The eighth edition of MOTN Festival(Mother of Nation Festival) wrapped up its largest season, with more than 259,000 visitors attending across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi Corniche over the past one month. This year’s MOTN Festival, held under the theme Out of This World, featured various rides, engaging entertainment, diverse culinary cuisines and family-friendly games. The 31-day festival offered more than 350 experiences for its visitors. The eight edition of the MOTN featured the Out of This World Museum that aimed to provide young visitors an immersive journey through carefully curated and artistically designed rooms. The festival also included a Giant Ferris Wheel, a video game-inspired Five Nights at Freddy’s maze and the Space Flight wind tunnel. The festival also featured the MOTN Theatre, the MOTN Basketball Hub, the Ninja Kidz Action Park, Skill Games, a Community Stage, a DJ Booth, a Space Park, and arts and crafts stations. The festival showcased a diverse array of innovative and award-winning international and homegrown food concepts, with more than 30 vendors across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi Corniche. Regional artists also performed at this year’s festival, including Hamad Al Ameri; Asaad Al Bathari; Balqees; Eida Al Menhali; Harbi Al Ameri; Oumaima Taleb; Ayed Youssef; Muslim; Siilawy; A5RASS; and Mohammad Hamaki, who closed the year with a New Year’s Eve concert.

Cheval Maison The Palm won ‘Best debut hotel apartments’ at the seventh edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “The Arabian Travel Award is a renowned and prestigious event in the travel and tourism industry within ME region and winning it can be extremely important for businesses and individuals involved in the sector, the awards provide a platform for travel and tourism professional to connect, share experiences, enhance reputation and awareness, creates business opportunities and boost teams moral and confidence. Winning the Arabian Travel Award will have a profound impact for both winning companies and industry as a whole. Individual/ Company: Boost individual/company s PR and exposure, creates business opportunities, motivate and retain team members, validates and enhances confidence amongst business travellers, Industry: Raises service standards to a higher level and set trends that others will follow, attracts local, regional and international attention, generate more business opportunities, and enable networking and sharing best practices. Communicate through all marketing and booking channels guests, utilize this win and create better engagement around urgent topics such as innovation, sustainability, team retention.  Lead the way for new trends and practices and share the experience with other industry leaders allowing us to keep evolving.” John Raffoul, General Manager Cheval Maison The Palm

FORM Hotel Dubai is redefining the meaning of boutique hospitality. Located in Al Jaddaf, a rapidly emerging hub celebrated for its proximity to Dubai Creek and Dhow Wharfage, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with the warmth of cultural heritage. As a member of Design Hotels and part of Marriott Bonvoy, FORM Hotel stands out as a testament to modern sophistication and timeless charm. Stepping into FORM Hotel, guests are greeted with a world where thoughtful design meets impeccable attention to detail. Each spacious room is adorned with custom-crafted furniture by contemporary artists, creating a unique environment that feels both personal and inspiring. From the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views and a temperature-controlled pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center, every amenity has been carefully curated to elevate the guest experience. Dining options at FORM Hotel further enhance its appeal, offering culinary experiences that celebrate global flavors while embracing the art of hospitality. Recognized globally for its dedication to excellence, FORM Hotel has earned accolades such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024 for Luxury Boutique Hotel, UAE, and Luxury Urban Hotel, Middle East, among others. These achievements underscore the hotel’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for its guests. Al Jaddaf’s transformation into a thriving urban district mirrors FORM Hotel’s vision of innovation and progress. Just minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the area has become a sought-after destination for its strategic location and burgeoning cultural scene. FORM Hotel’s presence in this dynamic neighborhood speaks to its role as both a pioneer in boutique luxury and a partner in the district’s growth. “As we step into 2025, FORM Hotel continues to champion boutique hospitality in Al Jaddaf, a …

SalamAir announced the launch of Nairobi, Kenya, as its newest destination in Africa. Starting February 2025, SalamAir will operate direct flights from Muscat to Nairobi, offering passengers a convenient and affordable way to explore Nairobi’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, wildlife, and thriving economy. With two weekly flights, SalamAir will connect travelers from Nairobi to Oman and onwards to other vibrant destinations with low fares. By expanding our presence in Africa, SalamAir strengthens Oman’s overall ambition to foster increased tourism and trade between the Middle East and East Africa. SalamAir’s CEO, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, commented: “We are really thrilled to add Nairobi to our expanding network, marking a significant milestone in our expansion into the African market. Nairobi is not only a hub for international travelers but also a growing center for business, technology, and education, making it a vital link for those looking to connect with opportunities in both regions, emphasizing Nairobi’s position as the key gateway to East Africa. With Nairobi added to our network, we can now connect passengers from East Africa to India, Thailand, Central Asia, and other points on our network for very low fares.” SalamAir’s introduction of Nairobi to its expanding network is part of its strategic growth plan of offering cheaper travel options to passengers accustomed to high-fare legacy airline prices. SalamAir is dedicated to a low-cost model and remains committed to offering affordable fares. The Lite fare on the Nairobi route starts at 49.99 OMR, which is up to 70% cheaper than the currently available fares from other carriers. Our approach to low-fare travel ensures that Nairobi, and more points in Africa and beyond, becomes accessible to everyone.

It was announced that Riyadh Season 2024 achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 16 million visitors, according to Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Advisor Turki AlalShikh on SPA. Launched in October, the Riyadh Season has captivated audiences with its diverse range of events and newly introduced areas, attracting visitors from the Kingdom and abroad. Its exceptional success is attributed to a wide variety of offerings, including boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining experiences, scenic gardens, and innovative entertainment zones. The record-breaking attendance was further bolstered by the mid-term break of the second semester, which featured the unveiling of the “Dunes of Arabia” area, popular among camping and winter atmosphere enthusiasts. Additionally, the “Boulevard Runway” area drew aviation enthusiasts, further enhancing the season’s appeal.

Marriott Hotels announced the opening of Cappadocia Marriott Hotel. Nestled within the moonscape landscapes of Cappadocia, the property is the largest and newest hotel in the region with 298 guest rooms, offering travellers a gateway to the storied destination. Ideally situated near the town of Göreme, guests can easily explore Cappadocia’s top attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Göreme National Park, the Open-Air Museum, and the renowned underground cities. The hotel’s prime location also places guests close to the area’s famous hot air balloon launch sites, providing a breathtaking opportunity to experience the dramatic vistas from above. “We are thrilled to introduce the first Marriott Hotel in Cappadocia, a sought-after destination, renowned for its unique beauty and cultural significance,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “This property not only marks our debut in Cappadocia, but also underscores Marriott International’s ongoing commitment to the Turkish market. Guests can expect our hallmark of heartfelt service, elevated experiences, and the timeless hospitality that defines Marriott Hotels. We aim to create unforgettable stays, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in unique history, awe-inspiring scenery and diverse experiences.” The architecture and design of Cappadocia Marriott Hotel are deeply inspired by the region’s distinctive appearance. Built using locally sourced natural stone, the hotel’s colour palette reflects the earthy tones of its surroundings, with shades of terracotta, soft beige, and muted green evoking a sense of tranquillity and creating a warm atmosphere for guests. Handmade artwork by local artisans, including a unique collection from Venessa Ceramics, further enhances the connection to Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage and creates a welcoming atmosphere that is both sophisticated and rooted in tradition. Reflecting Marriott …

Al Naboodah Travel and Tourism Agencies walked away with ‘Best GSA’ award at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024.  “It’s a wonderful experience. It’s a moment of pride, and it’s a moment of recognition for all those who have worked hard, who have worked smart, who have performed well. And I think this recognition will add a lot of value, confidence, and inspiration for all of us to do even better and better for the coming years. I am overexcited, and I am looking forward to winning more than three awards next year.” Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel & Toursim Agencies

Jumeirah Group announced the appointment of Thomas B. Meier as their new Chief Executive Officer. With extensive industry experience, Meier has been instrumental in guiding Jumeirah through several important milestones and will now lead the next stage of the Brand’s sustainable growth under its Mission 2030 strategy. As Chief Executive Officer, Meier will spearhead Jumeirah’s bold plans to double its portfolio by 2030, focusing on international expansion and solidifying its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality. Under his leadership, Jumeirah aims to continue setting new standards for the industry, building on its strong legacy and reinforcing its commitment to deliver enriching guest experiences rooted in culture and connection. Meier, who served as Chief Operating Officer since October 2021 and most recently as Interim Chief Executive Officer, takes on the role during a pivotal time for the brand. During 2024, Meier led milestone achievements, including Jumeirah’s entry into Africa with the launch of Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa as well as other upcoming launches, while also strengthening the leadership team with several senior appointments. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Thomas has also led operations and global expansion for renowned brands, including Raffles. In line with its global expansion vision, Jumeirah recently unveiled several high-profile properties, including the two new iconic destinations in Africa; Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia; Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in the United Arab Emirates, and Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva in Switzerland. Today, Jumeirah operates a portfolio of 30 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The brand is actively pursuing owner and operator opportunities in major gateway cities and resort destinations worldwide, further strengthening …

Jyoti Panchmatia, Regional General Manager, Travco, in a special interview with TravelTV shared that 2025 will see a growth in term sof cruise business in the Arabian Peninsula. “Cruise lines are planning itineraries for 2025 and 2026, reflecting a strong advance booking trend. There are two key aspects to this. The resort world’s positioning as a home port is primarily aimed at attracting both the local market and the GCC market. This includes two- and three-day cruises, offering a convenient staycation option that has become increasingly popular since COVID, with the term ‘workation’ gaining prominence. Additionally, we are introducing Celestial Cruises, which Travco represents in the local market. These cruises offer short, immersive experiences—ranging from two nights to three days—allowing guests to enjoy multiple destinations in a single trip, such as a breakfast in one location, lunch in another, and dinner in yet another. This new offering will provide exciting opportunities for outbound travel, with options to visit Mediterranean and Greek islands, fostering a fresh dimension to the cruise market from this region.” Overall, the cruise sector remains optimistic about long-term growth, particularly with expanded seasons and increased tourist activity expected from 2025 onward.

Air Arabia announced the launch of its new non-stop flights to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Starting 30th January, 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.