flydubai celebrated its inaugural service to Pisa, becoming the first UAE national carrier to operate this route from Dubai. The airline will operate three weekly flights from Dubai International (DXB) to Pisa International Airport (PSA). Emirates will codeshare on this route, offering travellers more seamless connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub. Flights to Pisa will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International. The inaugural flight arrived at Pisa International Airport (PSA) just after 12:00 local time on 24 June and was welcomed on arrival with a traditional water cannon salute and representatives from the airport and Italian government officials. On board the inaugural flight was a senior delegation led by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai. Upon arrival in Pisa the flydubai delegation was met by an official delegation led by Marco Carrai, the president of Toscana Aeroporti. The welcome reception was followed by a press conference held at the airport. Speaking at the press conference, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We are excited to launch our third point in Italy this summer with our inaugural service to Pisa. Our strong business model and growing fleet have enabled us to offer passengers from across our network more choices for travel, and we can expect Pisa to be a popular destination for travellers from the UAE and GCC to discover the beauty of the Tuscany region. The start of flydubai operations to Pisa also reflects our commitment to opening up previously underserved markets and providing direct air links to Dubai. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board.” Marco Carrai, Chairman of Toscana Aeroporti S.p.A., said: “Today we inaugurate the connection between Pisa and …

The latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, focused on highlighting the city’s exceptional summer experiences, has kicked off, inviting local and international audiences to enjoy an epic summer in the emirate. Running till the end of August, the new campaign encourages residents and travellers to discover the city’s diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make Dubai a one-of-a-kind summer destination. Aligned with the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and visit, the #DubaiDestinations initiative was launched in December 2021. The start of the latest phase of the campaign was marked by the release of two interactive #DubaiDestinations summer guides focused on children’s activities. The first guide lists a vast range of indoor destinations for children and adults who want to rediscover their inner child. From having breakfast with penguins and riding on giant rollercoasters to painting up a storm in art cafes, the activities featured in the guide offer something for all children. The list covers activities offered at 115 destinations spread across malls, retail complexes, theme parks, beaches and esplanades, among other locations, making it a handy reference for families to plan their leisure activities during the Eid-Al-Adha holidays and the rest of the summer season.  A total of 20 theme parks and 28 retail complexes are covered by the guide. The second guide features a list of around 40 exciting summer camps for children that will enable them to challenge themselves, forge new friendships and pick up a new skills. The release of the guides coincides with the start of school …

As it finally starts to emerge from crisis mode, new predictions from Aruba reveal how businesses in the hospitality sector will proactively leverage technology to deliver enhanced total guest experiences across the next decade. Following a transformative few years, which saw the entire industry adopt critical technology solutions in order to survive, hotels and venues have grown increasingly adept at offering seamless digital-first experiences. As they look ahead, however, this reliance on digital technology poses potential challenges to an industry that is built on human-to-human experiences. Aruba worked with global trends agency Foresight Factory to uncover five ways in which hospitality businesses will adapt to evolving consumer demands to offer the perfect balance between the digital and physical worlds. HOSPITALITY COMPANIES WILL BE SERVING UP PRESENCE-FREE OPTIONS Building on current contactless trends such as digital check-in and biometric payments, hospitality companies will be able to welcome guests that are not present at their venue at all, using innovative technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse to offer presence-free experiences to “visitors” anywhere in the world. THE GUEST EXPERIENCE WILL START WELL BEFORE THEY ARRIVE AND CONTINUE LONG AFTER THEY LEAVE (AKA THE RISE OF ‘PRETAILTAINMENT’) Forget looking at photos or scanning the menu. In the future, guests will no longer do anything without first trying out the fully interactive, immersive digital option. As the virtual experience becomes a non-negotiable precursor to the real event, companies will begin to offer more creative, elaborate and personalized “pretailtainment” options. Meanwhile ‘post-stay’ services will also be available, rounding out the total experience.   THE GUEST EXPERIENCE WILL HAVE BECOME A COMMUNITY UNDERTAKING The future will see hospitality companies form …

Bahrain’s Al Dana Amphitheatre unveiled more exciting details about its upcoming calendar of events for the 2022 season. Among the world-renowned names confirmed to perform at the open-air venue in October and November are renowned DJ Tiësto, Scottish singer-songwriter and musician Lewis Capaldi, and a much-loved regional icon –Abdulmajeed Abdullah. The venue kicks off its second season on 5th October with a sell-out show by global star Justin Bieber. Later that month, on Friday, 21st October, Al Dana Amphitheatre will welcome another international headliner: Grammy® Award-winning, platinum-certified DJ and producer Tiësto, who is the only artist to ever hold the titles of “#1 DJ” from Rolling Stone and “The Greatest DJ of All Time” courtesy of Mixmag. Also in the line-up is Lewis Capaldi, whose hugely successful single “Someone You Loved” is the longest song ever to remain in the UK Top Ten singles chart. Capaldi is the first artist in history to sell out an Arena tour prior to the release of a debut album (tickets sold out in 1 second). Fans are expected to travel from overseas to see him in action on Al Dana Amphitheatre’s stage on Saturday, 26th November. The calendar also features iconic artists from closer to home. Last season the venue hosted regional stars including Ahlam and Hussain Al Jassmi, continuing this stellar theme by welcoming Abdulmajeed Abdullah, known as the “Prince of Tarab”, who will also be lighting up Al Dana Amphitheatre’s stage this season, with a show on Friday, 14th of October. Tickets to these events will go on sale at a later date via Al Dana Amphitheatre’s official website, www.aldana.com.bh. Shane Chalmers, Chief Executive Officer of Al Dana Amphitheatre, said, “Everyone …

Gulf Air recently introduced Apple Pay on the airline’s Mobile application. Gulf Air customers can now easily book a ticket on the airline’s application without the need of remembering or typing their credit card details, as the new feature allows them to process the payment by easily using Face ID to authorize the transaction. Commenting on this new service, Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi said “This new feature is one of a series of initiatives that we are working on as part of our roadmap for the Gulf Air app. One of our biggest objectives is to provide our customers with convenience and ease to interact with us across all our touch points. The Gulf Air app allows our customers to select their flights, choose their seats and purchase excess baggage among other features; and now with Apple Pay, they can pay for all of that in one easy and quick step”. Captain AlAlawi continued “The Apple Pay initiative was planned and carried out entirely by a team of Bahraini digital, IT and finance experts, and we are proud that such initiatives are managed end to end by Bahraini youth. We encourage our employees to trust their skills and knowledge, and we will continue to invest in developing those skills and training them to enable them to handle bigger projects in the future”. Gulf Air is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation that is aimed at modernizing the airline’s technology ecosystem. Customer centricity sets at the core of Gulf Air’s digital transformation strategy that will reinforce the airline’s position in the market as a five star major airline by allowing it to provide a boutique and personalized passenger …

Encouraging all travellers to explore the wide range of online and remote check-in options available, Emirates has invested in multiple smart tech developments to ensure seamless travel, ahead of the peak travel period of Eid and Dubai school holidays from July 8 onwards. Advising passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight departure, and ensure they have all the required documents for their destination, there are a number of ways to further enhance the travel experience and avoid delays; 1. Use the Emirates App Download the Emirates app to have travel plans conveniently at your fingertips. The app allows users to book and change flights, download a digital boarding pass, pre-plan meals, book chauffer drive service and even pre-select and plan movies to watch via the ice inflight entertainment. 2. Check the COVID-19 travel requirements in advance Emirates recommends passengers arrive to the airport at least three hours before their flight so there’s time for any extra health and safety checks. Face masks are required for flights. The travel requirements for various countries change frequently so passengers are advised to check the COVID‑19 test requirements and the health documents needed for travel to Dubai and all Emirates current worldwide destinations. 3. Sign Up for WhatsApp COVID-19 Travel support Travellers in Dubai can get the latest travel requirements on WhatsApp for popular destinations. This is the latest information that the customer service team have and is updated daily. 4. Remote Emirates City Check-in in Ajman Those travelling from the northern emirates can take advantage of a 24‑hour City Check‑in at Ajman Central Bus Terminal and check in up to 4 hours before the flight departs, …

At the press conference along with its partners, Miral and DCT Abu Dhabi announced a stellar calendar of events running from July 2022 until February 2023 on Yas Island. Promising memorable moments at each event for every guest, the unmissable line-up features everything from global sports championships and family-friendly excitement to top-artist concerts and exhilarating adventures. An extensive line-up of events awaits with the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week featuring Ultimate Fighting Championship event UFC 281, National Basketball Association (NBA) pre-season games at Etihad Arena, and a stellar performance by Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman as part of Diwali celebrations. Also coming to Etihad Arena is the awe-inspiring on-stage adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King in November, adding another level of entertainment for Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix guests! Returning to Abu Dhabi, Disney On Ice will surprise fans from all ages with new show ‘Mickey and Friends’ in October at Etihad Arena. In addition, Andrea Bocelli, the world’s most-loved tenor, is set to perform in November at Etihad Park. 2023 will also see the return of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) in February, the biggest celebration of the Indian film industry. Welcoming the new year with a bang, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship weekend will see comedian Kevin Bridges take the stage in January for the highly anticipated DP World Tour golf tournament. More exciting sports events will also be taking place in November and December which include the World Triathlon Championship Finals and the FIBA 3×3 World Tour final. His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Whilst announcing the calendar of events on Yas Island …

Barceló Mussanah Resort welcomed over 100,000 guests over the past year since its opening and as they celebrates their first anniversary this July offers residents and visitors of the Sultanate a host of summer activities to commemorate its successful first year since its launch in 2021. The four-star property has launched a variety of exciting and tantalising summer activities, catering to the needs of every type of traveller. One of the main attractions is the 175-metre long zip-line, which will exhilarate thrill-seekers as they glide across the picturesque views of the Mussanah marina. Focused on guest safety, the zip-line is managed and operated by the resort’s trained staff, promising hours of thrilling fun. In 2021, following the successful operations of four properties in the region, trailblazing Spanish hotel chain – Barceló Hotel Group launched Barceló Mussanah Resort intending to support Oman’s vision to diversify the hospitality and tourist sectors in the Sultanate. Since opening its doors, Mussanah’s flagship has rapidly risen in popularity, hosting nearly 100,000 guests, becoming a popular travel destination for national and international travellers. The stellar property has also hosted eight international sporting events in the past year in partnership with Oman Sail, including the 11th edition of the coveted Sailing Arabia – The Tour (SATT) and Youth Sailing World Championships that attained Barceló Hotel Group and Oman Sail the Silver Award for ‘Best Sports Event of the Year 2021’ at the Middle East Sports Industry Awards 2022. Adventure seekers looking to beat the summer heat can indulge in a wide range of water-sports activities, including sailing across the smooth waters of Mussanah or an early morning kayak across the beautiful marina. Snorkel among the vibrant coral …

The Museum of the Future and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have announced a new partnership to showcase future mobility solutions, from personal jet packs to self-driving cars. They signed a strategic partnership to exhibit some of the world’s most exciting, advanced mobility solutions at the ‘Tomorrow, Today’ exhibition, an ever-evolving showcase of innovations at the Museum of the Future. Visitors will have the chance to see personal jetpacks, medical drones, food delivery robots, electric bikes, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and more. Highlights include autonomous vehicle prototypes that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial data. The exhibition will also display new ideas for green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly mass transport services being presented worldwide and research and development centres around the world. His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, (RTA), Commissioner-General for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Wellbeing Pillar in Dubai, said: “The rapid technological and industrial changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially in the field of autonomous transportation, will reshape the future of mobility, provide new means of transportation, and develop current means of transportation in line with future trends. The demand for mass passenger transport and shared mobility is expected to increase.” He added: “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, the Roads and Transport Authority …

Jumeirah Group further expands its international portfolio with the unveiling of an exceptional new resort in the Middle East – Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Nestled within the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah between the Hajar mountains and Gulf of Oman, just 15 minutes from the capital Muscat, Jumeirah Muscat Bay will offer a true sense of serenity and escapism. With sea, mountains and a historic city on its doorstep, it is the ideal spot to disconnect and spend blissful days on the beach, explore the great outdoors via an array of adventurous wellbeing experiences, or venture out to discover the Sultanate’s rich history. Mr. José Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “Oman is a popular destination for those looking to combine nature and wellness with cultural interest. At Jumeirah Muscat Bay, we have focused on taking cues from the natural landscape and its restorative energy and have brought this to life through design and architecture and in keeping with the hallmarks of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, our innovative dining concepts, signature service and exceptional experiences are well represented throughout this resort. As we continue to expand our portfolio, we are delighted to open the doors to this beautiful resort and bring our brand promise of Stay Different, for the first time to Oman.” Jumeirah Muscat Bay will offer 206 spacious rooms and suites, all assuring breath-taking ocean vistas, with connecting rooms available for the perfect family holiday. In addition, five secluded summerhouses in two- and four-bed configurations, and the exceptional Sanctuary Villa, will provide the ultimate hospitality experience, each with a private pool, dedicated butler service and access to an exclusive private beach. Modern arabesque design features throughout the resort …