Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has welcomed two new weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The inaugural flight, operated by Iraqi Airways using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on Saturday 7 August at 17:00 Local Time (LT). Iraqi Airways will start by operating one flight per week and will then increase its number flights to two per week. Flights will be operating on both Saturdays and Tuesdays, upon the recovery of the travel demand. Francois Bourienne, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “The introduction of the new flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Baghdad will support the Iraqi community in the UAE, facilitating a smoother travel experience for them. We consistently expand our network at Abu Dhabi International Airport, meeting the travel requirements of all who live in the UAE as well as international tourists looking to visit our leading destinations. “Abu Dhabi Airports continues to identify and leverage areas of demand for both passengers and airlines. At Abu Dhabi Airports, we remain committed to providing our customers with the best travel experience, while ensuring their health and wellbeing, which is our main priority,” Bourienne added. Captain Kifah Jabar, Chief Executive Officer of Iraqi Airways said: “Iraqi Airways is proud to commence operations between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad. We believe that connecting the two capitals will strengthen the relations between our countries, delivering greater corporation to enable successful operations in this sector.” Outbound flights will depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturdays and Tuesdays at 18:00 Local Time (LT), landing in Baghdad at 19:15 LT. Return flights will depart from Baghdad International Airport on Saturdays and Tuesdays at …

The first hotel to open outside of Europe 25hours Hotel One Central is set to debut by Q4 2021 in Dubai. The very first 25hours hotel to launch in the Middle East, the highly anticipated Dubai outpost will celebrate and champion individuality, reverberating the mantra that 24 hours is simply not enough! It is a fun and vibrant property with a wonderfully welcoming aura- a real place, intended for real people to come as they are! 25hours will make your stay one to remember, transporting you to an exhilarating playground that feels like it’s almost home. Overlooking the Museum of the Future and boasting 434 rooms and suites, 25hours Hotel One Central tells the region’s story through its interiors, combining the ancient traditions of the Bedouins with a progressive, forward-thinking design and a nod to the future. Impactful, breath-taking and phenomenal design awaits at the UAE outpost.   Masterminded by interior design firm, Woods Baggot, elements of tales where the traditional meets the modern are intricately woven and exhibited floor-by-floor, creating an entirely contemporary narrative, promising a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Prepare to be electrified!   Offering a unique take on co-working spaces, 25hours Hotel One Central provides an inviting space fully equipped with a modern ‘open’ pantry concept to encourage a community feel, allowing local heroes to connect with the well-travelled. A paint and pottery studio, podcast recording room and record decks also add another stellar dimension to the offering in true 25hours style.   Additionally, 25hours Hotel One Central has partnered with MINI to allow guests with a sense of adventure the opportunity to get out and explore the city on their own terms.   If an epic culinary …

The First Collection, a new lifestyle brand from integrated property developer The First Group, has revealed that it will open its first hotel under the brand – The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle. The hotel, which is scheduled to open in September 2021, reflects the market-leading ambitions of The First Collection brand. The stunning 40-storey high-rise tower will house an array of sophisticated guest, dining and leisure facilities that will establish the hotel as a unique lifestyle destination located in the heart of New Dubai. The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle, which has been designed by acclaimed architectural firm NORR, will boast 491 guestrooms and suites, as well as a range of ultra-modern guest amenities designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike. Highlights of the four-star property include an expansive swimming pool, gymnasium and sundeck, alongside separate male and female spa facilities. True to the broader scope of the brand, The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle will become one of the precinct’s most sought-after dining destinations, thanks to its collection of bespoke signature restaurants.   Headlining the hotel’s outstanding dining facilities is Santè Ria, an ultra-hip, Latino-inspired venue that will serve up fresh flavours embodying the heart and soul of South America. Also included within the complex is Village Bistro – a vibrant, family-friendly venue that will offer an extensive à la carte menu and international buffets. Guests can also chill out by the hotel Terrace Pool with a drink or snack, or enjoy a BBQ as part of the hotel’s regular themed nights.   The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle’s prime location places it close to the city’s top business precincts and leisure attractions. The hotel is …

Emirates has announced it is restarting services to Glasgow in the United Kingdom, with 4 weekly flights from 11 August 2021. From 11 August to 30 October, flights between Dubai and Glasgow will operate four times a week on Emirates’ Boeing 777-200LR, in a two-class configuration, offering premium services in Business Class and Economy Class. Emirates flight EK 27 will depart Dubai on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 07:50hrs, arriving at Glasgow International Airport at 12:45hrs the same day. The return flight, EK 28, will depart Glasgow at 14:35 hrs, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Dubai at 01:05hrs the following day (all times are local). From September, Emirates will increase its flight frequency to a daily service.   With the UAE moving onto the UK’s ‘amber’ list for travel on Sunday 8 August, travellers arriving in the UK from Dubai no longer need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel, provided they are fully vaccinated. The latest travel requirements to the UK are available here.   Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer said: “Emirates welcomes the decision to add the UAE to the UK’s ‘amber list’ for international travel, reflecting the extensive steps that have been taken to mitigate the spread of the virus in the UK and UAE.   Since the UK’s announcement, we’ve seen a huge surge in queries from customers desperate to travel to see their families, planning their kids’ return for the new school term, as well as their postponed business or holiday travel. Emirates is reviewing our operations to various points in the UK and any service restart will be announced in the usual fashion.”   Emirates has been gradually rebuilding its …

Following the United Arab Emirates being added to the UK Amber List, Etihad Airways will resume passenger flights to London and Manchester from 8 August. Unvaccinated guests travelling from the UAE will be required to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before departure and to undergo 10 days home quarantine, as well as follow up Covid-19 tests on day two and day eight. Fully vaccinated guests who had their vaccine administered in the UK, US or Europe are exempt from quarantine and the day eight test. The airline’s three daily flights to London Heathrow have been scheduled to provide guests with a choice of conveniently timed departures and arrivals, and all 28 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and the UK will be operated using state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Those wishing to book are advised to visit www.etihad.com to view their options, and to remain informed of the appropriate 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 through a local or online travel agency. A list of other local Etihad contact centres is available at etihad.com/contacts. Etihad continues to follow UAE and international government, regulatory and health authority directives, and is playing its part in helping to limit the spread of Covid-19. The airline has implemented an extensive sanitisation and wellness programme and is practicing the highest standards of hygiene at every part of the customer journey. This includes catering, aircraft and cabin deep-cleaning, check-in, health screening, boarding, inflight, crew interaction, meal service, disembarkation and ground transportation, among others. More information on the stringent measures being taken …

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, confirms special commercial flights from Dubai to Manila this August, as well as additional flights to other key Asian destinations as it rebuilds international operations. The Bayanihan (a Filipino word that best describes uniting as a community) flights or special commercial flights from Dubai to Manila are scheduled on August 11 and 18, or two consecutive Wednesdays of the month in response to the government’s call for assistance to repatriate overseas Filipinos in the Middle East while the travel ban remains in effect. Other reinstated flights include flights to Singapore, Seoul, South Korea, Tokyo (Narita), Hongkong, Nagoya, Osaka (Kansai) and Taipei. “We remain cautiously optimistic as we gradually rebuild our international network,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience of Cebu Pacific.  “We recognize the need for non-leisure travel to these routes and we assure everyone that we are committed to keep prioritizing safety as we restore trust and confidence in air travel.” Flight schedules may be viewed, and bookings made on the website www.cebupacificair.com. Travel regulations issued by the governments of the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan will be implemented. Passengers may refer to the list of travel requirements here: https://bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders. CEB has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, antigen testing before duty for all frontliners and crew members, and contactless flight procedures. These are all in accordance with global best practices and the highest safety standards. Aircraft are …

The organizers of Ibiza’s pilot event at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza have appointed the event a success and an important milestone for the reactivation of leisure events in Ibiza. The event was approved by the Balearic Island’s Government and has enabled to showcase the compliance with all measures outlined by the authorities amongst a public of almost 1500 people at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza. It was required that all guests shall wear a mask during the entire event, which could only be removed for drinking. The capacity of the dance area and the bar was limited in capacity. Attendees had to provide proof of vaccination, PCR test or Covid antibodies prior to entering the venue. Those guests who did not meet these criteria underwent an antigen test at the venue prior to admittance. All tests were negative. In addition, access to the venue was staggered to avoid crowds, and all attendees had their temperatures taken. “The event has been another step towards reactivating the life events and a real confirmation that enjoying a leisure event is again possible while complying with the rules”  

Capital Experience part of Tourism 365, and owned by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group (ADNEC), has opened its office in Dubai. The new office will reach a broader range of potential partners, customers, and key industry stakeholders. Capital Experience, Tourism 365’s premium destination management arm, will serve partners and clients with exclusive offerings across the UAE, delivering memorable, unique and seamless travel experiences. Capital Experience will work with key stakeholders across each emirate, partnering with key entities including hotels across the nation. The launch of the company’s new office in Dubai aims at delivering international partners, tour operators, and partners a diversified product offering with a wide range of enticing packages. The office will work alongside Tourism 365 with their goal of increasing the number of tourists who visit Abu Dhabi, encouraging them to extend their visits to the UAE. Tourism 365 launched earlier this year under the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC). The company offers unique travel opportunities for tourists coming to Abu Dhabi, enhancing the emirate’s regional and global positioning in the wider tourism industry. Roula Jouny, Executive Director of Tourism 365, commented: “The opening of our Dubai office for Capital Experience reflects our strategic focus the Emirates tourism sector. With a wide range of global mega-events and other tourists’ attractions taking place in Abu Dhabi, Tourism 365 provides the perfect travel partner for all tourists looking to extend their stay in the UAE and enjoy all that Abu Dhabi has to offer. Through the opening of the Dubai office for Capital Experience, we will now provide clients with a complete solution and end-to-end experiences for UAE tourism.”

The national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air will ramp its services to the French capital to be daily. This is in line with the latest decision by the French authorities to add the Kingdom of Bahrain to their Green List as of 01st August. Being on the green list will mean that citizens and residents of Bahrain will be accepted to travel to France without the need to quarantine. Passengers aged 12 and above must present a proof of a complete vaccination which is authorised by the European Medicines Agency or a negative PCR test that is conducted within 72 hours before the flight or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 for non-vaccinated passengers. Gulf Air began the summer season with flights to 80% of its pre-pandemic network and it continued to resume operations and restore services to cities of its original 2019 destination network. The airline has also announced that it has successfully launched all of its seasonal destinations for the summer of 2021 with direct flights to Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, Malaga in Spain and Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt as well as recently resuming Tbilisi in Georgia. The airline currently flies to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Muscat, Cairo, Amman, Casablanca, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Athens, Istanbul, Tbilisi, Larnaca, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Dhaka, Colombo, the Maldives and several destinations in India and Pakistan. Commenting on restoring daily flights to Paris, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi commented: “This is wonderful news for citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain to be able to travel on Gulf Air to Paris on our newly introduced …

Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, has signed new management agreements with Al Marasem Development and Marina Way Lagoon. The agreement includes the management of two new properties – Lake Residence, serviced apartments in New Cairo which will also mark Rotana’s debut in the capital city and Marina Bay, Hotel Apartments in Alamein, North Coast. Al Marasem Development and Marina Way Lagoon partnered with Rotana to manage and operate the hotel projects, capitalizing the brand’s legacy and its experience in operating an extensive portfolio hospitality brands in the region. With Rotana’s superior level of expertise and deep-rooted knowledge in property management, this partnership aims to achieve the highest return on investment and provision of luxurious services with attractive competitive advantages. Commenting on the announcement, Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana said: “We are delighted to partner with Al Marasem Development and Marina Way Lagoon, one of the largest players in Egypt’s real estate sector. We are honoured and grateful to His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Laden for entrusting Rotana with the exclusive management of these outstanding hospitality projects in the Republic of Egypt.”   Al Nowais added: “Egypt has always been a strategic market for Rotana as it is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations with a great vision for the future of leisure and business travel. These incredible projects allow us to bring the world-class services and amenities of the Rotana brand to Egypt and provide us with a prime opportunity to strengthen our presence in the market. Through this partnership, we not only aim to showcase the vitality of our brand but …