Raffles Hotels & Resorts and NEOM unveiled plans to debut a new resort in Trojena, the year-round mountain destination located in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Slated to open in 2027, Raffles Trojena will reimagine mountainside hospitality, offering guests unprecedented access to discover and explore the region’s incomparable beauty. “We are thrilled to collaborate with NEOM on the creation of Raffles Trojena, an architecturally significant resort that will showcase the very best in modern luxury hospitality and underscores Raffles’ commitment to growing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Trojena is set to be a destination unlike any other, and this mountainside retreat continues the Raffles legacy of growing in the world’s most compelling locales, providing our guests with an opportunity to ignite their passions through highly personalized service and experiences.” – Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts Positioned among the majestic mountains in Trojena, Raffles features a unique and striking ring-shaped design, offering stunning scenic views of the surrounding destination from every vantage point. The resort is set to include 105 guestrooms, which are arranged around the perimeter of the ring, offering guests the highest level of comfort in addition to unobstructed vistas and privacy. Circular zones and meticulously landscaped gardens on the ground level will encourage exploration and discovery, while the roof, comprised of a variety of circular apertures, allows for ample natural light. The Raffles resort will also feature the signature hallmarks for which the globally renowned hospitality brand is known, including its legendary butler service, exceptional culinary offerings, and an emphasis on destination arts and culture. “Trojena is set to redefine the understanding of luxury hospitality and mountain tourism. We are thrilled to work with Raffles to …

flydubai will add seasonal summer flights to Sochi in Russia. Flights to Sochi International Airport (AER) will operate between 16 June and 01 September with a three-times weekly service from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to expand our seasonal summer offering with the resumption of flights to Sochi. Over the last few years we have seen consistent demand on our popular seasonal routes such as Batumi, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos and Santorini and with the start of flights to Sochi, we look forward to offering our passengers more attractive holiday destinations to explore between June and September.” Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is a popular seaside resort surrounded by sweeping beaches, lush forests and stunning mountainous landscapes. This famous resort city features cultural and historical sites as well as beautiful nature reserves to explore such as the Sochi Arboretum. With more than 125 destinations in 58 countries on its growing network, passengers travelling on flydubai’s latest aircraft can enjoy a comfortable travel experience whether they are in Business Class or Economy Class. Flight details Flights between Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) and Sochi International Airport (AER) will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return Business Class fares from DXB to AER start from AED 10,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500. Return Business Class fares from AER to DXB start from USD 2,400 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD 600.

Dubai International (DXB) has concluded a record-breaking year of achievements and extraordinary growth by welcoming 87 million guests in annual traffic in 2023, surpassing not only Dubai Airports’ own yearly forecast but also pre-pandemic levels of traffic. This remarkable performance marks the successful and ahead-of-time completion of DXB’s recovery journey, further solidifying its position as the world’s leading airport for international passenger traffic. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “DXB’s spectacular performance in 2023 is a resounding testament to the visionary leadership and determination of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve growth and excellence across sectors, surmounting all challenges along the way. This exceptional performance underscores Dubai’s emergence as the world’s most popular tourism destination and its pivotal role in global commerce and trade, facilitated by the unmatched connectivity, aviation capacity and logistics infrastructure that has been built steadily over the years under His Highness’s leadership.” “Dubai is setting new benchmarks in passenger experience with excellence levels and innovative technologies that constantly redefine airport services. Consistent with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business over the next decade, the city continues to grow rapidly as a global aviation hub and the world’s preferred gateway for international travellers. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to further enhancing Dubai’s leading position on the global stage.” His Highness noted that Dubai Airports, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al …

According to Wego’s data, there is a 17.2% YoY increase in international flight searches originating from Kuwait for travel during the National Day and Liberation Day holidays. February in Kuwait is typically a highly anticipated travel season with the annual dual celebrations. Wego has so far recorded a 23.5% uptick in bookings compared to the previous month’s figures for the same period. Wego shared insights on Kuwait National Day travel trends for this year. An exciting travel opportunity awaits Kuwaitis, as this year’s National Day and Liberation Day coincide with a long weekend. Wego found that Kuwait travellers respond to this 4-day government holiday by jetting off to popular destinations. Per Wego’s data, Kuwaiti travellers made their National Day trip bookings a little earlier this year. On average, flights scheduled around the holiday were booked 33 days in advance, compared to an average of 29 days in 2023. MENA cities are top destinations With ample days off this year, Kuwaiti travellers still opt to enjoy vacations at relatively nearby destinations. Wego found that the prime cities booked from Kuwait for travel during the holiday include Cairo, Jeddah, Amman, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul. Notably, all these places grant visa-free entry to Kuwaiti passport holders, serving as a compelling incentive for travellers seeking to enjoy their vacation without much hassle. Slight rise in ticket prices Average airfares to the aforementioned top destinations have collectively experienced an increase of 13.4% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. One-way ticket price to Istanbul on average, for example, has more than doubled for the February holiday season this year, while tickets to Jeddah and Amman are now pricier by 29.3% and 61.1% respectively.

Qatar Tourism has unveiled Qatar’s first Festival of Lights, Noor, on February 21 and running until March 2 at Al Saad Square in Darb Lusail, concluding the winter season. The first festival of its kind in Qatar, open to the public daily from 18:00 to midnight, is based on providing a unique and enjoyable visual experience, accompanied by the installation of approximately 20 interactive models distributed over five experiences, in addition to theatrical performances, and other performances suitable for all ages. Noor Festival will host world-renowned bands such as Candela, Buggy and Woogie, to entertain people of different cultures and contemporary life, suitable for different ages and tastes. Artistic and theatrical performances will also be accompanied by musical performances by artists from the region and the world. Commenting on the festival, Eng. Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, Head of Tourism Marketing and Promotion at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are concluding the winter season with the same momentum that the season has witnessed since its inception several months ago, with a festival that is the first of its kind in Qatar, combining innovation and dazzling, and suitable for all ages and tastes. This festival reflects Qatar Tourism’s interest and focus on diversifying the annual events calendar in line with our position as a distinguished family tourism destination, and in line with our strategic objectives. Qatar Tourism continues to strengthen our collaboration withall partners in the tourism sector, and we are delighted to partner with Qatari Diar to host this unique festival.” Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Coordinates the country’s real estate development priorities and is the Official Partner of Noor Festival. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Chief Investment Officer at …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Department of Economic Development Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi held a conference to discuss various themes contributing to tourism excellence to further build capacity in the emirate’s tourism sector,  in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization’s Academy (UNWTO Academy). Aiming to further build capacity in the emirate’s tourism sector, DCT Abu Dhabi and UNWTO Academy also recently introduced the UNWTO.QUEST Certification for quality assurance in the industry, and the UNWTO. TedQual Certification, a programme which aims to enhance the quality of tourism education, training and research programmes in UAE universities. Titled ‘Sustainability and Competitiveness: Tourism Potentials and Challenges’, the conference brought together experts in sustainability and tourism, and helped attendees develop an understanding of the role of diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and strategic leadership in enhancing destination competitiveness. The conference agenda discussed practices and strategies that could be adopted by tourism stakeholders to contribute to the development of more a competitive and responsible tourism destination. Among the attendees were H.E. Hala Khaled Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD) at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; H.E. Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; and Mr. Ammar Anwar Sajwani, Director of Tourism Development Department, UAE Ministry of Economy. H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Through various initiatives, we are enabling industry-wide discussions that contribute to a sustainable tourism future. With a focus on education, we are keen to deliver continued tourism excellence, channelling innovation through a fresh lens. Encouraging these vital discussions is key to creating enduring, …

Turkish Airlines has introduced the “Turkish Airlines Student Privileges Program”, a student-centric initiative aimed at elevating the travel experience for students. The new program is designed to be accessible and make travel affordable for students, whether connecting with loved ones, attending educational institutions, or exploring new destinations. Recognising the adventurous spirit of students, Turkish Airlines presents privileges that transcend conventional travel offerings. Students can benefit from a variety of services, including discounts of up to 20% on flights, an increased baggage allowance, a one-time free ticket change for international flights, and extra miles on all flights. With these special offers, Turkish Airlines is gearing its efforts towards enhancing students’ travels and helping them feel more at ease when planning their journeys. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, stated that “We understand the significance of providing students with affordable and flexible travel options. Turkish Airlines is dedicated to supporting students in their educational journeys, making exploration and learning accessible.” Turkish Airlines Supports Türkiye Scholarships Program Beyond the Student Privileges Program, Turkish Airlines is strengthening its commitment to education by supporting the Türkiye Scholarships Program, acknowledging the pivotal role education plays in positive global change. The generously funded program, supported by the Turkish government, exemplifies Türkiye’s dedication to nurturing exceptional talents globally. This government-funded initiative provides outstanding students and researchers with the chance to pursue full-time or short-term programs at Türkiye’s esteemed universities. As part of the Türkiye Scholarships Program, Turkish Airlines is proud to be the program’s airline partner, providing flight tickets to students from across the globe who choose to come to Türkiye to advance their studies, careers, and in turn, find …

The ‘Ramadan Souq’ organized by Dubai Municipality, will kick off tomorrow (Saturday, February 17) and will run until March 9, 2024. This souq is a famous and ancient tradition in Dubai that celebrates the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. The event will take place at the historic Old Municipality Street in Bur Deira, a renowned traditional market in Dubai, drawing a significant crowd of shoppers seeking personal and household essentials, along with lively commercial activities and food showcases. Ramadan Souq draws diverse segments of society, including citizens, residents, tourists, and visitors alike. The event offers the opportunity for a unique shopping experience at competitive prices. The event includes a mini marketplace featuring a traditional market offering various items and gadgets essential for Ramadan preparations. It also offers special products for celebrating ‘Hag Al Laila’. In addition, the event provides various services, live entertainment shows, and activities for children. Encouragement Dubai Municipality gives high importance to the development of heritage sites and old markets within the emirate. It channels resources and capabilities towards organizing a variety of entertainment, tourism, and commercial events. These activities highlight the historical and heritage significance of Dubai, reinforcing efforts to support investors and attract investment. Additionally, the Municipality is committed to providing diverse and engaging attractions that contribute to the overall attractiveness and quality of life in Dubai, solidifying its position as an international tourist destination. By launching Ramadan Souq, Dubai Municipality aims to not only showcase traditional markets and their offerings but also to safeguard the heritage and authenticity of age-old customs associated with preparations for the blessed month of Ramadan. The municipality has set the timing of ‘Ramadan Souq’ between 10AM and …

Dubai Islands Beach, Dubai’s first beach where dogs can swim, invites pup parents and their furry companions to experience the latest addition to its canine-friendly offering, with the opening of its first dog park. Set to welcome beachgoers and their four-legged friends in February, the dedicated space promises 460 square metres of fun where dogs can roam leash-free as they run, play and socialise with one another. The new dog park will feature enhanced amenities to ensure an enjoyable experience for owners and their beloved pets including a ramp, agility seesaw, an obstacle course complete with slalom posts, a hoop ring for dogs to jump through, beams for dogs to weave through and a platform for practicing high jumps. Dog owners will have benches to utilise while their pets are immersed in engaging activities. Further enhancing Dubai Island Beach’s reputation as the ideal destination for dog owners where they can spend quality time with man’s best friend, the park will also feature facilities for owners’ convenience including a dog waste bin and dispenser, a pet shower and a drinking fountain to keep dogs hydrated throughout the day. The go-to destination for visitors looking to unwind or get active, Dubai Islands Beach offers an array of activities including beach volleyball, beach football and non-motorised water sports including paddle boarding and kayaking, in partnership with Blue Safari. Located within walking distance of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Hotel Riu Dubai, Dubai Islands Beach is reachable by road and water transportation. Boat and yacht owners can anchor their vessels at the nearby Nakheel Marina Dubai Islands to enjoy a jam-packed day of family-friendly activities. The Dubai Islands Beach dog park is accessible …

Sharjah Airport received the first flight of Fly Jinnah, a leading low-cost carrier in Pakistan operated jointly by Lakson Group of Pakistan and Air Arabia Group of UAE. The new carrier was welcomed during a ceremony held in the presence of H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, Iqbal Ali Lakhani, Chairman of Fly Jinnah, and a group of representatives from the Authority, Air Arabia, and the Pakistani airline. It will operate on the route between Islamabad and Sharjah with two daily flights. The move comes in line with Sharjah Airport’s continuous efforts to deliver a wide array of services to its partners while catering to the needs of operators and passengers alike and ensuring a smooth operation. Sharjah Airport is currently expanding its range of flight options and destinations it offers with an aim to bolster the confidence of passengers. Furthermore, by providing exceptional services and travel procedures along with leveraging the airport’s ideal location and ongoing expansion efforts to boost capacity, it seeks to ensure a seamless and satisfying travel experience. The airport is also actively pursuing strategies to attract more airlines and foster new partnerships to introduce new routes and elevate its services by integrating cutting-edge technologies.