With the significant demand for air travel during Hajj, Emirates is deploying extra flights to ensure more connectivity for the scores of pilgrims making their way to the Holy City of Makkah. Emirates will be operating special flights to Jeddah and Medina during the upcoming Hajj season to carry pilgrims for this special period. Emirates will be deploying 31 additional flights to Jeddah and double daily flights to Medina from 23 June to 20 July to help transport pilgrims to carry out one of the key pillars of Islam. These services will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has greatly expanded its Hajj participation this year to nearly a million pilgrims. This year, Emirates has seen strong demand for Hajj travel from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Turkey, Egypt, Ethiopia, Malaysia, the UK, US, UAE and Algeria. The special services are available to travellers holding a valid Hajj visa. Pilgrims must also be under the age of 65, hold a valid vaccination certificate with a vaccine authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Health, and must also carry a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of departure. Given the significance of the once-in-a-lifetime Hajj experience, the airline’s teams have been working hard to ensure that every detail of the pilgrim’s experience is aligned with the tenets of their faith. On the ground in Dubai, Emirates has a special Hajj airport team to help manage check-in, transfers, and helping to facilitate a seamless and convenient on ground experience for Hajj pilgrims. Emirates has also set up dedicated check-in and transfer counters for Hajj passengers transiting in Dubai. For Hajj travellers having a longer layover …
Read More »Etihad Airways to resume direct passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to Beijing
Etihad Airways will resume direct passenger flights between Abu Dhabi and Beijing from 29 June 2022, becoming the first regular direct international passenger flight to recommence for Beijing, under the latest mandate of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council. The airline will operate a weekly flight on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world. Inaugural flight schedule (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Date EY 888 (Inaugural flight) Abu Dhabi 18:00 Beijing 05:25+1 Boeing 787-9 Wednesday 29 June EY 889 (Inaugural flight) Beijing 02:10 Abu Dhabi 07:10 Boeing 787-9 Friday 1 July Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Etihad Airways is delighted about the resumption of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, our second service to resume to China. China has always been an important strategic market for Etihad and the resumption of direct flights between the two capital cities will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the United Arab Emirates.” Etihad Airways scheduled service from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai resumed in July 2020 to meet the huge demand of passengers travelling between the UAE and China. Those wishing to book are advised to visit Etihad.com to view their options, and to remain informed on the relevant entry regulations at their end destination. Flights are also available for booking through the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE) or +86 400 8822 050 (Mainland China), or through a local or online travel agency. Important information: All passengers travelling on Etihad between Abu Dhabi and China must …
Read More »Qatar Airways and Airlink sign comprehensive codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity across Southern Africa
Qatar Airways and Airlink have signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement to offer travellers more choices, enhanced services and greater connectivity between 45 destinations in 13 countries across southern Africa and the rest of the world. This new codeshare agreement means travellers can enjoy the simplicity of purchasing connecting flights on both airlines using a single reservation with seamless ticketing, check-in, boarding and baggage-check experience, during the entire journey The partnership will enable customers to book attractive offers from southern Africa to popular destinations in the U.S. such as New York and Dallas, cities in Europe such as London, Copenhagen and Barcelona, and points across Asia like Manila, Jakarta and Cebu. The agreement also increases Qatar Airways’ footprint in southern Africa, with improved access to destinations such as Ggeberha (Port Elizabeth) Hoedspruit, Skukuza, George in South Africa and beyond to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar al Baker said: “Expanding our network with Airlink gives our customers more choice of destinations and flights, that we hope will contribute to the rapid recovery of travel, which plays such an important role in southern African economies.” “We have boosted our presence in the African market by adding eight new destinations since the start of the pandemic and fostering partnerships such as this dynamic agreement with Airlink which will greatly enhance our offering to our customers and support travel and trade.” Qatar Airways was the only airline to launch new services in southern Africa after the pandemic, starting operations to Luanda, Harare and Lusaka last year. It resumes operations to Windhoek this month, providing another connection to Airlink’s extensive regional network via eight gateways in …
Read More »The First Collection to open its newest hotel in Business Bay
The First Collection announced the opening of its second Dubai-based hotel: The First Collection Business Bay. The launch builds on the success of The First Collection Jumeriah Village Circle, which in Q3 of 2021 was voted #22 in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Hottest New Hotels in the World – and is the only hotel in the Middle East to have received this accolade. Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group comments: “The opening of The First Collection Business Bay marks another important step in the development of our new lifestyle hotel brand, The First Collection. The brand has been extremely well received by local and international guests, generating fantastic reviews – and we’re very much looking forward to opening our doors of this upscale, dynamic property” The new hotel located in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s most up and coming neighbourhoods, is the latest addition to the group’s fast-growing body of upscale hotels, significantly strengthening brand presence across the city. Seamlessly meeting the demands of business travellers, as well as families and leisure visitors, the stylish hotel is the perfect base to explore Dubai and its world-famous attractions. Close to Downtown Dubai, plus all its iconic attractions (the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall included) as well as within walking distance of the expansive Dubai Water Canal, it is also within easy reach to both Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek due to its extensive transport links. The hotel itself features 437 well-appointed and sustainably designed guestrooms and spacious suites, many of which boast exceptional views of Dubai’s awe-inspiring skyline including the Burj Khalifa and the Stables. Top-tier amenities include a stunning 25 metre open-air swimming pool with sundeck and Burj Khalifa vistas, …
Read More »Saudi Arabia visitors lead international arrivals to Qatar in May
‘Eid in Qatar’ festivities in May drove a strong influx of visitors last month, with international arrivals at 166,000, the highest monthly figure so far this year. Of all visitors, those from Saudi Arabia constituted 40%, while the GCC overall made up more than half (54%). Supported by the easing of public health measures, the latest tourism performance data represents more than a quarter of all visitors welcomed over the first five months of this year. And capitalising on Qatar’s close proximity and ease of access, the proportion of total arrivals by land exceeded that of air for the very first time, with visitors opting to drive through the open and operative Abu Samra border. The latest data on visitor arrivals point to a steady recovery of Qatar’s tourism sector, with the year-to-date total (580 k) fast approaching the overall arrivals figure of 2021 (611 k). Furthermore, arrivals in May this year are 25% higher than that of May 2019, demonstrating a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism as public health measures for travel ease. Commenting on the latest tourism figures, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel said, “Qatar has long been a popular destination for GCC nationals and residents, and we are delighted to witness the strong return of visitors from the region. Furthermore, while air travel remains a strong pillar of our tourism strategy, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe, we are pleased to see an influx of visitors leveraging Qatar’s multiple points of access and visiting Qatar via its land and sea borders.” He added, “2022 has been a pivotal year for the tourism sector and we’re excited to build on this growth …
Read More »Tawfeeq Travel opens new travel outlet at HIA Metro Station
Tawfeeq Travel opened the doors to yet another Travel Hub at the Hamad International Airport (HIA) Metro Station. Not only residents of Qatar, but visitors from all over the globe can now experience world class travel services & products while travelling through Qatar’s Award-winning Hamad International Airport. HIA offers global travelers convenient connectivity through its strategic location, with 80% of the world’s population able to connect with the World’s Best Airport through 6-hour flights. Additionally, HIA delivers a mosaic of cultural, retail, and hospitality offerings encompassed in a secure and efficient airport experience. The new Travel Hub at HIA offers Qatar’s first baggage drop off and storage solution to the travelers. This service is available 07 days a week from 10am till 8pm, Saturday to Thursday with prices starting as low as Qar.30 per day per bag. The storage facility boasts of CCTV monitored rooms with state-of-the-art electronic locks for safety of the baggage which are sealed with tamper proof security seals. Delivery options include transportation of the luggage to your home, office, or any choice of destination in Doha. Rehan Ali Syed, CEO of Tawfeeq Travel Group, said “I am extremely delighted on the opening of our 17th outlet offering our customers a unique, new service, delivered by our experienced teams who aim to support Qatar’s vision of welcoming tourist from across the globe. Working closely with Qatar Rail, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways, and other key strategic partners, we are able to deliver innovative services to customers. We look forward to your visit to explore the wonders of Qatari culture while we make your visit handfree.”
Read More »RAKTDA certifies next gen tour guides to support growth of tourism and enrich visitor experience
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), in partnership with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) – Center for Executive & Professional Education, has certified 19 successful graduates from the Tour Guide Training Program 2022, the first course post-pandemic. Amongst the new tour guides are five UAE Nationals from across Ras Al Khaimah who will use their skills to share the destination’s rich tribal history and take visitors on a unique historical and cultural journey into the Emirate’s fascinating heritage and traditions. Established for those seeking careers as Tour Guides, the program is designed to give candidates the skills and knowledge necessary to maximize professional opportunities in the tourism industry and meet industry standards. The classes are conducted by lecturers and trainers who have years of experience in the fields of cultural heritage and use global standards to impart their knowledge, resulting in world-class tourism professionals. Throughout May and June, the participants took part in practical overland training and mastered the art of effective commentary, active listening, managing difficult situations, and conducting effective small and large tours, alongside a variety of additional skills to help advance their career. During a graduation ceremony held at AURAK on 21st of June 2022, candidates who had successfully completed the course and passed both theoretical and practical exams received an official certificate and tour guide card issued by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. The newly certified tour guides are now eligible to join tourism focused organizations and companies that operate cultural experiences for visitors, including city tours, heritage site tours and wider sightseeing within the Emirate. Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah said …
Read More »DCT Abu Dhabi opens registrations for Tourism Youth Summer Camp 2022
The 2022 edition of the Tourism Youth Summer Camp, an initiative led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is now open for registration. Designed to empower Emirati youth and to encourage their participation in the tourism sector, the two-week immersive programme offers both formal training and work experience, including a five-day placement at one of Abu Dhabi’s leading hotels. Running from 25 July to 5 August 2022, the programme offers 50 participants the opportunity to refine their teamwork and leadership skills and to develop an understanding of the broad components that make up the hospitality and tourism industries through access to workshops, tutorials, field trips and expert speakers. Viewing the destination with visitor experience in mind, the participants will learn about the attributes of Abu Dhabi as a leading tourism and cultural destination and the role and responsibility of DCT Abu Dhabi in achieving the emirate’s strategic ambitions. This Emiratisation initiative by DCT Abu Dhabi aims to educate participants on the role tourism and hospitality play in the growth and transformation of the emirate’s economy. The placement will offer participants the opportunity to gain hands-on, tourist-facing experience and improve their competence and explore potential career paths in tourism. The programme is exclusively open to UAE nationals aged between 17 and 21 years of age with no fee involved. To be eligible to register, applicants must be proficient in English, comfortable working with tourists in multi-cultural environments and interested in the tourism sector, regardless of their selected educational major subject. Once registration is complete, including submission of a participation NOC letter from the head of the family, applicants will be shortlisted before taking part …
Read More »Meridian expands its product portfolio with a Travel Case this summer
Meridian Grooming for men expands its product portfolio and launches its stylish Travel Case to ensure you always trim in style. The Travel case is a carriable hardcover with a water-resistant polycarbonate outer case material that is sustainable, and matte finished. Its inner nylon fabric is anti-mold and anti-bacterial coated that stores Meridian trimmers and accessories. Priced at approximately AED 73 with 3 colour variations of Onyx, Sage and Ocean, its shock proof to protect trimmers and easy to clean. Dylan Chou, the General Manager of Meridian said, “Meridian customers have expressed interest in a travel case developed by Meridian. We created the Travel water resistant hard cover case specially to store Meridian trimmers, guides, and other accessories. This offers our customers convenience, and the case can be used for both traveling or just organizing.” Meridian’s Travel Case is available on Meridian Grooming website as an easy add on or add to package product along with other hero trimmer products.
Read More »Etihad Airways expands fast service bag drop facilities as travel surges
As travellers begin flying for the summer holidays, Etihad Airways is expanding its quick self-service bag drop facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The service provides a faster check-in experience and can accommodate a greater number of guests who will then be able to skip the queues. Once checked-in online, the self-service facilities allow travellers to seamlessly retrieve their booking, print the bag-tag and process their bags in less than two minutes. John Wright, VP Network, Airports & Cargo Operations, Etihad Airways, said: “With the removal of many travel restrictions, Etihad is expecting the number of travellers to soar for the summer holidays. To make the airport experience seamless for our guests, Etihad is offering more self-service options at Abu Dhabi International Airport where they can skip the longer queues by first checking-in online and completing the extremely popular verified-to-fly process.” Covid related travel restrictions have been completely removed for travellers flying to Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Oman, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. The airline is preparing to welcome large volumes of passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport between 30 June and 15 July 2022 advising travellers to follow the below tips. Etihad Airways travel tips Get Verified to Fly and check-in online: For destinations with travel restrictions, travellers should visit ‘Manage my booking’ on etihad.com to upload their Covid travel documents. Approval will be shared by email giving passengers confidence that all required documents are in place. Approved passengers can check-in online and obtain their boarding card, then use fast-track ‘Verified to Fly’ desks at the airport, or the self-service facilities. Early check-in at Skypark: Effective from 30 June till 31 July, guests will …
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