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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Abu Dhabi flag-carrier Etihad has announced plans to roll out onboard wireless connectivity for its long-haul routes. The carrier confirmed September 28 that two aircrafts flying between Abu Dhabi and Europe would be kitted out by the end of the year. Further aircraft will be added by March 2012, the airline said, and it is preparing to decide on a ‘fleet-wide’ system which will allow customers to surf the…
Royal Jet - the international luxury executive flight services company based in Abu Dhabi and chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan - announced that MBC Group is the latest company to recognise the business benefits of private air travel. Shane O'Hare, Royal Jet President and CEO signed an agreement with Sam Barnett, MBC Group's Chief Operating Officer, whereby MBC will have a…
As the weather cools, Al Ain Zoo will be shifting its opening hours from 9am to 8pm daily, giving families the opportunity to maximise their experience and time with the animals in the cooler season. The new opening hours commence on Saturday, October 1, and will continue until the Eid Al Adha holiday, during which the zoo will open at 10am and close at 10pm to allow celebrations into the evening. Regular hours…
Johannesburg welcomed its first scheduled Emirates A380 service yesterday, as flight EK761 from Dubai arrived at O R Tambo International Airport. Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of South Africa, is the first destination for the double-decker in Africa and the sixteenth destination on the Emirates A380 network. "The demand for Emirates' services in and out of Johannesburg has always been high, with…
Remember that flying carpet Aladdin and Jasmine escaped from Jaffar on? You know, in that 1992 Disney movie with the blue genie voiced by Robin Williams. That flying carpet is now real! A miniature magic carpet made of plastic has taken flight in a laboratory at Princeton University. The 10cm (4in) sheet of smart transparency is driven by "ripple power"; waves of electrical current driving thin pockets of air…
Sharjah, UAE: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it has won the top award in the category of ‘Innovation in Operations - Low-Cost Carrier Airline’ at the recent Express TravelWorld Awards 2010-2011 held in New Delhi. Air Arabia was recognised for its innovation in business at the annual awards, now in their eighth year. The awards…
The Address Dubai Marina, the five star premium hotel adjoining Dubai Marina Mall and located in one of Dubai’s most popular lifestyle district, is hosting the fourth edition of ‘The Address Hotels + Resorts Wedding Fair,’ a popular annual event that showcases the entire spectrum of wedding services, on October 22 & 23, 2011. The Address Hotels + Resorts Wedding Fair is a one-stop destination that brings…
Irhal.com is officially the best new website in the Middle East! The Internet Awards Middle East 2011 nominated HotelFinder, Grafdom, Irhal, cio2cio and Thomson Reuters in the Best New Website - Portal category, and Irhal took the crown at the awards gala dinner, which was held at the Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi on September 27, 2011. "When you start something new your enthusiasm keeps you going. A year and…
Muscat - Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has continued its run of prestigious awards successes, having collected the Airline of the Year award at France’s Laurier d’Or du Voyage d’Affaires. The Gold award was presented at the International French Travel Market IFTM-Top Resa, France’s leading international travel and tourism trade fair. The awards, hosted by IFTM-Top Resa in…
As the world celebrates World Tourism Day on 27 September, experts in the field of tourism and culture have underscored the need for local community engagement in tourism development at the official celebrations in Egypt (27 September, Aswan, Egypt). “The importance of this day cannot be underestimated,” said the Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, opening the celebrations. “Tourism has…
Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, unveiled major new expansion plans for the United States today, with the launch of daily services to Seattle and Dallas. Dallas-Fort Worth and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports will both be served by non-stop flights from 2nd February and 1st March 2012 respectively. "These new services emphasise Emirates' confidence in, and long-term commitment to,…
Ajman City Centre will be joining the fight against heart disease by offering free, onsite medical testing for the community in support of World Heart Day on September 29th. A globally recognised event, World Heart Day is dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease and the importance of prevention through healthy lifestyle choices. In partnership with the Rashid Centre for Diabetes and Research, a…
Financially troubled Greece has put a ton of state assets up for sale, including some of its famous islands. One interested buyer is Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the ruling Emir of Qatar, who wants to acquire two islands in the Ionian Sea, including Skorpios Island. The private island formerly belonged to famed Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis and was the site of his wedding to Jackie…
Emirates has sent its first scheduled A380 into Hamburg Airport as part of the airport's 100th anniversary celebrations. The 489-seat flagship of the Emirates' fleet touched down in Hamburg yesterday, replacing EK flight 59 and under the command of Captain Fritz Wildt from the German city of Munich and Hauke Smid from Hamburg. Thousands of spectators joined the weekend of celebrations in Hamburg, lining…
Dublin is providing the backdrop for a brand new Bollywood blockbuster called Ek Tha Tiger (meaning 'Once There Was A Tiger') which is being shot in the city this month. Filming kicked off here in early September and the film will ultimately be released in 24 countries worldwide, reaching a massive audience of over 100 million people. This is the first time that a major Bollywood production - featuring two of…
United Continental Holdings (NYSE: UAL) today announced the details of its MileagePlus loyalty program for 2012, including new benefits and services for United’s and Continental’s most-frequent flyers, more options for members to redeem their miles and additional recognition for customers who purchase tickets in premium cabins or at premium economy fare classes. “With MileagePlus, we are building the world’s…
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has been ‘Commended’ in the ‘Airline of the Year’ category at one of the UK travel industry’s most prestigious awards. The TTG Travel Awards are run by the industry’s leading trade newspaper, Travel Trade Gazette, and are held at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel. Oman Air’s Commendation, the second prize in the category, follows 18…
Airbus displayed an Airbus ACJ318, offered for VVIP charter by Comlux, at the Jet Expo in Moscow which took place 14-16 September. This Airbus ACJ318 features the comfort and practicality of home and office, plus seating for 19 passengers, which is more than traditional business jets. “Airbus corporate jets are similar in size to traditional business jets on the outside, but are around twice as big on the…
Emirates' extensive African network is to be boosted again with the launch of two new destinations - Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Zambia and Zimbabwe, which share a border with the Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, will now be linked with a five times weekly flight from Dubai, starting from 1st February 2012. "Emirates has long…
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) will host the fifth edition of Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre (DFYT) from Oct. 1 to 10, 2011. DYFT is a one-of-its-kind initiative held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture, to promote youth theatre talent in the UAE. The festival focuses on promoting Emirati and Arab theatre…
Doha, QATAR – Qatar Duty Free, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, flew in Greek national Mr Dimitrious Katsampekis for a whistle-stop shopping trip to Doha to pick up and spend his US$20,000 won in the operator’s July Mega Prize draw at Doha International Airport. Mr Katsampekis, who won his prize during a stopover in Doha, flew back on Qatar Airways, courtesy of Qatar Duty Free, to claim his winnings. The Mega…
Emirates' acclaimed hospitality warmed St Petersburg's Ice Palace last night, paving the way for the launch of flights to the city from 1st November. More than 800 guests from the business community and local government gathered for the gala dinner event at the multi-purpose home of ice hockey team, SKA St Petersburg, to hear more about one of the world's most successful airlines and its inspirational base of…
Louis Vuitton has made a spectacular airport debut in association with The Shilla Duty Free at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport. The 550sq m Incheon store is dedicated to Louis Vuitton’s passion for travel. It features leathergoods, women’s and men’s shoes, belts, ties, textiles, fashion, jewellery, sunglasses, watches and other accessories. Sales in year one are expected to hit US$100…
InterContinental has announced ambitious plans to open 100 hotels in Russia by 2020, an expansion of almost ten times the number operating there today. The hotel chain announced September 12 that it aimed to capitalize on growing tourism to the country by significantly adding to the number of hotels it operates, across brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo. Among the…
