Etihad Airways will be introducing two exciting routes this year, connecting Abu Dhabi to Copenhagen in Denmark and Düsseldorf in Germany. Launching 1 October, the flights will provide business travellers and holidaymakers in the UAE and these key European cities with convenient travel options to and from Abu Dhabi, with four weekly flights to Copenhagen and three weekly flights to Düsseldorf. The flights will be operated using state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering one of the most comfortable experiences in the sky with 28 seats in Business and 262 in Economy. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to start flying to Denmark for the first time and to expand our network in Germany to our third city, providing guests with more holiday options and easier access between Abu Dhabi and Europe. Our new flights will take off for the winter season — the perfect time for guests to escape the cold and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s beautiful beaches, world-class entertainment and rich heritage — and also ideal for travellers choosing to experience the unique allure of Europe in the winter. With our network expanding to 66 cities, there are even more must-see destinations to plan your next great adventure with Etihad Airways.” Visitors flying to Europe can look forward to discovering Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scandinavia, famous for its colourful canals, café culture and attractions including Tivoli Gardens, the oldest amusement park in the world. Previously served by Etihad, Düsseldorf is being relaunched and will be the airline’s third city in Germany after Frankfurt and Munich, both currently served with daily flights. The city lies …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced new updates to its holiday homes system, simplifying the process for homeowners and operators to acquire permits and convert their units into perfect holiday homes for travellers visiting Ras Al Khaimah. The updates are part of the Emirate’s efforts to continue diversifying and strengthening its existing accommodation portfolio of four- and five-star hotels and resorts and to driving a sustained tourism economy that benefits not only investors but also its communities. The holiday homes system is an electronic registration portal that enables owners and operators to register their residential units for short term rentals.  The system also provides owners and operators with services to book an inspection appointment for the registered units and provide a classification service based on standard or luxury criteria for the units via the portal, ensuring easy and seamless compliance with the regulations related to holiday rentals in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “We’re seeing a growing number of visitors booking longer stays in the Emirate to completely switch off and enjoy as much of the unique experiences the Emirate has to offer. We want to tap into this trend and have therefore updated our holiday homes rental system to make it even easier for homeowners and operators to register, organise permits for and convert their units. This is in line with our vision for a diversified tourism and hospitality sector, adding even more accommodation options to our portfolio, and enhancing liveability to benefit our communities and visitors who want to experience the high quality of life here and discover more of our stunning Emirate.” …

Aloft Palm Jumeirah, a Marriott International hotel is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. Set on the East Crescent of the world-renowned landmark, Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, Aloft Palm Jumeirah Hotel is the perfect spot to relax, sip in style or dine by the pool & at the beach, or enjoy any of its many amenities and attractions. The hotel is launching a sassy offer on their anniversary, AED 5 per room per night for a limited number of rooms. This promotion is bookable only on 20th January, midnight onwards for stays between 21st till 31st January 2023. Grab this incredible opportunity by visiting the hotel’s website and enjoy a deal of a life time. And to make their anniversary even more special, Aloft Palm Jumeirah will also be offering 50% discount in selected Food and Beverage outlets for five hour/ five days, starting between 21st to 25th January 2023 from 4pm till 9pm. Aloft Palm Jumeirah has 200 loft-inspired rooms featuring stylish surroundings, contemporary touches, and amenities such as comfortable, plush platform beds, airy 9-foot-high ceilings, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, mesmerizing views over the Arabian Sea and more. The hotel offers a vibrant social scene, where you can sip in style in one of the 6 outlets, including WXYZ bar, Luchador Rooftop Cantina & Lounge on the 11th floor, mixing Mexican cuisine with unbeatable cocktails and views on the terrace. There’s also East & Seaboard for international all-day dining, casual dining at Re:fuel by Aloft, a 24/7 self-serve eatery and kiosk. Guests can enjoy the beach bar, the magnificent sunset and watersport activities at Aloft Aloha Beach.  

Emirates will ramp up its operations in China ahead of the New Lunar Year and in response to strong travel demand, boosting connectivity to its gateways; Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing as the country reopens its borders and eases its COVID-related entry restrictions. Shanghai – service resumption from 20 January 2023 with twice weekly service, gradually increasing to daily service from 1 March 2023. Emirates will resume passenger services to Shanghai starting with two weekly flights operated by an Airbus A380 aircraft from 20 January 2023, with EK302 departing from Dubai to Shanghai non-stop and EK303 making a short stop in Bangkok before returning to Dubai. This service will ramp up in frequency to four weekly flights operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from 02 February 2023. During this period, Emirates’ flight EK302 will depart Dubai at 03:45hrs and arrive in Shanghai at 15:40hrs. The return flight EK303 will depart Shanghai at 17:40hrs and arrive in Bangkok at 21:45hrs before taking off from the Thai capital at 23:20hrs and arriving in Dubai at 03:20hrs the next day.* Emirates will further boost its Dubai-Shanghai route from 1 March 2023 with a daily non-stop service. Emirates’ flight EK304 will depart Dubai at 09:15hrs and arrive in Shanghai at 21:05hrs. The return flight EK303 will leave Shanghai at 23:00hrs and arrive in Dubai at 05:20hrs the next day.* Guangzhou – daily nonstop from 1 February 2023. Emirates currently operates a non-stop flight from Dubai to Guangzhou as EK362, and a return flight from Guangzhou to Dubai via Bangkok as EK363, four times a week. Starting from 1 February 2023, the airline will increase services between Dubai and Guangzhou with EK362/EK363 operating as daily …

Elaf Group signed a collaboration agreement with Al-Zamazemah Company, as part of which the latter will provide Zamzam water to Elaf hotels in Mecca and Madinah. The agreement was signed in the presence of Hassan Abu Al-Faraj, a member of the company’s board of directors; and Abdullah Qazzaz, CEO of Al-Zamazmah Company. Dr. Adel Ezzat, CEO of Elaf Group, expressed his happiness with this cooperation, which will have a positive impact on the pilgrims during their stay at Elaf hotels to visit the Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque. He added that this will also improve the services offered to customers which in turn will enhance their accommodation experience. Ezzat further pointed out that providing Zamzam water comes in line with the group’s vision and strategy to ensure the comfort of its hotel guests and provide them with a distinguished experience during their stay in the hotel. Hassan Abu Al-Faraj, a member of the company’s board of directors, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement with Elaf Group and provide Zamzam water to the guests in its Mecca and Madinah hotels. We are confident that this collaboration will play a significant role in enhancing the experience of the pilgrims and contribute to support the national strategies which are aimed at enhancing the quality of the services provided in the Hajj and Umrah sector. We look forward to expanding the scope of our cooperation with the Group and continue to enhance our presence in the KSA.” During the Forum, Elaf Hotels also showcased its new amenities and latest facilities in Saudi Arabia. The event proved to be a strategic platform for the Group as it brought together the most prominent players …

The Saudi Red Sea Authority, The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), and Cruise Saudi welcomed the inaugural visit of the first cruise ship to enter Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port, with the arrival of MSC World Europa yesterday. Carrying around 5,000 passengers, the ship’s arrival marks a historic moment for Cruise Saudi, Mawani, the Eastern Province and the country; as it opens Saudi Arabia’s coastline on the Arabian Gulf to cruising for the first time. Saudi Red Sea Authority facilitated regulatory arrangements’ efforts to ensure the arrival of MSC World Europa, as the regulator that enables the private sector to practice marine and maritime activities in collaboration with Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mawani, Saudi Tourism Authority and Saudi Cruise to resolve all challenges to attract investment and highlight the rich coastal tourism in Saudi Arabia. Throughout Cruise Saudi’s current cruising season, the ship will make weekly calls at King Abdulaziz Port on its seven-day cruise round trip, which itineraries also include the ports of Doha – where it homeported during November and December last year hosting football fans – Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These visits are in line with Cruise Saudi’s efforts of developing world-class port’s infrastructure to welcome global cruise ships and passengers to explore the country’s diverse offering – by working in conjunction with Saudi Arabia’s Port Authority, Mawani. The occasion was celebrated with the traditional Plaque & Key Exchange Ceremony on board MSC World Europa, attended by representatives of Cruise Saudi, Mawani, and the key Authorities whose efforts and cooperation drove this milestone, including, Saudi Red Sea Authority, and Zakat, Tax & Customs Authority, as well as the ship officials, including Captain of the vessel Marco …

Dubai has a stunning new location to take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights in the form of The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour. The eye-catching, 70-metre structure spans out over Dubai Creek, with a 26m cantilever projecting out over the water giving unobstructed views across the Creek towards Downtown Dubai and back inland between the Address Grand twin towers. The new focal point is one of the key elements of the Dubai Creek Harbour masterplan, and has been designed to seamlessly blend in with its surroundings. Its positioning at the end of one of the area’s most populated pedestrian walkways will ensure significant footfall to one of the city’s most creative structures and one which will allow time for stunning photography and videos clips – it is perfect for anyone looking for that idyllic Instagram post, whether you are an in-demand influencer or someone who simply loves snapping on a phone. Standing 11.65m above the water level, the walkway offers a magnificent vista of the Dubai Creek and surrounding areas, and unique views of Downtown Dubai’s incredible skyline. Its innovative design has already proved a talking point with residents and visitors alike, and is perfect for friends and families to gather and take in the beautiful surrounds, or bask in the sensational sunsets to be enjoyed from Dubai’s newest vantage point. The design and build of the bridge have been executed using a painted steel to give its final effect and the unique overall appearance of this one-of-a-kind architectural piece. The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour is now open and can be enjoyed free of charge by both residents and visitors.

A unique lifestyle experience awaits as the all-new Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar begins accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening this spring. “As our portfolio of Four Seasons hotels, resorts and residences in the Middle East continues to grow, our second location in Doha is purposely designed for those who live, do business and travel in the Gulf region today,” says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa.  “Four Seasons combines the best of luxury living in a beachfront community with the flexibility to accommodate a range of needs and interests, whether as a base for doing business in Doha, or for vacationers seeking a resort experience with easy access to all that the destination offers.” With luxurious residential-style accommodations, a host of world-class amenities and personalized Four Seasons services, those combining business and pleasure in their travels will also find everything they need, and more. “We invite our guests to settle in and spread out at Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar,” says General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun who leads of team of 500 professionals ready to welcome guests with genuine care and customized experiences.  “Along with our Private Residence owners, Four Seasons guests will become part of an international community within the Resort, mingling at our restaurants and bars, relaxing in the spa or on the beach, meeting new friends in our kids club, and exploring the many attractions just steps away in this new and vibrant waterfront destination.” Accommodations include 161 luxury, seaside one, two or three bedroom apartments ranging from 105 to 280 square metres (1,130 to more than 3,000 square feet).  Each offers expansive living areas complete with fully …

Emirates will resume its services to Tokyo-Haneda starting from 2 April 2023, building back its Japanese network and providing even more choice and flexibility for travellers to one of the region’s top economies and destinations. Operated by one of Emirates’ latest Boeing 777 “Game Changer” aircraft, flight EK312 will depart Dubai at 07:50hrs, and arrive in Haneda at 22:35hrs. The return flight EK313 will depart Haneda at 00:05hrs, and arrive in Dubai at 06:20hrs. All times are local.* The resumption underscores Emirates’ continued support to Japan’s post-pandemic travel and tourism revival, serving the surging demand for international travel and increasing inbound traffic from key markets across its global network. Emirates’ return to Haneda will further boost the airline’s operations in the market, alongside its daily A380 service to Tokyo-Narita and a daily Boeing 777 service to Osaka. Since the route’s launch in 2013, and until the pandemic hit, Haneda has always been one of the key points on Emirates’ network for trade and tourism. The airline remains committed to supporting Japan’s accelerated growth and recovery and has recently celebrated 20 milestone years of operations to Osaka – the country’ second largest metropolitan city after Tokyo. Emirates also offers passengers access to 26 additional domestic cities in Japan and 10 regional points via Tokyo and Osaka, through its codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents. Travellers are also encouraged to check the latest entry requirements.   With the addition of Tokyo-Haneda, Emirates takes its global network up to 141 points across 6 continents, including 10 cargo-only destinations. Emirates currently operates its latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with its ‘Game Changer’ …

With a target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Tourism (QT) has partnered with Kazunion, one of Kazakhstan’s largest tour operators, to operate four commercial charter flights a week from two cities in Kazakhstan (Almaty and Astana) to Qatar via FlyArystan from January to March 2023. Kazakhstan is one of 15 target markets identified by Qatar Tourism as a primary source for tourists looking to relax, rejuvenate and soak in Qatar’s vibrant culture. The commercial charter flights from Kazakhstan to Qatar are part of a travel package deal formed by Kazunion which include flights and beach side accommodation for travellers looking to explore Doha’s rich arts, culture, and retail offerings. Celebrating this key milestone, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “We are delighted to partner with Kazunion to launch Qatar’s first commercial charter flights to and from Kazakhstan. Our agreement will help sustain the growth of Qatar’s tourism sector by promoting the country as a family-friendly, cosmopolitan, and culturally rich destination for travellers from Kazakhstan.” Qatar Tourism’s 2030 strategy aims to increase the number of visitors to Qatar by threefold, increase spending by 3 to 4 times, and grow the GDP contribution of the tourism sector to 12% by 2030. Kazunion is actively promoting these travel packages among its business-to-consumer and business-to-business targets using various advertising channels across digital, broadcast, cinemas, billboards, and professional events that gather the country’s travel agents. Founded in 2009, Kazunion currently has six offices in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Kazakhstan, the tour operator has four offices located in Astana, Almaty, Aktau and Aktobe. Kazunion also has a wide network of partners, with 5,000 agencies in …