition of 29 more 737 aircraft between 2012 and 2016 bringing their total fleet of 737's to 50. Mr. Ghaith al Ghaith, the CEO of flydubai commented, "We…
London's most famous upscale store, Harrods, is traditionally the focal point of shopping on Boxing Day - 26 December. For locals as well as tourists this Knightsbridge store offers steep discounts to attract shoppers after Christmas. Perfumes are sold at 50% off regular prices and women's designer clothing can be purchased for as much as $3,000 less than their original prices - imagine what the original prices…
Dubai's leading tourist attraction, the Dubai Shopping Festival is getting ready to be launched. The month long shopping extravaganza will begin on January 5 2012 and will bring shoppers from the region and beyond. Special airline and hotel offers will encourage people to travel to Dubai and shop in the many malls which will be announcing special sales and promotions. DSF has been a regular feature in…
Etihad Airways has increased its stake from 2.9% to 30% in Germany's second largest airline (after Lufthansa) - Air Berlin. Starting from January 15 airberlin will fly to Abu Dhabi four times a week while Etihad will also be able to fly to Berlin - a city where neither Emirates nor Etihad currently have landing rights. This is a major expansion into Europe by Etihad and it is expected that Etihad will join the…
Emirates Airline is expanding its service to Kuala Lumpur by adding an A380 on the Dubai KL route. In contrast, Malaysia Airlines is planning to reduce service to the Middle East citing the economic situation as a reason for the cut back. Travelers to Kuala Lumpur will now have the option to enjoy the luxurious interiors of a state of the art Airbus 380 on their flight. If you are lucky you will be seated in the…
The makers of the hugely popular UAE television cartoon animation series, FREEJ, have now created a flight safety video for flydubai. This 3D snimation features the four grandmothers from the FREEJ series and uses them to instruct passengers about flight safety procedures. This is an innovative approach towards flight safety as most passengers tend to ignore the flight safety procedures that are displayed…
Canada's Ice Hotel will open to guests from January 6 to March 25 2012. This hotel which even has beds made of ice also allows day visitors for a $15 tour fee to see its cold interiors. A special family package rate of $475 for a one night stay for a family of two adults and three children under 12 years old is on offer for bookings made until December 31 2011. Every year the hotel is completely rebuilt as…
