Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi won the title of ‘Best Business Hotel, UAE’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Business Award at the Arabian Travel Awards is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric services. This recognition underscores the hard work of our team and validates our vision of setting new standards in the industry. It is an honour that not only celebrates our achievements but also motivates us to continue striving for greater heights. This award has had a profound impact on us, boosting our team’s morale and reaffirming our belief in our mission.”-Fadi Ammache, General Manager, Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi

The United Nations has taken a major step in recognizing tourism’s role in sustainable development by adopting a new tourism employment indicator as part of the official Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicator Framework. Endorsed at the 56th session of the UN Statistical Commission, this landmark decision means that—for the first time—global data on tourism employment will be systematically monitored within the SDG monitoring process. It also increases the number of official tourism SDG indicators from two to three, raising recognition of the sector’s global contribution to economic and social progress. What gets measured, gets done. As part of Goal 8, we strive for sustainable tourism that creates jobs. The new tourism employment indicator goes beyond GDP to enhance our understanding of tourism’s potential for social progress UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “What gets measured, gets done. As part of Goal 8, we strive for sustainable tourism that creates jobs. The new tourism employment indicator goes beyond GDP to enhance our understanding of tourism’s potential for social progress. Policymakers will be better equipped to identify gaps, address inequalities, and maximize tourism’s social and economic benefits—ensuring no one is left behind.” UN Tourism’s most recent survey of Member States’ priorities revealed a strong preference for the Organization to work towards ensuring tourism contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. The new indicator, with UN Tourism as its custodian, delivers the evidence to advance on this priority. The indicator responds to a critical policy issue in many countries. Together with the existing SDG indicator on tourism’s GDP, the new indicator offers a broader perspective on tourism’s sustainability that better considers social progress. With this recognition, tourism employment will now be officially integrated into the …

Emirates has joined forces with Parsys Telemedicine to introduce next generation equipment that will enable customers to receive high-quality, speedy medical care in the air. Emirates has invested more than USD2.4 million in co-designing the new equipment set with Parsys, which will be rolled out to 300 aircraft over the next few years. The groundbreaking ‘telemedicine station’ has advanced features such as high-definition video conferencing, remote passenger assessment, secure data transmission and 12-Leads Telecardia ECG – enabling Emirates’ highly trained cabin crew to save lives in emergency situations. Emirates has always invested in high quality medical equipment, but the new Parsys kit is the result of a yearlong collaboration between Emirates and Parsys to create a bespoke inflight tool that is more efficient and reliable, more connected, and ultimately safer for Emirates’ customers . The best-in-class new system includes the Parsys Telemedicine Kit for Emirates and the Parsys Cloud. The kit is an integrated, portable telemedicine station designed for cabin crew to gather important information and vital signs, which can then be transmitted to Emirates’ Ground Medical Support – a dedicated team of medical professionals who sit in Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai and are contactable 24/7. The kit includes several medical devices like a pulse oximeter, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Emirates customers who need medical support onboard flights can now have their vital signs or readings automatically transmitted to the Medcapture© device via Bluetooth, eliminating any need for cabin crew to take notes and relay information manually. The Medcapture© device is a tablet which contains a new software application, customised to align with Emirates’ comprehensive medical procedures. The interface has an intuitive and easy-to-use design …

Riyadh Air and IBM partner to build AI-driven enterprise, to elevate guest and employee experiences. Agreement will see Riyadh Air leverage IBM watsonx and IBM Consulting solutions to drive Riyadh Air’s vision as the world’s first digital native airline. The collaboration aims to help power the Saudi Arabian airline’s mission to launch flights in 2025 while offering an elevated guest experience. IBM announced a new agreement with Riyadh Air, which will integrate watsonx, IBM’s portfolio of AI products, and IBM Consulting AI solutions to establish an enterprise-wide AI capability to elevate Riyadh Air guest and employee experiences. As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flights in late 2025, the new Saudi Arabian airline sets another key building block of its journey in redefining air travel as the world’s first digital native carrier. The announcement took place at the third edition of The FII PRIORITY Miami 2025 Summit, where senior executives from both IBM and Riyadh Air, including Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer, and Mohamad Ali, SVP and Head of IBM Consulting, reaffirmed their commitment to driving innovation in the aviation sector. Building a world-class airline requires more than just aircraft and infrastructure; it demands an intelligent digital foundation that anticipates passenger needs, streamlines operations, and empowers employees. Riyadh Air is embracing this challenge by making AI the driving force behind its transformation. Adam Boukadida, Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer, said: Riyadh Air is more than just an airline; it is a gateway to new opportunities for travelers from the Kingdom and beyond. As we move closer to our first flight later in 2025, our vision is to deliver a seamless, world-class travel experience by expanding our reach, pioneering innovations, and …

ATS Travel won the title of ‘Best Travel Management Company in the UAE’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards is significant as it has become a prestigious benchmark within the industry. The recognition is not only a testament to the excellence of the winners in their respective categories but also serves as a validation of their consistent efforts and contributions to the travel sector. As the awards have evolved into an industry standard, they are eagerly anticipated each year.”-Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director, ATS Travel.

This Ramadan, Arada is introducing Alsimrah, the largest Ramadan tent in Sharjah, which is located in the heart of Aljada, the Emirate’s premier lifestyle destination. Alsimrah offers a blend of tradition and luxury – inspired by the rich Emirati tradition of “Simrah,” a time-honoured gathering of warmth and connection – providing an exceptional culinary and cultural experience that features a premium Iftar and Suhoor that embody the true spirit of the Holy Month. What to expect at Alsimrah: • Premium signature offerings: o Iftar buffet at AED195 per person: Savor a lavish spread of Emirati and international delicacies o À la carte Suhoor with a minimum spend of AED80 per person: Enjoy a relaxed, customized dining experience o Exclusive group suhoor set menus at AED175 per person for min of 15 guests: For exclusive corporate iftars and family gatherings o VIP Majlis Iftar Package at AED3,500 per Majlis accommodating 12 guests: For private and intimate dining experience o Corporate bookings and exclusive tent hire available on demand • Cultural entertainment: o Live Oud & Qanun performances o Arabic calligraphy and henna artistry o Traditional storytelling sessions • Exclusive guest amenities: o Dedicated prayer area o Complimentary valet parking o VIP lounge for an elevated experience Timings & reservations: Join us at Alsimrah for a Ramadan celebration filled with flavours, tradition and togetherness. Reservations are now open: Book through https://arada.com/ramadan/ or by contacting: ramadan@arada.com / +97147020600. • Iftar: Sunset–8.30pm (Doors open at 5.30 pm) • Suhoor: 9.30pm–2am

Singapore Airlines announced that they will return with First Class and Premium Economy Class experience on flights between Singapore and Dubai from 30 March 2025, operating 7 times weekly, the flights will be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, which features a four-class cabin configuration – First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class – ensuring an unparalleled travel experience for all their customers. Unwind in Premium Economy Class’ spacious cabin – Their Premium Economy Class offers customers a contemporary and stylish travel experience, designed to provide heightened comfort throughout their journey. Each Premium Economy seat boasts a width ranging from 18.5 to 19.5 inches, an 8-inch recline, and a seat pitch of 38 inches. Customers can look forward to an enhanced in-flight entertainment experience with active noise-cancelling headphones and a sleek 13.3-inch full HD touchscreen monitor. Enjoy priority treatment throughout the journey Premium Economy Class customers enjoy priority check-in at dedicated counters, as well as priority boarding. Checked baggage have priority tags, ensuring smooth and efficient travel. Elevate dining experience with Book the Cook Customers can enjoy a dining experience with an improved and expanded selection of food and beverage options. Customers have the option to pre-select and reserve their main course from the Premium Economy Class Book the Cook2 menu up to 24 hours before flight departure. Exclusive in-flight amenities In collaboration with Out of the Woods, a US-based manufacturer of eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle products, SIA offers amenity kit3 for Premium Economy Class customers. The kit includes eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material, as well as a lip balm packaged in biodegradable material. Access to unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy Class have the …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is partnering with ITAKA, Poland’s largest tour operator, to host its Top Sellers Conference 2025. Announced at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, the partnership will foster deeper connections with travel trade professionals and increase awareness of the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the Polish market.Bringing together over 200 travel trade professionals from Poland, the conference will be hosted in Al Ain, the emirate’s “living oasis”, home to the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and a growing culture, wellness and adventure destination, recently selected as the Gulf Capital of Tourism for 2025. The programme will highlight Abu Dhabi’s range of itineraries and travel packages for both summer and winter, and attendees will also be able to participate in expert-led training sessions. Following the two-day event, the trade professionals will then embark on curated site visits and tours in Abu Dhabi City from 13 to 17 April, experiencing its leading cultural institutions and heritage sites, world-class hospitality infrastructure, and unique attractions firsthand. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Welcoming ITAKA’s Top Sellers Conference to Abu Dhabi underscores our commitment to fostering strong ties with Poland’s travel trade community. Poland offers tremendous potential and this partnership highlights the unique blend of world-class experiences, cultural heritage, and warm Emirati hospitality that define Abu Dhabi as a destination. By offering leading travel professionals firsthand experience of Abu Dhabi, we strengthen their connection with the destination, inspiring more Polish travellers to explore diverse attractions and rich experiences.” Mariusz Janczuk, President of ITAKA, said: “It is extremely satisfying that ITAKA is working so …

Qatar Airways is enhancing global connectivity with additional flights to key destinations around the world. The expanded services will offer passengers greater flexibility and seamless connections, further strengthening the airline’s network of more than 170 destinations. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways’ vast network of global destinations is complemented with robust flight frequencies for the benefit of our passengers. The new additions further reflect our commitment to fostering worldwide connectivity and elevating passengers’ travel experience with our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) – voted World’s Best Airport and World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2024. At Qatar Airways, we take pride in offering unparalleled services, and with the peak summer season approaching, we are pleased to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for air travel with accessible and convenient flight schedules.” From bustling metropolises to scenic landscapes, Qatar Airways is enabling greater connectivity in the following destinations: Amsterdam – increased from seven weekly flights to 11 Damascus – increased from three weekly flights to 14 Dar Es Salaam-Kilimanjaro – increased from three weekly flights to seven Entebbe – increased from seven weekly flights to 11 Larnaca – increased from seven weekly flights to 10 London Heathrow – increased from 49 weekly flights to 56 Madrid – increased from 14 weekly flights to 17 (bringing the jointly operated flights between Qatar Airways and Iberia from 21 weekly flights to 24) Maputo-Durban – increased from five weekly flights to seven Sharjah – increased from 21 weekly flights to 35 Tokyo Narita – increased from 11 weekly flights to 14 Tunis – increased from 10 weekly flights to 12 Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, remains a …

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel and Convention Center Dubai won ‘Best Wedding and MICE Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards’ ‘Best Wedding & MICE Hotel’ title has elevated our confidence and credibility, showcasing the strength of our team and the excellence of our offerings. This recognition not only reinforces our position within the hospitality sector but also enhances our visibility and demand in the market.”-Arijit Paul, Director of Sales & Marketing, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre, Dubai