Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Labour to launch the new training for employment project “Najm”. The project, which operates under the #IAmTourism programme, aims to provide a platform for developing highly skilled Omani nationals in the tourism and hospitality sector. It will train 250 job seekers for employment at a newly established start-up company, which will develop and manage tourism-related activities across Oman to stimulate the growth and popularity of the sector. The agreement was signed by HE Sayyid Salim bin Musallam Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development and the CEO of OMRAN Group, Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, with senior officials from both parties in attendance. As part of the agreement, 250 job opportunities have been announced and applications are currently being accepted from prospective Omani candidates across Oman. To be eligible, relevant candidates profiles have to meet the required criteria being announced. The selection process will involve a personal interview and different ability tests. After the selection, 250 high-calibre Omani nationals with an entrepreneurial mindset will be shortlisted. These candidates will undergo six months of intensive theoretical and practical training developed in partnership with recognised and specialised institutes in the country. Upon completion of the training and certification, each of the 250 candidates will be offered full-time employment with a newly established OMRAN Group start-up. “This project will improve the labour market and its outcomes by creating new employment opportunities. The tourism industry in the country is still growing and requires the involvement of national competencies, both in terms of tour guides and hospitality.” He added, “The tourism sector is crucial and requires …

Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah’s boutique beachfront retreat, reveals the extensive refurbishment of its rooms, suites, ballrooms and Amal Club Lounge. The new look and enhanced ambience was created with discerning travellers in mind. Tasteful yet striking, the aesthetic has been skillfully crafted to ensure cohesiveness with the property’s traditional Arabesque exteriors. Large windows mean rooms are bathed in natural light and cooled by a fresh sea breeze, while a neutral colour palette and mesmerising views of the beach, combined with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts’ signature amenities and bedding, create a sense of tranquillity. Occasional pops of colour enliven the soothing environment. Jaime Simpson, General Manager of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, says: “In collaboration with La Bottega, we have re-energised our beloved hotel, being mindful not to erase any of the property’s warmth and heritage. For our returning guests, it is still the much-loved boutique beachfront resort that is their familiar home away from home, which has now been completely refurbished. We are excited to see their reaction to the hard work and investment we have put into the hotel. We also welcome a new generation of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam guests to experience our signature dining experiences and renowned service, as we strive to deliver beyond expectations.” Sahar Al Yaseer, founder of La Bottega by Intice, says: “It was an honour to work with Jumeirah Mina A’Salam on the refurbishment of its rooms and suites. The idea behind the new contemporary interiors was to reflect a more timeless, luxurious and tranquil atmosphere synonymous with the Jumeirah brand. The symmetrical balance achieved by the interiors’ neutral tones flows seamlessly and positively impacts guests’ wellbeing, which is something we always strive for in …

Sharjah Airport experienced a remarkable growth in the previous year achieving the Authority’s primary objectives of revamping the Emirate’s tourism sector as well as elevating the airport’s status as one of the top five airports in the region. Passenger traffic witnessed a growth rate of 84.73 per cent, increasing the numbers to nearly 13 million passengers in 2022, as opposed to 7 million passengers in 2021. Meanwhile, aircraft movement experienced an increase of 51.69 per cent to 87,495 flights in 2022, as compared to 57,679 by the end of 2021. Moreover, around 170,544 tonnes of freight were handled through the Sharjah Airport in 2022, indicating an increase of 21.20 percent from around 140,717 tonnes in 2021. His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The growth and achievements recorded in the previous year reflects our commitment to meeting evolving passenger expectations through our enhanced customer services. This marks a significant step in our journey towards excellence and leadership, which is in line with the visions and aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and are as a result of the close supervision of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The remarkable results resonate our strategic goals of reviving the travel industry in the Emirate of Sharjah, together with our ambitions to offer elevated levels of services. To satisfy the rising demand of the travel and air freight sectors, we further aim at raising our investments in expanding the airport’s capacity and enhancing the network of tourism …

Continuing its efforts to boost local tourism, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed an agreement with the Office of the Al Buraimi Governor to develop several tourism projects at prominent destinations across the governorate. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi, the Governor of Al Buraimi, and Eng Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group Board of Directors, with senior officials from both parties in attendance. The agreement is part of OMRAN Group’s efforts to enhance partnerships with various stakeholders and achieve its tourism development objectives in the Sultanate. Under the agreement, OMRAN Group will provide technical support and oversee operations for the Al Buraimi Gate and Al Abila Park. The first project, Al Buraimi Gate, will serve as a platform for interaction between visitors and sub-activities through interactive digital panels and a display screen. The screen will display unique material and showcase the cultural history of the Governorate of Buraimi.Al Ubila Park will cover an area of over 181,000 square meters. The project aims to fulfil the desires of tourists, visitors, and residents of the Sultanate, showcasing the region’s rich beauty and creating a fun and relaxing recreational area for the community. Speaking on the agreement, Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi said: “We are pleased to partner with OMRAN Group and establish significant projects that stimulate tourism growth in the governorate. These projects will enrich the tourism facilities and services for visitors. Recently, the Governorate of Buraimi implemented several development projects designed to attract visitors from across the Sultanate and advance economic growth in both the governorate and the Sultanate. These efforts will create many business opportunities for local …

Moscow Domodedovo Airport’s (DME) welcomed Jazeera Airways’ inaugural flight from Kuwait International Airport. Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low cost airline began operating this new route to offer passengers from Moscow connectivity to the Middle East region and beyond. Andrey Pavlov, Director of Domodedovo Airport said: “It is a great honor for us to receive a new carrier that will operate a unique route for the Moscow air hub, connecting the capitals of the two countries — Moscow and Kuwait City. We believe that our cooperation with Jazeera Airways will also actively contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries.” Kuwait, based in the Middle East, is one of the most developed countries in the world, offering a mix of modernity and old world charm. Domodedovo Airport’s passengers will enjoy direct connectivity to Kuwait and will also have access to Jazeera’s wide network of 55+ destinations across the Middle East, Central & South Asia, North Africa and Europe. Bharathan Ravindran, Vice President – Sales for Jazeera Airways said: “We are excited to be the first airline to launch the Kuwait – Moscow route in partnership with the Moscow Domodedovo Airport. We see a high demand for flights from Moscow for leisure travel as well as religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Kuwait is ideally located to offer this connectivity. We are also looking forward to increasing the frequency of flights in the coming year to meet the demand for this route.” Jazeera Airways operates flights from Moscow Domodedovo Airport, one of the busiest airports in Russia, to Kuwait four times a week; on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

flynas celebrated the opening of its office in Doha recently, after operating daily flights between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to be the first low-cost operator linking the two brotherly countries. HH Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al-Saud, and the officials of the Qatar Tourism, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Qatar. flynas is the first low-cost carrier linking the Kingdom and Qatar with daily flights to Doha from Riyadh and Jeddah, within the expansion strategy it launched early last year under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”, and in line with the objectives of the Saudi civil aviation strategy to reach 330 million passengers and increase the international destinations connected with the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations by 2030. The Saudi carrier started last November operating up to 6 daily flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Doha, providing its guests with multiple options with the launch of the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosted by Qatar.   It is noteworthy that Flynas has reported double annual growth in operation and performance in 2022, with increasing passengers by 91% to 8.7 million, flights by 45% to 66,000, and seat capacity by 46%, in addition to launching 16 destinations and 30 routes as fleet upscaled to 43 aircraft. The success of flynas was recognised with many international awards, including Skytrax International Award as the Best Low-cost Airline in the Middle East in 2022 for the fifth year in a row. It is the highest award given in the aviation sector worldwide since its launch in 1999. flynas was also ranked among the Skytrax top 10 low-cost …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and Damas Saudi Arabia Company Ltd. signed an agreement to grant members of the frequent flyer program, ALFURSAN, miles added to their account for every purchase. The agreement was signed by the Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at SAUDIA, Mr. Essam Akhonbay, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Damas and CEO, Mr. Luc Perramond. Under the agreement, members of the Blue and Silver tiers of the Elite ALFURSAN program will receive one additional mile for every USD per purchase from Damas, while members of the Gold Level Elite Plus will receive two additional miles for every USD on each purchase from Damas. Mr. Essam Akhonbay, VP Marketing and Product Management at SAUDIA, stated, “In line with the new program revamp, ALFURSAN is set to offer more rewards, miles, and partners to maximize the benefits to our 7.5 million ALFURSAN members. This partnership will enrich the pool of benefits to ensure our elite members receive more value for their loyalty”. Luc Perramond, Chairman and CEO of Damas Jewellery commented: “We are proud to announce the signing of our partnership with SAUDIA, one of the most notable airlines in the region. As a leading player in the jewellery sector in the Kingdom in particular and the Gulf in general, it is essential that our products and services remain fully compatible with the changing needs of the market that is always seeking brilliance and creativity.” Perramond added, “We will in turn strive to meet the needs of the consumer with our distinguished business and various offers. One of our goals is to offer ALFURSAN members a high-level shopping experience, where they are rewarded for …

Jumeirah Group acquires legendary Le Richemond hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva, Switzerland; the luxury hospitality company is focused on international expansion as it targets strategic gateway cities. Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, today announced the acquisition of its first property in Switzerland as it continues its growth trajectory and international expansion. The flagship property – Le Richemond – was founded in 1875 and is located on the banks of Lake Geneva in a prime location at the heart of the city’s business district and a short walk from the city’s luxury designer boutiques. The acquisition forms part of the Group’s strategy to build its brand profile in gateway destinations across the world. The move signals Jumeirah’s appetite for investment in key cities that support the diversification of its portfolio and build brand equity as a globally recognised luxury hotel operator. Geneva, as a thriving city, synonymous with luxury living, with a strong international business community and a robust high-end tourism sector, will support Jumeirah’s vision to become one of the world’s top five luxury hotel brands. The art deco property with its charm and grandeur has been a popular destination for well-known personalities throughout the years. The hotel features 109 keys with 87 rooms and 22 suites, boasting stunning views across Lac Léman and the mountain peaks of Mont Blanc. The property will undergo extensive renovations, which will commence as soon as possible, to reposition and elevate the guest experience to a level consistent with Jumeirah’s brand expectations. Jumeirah plans to introduce its signature wellness and fitness concepts and will also focus on bringing its culinary expertise to the banks of …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into management agreements with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to manage three new Hyatt-branded hotels, including Grand Hyatt Madinah, Hyatt Regency Madinah and Hyatt Place Madinah. Upon opening, these properties will participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program and will add a combined 1,729 room keys to Hyatt’s portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, significantly expanding Hyatt’s brand presence in the country and demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth of its portfolio in key markets that matter to its guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and owners. The three properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah project and are set to be the first Hyatt-branded hotels in Madinah, a city that aims to attract 30 million tourists by 2030. The Rua Al Madinah project is one of the most important initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to raise the readiness of the eastern region of the Prophet’s Mosque to accommodate the rising demand in tourism. Set within a distinguished urban environment, the milestone project will aim to enrich the visitor’s experience through the development of integrated systems for hotels, commercial projects and urban centres that highlight the religious and cultural characteristics of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah; all, in an atmosphere full of tranquillity and harmony. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the Middle East and we are excited to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company on the plans for these fantastic properties in Madinah,” commented Javier Águila, Group President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “We …

flynas announced that its passengers can apply for an electronic Stopover Visa through its website. The “Stopover Visa” is issued after purchasing the airline ticket, and the validity of the visa extends to three months and the stay in the Kingdom up to 4 days. The visa application will be passed automatically to the unified national visa platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to process and issue the digital visa immediately and send it to the beneficiary via e-mail. Expecting that the new service will contribute to increasing the visitors to the Kingdom, including Umrah and Pilgrim visitors, tourists, and businessmen, Bandar Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas, said, “the Saudi Vision 2030 has laid the foundations for cooperation among the regulatory and executive sectors on one hand, and with the private sector on the other hand, to serve the Kingdom’s goals in all sectors. Today, we see a practical application of this integration and cooperation by enabling the national carriers to facilitate a request for issuing a Stopover visa, which facilitates procedures of obtaining a Stopover visa for whoever wishes to visit the Kingdom”. Almohanna stressed that this service will contribute to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for travel and business by facilitating quick business visits, making the Kingdom a point of contact between countries and continents. He indicated that the new service comes in line with the civil aviation strategy to reach 330 million passengers and link the Kingdom’s cities with 250 global destinations and 100 million tourists annually. Thousands of tourists are expected to benefit from the Stopover visa to attend the various cultural and entertainment events in the Kingdom throughout the …