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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GTTAC, the Gulf Travel & Tourism Associations Committee held a Board meeting in Sharjah on 02 May, coinciding with the opening of the Arabian Travel Market [ATM]. As a result of applications to join GTTAC from new and emerging travel associations within the GCC and from the unanimously agreed requirement to strengthen the unified voice on behalf of travel agents, a revision to the previous structure was decided…
Huvafen Fushi is the multi-award winning, flagship property of Per AQUUM. This pristine island retreat offers 43 naturally modern bungalows and one family residence, CUBE. Home to the world's first underwater spa, listed in Conde Nast’s UK and US Hot Lists, named Best Beach Resort in the World by Harper’s Bazaar Travel Guide, Huvafen Fushi is a waking dream. Known for its impeccable service, the retreat offers…
5th June 2011- The Yas Hotel has launched a new yoga retreat. The one night programme includes yoga at sunrise on the 217 metre high roof of Abu Dhabi's most iconic address, indulgent spa treatments and dinner in any of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants. The new retreat offers daily sessions of hatha yoga on the hotel’s striking rooftop, with panoramic views of the marina and the infinite Abu Dhabi desert…
Alexandria, June 5, 2011: Air Arabia Egypt announced today that it will start direct services to the Cities of Riyadh and Dammam, KSA from the carrier’s main hub in Burj Al Arab International Airport, Alexandria. The airline will start flights to Riyadh on June 9, 2011 and to Dammam on June 11, 2011. Roundtrip flights will operate twice per week between Air Arabia’s Egypt base in Alexandria and the Saudi…
Sofitel So Bangkok, scheduled to open by early 2012, will be Asia’s first hotel to offer a fully connected lifestyle, with complete Apple-based digital solutions to what guests want to know, see, hear and do for leisure or work. From hotel service directory to the most comprehensive in-room entertainment system available today, it’s literally all at one’s fingertips. Linking up with DirectStreams, one of…
The current Ecoli (O157:H7) incident in Germany is causing widespread concern in the media. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EDCDP) there are 373 confirmed cases in Germany. More details are expected when the analysis of the outbreak is completed. Whilst this is extremely distressing for those directly involved, it is important to note: Ecoli is endemic in all societies,…
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt announced today that the FAA will begin to impose civil penalties against people who point a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft. “Our top priority is protecting the safety of the traveling public. We will not hesitate to take tough action against anyone who threatens the safety of our…
In true international style, passengers were booked onto today's inaugural flight out of Dubai from places such as Australia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, India, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Iran and Mauritius. After a display by a traditional Swiss dance couple in Emirates' exclusive Terminal 3, EK 089 left Dubai, near on full. Swiss First Officer, Alexander Trueb, was on the flight deck with UAE National Captain, Hassan…
Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC), a leading luxury commercial property development, investment and management company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, added a further accolade of excellence to its list of awards after being nominated Leader in Hospitality at the recent Arab Achievement Awards held in Abu Dhabi. The awards recognise the excellence of companies and institutions in diverse sectors that own,…
Abu Dhabi, June 2011: This summer Yas Marina Circuit, in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT), will host ‘Backstage Yas’, a three-week summer school programme for school students aged from 14 to 18. The programme, a new initiative developed to educate the younger generation about motorsports, will enable students to experience first-hand what drives the industry in the UAE and how they…
The world’s largest artificial floating island has finished its first week as a major new tourism attraction in Seoul, South Korea. Seoul‘s Han River will eventually be home to a floating archipelago of three man-made “islets”, but the first island, Viva, opened to the public last week. It is the second-largest of the three, measuring up to 3,271 square meters. It is home to a three-storey structure housing…
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has successfully launched the newest pool side terrace area “Flamingo lounge” on the 25th May 2011. More than 100 guests showed up on the launch night including loyal guests and the media. The guests enjoyed a full variety of cocktails at the Flaming poolside lounge at 7:30, followed by dinner at 8:30 pm at Silk’s restaurant. Dinner included a full range of fresh pasta, aromatic…
Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, hosted a panel discussion recently in Dubai which examined the future of the travel industry and the role of technology in its development. The panel, consisting of key market players, concluded that the rise of online technology in particular has had an impact on the traditional forms of selling…
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced that it is to sponsor the England-to-Australia flight currently being undertaken by disabled microlight pilot Dave Sykes. Dave left York, England, on 28th April in a P&M Aviation Quik microlight aircraft and his journey will mark the 80th Anniversary of Amy Johnson’s first-ever flight between the two countries. It will cover a distance…
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The much loved, six-foot purple dinosaur and kiddie’s favourite, Barney, will be bringing his Space Adventures show to Dubai for the first time at the end of May. Barney, who has entertained fans since 1987 when he burst onto our TV screens to the delight of children around the world, will be appearing on stage at Mirdif City Centre’s Galleria stage as a sneak peak to his much…
The Dubai International Film Festival is partnering with the Italian Embassy in the UAE to mark the 65th Italian National Day and the 150th anniversary of Italian unification with a special screening of the star-studded classic Il Gattopardo (The Leopard), on June 1, 2011. The award-winning 1963 film, directed by celebrated auteur Luchino Visconti, stars the crème of contemporary European and global talent…
UKoutbound travel receipts will return to pre-global downturn levels in 2014, although the number of travellers will still be more than 10% lower than in 2008 – research released at WTM Vision –Londontoday reveals. Euromonitor International Head of Travel and Tourism Research Caroline Bremner told delegates at WTM Vision Conference this morning,UKoutbound receipts in 2014 would hit $38.6 billion, topping…
Germany has grounded air traffic across its northern airspace because of ash from an erupting volcano in Iceland. Bremen airport was closing at 0300 GMT and Hamburg at 0400 GMT, Germany's weather service said. The airspace over Berlin and Hanover could also be affected. Air traffic in Norway and Denmark has been disrupted but flights were expected to resume across the UK after some airspace in the…
HOUSTON, May 23, 2011 – Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Airport System in partnership with United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today announced that construction on the first phase of the $1 billion redevelopment project at Bush Intercontinental Airport will begin by the end of the year. Phase one of the three-phase project will create a new Terminal B south concourse dedicated to domestic regional…
The President of Hungary, Pál Schmitt, is among the first European heads of state to join the ongoing World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign. President Schmitt was presented an Open Letter stressing the importance of Travel and Tourism to global growth and development by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, following the European…
Japanese business leaders launched a campaign Thursday to woo tourists back to Japan after the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that sent foreigners fleeing the country. "I would like to say: Japan is safe," said Atsutoshi Nishida, the chairman of Toshiba, told a high-powered gathering of travel and tourism executives and officials from around the world. Accepting the group's…
At 4:51pm today Galaxy Macau™ officially opened its doors, welcoming over 20,000 guests within its first 90 minutes to the delight of over 3,000 VIP attendees. The only property of its kind to open in Macau this year, Galaxy Macau is anticipated to receive between 30,000 and 40,000 guests per day, each of whom will be able to experience game-changing resort features at Macau’s newest integrated destination…
Kuwait City, May 2011: Young Kuwaitis have been offered the chance to apply for a scholarship in Hospitality Management underwritten by Kuwait-based Action Hotels. His Excellency Sheikh Mubarak Abdulla Al Mubarak Al Sabah, the company’s chairman said that the scholarship programme is held in conjunction with the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM). “We will fully sponsor the successful…
Skywards, Emirates Airline’s frequent flyer programme, continues to earn industry and consumer awards thanks to its innovative reward offerings and its base of engaged members Skywards has been voted the Middle East's Leading Airline Rewards Program at the recent World Travel Awards. This prestigious accolade comes just after Skywards won an exceptional four awards at the 2011…
