Taking a step forward in its drive to offer customers the convenience and assurance of digitally enabled travel journeys, Emirates will require most passengers departing Dubai to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper version, from 15 May onwards. Passengers checking in at Terminal 3 will receive their mobile boarding pass via email or SMS. Passengers who check in online can load their boarding pass into their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or retrieve their boarding pass on the user-friendly Emirates App. The checked-in baggage receipt is also emailed directly to passengers, or available in the Emirates App. This initiative will significantly reduce paper waste while simultaneously offering a convenient and speedy digitised check in experience for passengers departing Dubai. It reduces the risk of lost or misplaced boarding passes, giving passengers peace of mind when travelling. The mobile boarding pass can be used throughout the travel journey – in Dubai Duty Free, at security and for boarding, simply by showing the boarding pass on the phone. Emirates agents and airport staff will simply scan the QR code on the mobile boarding pass as passengers move through the airport and onto the aircraft. Some passengers may still require a physical boarding pass to be printed – for instance when travelling with infants, unaccompanied minors, passengers requiring special assistance, passengers with onwards flights on other airlines, and all passengers travelling on flights to the US. The option to print a boarding pass is available by request to Emirates agents at check-in counters, if passengers do not have a mobile device, or if they are unable to access the information on their devices for reasons such as: running out …

Dur Hospitality and Memar Development & Investment have signed an agreement to operate two hotels in Makkah under the brand Nur by Makarem. The two hotels are among Dur Hospitality’s first Nur by Makarem properties.  The first hotel, Nur Al Naseem, is located in Makkah’s Al Naseem district and includes 124 rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant, café, and various amenities. Commenting on this milestone, Dur CEO, Mr. Sultan Al-Otaibi said:” Nur by Makarem brand is redefining the experience of affordable hotels in Saudi Arabia to meet the growing demand for this category of hotels. The brand will add value and diversity to the hospitality options in the holy cities in line with the Saudi government’s strategy to scale up spiritual hospitality offerings as per Saudi Vision 2030. It will also leverage Saudi heritage hospitality while complying with international standards.” Dur Hospitality’s President of Hotels Operations,  Mr. Hassan Al Ahdab stated: “Nur by Makarem will renovate, convert, and operate the hotel while upgrading the hospitality experience, capitalizing on the heritage, vast potential, and world-class services of Makarem. This concept presents an excellent opportunity for hotel owners and operators in Makkah and Madinah to revitalize their hotels with a new modern and sophisticated look.” Speaking on this occasion, CEO of Memar Development & Investment, Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Muqran said: “ Our company’s strategic priorities as a real estate developer in the hospitality sector focus on developing great hotels in strategic locations in various regions of the Kingdom, providing properties that meet market needs, and signing management and operation agreements with leading local and international hotel operators. We are pleased to be signing a partnership agreement with a leading hospitality company …

Cozmo Travel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) during the Arabian Travel Market 2023 for the second year in a row. The signing of the MoU was a significant achievement for Cozmo Travel and STA, as it signifies their continued collaboration to promote Saudi Arabia as a top travel destination for tourists from around the world. This year’s agreement builds on the successful partnership established between Cozmo Travel and STA in the previous year, which has contributed to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. Cozmo Travel’s CEO, Jamal Abdulnazar, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with STA, stating that “the MoU reflects our shared commitment to promoting Saudi Arabia as a world-class tourist destination. We are excited to continue working with the Saudi Tourism Authority to showcase the unique beauty and rich cultural heritage of this remarkable country.” As part of the MoU, Cozmo Travel will offer exclusive travel packages and tour itineraries to travelers looking to explore the kingdom’s most iconic destinations, including its stunning natural landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities. Moreover, the collaboration will also focus on enhancing the tourist experience by facilitating dynamic travel arrangements, including visa processing, transportation, and accommodation to travelers through the expansive Cozmo Travel Network of branches and outlets across 11 countries. The partnership between Cozmo Travel and STA highlights the growing importance of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and the region. As the country continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure and diversify its economy, Cozmo Travel is proud to be a key player in promoting this vision. Overall, the signing of the MoU between Cozmo Travel and STA is a testament …

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed a second licensed agreement with Hasbro, Inc. a global branded entertainment leader. Under the agreement, SEVEN will bring the Transformers brand to its entertainment destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement follows an earlier announcement of a licensed agreement between to the two parties for the world’s first PLAY-DOH attractions. SEVEN have partnered with AOA, an industry leader in immersive experience design and production, to develop the Transformers attractions which will provide thrilling and highly immersive experiences for people of all ages. Spanning over 10,000 square metres, the first Transformers attraction will open at SEVEN’s entertainment destination in the Al Hamra district of Riyadh, with two additional attractions set to open at other SEVEN’s entertainment destinations. The Transformers ride-based attractions will feature thrilling state-of-the-art rides and captivating environments that will have guests fully immersed in the action-packed world of the iconic brand. To complete the overall visitor experience, there will be branded retail, including specially developed merchandise, and themed food and beverage venues, leaving guests feeling as though they have stepped into the Transformers universe. Abdullah Al Dawood, Chairman, SEVEN, said: “We are delighted to once again be partnering with Hasbro to bring this iconic brand to the Kingdom. We continue to cement our position as the national champion of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, strengthening the entertainment ecosystem with our strategic partnerships to bring a wide range of attractions for the people of Saudi Arabia to enjoy.” Matt Proulx, VP, Location Based Entertainment at Hasbro, Inc. said: “By partnering with SEVEN in the Kingdom, we can bring even more truly unique experiences …

The Emirates Group released its 2022-23 Annual Report, reporting its most profitable year ever on the back of strong demand across its businesses. Emirates achieved new record profits, a complete turnaround from its loss position last year. Both Emirates and dnata saw significant revenue increases in 2022-23 as the Group expanded its air transport and travel-related operations following the removal of nearly all pandemic-related restrictions around the world. For the financial year ended 31 March 2023, the Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED 10.9 billion (US$ 3.0 billion) compared with an AED 3.8 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) loss for last year. The Group’s revenue was AED 119.8 billion (US$ 32.6 billion), an increase of 81% over last year’s results. The Group’s cash balance was AED 42.5 billion (US$ 11.6 billion), the highest ever reported, up 65% from last year mainly due to strong demand across its core business divisions and markets. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, said: “We’re proud of our 2022-23 performance which is not only a full recovery, but also a record result. This achievement would not have been possible without HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, whose leadership has been critical to our success today and through the years. The architect of Dubai’s progressive economic policies, HH Sheikh Mohammed is also the engine behind the Emirates Group’s trajectory. Without his drive and support, Emirates will be half the size of what we are today.” He added: I’m proud of the Emirates Group’s performance for 2022-23, and our contribution to the restoration of air transport and tourism across the markets …

Emirates announced it has committed US$ 200 million to fund research and development (R&D) projects focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation.  This is the biggest single commitment by any airline on sustainability, with funds to be disbursed over 3 years. Emirates will identify partnerships with leading organisations working on solutions in advanced fuel and energy technologies. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We are ring-fencing US$ 200 million to invest in advanced fuel and energy solutions for aviation, which is where airlines currently face the biggest impediment in reducing our environmental impact. We looked long and hard at the reality we face in commercial aircraft and engine technology, fuel supply chain, and our industry’s regulatory and eco-system requirements. It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline. “We believe our industry needs better solutions, and that’s why we’re looking to partner with leading organisations on R&D. Our aim is to contribute meaningfully to practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation.” Sir Tim added: “Until viable solutions can be found, Emirates will continue to implement environmentally responsible practices throughout our business, including uplifting SAF where feasible, ensuring efficient fleet operations, and inducting modern aircraft into our fleet. Our US$ 200 million fund is earmarked for R&D, and not for operating costs like the purchase of SAF or carbon offsets to tick regulatory boxes – activities we consider business-as-usual.” Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Executive Steering Group will oversee disbursements from the fund, with support from technical experts. Emirates’ long-standing environmental policy and strategy focusses its activities on 3 …

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) announced the signing of a financing agreement with Shada Real Estate Development and Investment Company. The agreement is to establish a 4-star boutique hotel featuring 110 hotel rooms in Jeddah, one of the targeted tourist destinations. The hotel will be designed with a mix of the architectural styles of Makkah region and the local style. The announcement of this agreement coincided with the Future Hospitality Summit – FHIS – held in Riyadh from May 7 to May 9, 2023, which witnessed the presence of a large number of government dignitaries and officials of the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as a group of prominent developers, investors, hotel owners and operators, to discuss the prospects of growth and development of the tourism and hospitality sector in the Kingdom. The hotel will be characterised by its design, inspired by the local style mixed with architectural touches specific to the Makkah region. Shada Development and Real Estate Investment aims to revive, preserve and highlight the essence of the cultures of the various regions in the Kingdom, especially the architectural cultural heritage of the city of Jeddah. TDF’s agreement with Shada Hotels will contribute to the growth of the Kingdom’s economy and achieve the goals set out within the National Tourism Strategy. Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund, said: “TDF’s purpose is to be the main enabler for investors, in order to serve the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy. This agreement with our partner Shada Company is one of the ways in which the Fund is helping to activate tourism destinations in the Kingdom, which will contribute to supporting investment and motivating …

Rua Al Madinah Holding company signed an agreement with Accor for the operation of multiple premium and luxury hotels within Rua Al Madinah Project, which is currently underway, at the area just east of the Prophet Mosque in Madinah. Under the terms of the agreement, Accor will operate three hotels which would add over 1,000 hospitality units to the city of Madinah, which include 142-keys Fairmont and 120-keys Fairmont residence, in addition to 466-keys Swissôtel hotel and 328-keys Novotel hotel. “We are delighted to partner with a leading hospitality group that’s known in the world over for its bespoke and inimitable style,” said Al Juhani, Rua Al Madinah Holding Company CEO. “The three new brands will enhance the appeal of the project’s master plan and help us offer a broad selection of hospitality options to the city’s visitors, providing something for everyone that meets their need and budget and enrich their experience.” Rua Al Madinah Holding aims to enrich the experience of all visitors to Madinah and contribute to the achievement of Vision 2030’s goals of raising the holy city’s hospitality capacity to be able to accommodate 30 million visitors by the year 2030. The signing took place on the sidelines of Future Hospitality Summit, in Riyadh from 7-9 May. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Juhani, Chief Executive Officer of Rua Al Madinah Holding company, and Duncan O’Rourke, Accor’s CEO for the Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. As one of the world’s largest hospitality groups, Accor operates more than 5,300 properties in over 110 countries.

Dur Hospitality has announced signing a partnership agreement with Smart Zone Real Estate Company. The agreement aims to set up a Limited Liability Company (The Project Company) to construct and operate an innovative hotel in Riyadh. As per the agreement, The Project Company will develop and operate the first full-fledged smart hotel in the Kingdom. The Project Company’s capital will be contributed according to the ownership percentage of each party. Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Feras Albanyan CEO of AQALAT stated: “We are excited to partner on this project with Dur Hospitality, one of the leading national companies in hotel development and operation in the Kingdom.” For his part, Dur Hospitality CEO Mr. Sultan Al-Otaibi stated, “Dur has diligently worked on the studies required to set up The Project Company which will embody Dur’s strategic expansion roadmap and its role in the Saudi hospitality’s digital transformation journey. The hotel will embrace next-generation technologies with ultra-modern digital designs, in line with the top international standards. This JV supports Dur Hospitality’s direction to expand strategic partnerships with leading institutions in the Kingdom to develop top-notch hotels and increase the contribution of the tourism sector to the Kingdom’s GDP, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Dur is very happy to join hands with Smart Zone Real Estate Company to develop this outstanding project.” The two parties signed an MOU in October 2022, followed by the preparatory studies for the establishment of The Project Company to develop and operate a state-of-the-art hotel in the Kingdom.

Qatar Tourism hosted the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) conference for the Middle East and Africa region, which came to Doha for the first time from 9 to 11 May. This year’s edition of the prestigious conference, the Middle East’s largest gathering of business events experts, attracts representatives of business events stakeholders including government entities, conference promotion bureaus and some of the region’s leading tourism industry oversights. Hosting the conference is a key step for Qatar’s tourism sector, where specialized tourism sectors such as conferences, travel incentives, exhibitions and meetings are of vital importance, as part of efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of the Qatari tourism industry of increasing the number of arrivals to Qatar. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, President of Qatar Tourism and Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, said: “We are delighted to host this prestigious conference in Qatar for the first time. We have a great ambition to become a leading global destination for hosting business events that is a key pillar of Qatar’s Tourism Strategy 2030. Qatar’s strategic location, award-winning airline and airport, the country’s visa facilities and state-of-the-art exhibition and conference facilities make it an ideal choice for business visitors who want productive, enjoyable and seamless journeys.” Held under the theme ‘Towards Sustainable Growth’, this year’s edition of the conference presents actionable strategiesand solutions that can help business leaders achieve their goals in terms of combating climate change. During its sessions, the conference is expected to present a variety of interviews and meetings and lively discussions involving prominent figures and representatives from the business events industry.