The vibrant and varied culture of Hungary is a dialogue of ages and fates, captivating tourists with its folkloric tales, classical exuberance and modern expressions. Art and culture are a cornerstone of daily life for many Hungarians where originality, artistic expression and virtuosity are highly regarded. Indeed, Hungarian intellectual and cultural heritage is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. As such, in 2023 Hungary is looking to position and promote its cultural pedigree in all its forms to become the European must-visit hub for Middle Eastern travellers interested in theater, concerts (both classical and modern), festivals, museums, and art galleries. For the first three months of 2023 a number of key exhibitions and events will be highlighted, including the first complete exhibition of El Greco’s work at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, which will be held until 19 February 2023. The exhibition seeks to provide a broad overview of the life’s work of one of the foremost masters of European art, Domenikos Theotokopoulos, most widely known as El Greco, by presenting the complexity of his visual world and sweeping stylistic development. For more information, click here. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and music has for decades been an essential part of life for many Budapest residents with many families experiencing the opera as part of their annual festive season traditions. Playing at the Hungarian State Opera in Budapest until January 15, 2023, the opera house itself has recently undergone extensive renovations, making this year a particularly poignant time to visit. For more information on performance dates, click here. A lot more is on offer too, including: Museums and Galleries: Explore the National Gallery in Buda Castle in Budapest, home …

VOX Cinemas in collaboration with AURA Skypool Lounge are taking luxury cinema to new heights with Movie Magic in the Sky for a one-off experience on Christmas Eve. Taking place on December 24 from 8:30pm, movie lovers can now enjoy watching the quintessential festive film Home Alone al fresco style, while situated 200 meters in the sky, against the backdrop of the iconic Dubai skyline and the glistening horizon of the Arabian Gulf. Tickets go on sale on December 19 at 10am and are expected to sell out fast due to the limited capacity of 50 seats. Starting from AED500 per person, the package includes admission to the movie, a welcome reception with free-flow bubbles and a selection of sweet and savory canapes, popcorn as well as a host of surprises throughout the evening and branded merchandise to take home. During the immersive big-screen experience, guests can wrap up with a cashmere pashmina and unwind on the poolside sofas, whilst indulging in festive food and beverages from the a la carte menu delivered straight to the pool-side sofa at an additional cost. VOX Cinemas is the region’s largest cinema exhibitor and boasts an impressive portfolio of innovative cinematic experiences including OUTDOOR, an open-air cinema concept, Snow Cinema at Ski Dubai, the region’s first cinema as well as THEATRE and GOLD, which combines film with fine food. AURA Skypool is a one-of-a-kind experience triggering all senses, and a truly magical spot to capture the essence of Dubai at new heights.

2022 has brought many challenges and opportunities for the aviation industry. With the sector still recovering after the global pandemic while threatened by geopolitical instability, companies had to prove their resilience and adaptability. And that’s exactly what Aviator Airport Alliance, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics, has done over 2022. Regardless of the challenges that still disturbed the industry, 2022 has proven to be an exciting year for Aviator. The company has signed plenty of new contracts while also strengthening current partnerships. “Never waste a good crisis,” says Jo Alex Tanem, CEO of Aviator Airport Alliance. “We were able to offer opportunities and solutions to new and existing clients, in line with their current needs.” Over the year Aviator has strengthened their partnerships with such well-known industry names as Japan Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Wizz Air, Eurowings, Luxair, TAP Air Portugal, Freebird Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Transavia, Braathens, Fly PLAY, Regional Airways (BRA), Pegasus and Air Baltic. Aside from extending agreements with current clientele, Aviator has also added a number of new names to its client list. In 2022 the company began working with Niceair, Vueling Airlines and Atlantic Airways to name a few. “We value new as well as our returning partners. Their trust in our expertise and service quality proves that we as a business are on a right track,” Jo Alex Tanem says. While at this point Nordic aviation volumes are still at 83% YTD of the pre-pandemic levels, the company’s sales have already significantly exceeded the 2019 numbers. Aviator’s team has also grown significantly. Compared to 2019, now Aviator has over 200 more employees providing services to the company’s clients. In …

Internationally renowned ballerina Svetlana Zakharova – the Bolshoi’s prima and the first and only Russian Etoile at Teatro alla Scala – has announced an additional performance date at Dubai Opera due to high demand for tickets. It comes after the star announced last month that she would perform in Dubai with Stars of the Bolshoi this January and shared the details for the historical first ever world’s ballet superstar performance in the UAE.  The original date at the Dubai Opera announced was Friday, January 27th, 2023. Now, Zakharova is doing an additional show the following day, Saturday, January 28th. Speaking about her upcoming Dubai performances, Svetlana said: “I am very excited to be performing at the Dubai Opera for the first time and really look forward to meeting my fans in the United Arab Emirates. These are going to be amazing shows.” Tickets for the additional Saturday’s show by Svetlana Zakharova and Stars of the Bolshoi starting from AED 349, on sale now at dubaiopera.com and platinumlist.net, +971 508702674. A towering figure in the 21st century ballet, Zakharova comes to the Dubai Opera in January with MODANSE, a thrilling double bill that brings together the world of fashion and the art of the dance. It was produced by MuzArts specifically for Svetlana Zakharova who will be joined onstage by a star-studded cast of dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet including Mikhail Lobukhin, Denis Savin, Artemy Belyakov, Anastasia Stashkevich, Elizaveta Kokoreva and also by a modern dance star Ildar Gainutdinov. The night will open with a ballet Come Un Respiro (Like a Breath) set to the 18th century Baroque music by George Frideric Handel. Incidentally, the Baroque period is present not only in the …

Footgolf, a sport combining football and golf, is set to take center stage at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club for the ‘Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament’ from 12 to 14 January 2023. The Professional Footgolf tournament will take place at Sharjah’s world-class country club, with some of the world’s best players traveling to the Emirate from across the globe to participate. The event will bring together over 140 players from more than 20 different nationalities to take on the challenging course. Organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA) in partnership with Sharjah Sports Council and Professional Footgolf Tour, The Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament will host the world’s top footgolf players, with both men and women competing for cash purses over a two-day competition, utilising an 18-hole, stroke-play format. The tournament will consist of four players per group, teeing off every six minutes. Players will compete across two days, vying for more than $40,000 in total prize money. The event is also open to amateur footgolf players based in UAE with a prize fund of $1,500 up for grabs, with these players also eligible for the overall fund. While Footgolf tournaments have taken place all over the world to date, the Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament will be the first of its kind within the GCC. “We’re thrilled to be bringing the region’s first footgolf tournament to Sharjah. We have a line-up of world-class footgolf players flying in from all over the world, and we’re excited to show them the beauty of the UAE and everything Sharjah has to offer” said Dan Ferretti, Co-Chairman of Professional Footgolf Tour. “While there are some immaculate golf courses across the UAE, to date there have …

Closing the year on a high note of achievements Cozmo Travel recently opened its 20th branch in the UAE at City Center Ajman. This will serve the customers as the travel agency and a city check in service for Air Arabia customers. The Cozmo Travel and Air Arabia City-Check in Outlet in Safeer Mall Ajman was inaugurated by Cozmo Travel CEO Jamal Abdulnazar and Chief Guest Salah Zainal – Head of Ground operations at Air Arabia. Cozmo Travel winner of many awards and accolades including the Arabian travel award for the most trusted travel partner in the Middle East. Speaking on the occasion, Jamal Abdulnazar CEO Cozmo Travel reiterated, “Cozmo Travel has had a great year, even with the risks and adversity towards travel which was pandemic induced, we managed to persevere and come out stronger than ever with the inauguration of our newest branch in Safeer Mall Ajman, UAE. Additionally, ending the year with a bang, Cozmo Travel has started operations in Armenia & Pakistan, with plans to open up more branches in the two countries while also being a GSA for Fly Jinnah & FlyArna the latest joint ventures of Air Arabia. These expansions bring up the Cozmo Travel global network to cover thirteen countries with multiple branches including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, KSA, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, India, China & Egypt. This brings about the Bounce Back of tourism and Cozmo Travel’s role in facilitating travel in the region.”  

NEOM, the smart and sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia, has announced a USD 175 million Series E investment in Volocopter, the pioneer of Urban Air Mobility. The land of the future giga-project will take a significant equity stake in the company as part of its strategic engagement with the global eVTOL industry, positioning it as a leader in future mobility solutions. This deal will expand NEOM’s strategic partnership with Volocopter to progress an advanced air mobility industry in Saudi Arabia, in line with NEOM’s cutting-edge strategy for its mobility sector. It builds on the NEOM-Volocopter joint venture launched in December 2021, which will operate electric air taxi services in NEOM to connect various regions including THE LINE, OXAGON and TROJENA. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer at NEOM, said: “This crucial investment aligns with the ambitious plans announced by HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Chairman of NEOM’s Board of Directors, for the Kingdom to achieve sustainability and to develop NEOM into an accelerator of human progress. It will contribute to taking humanity closer to a new era of mobility – an era defined by zero-emission, electrically-powered vertical take-off and landing vehicles. Together with the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, NEOM and Volocopter will make concepts like air taxis an everyday reality for its residents and visitors. Powerful partnerships such as the one that NEOM is cultivating with pioneering companies like Volocopter will fuel giant leaps forward – not just for the benefit of NEOM and the Kingdom – but for all.” Dirk Hoke, CEO at Volocopter, added: “This is the first time in history that eVTOLs, with their unique characteristics, are being factored into the …

On the Occasion of the Sultanate’s Celebrations of 52 Glorious National Day and under the patronage of HE Salim Bin Mohammad Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, the 5-star beach resort hotel, Jumeirah Muscat Bay officially inaugurated. The inaugural event was attended by key government officials and senior leaders from the sector. The resort set a benchmark for tourism development in Muscat Governorate and offers local tourism a new concept of hospitality to support the government’s effort towards making the Sultanate a remarkable tourism destination. As another step towards Oman vision 2040 and the efforts into achieving the objectives of tourism, Muscat Bay marks another milestone with its official opening of the luxury hotel. Built with an investment of RO 60 million and built-up area of 32,000 square meters. Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a unique tourism destination that provides more than 206 rooms with breathtaking views and an extraordinary offering with its hospitality and extensive range of hotel facilities including 3 swimming pools, kids club, spas and sports facilities. Located within the general plan of Muscat Bay’s fully integrated resort, this project resonates with the strategic partnership between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Saraya Oman Holding Company, and it considers as Jumeirah group’s first luxury resort in the Sultanate. It will continue to expand its rich portfolio of hospitality assets and facilities and provide guests with a new experience of leisure and relaxation. In addition to attracting an increasing number of global visitors and investors who can consider the Sultanate of Oman a magnificent tourist destination. Aligning itself with Oman Vision 2040 and national tourism strategy to support the national economy, Muscat Bay resonates with developing …

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched an awareness film titled “Journey of a Lifetime”, in a strategic partnership with the General Authority for Awqaf and cooperation of the SAUDIA Group, and several government entities. It comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to educate pilgrims coming from all around the world to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. The twelve-minute film has been translated to nine languages and presents a series of educational stories that were filmed over a span of a 7-week period in more than 14 locations. More than 800 actors participated in the making of the film to address topics of high interest to pilgrims, including all of the steps that pilgrims take while performing their rituals. The film will be included in SAUDIA’s inflight entertainment system, where guests can enjoy more than 5,000 hours of movies, TV shows, E-books, shopping and weather reports. Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group, hosted the premiere of “Journey of a Lifetime”, under the patronage of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, the Director General of SAUDIA Group, His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar. The screening was also attended by the Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, His Excellency Mr. Emad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi, and a number of leaders and employees from entities that participated in this work. Following the screening, Director of the General Department of Media and Corporate Communication, and the Director of the General Department of Awareness at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Turki bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalaf, explained that the film, which is produced by the Ministry, will be shown on …

Laguna is a province just southeast of Manila in the Calabarzon region (or Region IV-A). Endowed with numerous mineral hot and cold springs, majestic waterfalls, and protected forest areas teeming with a great diversity of flora and fauna, the province is a cluster of destinations for eco-tourism, wellness visits, and leisure activities. The region is also well-known for its Spanish colonial-era art of embroidery and woodcarving. Tayak Nature, Adventure and Wildlife (TANAW) Park Tayak Hill has been a key attraction for tourists to the region. It is situated in Rizal right beside Mount San Cristobal (a dormant volcano) and dubbed as ‘The Biker’s Heaven of Laguna’, frequented by bikers and pilgrims alike. Nuvali Evoliving Shopping Nuvali is both a lifestyle and cultural centre that celebrates local architecture, artistry, and design. With 400 stores that comprise retail, dining and entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion segments, the destination offers a relaxed and leisurely shopping experience. Enchanted Kingdom Enchanted Kingdom is the first theme park in the Philippines. It offers world-class rides, spellbinding entertainment, delectable food delights, and a variety of unique souvenir items for all ages. Visitors to the park can enjoy the fascinating sights and sounds of seven themed zones and experience exciting events and amazing attractions. AGILA: The EKsperience is the first and only flying theatre in the Philippines, at the Enchanted Kingdom. It is an exhilarating multi-sensory adventure that takes park entertainment to incredible heights. Visitors can be part of the magical virtual experience as AGILA: The EKsperience takes them on a thrilling journey across the Philippines’ majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and incredible islands, right in the comfort of their own seat! Mount Makiling Forest Reserve Mount Makiling Forest Reserve …