Saudi Airlines (SAUDIA), the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, continues its partnership with the Air Connectivity Program through direct flights departing from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport to Tunis and Kuala Lumpur. The collaboration on the two flights will commence on September 1, 2022, to welcome more pilgrims during the upcoming Umrah season. The national flag carrier operates its latest, industry-leading aircraft between the two destinations which feature an array of premium services including 5,000 hours of onboard entertainment content. SAUDIA’s flights are equipped with comfortable seating on all flight levels and a myriad of additional perks that ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable experience. During the first half of 2022, nearly 4.8 million international guests flew SAUDIA, an increase of 242%. SAUDIA operated 28,600 international flights during H1 2022, an increase of 156%. Recently inaugurated flights to Barcelona, Zurich, Amsterdam and Seoul which have come as a result of SAUDIA’s collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program, have proven to be very popular among guests. Thanks to a combination of new, in-demand travel options and enhanced ground services, the two sides are expected to announce new international destinations in the near future. Currently, SAUDIA transports guests to more than 100 destinations across four continents. Guests are free to book their flights and make travel arrangements out of the comfort of their own homes or workplaces through the www.saudia.com website. Travelers can also use the airline’s smartphone app, which provides multiple optional services as well as aftersales support.  

Expo City Dubai is gearing up to open on 1 October, building on Expo 2020 Dubai’s pledge to inspire generations of the future. Ahead of the official opening of the Expo City Dubai site in October, visitors are invited to experience two of its most popular pavilions from 1 September, with the re-opening of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion marking the first chapter of Expo City Dubai’s journey. Tickets, which cost AED 50 per person per pavilion, are available at www.expocitydubai.com, and can be purchased at four box offices at Expo City Dubai from 1 September. Garden in the Sky, with its breathtaking 360 degree views, will also open on 1 September, with tickets priced at AED 30 each. Attractions are free for children aged 12 and under and People of Determination. Terra – a world-class example of sustainable best practice in architecture and design – will encourage visitors to re-evaluate their relationship with the environment through an immersive journey through ocean and forest, while Alif will transport explorers through time and across new horizons to discover how mobility has driven human progress throughout history. Alif and Terra will be open daily 1000-1800, while Garden in the Sky will open from 1500-1800, extending to 1000-1800 from 16 September onwards. Other Expo 2020 Dubai favourites – including Al Wasl Plaza, the Surreal water feature, the Women’s Pavilion and the Vision Pavilion, as well as children’s playgrounds and the carousel – will open in October. Later this year, the Opportunity Pavilion will become the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum – a new addition highlighting the history and impact of World Expos and celebrating the success of Expo …

A steady surge of growth throughout the second quarter has propelled Dubai International’s (DXB) half yearly traffic to 27.9 million passengers, just 1.2 million shy of the airport’s total annual traffic last year. DXB achieved the milestone despite a significant reduction in capacity resulting from the 45-day closure of its northern runway in May-June for a major refurbishment project. Maintaining its growth recovery for the ninth successive quarter since the start of the pandemic, DXB recorded 14.2 million passengers in the second quarter of 2022, a year-on-year jump of 190.6%. The hub welcomed a total of 27,884,888 passengers in the first half of the year, up 161.9% compared to H1 2021. The traffic volume represents 67.5% of DXB’s pre-pandemic passenger traffic during the same period in 2019. India remained DXB’s top destination country by passenger numbers with traffic for the first half reaching 4 million passengers – driven primarily by top city destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Saudi Arabia was second on the list with 2 million passengers, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 1.9 million passengers. Other country destinations of note include Pakistan (1.7 million passengers), and the U.S. (1.4 million passengers). The top three cities were London with 1.3 million passengers, Riyadh (910,000 passengers), and Mumbai (726,000 passengers). During the first six months of 2022, DXB handled a total of 154,993 flight movements, up 55.9% compared to the first half of 2021. The figure represents 87% of the pre-pandemic flight movements at DXB during the first half of 2019. “DXB’s recovery from the impact of the global pandemic has been spectacular, and that position has been strengthened during 2022, particularly during the second quarter. Not …

The fifth edition of the Gulf travel show will be held on 28th and 29th September 2022 with Tourism Malaysia as platinum partner. Sunway City Kuala Lumpur hotel is among Tourism Malaysia’s list of partners for the fifth consecutive time. Ahmad Faizal Iskandar – Director of Sales – Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotel, “This is going to be the 5th participation in Gulf travel Show since 2020, and it is a potent and important channel and platform to promote Sunway as a preferred and highly sought holiday destination in Malaysia. SUNWAY CITY KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA; In a bold drive to seal its position as Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination, Sunway Resort located in the amazing Sunway City Kuala Lumpur unveils phase one of its once-in-a-generation transformation. Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s transformation of its flagship property, Sunway Resort, began early 2020 – the most extensive renovation in its 25-year history. Phase one of our US$60 million project is now complete, and guests are welcome to experience eight (8) brand new rooms and suites.  We need to make this participation with this edition of Gulf Travel Show to make the most exposure and awareness of our latest transformation of the integrated resort as preferred and highly sought family destinations in Malaysia. The next phases of Sunway Resort’s dramatic transformation will be progressively revealed in 2022, where guests can expect more themed suites, dedicated family spaces, exciting new dining destinations, reimagined leisure facilities including the swimming pool, health club and more, securing Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s position as Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination.”  

Radisson Hotel Group announces the transformation and re-opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Vadistanbul as a Radisson Collection hotel, following an extensive renovation. Located in one of the city’s prime residential and commercial districts, Radisson Collection Hotel, Vadistanbul will be the Group’s second Radisson Collection property in Turkey and the first in Istanbul. The opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Vadistanbul follows the successful opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Bodrum this past summer. Vadistanbul is a modern and dynamic residential area of wider Istanbul, nestled on the foothills of Vadistanbul Park which includes the Ataturk Arboretum, Belgrade Forest, and Göktürk Ponds National Park. Radisson Collection Hotel, Vadistanbul is situated on a main boulevard in Vadistanbul which will be home to the shopping mall with 270 retail shops and offices for 20,000 people. The hotel is located opposite the Turk Telecom Area, one of Istanbul’s major sports arenas, near the key business district of Maslak, and 30km from Istanbul’s new airport. Radisson Collection Hotel, Vadistanbul features 193 stylish rooms and suites in a relaxing atmosphere with the choice of either city or forest views and a relaxed urban vibe. The rooms offer a relaxing atmosphere, a stylish design, and thoughtful amenities like the Nespresso machine, personal device streaming to the TV, as well as the exclusive Radisson Collection bathroom amenities. The property transformation was aimed at improving the facilities and maximizing guest satisfaction by offering exceptional service. Upon entering the hotel, guests will be introduced to a modern design in the lobby area while guestrooms offer upscale, modern comfort. Photographs taken by local artists add a styling element that celebrates the character of the destination. The all-day-dining restaurant serves international delights made with …

Three members of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, have joined The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Advisory Councils for the 2022-2025 term. IATA is a global airline trade association, representing 290 airlines, 120 countries, and 83% of total air traffic. They provide support to a wide range of aviation industry activities and work to formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. Mr. Marwan Niazi, Vice President Commercial Saudia Air Cargo Company, Mr. Mohammed Alsaied, General Manager Strategies and Legal Compliance in SAUDIA Airlines, and Dr. Saleh Bukhari, General Manager Sales and Distribution Strategies in SAUDIA Airlines, have joined three Advisory Councils; namely Cargo Advisory Council, Legal Advisory Council, and Distribution Advisory Council respectively. Each individual’s appointment reflects the depth of his experience of the aviation industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as signifies their competent qualifications for these positions. They commenced their three-year term following IATA’s recently concluded 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) last June. Through these prestigious appointments to three of the nine IATA Advisory Councils (IACs), members from SUADIA will be responsible for the strategic formulation and execution of airline policy and will advise the Board and work closely with IATA management on all matters referred to it by the IATA Director General and related to each of the three Advisory Councils. As a Board of Governors Member in IATA, the Director General of SAUDIA Group, Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, commented on this major recognition for the group: “I would like to take this opportunity to say that I could not have wished for a better group of people to represent SAUDIA amongst the industry’s best and brightest. I am confident that …

It was shared by the Saudi Tourism Authority that it welcomes the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduction of a new multi-entry visa to Saudi, available to visitors holding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya Card. The Hayya Card is required for all World Cup attendees and provides entry into Qatar and the stadiums. Saudi is a gateway to the World Cup and home to destinations waiting to be explored. Holders of the Hayya Card will be able to apply for the new visa online and book a trip to the authentic home of Arabia with confidence, before, during and after the World Cup. Visas will allow a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament. The announcement encourages first time and returning visitors alike to explore destinations in close proximity to the World Cup. Saudi is a short hop away making it a practical and convenient destination for World Cup attendees to visit or make a home base during the games. Saudi is expecting to welcome football fans from around the world. Beyond proximity, travelers are looking to visit Saudi for authentic Arabian culture, adventure and to round out their experience while in the region. Saudi will be hosting a dynamic programme of entertainment events including MDLBeast, Red Sea Film Festival, Riyadh Season and Winter at Tantoura in AlUla, all of which take place during the World Cup. To increase air connectivity, Saudia will be operating 40 shuttle flights daily to Doha from both Jeddah and Riyadh, increased to 60 daily flights on the Saudi team’s match days. Doha is only a 90-minute flight from Riyadh. The Salwa Border Crossing between Saudi and Qatar will also …

Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most sustainable airline, is launching 20 exciting new routes from Bucharest, Budapest, Catania, Larnaca, Milan, Naples, Rome, Sofia, Tirana, Venice and Vienna to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airline introduces a new era of extended travel opportunities at ultra-low fares between Europe and the Kingdom to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity.  Tickets for all routes are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from 54.99 €.* The new routes will majorly enhance Wizz Air’s presence in the Kingdom that will boost the growing Saudi Arabian tourism sector and contribute to the Vision 2030 programme to triple the country’s passenger traffic by 2030. Just alone this expansion will bring over one million additional travellers to Saudi Arabia next year. Jozsef Varadi, CEO of Wizz Air, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting countries in the world for aviation portraying an eclectic mix of travel opportunities with unmissable destinations, countless exciting attractions, and a thriving cultural scene. Today’s announcement follows the Memorandum of Understanding we recently signed with the government enabling us to contribute to Saudi tourism’s growth and its entire ecosystem.  Not only does Wizz Air offer incredibly low fares to travellers given our operational efficiency, but we also fly one the youngest, most modern, and sustainable fleet of aircraft in the world. I see the Kingdom as a long-term strategic market for Wizz Air where we will continue to innovate and carry the flag of low cost flying for the benefit of  Saudi residents and visitors as well as the country’s diversifying economy.” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the …

This season is no exception and Global Village as guests can look forward to a wide range of enhancements, additions, and upgrades across the destination when Season 27 opens on October 25, 2022. Improving guest experience is a fundamental part of every season’s planning and preparation for the region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment. The introduction of a third entrance, Happiness Gate, will give guests an alternative to enter the venue helping traffic flow and ensuring shorter distances from car parks. Guests will also welcome the return of valet parking, which will be situated at the new Gate. The highly popular Premium self-parking option will still be available at Gate of the World and revamped signage will support improved traffic flow. Aligned to Happiness Gate, the ever-popular Happiness Street is getting a facelift and has been both extended and enlarged. The new layout has been designed to give guests plenty of room to discover the vast street food offering available at the Global Village fan favourite. Global Village is also introducing a range of new premium experiences for Season 27. Beautifully designed Cabanas will be available to book for friends and family groups of up to 8 people. Guests can relax in style as they watch the world go by with their private butler on hand to cater to their every need. For those who enjoy the thrill and excitement of the much-loved Global Village stunt shows, guests can now upgrade to Star Seating to ensure the perfect spot to watch the award-winning, death-defying performances that have come to be a hallmark of the destination. Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “We …

Connecting local car owners and travelers has become more efficient than ever. With operations in Dubai earlier this year, the expansion of the car-sharing service GetRentacar.com in the Turkish market provides more attractive offers and a more convenient procedure to get a car for a period of time. The core advantage of the innovative service depends on cutting-edge algorithms. Enhanced by AI technologies, the platform provides passengers with the offers that will be most suitable to them. Using the service, travelers can choose the location and date of their future journeys and set the price they are ready to pay for rent and the type of car they need. The offer is personalized for every customer so they can find the one that suits them best. Another good thing about the service is its internationality. Turkey is one of the world’s top travel destinations and the country is getting more and more popular every year. Even with the influx of travelers from around the globe, the language barrier should not be a huge problem for users of GetRentacar.com. The interface is available in 20+ languages besides English. Communication with the car owner is carried out through the online client service, so any negotiations are simple and mediated. The accessibility of the service is also highly valued both by car renters and car owners. It takes just a couple of clicks to get a car, including the owner’s offer, vehicle characteristics and parameters, and service fees covered by the system. The newly launched mobile app assists travelers from around the planet with renting cars in an even more convenient way by using phones. – Our approach to work is based on …