Vienna Tourist Board showcased how its coffeehouse culture contributes to the city’s quality of life at the ‘Sip of Vienna’ barista masterclass hosted in collaboration with Julius Meinl in Dubai. The Masterclass experience included a tasting session and a discussion about the process of selecting and roasting green coffee beans as part of the learning experience. The highly trained baristas at Julius Meinl demonstrated how to prepare the “Wiener Melange”, a typical Viennese coffee speciality and showcased how to grind the beans, measure, and brew coffee using a variety of different methods. With around 2,200 coffeehouses in Vienna, ranging from elegant traditional cafés to simple bistros with standing room, from spacious café-restaurants to cosy café-patisseries, the Viennese coffeehouse culture inspires artists and guests. As a result of Vienna’s coffeehouse culture fulfilling an invaluable social function, UNESCO added it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011. Throughout Vienna, people meet in coffeehouses to philosophize, relax, meditate, read the newspaper, gossip, flirt, play billiards and chess, and talk with friends and strangers. Matthias Schwindl, Media Relations Manager Middle East at Vienna Tourist Board, said: “The Viennese coffee house is known around the globe for its informal pleasantness, as an oasis of gemütlichkeit. Gugelhupf, Sachertorte, and many other tarts and cakes seduce with the promise of sweet pleasure. Vienna embraces international coffee trends like different flavour profiles and new and old preparation methods, from cold brew to drip filter, while incorporating sustainability, natural purity, fair trade, and direct trade.” During the event, Vienna Tourist Board also showcased the reasons why Vienna has the highest quality of life in the world. Schwindl added: “Viennese coffeehouse culture plays a significant role in enhancing the …

dnata announced its partnership with American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), the world’s leading B2B travel platform. The agreement sees Dubai-based dnata Travel Management, the region’s leading corporate travel provider, become Amex GBT’s preferred travel partner in the Middle East. dnata will provide full end-to-end travel and meetings management services to Amex GBT’s customers in the region. Rashid Al Awadhi, Senior Vice President – dnata Travel Group, Middle East & India, commented:  “We look forward to working with Amex GBT and its clients as the region sees strong growth in corporate travel, fuelled by mega-projects and companies that are seeking to expand. Our team’s extensive regional experience goes back to dnata’s GSA and travel agency roots in 1959. Through the years, dnata has continued to build its expertise and network to earn its position as the largest travel management company in the UAE, and one of the largest and most successful in the Middle East. With our broad expertise and 24-hour support function, we will work hard to ensure Amex GBT customers enjoy a quality experience throughout their journey.” Jason Geall, Amex GBT Senior Vice President & General Manager for the EMEA region, said: “We believe our current and future customers will benefit from best-in-class services with dnata as our preferred travel partner. dnata has a proven reputation for trust and transparency that supports Amex GBT’s commitment to service, governance and compliance.” A dnata Travel Group brand, dnata Travel Management is built on a client-focused approach, where people, technology solutions, processes, and procedures revolve around corporate travellers’ needs. The dnata Travel Group represents the travel division of dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider. Amex GBT works …

SAUDIA Group and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting the nation’s distinctive culture throughout the world while enriching the cultural experience of the Kingdom’s guests. This agreement is in line with the Group’s commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 to promote the Kingdom’s cultural sector by creating exceptional cultural experiences that touch the senses of guests on board being the first gateway for the traveler to Saudi. This partnership reflects SAUDIA Group’s efforts to create exceptional cultural experiences to more than 60,000 passengers daily. The role of the group is not limited to only creating these cultural experiences, but it also extends through its sponsorship and support for cultural events and festivals such as the first edition of The Red Sea International Film Festival, Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, and the support it has extended to the Ministry of Culture in celebrating the ‘Year of Arabic Calligraphy’ by adorning two of its aircraft with a special livery marking the initiative. And its support to the ‘Year of Saudi Coffee’ initiative. For 77 years, SAUDIA has strived to bring elements of Saudi culture to the destinations it serves. With the establishment of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture in 2018, coupled with SAUDIA’s significant network expansion, Saudi Arabia is primed to impart its fascinating customs to a wider audience. This is in line with Vision 2030 which looks to celebrate the nation’s rich and unique dialect, culture, tradition, heritage, and culinary identity as shaped by the diversity of its people.   His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA, said on the occasion of the MoU signing: “We firmly believe …

This month marks five years since Emirates and flydubai activated their extensive partnership and joined forces to offer customers unrivalled travel options to every corner of the globe. They’ve certainly delivered on their promise. The carriers’ joint route network has significantly expanded, enabling more than 11 million customers to connect on over 250,000 flights and benefit from seamless travel since the partnership launched in 2017. The innovative partnership goes beyond the standard codesharing model and today includes integrated network collaboration, schedule optimisation, seamless connectivity at Dubai International airport (DXB) between Terminals 2 and 3, baggage transfers on a single itinerary, as well as reciprocal loyalty benefits under the joint loyalty programme, Emirates Skywards. Here’s five key highlights of Emirates and flydubai’s partnership and the benefits it offers to customers: Joint network offers unrivalled choice:  Today, customers have access to 215 destinations across 98 countries, with over 250 codeshare flights to choose from on an average day. Emirates customers can book flights to over 80 unique flydubai destinations and flydubai customers can choose from over 99 Emirates destinations. Popular customer favourites, whether travelling for business or leisure include: Kathmandu, Kuwait, the Maldives, Tel Aviv, and Zanzibar.   Joint loyalty programme maximising customer rewards: More than 8.5 million members have been able to enjoy joint Emirates and flydubai frequent flyer programme benefits, earning 150 billion Skywards Miles in the last five years through the partnership. Seamless connectivity at DXB: Customers enjoy seamless check-in, efficient baggage transfers, passenger access to Emirates’ lounges at Terminal 3 and the flydubai lounge at Terminal 2, reduced connection times as both airlines expand their flight schedules, and convenient connections to 33 flydubai destinations operated from Emirates Terminal …

Oman Air  officially inaugurated its highly anticipated route to Phuket, celebrating the first flight with a ceremony at its First and Business Class check-in counter at Muscat International Airport. The airline has introduced four direct flights a week to the popular resort island, which boasts many of Thailand’s most famous and beautiful locations. Guests can enjoy their holiday from the moment they fly with Oman Air’s award-winning on-board amenities, including in-flight entertainment, quality meal service and comfort touches, all designed to make every journey more comfortable, refreshing and seamless. Aboudy Nasser, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, said, “As part of our network expansion programme, our new flights will address the huge demand for passenger travel between Muscat and Phuket, especially during the peak winter season. With nature, culture and plenty of activities, Phuket is an ideal family destination and, just five hours away from Muscat, it offers a great option for a getaway. Meanwhile, we continue to stay attuned to our guests needs, connect them to destinations they want to go, and elevate their travel experience.” Oman Air’s Muscat/Phuket flights will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Tuesday flight from Muscat will depart at 09:40 and arrive in Phuket at 18:50. The Thursday flight from Muscat will depart at 22:50 and arrive in Phuket on Friday at 08:00. The first flight on Saturday will depart Muscat at 09:40 and arrive in Phuket at 18:50, while the second flight will depart at 22:50 and arrive on Sunday at 08:00 Guests travelling to Muscat and Phuket should ensure they are aware of official requirements to enter or transit through the country. To make a booking, visit omanair.com Guests can also …

‎Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Düsseldorf in Germany landed at Düsseldorf International Airport recently marking the launch of the airline’s latest German destination. The flight was welcomed with a water canon salute upon arrival. Operated by a Boeing 787 aircraft, flight QR085 was welcomed with an opening ceremony attended by Qatar Airways VP Sales, Europe, Mr. Eric Odone and Düsseldorf International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thomas Schnalke. Qatar Airways currently offers services to Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin, making Düsseldorf its fourth destination in Germany. In July 2022, the award-winning airline increased its flight frequency from Frankfurt to three times a day. The move into Düsseldorf further demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to the German market. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch direct services to Düsseldorf, expanding our services in Germany, and marking our entry to the Ruhr region – just in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. With this new service, not only will German passengers enjoy daily flights from a new location, but customers in the nearby countries of Belgium and the Netherlands will also have access to over 150 destinations across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.” “As of today, Düsseldorf Airport has one more great long-haul flight connection,” explained Thomas Schnalke, Chairman of the Airport Management Board. “Qatar Airways is one of the most renowned airlines worldwide. Their decision to include Düsseldorf in their route portfolio is a confirmation for our location. For business travellers as well as for vacationers, the new route is an asset. We look forward to many years of successful cooperation.” The new direct services to Düsseldorf will …

Pioneer in hosting large-scale international events in the region, city of Baku will once again take a central stage by hosting the 74th International Astronautical Congress on October 2nd-6th 2023. Being the main event venue, Baku Convention Center will be the hub for global space communities to exchange the most recent space developments and discuss the global challenges and opportunities for the space industry. The ultra-modern halls of the Baku Convention Center will bring together more than 5000 international and local official delegates and high representatives, space academia scholars, students and association members in a comfortable ambiance and professional setup. With its dazzling architecture and cutting-edge solutions to any arising issue, BCC will pave the way for the Congress/IAC to celebrate its event success again following its first visit to Baku right 50 years ago organizing 24th edition of the IAC. Known for its potential in managing loaded traffic flow and phenomenal flexibility, Baku Convention Center is excited to host the world’s premier global space event, bring together like-minded space actors and celebrate space triumphs altogether!  

Dubai Airports has upped again its annual forecast for passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) to 64.3 million following a strong performance by the hub in the third quarter, and the prospects of a stronger surge in the offing in the final three months of 2022. DXB started the second half of the year with a bang, with average monthly traffic exceeding the 6-million mark throughout the third quarter. The hub recorded 18.5 million passengers in Q3, the first time that quarterly traffic reached pre-pandemic levels since 2020. DXB had recorded 17.8 million passengers in the first quarter of 2020 prior to the pandemic. “The growth in passenger traffic has been terrific throughout the year and continues to exceed our expectations by a margin. While we are thrilled with the numbers, what really gives us immense satisfaction is how the airport community is working together like a well-oiled machine to keep raising the bar on service quality. Our collaborative approach and service transformation initiatives are making a tangible difference in the happiness of our customers, and that remains our ultimate measure of success” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. Key facts and figures Passenger volumes at DXB recorded a triple digit surge in the third quarter to reach 18,455,938, propelling the year-to-date September traffic to 46,340,826 passengers, a year-on-year increase of 167.6%. The YTD traffic volume represents 72% of DXB’s pre-pandemic passenger traffic during the same period in 2019. Cargo Impacted by the moving of all major freight operators from DXB back to Dubai World Central (DWC) in March, Cargo continued to register a softening of demand in Q3. DXB recorded 397,676 tonnes of freight in the Q3, bringing …

Emirates has announced plans to add an additional daily direct flight between Dubai and Colombo, starting from 1 December 2022, to cater to the seasonal increase in the demand for travel. The additional service, operating as EK648/EK649, will increase the number of daily flights between the two cities to three, including two direct flights and one operating via the Maldivian capital, Male. Emirates’ second daily flight will operate direct between Dubai and Colombo, except during 16 to 30 December, when the service from Dubai to Colombo will stop over in Male. From 1 to 15 December and from 31 December to 26 March, EK648 will depart Dubai at 16:10hrs daily and arrive in Colombo at 21:55hrs, all times local. Flight EK648 will be routed via Male from 16th to 30th December, and will during that period, depart Dubai at 10.30hrs and arrive in Male at 14.45hrs. It will then depart from Male  at 17.15hrs and arrive in Colombo at 19.15hrs. Throughout the period from 1 December to 26 March, flight EK649 is scheduled to depart Colombo at 02:55hrs and arrive in Dubai at 05:55hrs. *All times are local. Emirates operates its modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration on flights to Colombo, offering private suites in First Class, lie flat seats in Business Class and spacious seats in Economy Class.  Travellers to and from Sri Lanka benefit from Emirates’ award-winning service and industry-leading products in the air and on the ground across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system which offers up to 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library …

Kuwait Airways and Etihad Airways are pleased to announce the expansion of their codeshare partnership, established in 2019. The carriers will evaluate opportunities to expand the scope of their strategic partnership across all destinations in both carriers’ networks. The Kuwait national carrier’s code will shortly be added to additional Etihad Airways flights between Kuwait and Abu Dhabi and onwards to destinations in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. In addition, the airlines are exploring opportunities to add the United Arab Emirates national carrier’s code to Kuwait Airways flights on destinations not operated by Etihad Airways such as in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, subject to regulatory approvals. The airlines are also exploring loyalty cooperation so passengers can be rewarded with the benefits of the respective loyalty programs, Etihad Guest, and Oasis Club. The expansion of Etihad Airways’ and Kuwait Airways’ partnership will provide customers with greater choice in their travel options and will take their relationship to new heights. Offering alternative connections to the passengers of the two airlines beyond their respective hubs of Kuwait and Abu Dhabi will further contribute to the development of the traffic and commercial relations between the two brotherly countries of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Maen Razouqi, the Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways expressed his excitement over the expansion of the codeshare agreement, “which will strengthen the commercial relationship between the airlines, while benefiting our guests travelling to/from the Far East, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. This partnership will be a win-win for both airlines in our matching DNA growth journeys while committing to sustainability and the best in customer experiences.” Mr. Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways …