SNTTA announced the renewal of its General Sales Agency (GSA) Agreement with Emirates Airline. The renewal marks a significant milestone in SNTTA and Emirates’ longstanding collaboration, aimed at delivering innovative and customer-centric travel solutions across Sharjah. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Chairman of SNTTA and musafir.com, commented: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Emirates, reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence in travel services. Together with Emirates, we look forward to delivering superior travel experiences that meet the evolving needs of our customers.” This partnership renewal reaffirms SNTTA’s exclusive role as Emirates’ General Sales Agent in Sharjah, building on a relationship that has consistently delivered exceptional service and connectivity. Both organizations are committed to leveraging their combined expertise to offer innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of travelers in the region.

RwandAir once again secured ‘Best African Airline’ title at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. RwandAir is one of the fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest and state-of-the-art fleet on the African continent. The airline, which is also well regarded for an excellent on time performance, reaches out to twenty-seven cities in Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Akbar Travels now becomes the first and only travel portal to go live with NDC Direct with SAUDIA as they successfully launched with its NDC integration. The partnership, which began as a pilot project, has now established a significant milestone for both organizations, marking a new era of technological advancements in airline distribution. From the inception of the project, SAUDIA and Akbar Travels worked closely to build a strong foundation, developing the NDC integration from scratch. The journey highlighted their commitment to enhancing travel booking experiences for travel agents and customers while fostering a collaborative spirit. The collaboration was further strengthened by the technological expertise of Benzy Infotech, the technology arm of Akbar Travels. With its state-of-the-art solutions and an unwavering focus on efficiency, Benzy Infotech played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless execution of the NDC integration. From Akbar Travels, the collaboration was met with enthusiasm and determination. The project aligns with their mission to leverage technology to enhance their services and strengthen their position as a leader in the travel industry. Ashiya Nazar, International Division Lead at Akbar Travels, said: “The launch of the NDC platform with SAUDIA represents a significant step forward for Akbar Travels. SAUDIA’s support and our team’s dedication made this initiative a reality. Together, we are reshaping the way travel services are delivered, making them more dynamic and customer-centric.” Ahmed Kasim, General Manager of Akbar Travels Middle East, shared his thoughts: “This partnership with SAUDIA has been a transformative experience for Akbar Travels. This success not only enhances our offerings but also strengthens our bond with one of the region’s most prestigious airlines.” The SAUDIA-Akbar Travels NDC integration enables agents to access a …

Fortune Group of Hotels – a Praveen Shetty Enterprise won the title ‘Best budget hotel’ at the seventh edition of  the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “We are deeply honored to receive the “Best Budget Hotel Group” Award at the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our 1,500+ team members at the Fortune Group of Hotels. Our commitment to delivering genuine hospitality at affordable prices continues to drive us forward. This milestone holds personal significance as my first major recognition since joining the family business post-university. Witnessing my team’s excitement was priceless, and I hope it inspires them to aim higher. Stay tuned—our long-term plans will bring even more exciting developments. Thank you for this honor!” Prachi Praveen Shetty , Fortune group Of Hotels, A Praveen Shetty Enterprise , Executive Director

Cairo House Egypt for Real Estate has announced it has signed an agreement with Tourism Investment SAE and Marriott International to convert the historic Mogamma Al Tahrir into an Autograph Collection Hotel. The signing of the deal is a major milestone in the Consortium’s plan to repurpose the building into a prime hotel for the city and world class destination. Bringing an Autograph Collection Hotel to the heart of the city is in line with The Sovereign Group of Egypt’s (TSFE) greater plan for revitalization of downtown Cairo, for which the Mogamma Al Tahrir will serve as an anchor and catalyst for future investments. The development of the property will be led by the international consortium of developers and investors including Global Ventures Group, Oxford Capital Group, Al Otaiba Investments and Zoser Capital Partners. Randall Langer, Chairman of Global Ventures Group, commented, “We are honored to work with Marriott International to bring an Autograph Collection hotel to the Mogamma Al Tahrir building. We value the Marriott alliance, the strong support of The Sovereign Fund of Egypt and the substantial efforts by the numerous team members that are bringing this project to life.” The Autograph Collection Hotel is expected to comprise 500 guestrooms and serviced apartments, along with multiple dining and entertainment options. The hotel is also anticipated to feature a rooftop swimming pool overlooking Tahrir Square with views of The Nile and the distant Giza Pyramids. Other plans for the property include expansive meeting and event space, including a ballroom and unique outdoor pavilion, as well as a fitness center and spa. The hotel will be situated within one of the most popular districts in the city center. The area is …

McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, a global leader in luxury outlet shopping, hosted the second edition of its McArthurGlen Tourism Awards on the 28th January 2025 at Park Hyatt Dubai – Creek Resort hotel. Key travel and trade partners with its representatives and industry leaders graced the event. This evening of celebration, recognition and fine dining highlighted McArthurGlen’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships that have driven exceptional success and record-breaking achievements over the past year.  Distinguished trade partners were honored with Certificates of Appreciation and McArthurGlen Tourism Award trophies, recognizing their remarkable efforts in promoting the brand across the region. Trade partners from across GCC countries, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, travelled to Dubai to receive their awards, further underscoring the brand’s growing influence and partnerships across the Middle East. “We are delighted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable trade partners whose dedication and innovative spirit have significantly bolstered McArthurGlen’s presence in the Middle East. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of our success,” remarked Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group. Adding a touch of excitement, guests participated in a lively “Guess the Price” game, showcasing the incredible savings available at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets. Luxury items from brands like Piquadro, Prada, and Gucci were awarded to lucky winners. McArthurGlen Designer Outlets continues to redefine luxury outlet shopping worldwide, and these awards underscore the brand’s deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have been key to its success in the Middle East.

Four Seasons together with RAK Properties announced plans for a new beach Resort and Private Residences as part of the flagship 400 hectare (1,000-acre) master-planned waterfront destination – Mina. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Mina will establish a new benchmark for the region’s luxury hospitality and lifestyle offerings. Designed as a sanctuary of beachfront sophistication and natural beauty with a wide array of amenities, the approximately 150 rooms, suites and signature villas, alongside approximately 130 Private Residences will elevate Mina into a premier destination to live and stay. “Four Seasons entry into Ras Al Khaimah represents a significant milestone in our strategic expansion within the UAE,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “We are proud to partner with RAK Properties to bring our shared commitment to service excellence, exceptional quality and unparalleled living to a new destination for guests and residents to explore with a brand they know and trust.” Mina has been designed as a two-island escape amid the surrounding beauty of Ras Al Khaimah, the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf, 18 kilometres (11 miles) of waterfront and private beaches, and impressive views of the Hajar mountain range. Guests and residents will enjoy panoramic sea views, marina access, and a range of world-class amenities comprised of spas, waterfront restaurants and cafes, and much more. “We are delighted to partner with Four Seasons to bring their unrivalled luxury hospitality and service to Mina,” says Sameh Muhtadi, Chief Executive Officer, RAK Properties. “This collaboration will create a truly iconic destination, blending the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah with the global acclaim of the Four Seasons brand. Mina is …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche. This collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s dynamic Al Harithy Group marks a significant milestone in Jeddah’s hospitality sector, catering to the growing demand for authentic, curated hospitality experiences in the bustling city. Slated to be rebranded by late 2025, the 193-key property is situated on the vibrant Jeddah Corniche with views overlooking the Red Sea Coast. This strategic addition reinforces IHG’s commitment to aligning its growth with the tourism ambitions under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The property will undergo renovation and open as The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche next year, blending contemporary elegance with the property’s rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1997, ensuring a luxury upper-upscale experience. The hotel will feature a diverse range of amenities, including Jeddah’s first pillar-less wedding hall, ‘Duniaty,’ along with indoor and outdoor pools, three dining venues, a state-of-the-art business center, 13 meeting rooms, SPA fitness center, and beauty salon. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “The signing of The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Jeddah, as a gateway to the holy cities and a thriving commercial hub, plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem. This partnership with Al Harithy Group demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences tailored to this dynamic destination, while celebrating its history and culture.” The Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences. The brand allows owners of world-class independent hotels to retain their distinctive identity while …

After another record event in 2024, Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, will return to Dubai from 27-29 October 2025 for what will be a milestone event for organisers The Bench, marking 20 years in the UAE for the region’s leading hospitality and tourism investment event, previously known as AHIC. FHS World 2024 saw a record 1,596 attendees representing 735 companies from 60 countries, of which over 550 were women faciliated by the organiser’s #FHSWomenPower initiative. The FHS World Advisory Board convened in Dubai last week to discuss and shape the vision and agenda for this year’s event. The Advisory Board comprises some of the hospitality industry’s most prominent leaders, including Anthony Costa, Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle, Candy Capital; Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Modon Hospitality; Amit Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Arada; Dinky Puri, Founding Partner, Eagle Wing; Othmane Jabri, Principal, Real Estate and Hospitality (Investment), Investment Corporation of Dubai; Nicolas Mayer, Partner, Global Industry Leader Tourism, PwC; Philipp J. Klohr, Senior Vice President, Mubadala Investment Company; Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer Accor One Living, Global Head of Mixed-Use, Ahmed Nazim, Managing Director, Maldives Fund Management Corporation; Aboudi Asali, Executive Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality MENA, JLL, and Saahil Lalit, Vice President | Lodging Development EMEA, Marriott International. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “This will be a very exciting year for us as we celebrate our 20th anniversary in the UAE, and at Madinat Jumeirah where it all began in 2005, and we’re thrilled to have Jumeirah as our Host Sponsor again to mark this milestone moment.” Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, said: “It’s a pleasure to once again sponsor and host FHS World at Madinat …

Air Arabia launched new non-stop flights to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. The new service will connect Sharjah International Airport with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with a frequency of three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: ” We are delighted to add Addis Ababa to our growing network of destinations. This new route reflects Air Arabia’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Ethiopia. By expanding our destinations from Sharjah, we aim to boost trade and tourism while continuing to offer affordable and convenient travel options to our customers.” This latest addition to Air Arabia’s growing network underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity between the UAE and Africa, facilitating increased opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment. Air Arabia operates a modern fleet of 81 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. Offering passengers, a value-added onboard experience, the aircraft is equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming, and ‘SkyCafe’ an onboard catering service at affordable prices. In addition, Air Arabia offers ‘Air Rewards’ an innovative and generous loyalty program through which passengers can earn, transfer, and spend points. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Addis Ababa by visiting Air Arabia’s website, or by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies. Schedule to Addis Ababa (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 738 Sharjah 21:25 Addis Ababa 00:40 Airbus A320 Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday G9 739 Addis Ababa 01:30 Sharjah 06:40 Airbus A320 Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday