Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has launched inspection campaign across the emirate’s tourist establishments to ensure compliance with ‘BV’ certification to protect guests, visitors and hospitality employees in Ajman, in line with the strengthening of precautionary measures taken by the UAE. Bureau Veritas (BV) includes a comprehensive checklist to confirm compliance with good hygiene practices, social distancing, and all other recommendations to maintain the highest levels of safety. It also includes field audits to check that the expected protective measures are implemented efficiently. Sultan Ali Al Nuaimi, Director of Licensing & Tourism Standards Department at Ajman Tourism, said, “This campaign comes as part of our efforts to ensure that all tourist establishments are following the best preventive measures as the emirate continues to consolidate its position as a favourable destination for the UAE residents and tourists. We continue to work closely with our partners in the hospitality sector to preserve the safety and health of the guests of the Emirate of Ajman.”

Dubai’s celebrations for Diwali, the Indian ‘Festival of Lights’, will spark citywide festivities for residents and visitors of all nationalities to enjoy with spectacular shows, amazing gold and jewellery promotions, diverse retail offers, and much more. A major highlight on Dubai’s annual calendar of events, each Diwali, the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, shopping malls and landmarks are illuminated in a wonderful display of colour, lights and revelry. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s Diwali brings together the different communities that call Dubai home and who help make the city such an exciting place to live all year round. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said: “Dubai’s traditional Diwali celebrations really capture the fun, family focused and cosmopolitan charm of the city. With so many great promotions, activations and shows this year, Diwali is the perfect event to start the festive season and showcase Dubai’s well-earned and famous status as the premier family and retail destination for all residents and tourists from all over the world.” Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Global Village with the UAE’s best representation of Indian traditions, culture and food at the landmark attraction’s India Pavilion. Residents and tourists can shop for unique items and special gifts from more than 240 stalls selling the finest Indian handicrafts and artifacts, while also enjoying spectacular cultural shows at the pavilion’s main stage. Families and friends can indulge in delicious Indian flavours at a wide range of restaurants and kiosks as well as vendors selling street food favourites.

Tourism Ministers from Israel, United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Bahrain will come together at WTM Virtual for the first time since signing historic agreements to normalise relations in September. The Abraham Accords, signed on September 15, set in motion a host of business opportunities and inter-governmental agreements between Israel and the UAE, as well as creating exciting tourism prospects in the region for the first time. Concurrently, Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain also signed an agreement to launch full diplomatic relations. The agreements gave the go ahead for official dialogue between the countries and set in place new opportunities for tourism. Those involved hope tourism between the destinations will provide the chance to establish peace on a deeper level within the Middle East region. Simon Press, Senior Director – WTM said, “The session will provide a fascinating insight into how co-operating on tourism and trade – encouraging people to engage with different cultures and experience new places, sample different food and take part in different activities – can advance peace. “WTM has always understood the unique way that travel promotes tolerance, empathy and cross-cultural understanding. When people travel, they form friendships, engage in dialogue and are able to see things from a different perspective. When flight paths open up, the prospect for new business becomes a reality, which creates wealth and opportunity for destinations and their citizens. The post-COVID possibilities are endless for this region and we’re excited that WTM Virtual has been able to facilitate such an important meeting and play a part in history,” concluded Press.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of its first Park Inn by Radisson in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital city. The opening of the hotel strengthens the brand’s presence in Saudi Arabia to nine hotels, and brings the group’s portfolio across the country to over 45 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in operation and under development, accelerating Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion.Riyadh is the largest city and capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a flourishing financial business hub and a vibrant social scene. This modern, cutting-edge metropolis boldly strides towards the future, while remaining firmly rooted in tradition and its historical past. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the country is continuing its commitment to international tourism by welcoming them to experience first-hand the country’s rich history, traditional old souks, and myriad of forts, palaces and museums, which have transformed Riyadh into an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers. Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh embraces the brand’s ‘feel good’ atmosphere with its fresh and energetic hotel offering and vibrant environment, connected through design, technology and social spaces. Located in the Al Malaz business district, the hotel features 192 contemporary rooms and suites. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “We are delighted to open our first Park Inn by Radisson in the city of Riyadh, especially during this challenging time. In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, we are excited to further grow our presence across the Kingdom, and work together to make Saudi Arabia a must-visit destination. We remain committed to expanding our position in the Saudi market, as the Kingdom remains a key focus area …

Global Village broke a new Guinness World Records title for the Most videos in a music medley video during last night’s Global Gig, the biggest virtual rock concert in history – and aims to break 24 more to honour the Silver Jubilee anniversary. Rockin’1000, the largest rock band on earth, brought musicians together from the region and around the world to celebrate the Global Village Silver Jubilee season. Audiences from across the globe, watching live on Global Village’s YouTube channel, joined guests in attendance for this incredible musical spectacular. In an evening full of surprises, pop group phenomenon Now United wowed Global Village Guests with a live performance of Come Together. 12 members of this talented group have flown in from 12 different countries and performed with their newest member, Nour, from Lebanon. This exciting surprise addition to the evening, underlines the Dubai ‘open for business’ message. Jaki Ellenby, Executive Director of Marketing and Events, Global Village said, “This is only the beginning for us as we embark on a 25-week journey to break 25 records. This year we promised surprises and bringing together guests and partners to break barriers is just one of the ways we are celebrating this milestone season. Our historic opening concert captivated fans from around the world and united people and cultures through music in the spirit of social inclusion.” “It was our pleasure to perform together with our members from around the world and we are grateful for this opportunity to be part of the Global Village Silver Jubilee celebrations,” said Fabio Zaffagnini, Founder and General Manager, Rockin’1000. “The experience is one that we will never forget and Global Village will always hold a …

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority launched the 11th edition of Live Our Heritage Festival at Global Village, which is celebrating its Silver Jubilee. This edition of the festival will be held under the theme ‘Genius of Emirati Traditional Crafts’ from October 25, 2020 to April 18, 2021 and will present visitors with rich and varied heritage events that celebrate ancient Emirati heritage across generations, reinforcing Dubai’s position as the largest intellectual meeting point for people and the various cultures of the world. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, stressed the importance of the Live Our Heritage Festival in supporting the wise leadership’s directions to consolidate Dubai’s position on the global cultural map and to enhance the Authority’s efforts in preserving local heritage, supporting local craftsmen and artists as well as preserving handicrafts and traditional Emirati heritage and its development. She said, “Live Our Heritage Festival is part of our efforts through which we seek to enhance the emirate’s position as a cultural tourism destination on the global stage, and we are keen to reserve a permanent site for us at Global Village, the unique destination that brings the world together in one place.” She added, “Live Our Heritage Festival is an ideal platform to spread awareness of our heritage that reveals the history of ancestors, their customs and traditions to a wide audience of Global Village visitors, constituting citizens, residents and tourists, to participate in experiencing the UAE’s old social and professional life. This festival also plays an important role in keeping our proud heritage alive in the minds of the new generation and inspired them to preserve it and to continue the march of excellence and achievement that …

If you are yet to partner with the Gulf Travel Show, to be held on November 23-24 promises to connect you with the crème de la crème of the travel industry, this may just be your chance to increase your business potential. The past few months shed light on the industry of the untapped potential that lie so close yet too far to reach. At the first ever virtual travel show of the year, you can tap all those markets that were hitherto unknown and focus on new strategies to grow your business. Times are changing with brand new business opportunities that you can access from the comfort of your own home. You can exhibit your destination, hotel or hotel apartment, tourist attraction, transportation, visa or insurance services, or any other travel or tourism related business that will enable you to meet some of the key agents from around the world in one platform and all this in the safe and luxury of your abode. Speak to the team and find out more about how you can partner for the event of the year. Your trusted newspaper in the travel industry TravTalk Middle East have partnered as the media sponsors for the event which means the editorial mileage you will receive is a whole lot more with their proactive efforts of covering you both online and on print and granting you the opportunity to also be a star in their TV news capsule. Branding your business has never been the same, as when you partner with a team of experts that go the extra mile for you. So, speak to the team and partner with the Gulf Travel Show Today!

flydubai is marking the start of an up to four-times weekly service. Since the airline announced the new route, it has seen growing demand for flights to the Maldives and as a result it will operate daily flights, during the peak seasonal holiday period, from December 17 2020 until January 18, 2021. In addition, the four-hour flight from Dubai arrives in Male’ at a convenient time to provide improved connectivity for onward travel by seaplane. The Maldives is a popular destination which offers breath-taking beaches for those looking for a quiet secluded break and beautiful turquoise waters for those looking to be more active. In line with the comprehensive COVID-19 safe tourism guidelines and hygiene certification programme issued by the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism, all 156 resorts situated in the island nation are following the protective measures, ensuring the safety of tourists and staff. Commenting on flydubai’s growing network, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said, “we initially saw our passengers travelling to see their family and friends. As more countries have opened up for tourism we are now seeing more passengers travel for leisure to enjoy their first holiday of the year. Whilst the pandemic has changed the way we travel we can be reassured that the safety measures taken at the airport, on board our flights and at the destination provide a safe environment to travel again with peace of mind.” flydubai has recently introduced a new COVID-19 cover to encourage more people to travel with ease of mind knowing that they will be looked after at every step of their journey. Passengers booking with flydubai for travel until 30 November 2020 will automatically receive free global …

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority welcomed visitors to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood following a temporary suspension due to the circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Authority seeks to restore cultural emphasis while adhering to preventive measures to ensure a strong start for the sector following the gradual return of the tourism sector in the emirate. This step also constitutes an opportunity for people within the emirate and from across the world to engage with Dubai’s rich history and cultural attractions. On this occasion, Nasser Juma Bin Sulaiman, manager of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, said, “Dubai Culture is progressing upon the plans it had put in place to ensure the recovery of the cultural and creative sector in the emirate as well as its continuous prosperity following the challenging phase that the pandemic imposed. Opening the door for tourist delegations to visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood again is part of these plans that were implemented based on mechanisms that emphasise the health and safety of employees, community members and visitors. We are committed to undertaking all necessary preventive measures to protect everyone and preserve the public health.” Bin Sulaiman added, “Over the past few months, we invested in innovative advanced technologies and interactive platforms that provided a unique cultural experience for community members who interacted with the cultural and creative sector while committing to staying in their homes. Now, with the gradual return of cultural life to the forefront, we have taken this step to grant our audience the pleasure of interacting closely with culture, art, history and heritage in a manner that contributes to enhancing the attraction of tourists and increases the number of visitors to …

Dubai Miracle Garden returned for its ninth season promising visitors a truly memorable experience with its magnificent display of intricately designed blooms. The park is set to reopen under stringent health and safety protocols designed to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy a fun-filled experience within a safe environment.The attraction this year features the largest display of the most fragrant and colourful blooms, with over 150 million flowers of more than 120 varieties, including some of which have never been cultivated in the Gulf region. In addition to adding plenty of outdoor activities, the park has enhanced its night experience for guests by adding sculptures adorned with twinkling lights. Engineer Abdel Naser Rahhal, Creator and Co-founder of Dubai Miracle Garden and Vice Chairman of Cityland Group, the developer of the ambitious botanical project, said, “Every year, we challenge ourselves to create new and distinctive displays to keep Dubai Miracle Garden close to the hearts and minds of our visitors, giving them an experience worthy of sharing between friends and family members. This distinction that we bring to our visitors, season after season is the result of the creativity, commitment and hard work of our team, whose aim is to achieve the highest level of recognition for Dubai Miracle Garden and highlight Dubai as a leading tourist destination.” Rehal added that Dubai Miracle Garden places the health and safety of its visitors as its top priority. “All necessary measures and protocols have been put in place in line with government health authority’s requirements and procedures. The venue will strictly monitor the body temperature of visitors entering the garden and hand sanitisers will be available across all areas. Social distancing rules will …