IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road, as part of a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company. The latest development follows the signing of Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road, and is the second of at least 7 hotels to be announced with the partner, with all openings set to take place in Saudi Arabia across IHG’s portfolio of brands in the coming years. Pioneering luxury travel since 1946, this year, the iconic InterContinental brand is celebrating its 75th Diamond anniversary . The brand also has a strong legacy in Saudi Arabia, having opened InterContinental Riyadh, in 1975 – IHG, has since positioned itself as one of the largest hospitality players in the country. Over the years, IHG continues evolve its luxury offering and have a strong foothold in the segment through the flagship brand, InterContinental which has great recognition in the Kingdom. Expected to open in March 2025, InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road will add to IHG’s current brand portfolio of 9 operating InterContinental hotels in the Kingdom. The hotel will represent the best in class product with a refreshed, modern design, and will feature 250 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 150-unit apartments as part of InterContinental Residences as well as a pool, fitness centre and spa where guests can relax and rejuvenate. True to the evolved brand, the hotel will offer its guests bespoke and intuitive services. Additionally, true Saudi hospitality can be experienced at any of the hotel’s five dining options which will provide guests with a diverse and fine selection of culinary delights to enjoy. InterContinental Riyadh …

Radisson Hotel Group in partnership with Madaëf are proud to announce the signing of seven Moroccan hotels, of which four will open its doors later this month, located in renowned tourist areas, Al Hoceima, Saïdia and Taghazout. The new portfolio consisting of resorts and residences will add over 1600 rooms bringing the Group’s Moroccan portfolio to 10 hotels, fast-tracking its strategy to reach 15 hotels in operation and under development in the country by 2025. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer EMEA, Radisson Hotel Group, says: “We are delighted to announce this portfolio of seven new hotels, as it not only accelerates our growing presence in Morocco, but also reaffirms our commitment towards the country and its future. Morocco is Africa’s number-one tourism destination in terms of foreign arrivals as a bridge between Europe and Africa and is a priority market for our African development strategy because of its vast potential of Morocco. We remain committed to the country’s Royal Vision, Morocco’s new campaign to promote national as well as international tourism development. We would like to thank our business partners for their trust in our brands and teams as we look forward to opening these world-class properties across Morocco together.” Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group, says, “This diverse portfolio which consists of four converted and three new-build resorts and residences spread across Al Hoceima, Saïdia, and Taghazout, reinforces our serviced apartments as well as our global resort offerings. Complementing our existing properties in Marrakech and Casablanca, these new properties also cement the presence of our flagship Radisson Blu brand, as well as the footprint of our fast-growing, upscale Radisson brand …

Turespaña together with Manarat Al Saadiyat, part of Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism presents, in the Capital of the United Arab Emirates, an exhibition ‘The Arab legacy in Spain: a journey through the most impressive buildings’. It will take place from July 8 until July 29 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. The exhibition takes the visitor on a tour through the most impressive buildings of Arab origin in Spain, explaining the strong cultural ties between Spain and the Arab nations. It aims to promote the Arab legacy of Spain in the United Arab Emirates in such a way that one can enjoy these wonders. It’s expected to awaken the curiosity of visitors and make them aware of its existence and generate the desire to travel, and experience the monuments through the 5 senses, enjoying at the same time all that Spain offers. The exhibition consists of 26 visuals showcasing different images of the following monuments: the Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Real Alcázar of Seville, the Mosque of Cordoba, Medina Azahar, the Alhambra, the Aljaferia de Zaragoza, some fortresses such as those of Málaga, Guadix or Badajoz, the Cristo de la Luz in Toledo or the cisterns of the Palacio de las Veletas in Cáceres. On all panels there is a brief description in English and Arabic, alongside the image. The exhibits include: an introduction to the exhibition, a brief history of Al Andalus and suggested itineraries in Spain to be able to visit all these monuments. All panels have QR codes to access more information. Free entry from 10am to 8pm.

The Kleindienst Group has completed 50% of the structure construction on the Marbella Hotel. The six-floor hotel structure reached the halfway mark this month, with construction topping the 3rd floor, and is expected to be completed by Expo2020 with the cladding of facades to be finished in the fourth quarter of the year. As part of Phase 1 of The Heart of Europe, the Spanish inspired resort, is the fastest construction update on Europe Island, the projects largest island. With its waterproofing, compaction, and foundation raft completed in January 2021 in just six months, the venue has reached a grand milestone, championed by its mission to bring the best of Spain to Dubai. The units are not for sales as of yet and the sales launch will take place during Expo20. Marbella hotel will comprise 191 keys, out of which 140 will be upscale hotel apartments, each with viewing deck and up to 47 square metres (505.90 square feet) of space. Guests will also choose from 48 deluxe five-star cuevas – meaning caves – with sizes ranging up to 60 square metres (645.83 square feet), plus three super-luxury ‘fisherman house’ suites, comprising a generous 250 square metres (2,690.98 square feet) and a large viewing deck. This upscale boutique hotel, will span a total area of 20,881 sqm to recreate an authentic taste of Spain just a few minutes from Dubai shores. Commenting on the highly-anticipated project, Josef Kleindienst, Chairmen of The Kleindienst Group says, “Marbella is an upscale and highly differentiated destination set to be the perfect getaway for vibrant staycations and couples seeking a cultural holiday where wine tasting, and Flamenco are part of the experience. This atmospheric, epic …

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has announced its second successive Summer Training Programme for students between the ages of 16-19. The distance learning online programme of Medyaf aims to increase Emiratisation within the tourism industry and provides students with relevant information and skills about the sector, as well as introducing the promising opportunities it offers for its citizens and their role in supporting the industry’s success and prosperity. Medyaf was established as part of DCT’s industry nationalisation initiative to lay the groundwork for talented Emiratis to join the city’s tourist-facing workforce. The latest training programme aims to empower students to enhance their knowledge and skills over the summer period, while earning an accredited training certificate. The 2021 Summer Training Programme will be implemented over four consecutive courses with each course taking place for a period of five days. The courses include workshops delivered live by experienced speakers with interactive games and educational activities, and will be held as per the following schedule; 4-8 July 2021, 11-15 July 2021, 25-29 July, and 1-5 August.

Emerald Hospitality Group has unveiled that they are the new operators of the family focused leisure club, Al Furjan Club, Dubai. The group have big plans with the clubhouse and have confirmed they will be revealing a new bar and restaurant concept for the ever-growing Al Furjan community. The Glasshouse restaurant that was located within the club is now closed as the team work on the renovation of the new concept which has yet to be revealed. The leisure facilities remain open including tennis courts, gym, classes and the fabulous swimming pool during this period. This is the second venue announced by the Emerald Hospitality team to open in Dubai. They are also the group behind the highly anticipated Irish pub, McCafferty’s which is due to open in Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle very soon. Declan Boyle, CEO of Emerald Hospitality owns and operates over 35 pubs across the UK, Ireland and Spain and is the mastermind behind McCafferty’s Irish Pubs. Unbelievably Declan also found the time to become one of Ireland’s leading rally car drivers with 4 championships under his belt. Declan Boyle said: ‘We’re so excited to be bringing a new concept to as the new manager of Al Furjan Club. This community hub has incredible potential, we believe we can add something special. We want to become an integral part of the Al Furjan community and beyond. We’ll be unveiling the new restaurant & bar concept soon along with refreshing the leisure facilities including a new, extensive group exercise class timetable’ Gail Sangster, Assets Director at Nakheel said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Emerald Hospitality Group to support the growth of Al Furjan’s leisure and …

Etihad Airways has extended its ‘Verified To Fly’ travel document initiative, enabling travellers to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport, to routes across its global network.  Available for the vast majority of Etihad flights, to use the Verified to Fly service passengers sign-up by visiting Manage my Booking and following the simple instructions to upload and submit their travel documents. Guests will receive confirmation once their documents have been approved in line with government requirements and can travel to the airport with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight. With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers enjoy fast track check-in at the airport through the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Early trials showed that Verified to Fly Guests saw their processing times at the check-in desk almost halved and the average queuing time for all Guests reduced – helping expedite journeys and maintain social distancing at the airport. Launched at the start of June, Verified to Fly has proven a successful tool helping people return to travel, providing passengers with confidence they have the necessary documents to meet government Covid-related travel rules to be allowed to fly. A key benefit of Etihad’s Verified to Fly programme is passengers are only sharing their data with the airline itself, with no third-party involvement. John Wright, Vice President Global Airports and Network Operations, Etihad Airways, said, “Verified to Fly has proven hugely popular with our guests, as they get a fast track experience when checking in at the airport if using Verified to Fly. Removing guess work from the process, guests also value …

Emirates has re-opened its dedicated First Class Lounge at Dubai International (DXB’s) Concourse B to serve the growing volume of premium customers travelling from and through Emirates’ hub, as more markets around the world ease restrictions and put in place protocols that enable international travel. Emirates will also continue to operate its Business Class Lounge in Concourse B which has been opened since July 2020 for First and Business Class travellers as well as eligible Skywards members. With comprehensive bio-safety protocols in place, customers can enjoy a full complement of trademark services located within the Emirates First Class Lounge, such as: a complimentary facial treatment at the Timeless Spa, complimentary services at Shoeshine by Mr Cobbler, four fine champagne vintages at the dedicated Moet and Chandon bar, special offers at luxury wine and spirits retailer Le Clos, and limited-edition tea blends with Dilmah Tea. The re-opened Emirates First Class Lounge also features refreshed and spacious seating in the dining, rest, and social areas. In addition to a generous selection of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails, Emirates First Class customers can enjoy an entirely new menu with over 55 individual dishes painstakingly created by chefs at Emirates Flight Catering. Reflecting the latest food trends and customer feedback, Emirates’ latest First Class Lounge menu offers a dedicated selection of delicious vegan, gluten-free and other healthy options, in addition to culinary highlights such as: char-grilled wagyu burger, 72-hour braised beef short ribs, foie gras terrine, Black Angus tenderloin, and a traditional Emirati breakfast. Catering to customers flying in from different time zones, the Lounge offers all-day breakfast and lunch options, round the clock. A generous selection of refreshing ice creams and mocktails are …

Qatar Airways held a ceremonial opening event for the exclusive use of seafarers and offshore workers has surpassed more than 50,000 visitors since it opened its doors in late 2020 and to mark the International Maritime Organization’s ‘Day of the Seafarer’. Located at Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the Mariner Lounge was officially opened by the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Day of the Seafarer on 25 June. The provision of dedicated lounge facilities provides ship’s crews and those working in offshore industries travelling with Qatar Airways an exclusive and luxurious haven during their journeys. In addition to an international selection of food and beverages, facilities include unlimited high-speed wi-fi, shower facilities, a television area, reading materials and a Business Centre. Group His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, Qatar Airways said, “Qatar Airways is pleased to have played a leading role in the repatriation of seafarers stranded due to the pandemic, working closely with governments and the maritime industry. The international shipping industry is the lifeblood of the world economy, and as a leading global airline, Qatar Airways is truly proud to support the crews who, along with us, keep the world moving. “We offer something no other airport or airline in the world currently provides – a peaceful space for these key workers to relax during their flight transfer as they make their way home or to their next posting. I hope many more maritime workers will sample our hospitality at the Mariner Lounge.” Eligible seafarers & offshore workers can relax in style and experience exclusive benefits of the new lounge …

dnata Travel is revealing the top destinations UAE travellers are booking for a summer holiday in 2021. Experts at the UAE-based travel brand, part of the dnata Travel Group, are revealing where travellers from the UAE are seeking to take a break between July and October 2021, with a focus on destinations with clear regulations, no rules for quarantine on arrival, and direct flight options. The top ten most booked holiday destinations for summer 2021 at the time of publishing include the Indian Ocean islands of the Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar; European city, beach and countryside hotspots across Turkey, Greece, Russia, Georgia, Italy and Cyprus; and travel to popular locations in the USA including Orlando, Florida and New York, New York. Emily Jenkins, Head of Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented, “Ahead of the summer travel season, we have witnessed a surge in destinations easing requirements and opening up for vaccinated travellers. With the UAE’s impressive vaccination drive, our residents have seen the number of destinations open for them to explore increase significantly. Traveller confidence has also grown, particularly in travel to destinations which have been open for some time and with clear regulations, offer quarantine-free travel, and direct flights. An ideal example of this is the number one international destination of choice for summer 2021, the Maldives, which has been open for UAE travellers since July 2020. “Traveller confidence and interest in travel to Europe is at an all-time high, as its popular locations continue to open for international tourists. Each country has its own set of guidelines, yet trends remain consistent in eased requirements for vaccinated travellers. Most popular for travel from the UAE include Turkey, Greece and …