Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maldivian, the national airline and leading domestic carrier in the Maldives, to explore codeshare, interline, and joint holiday package opportunities. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Maldives is one of the most popular leisure destinations in Emirates’ network and we are very pleased to be exploring a partnership with the nation’s local carrier. A codeshare and interline agreement will immensely benefit both carriers. For Emirates customers, its enhanced connectivity to and from the Maldivian archipelago. For Maldivian travellers, it’ll ease access to our extensive network of more than 120 destinations, via Dubai. We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership and to offering customers a seamless travel experience.” Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Maldives, said: “Emirates’ impact to the Maldives’ tourism industry is significant, with the airline ranking first in terms of international passenger traffic. The possible partnership between the two airlines will benefit the Maldivian economy and strengthen economic ties between the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates.” Mohamed Mihad, Maldivian’s Managing Director, said: “The opportunity to explore a partnership with the largest airline in the world brings about endless opportunities for Maldivian. The growth prospects that could follow such a partnership is key when we look to expand our operations and develop partnerships that will allow us to position ourselves in the post Covid aviation industry. The interline and codeshare arrangement being explored would enable both Maldivian as well as Emirates to enhance the connectivity and expand on the service offerings.” The two carriers are reviewing a codeshare agreement that will enable Emirates’ customers to conveniently book and connect from Male’ to more than 15 …

The Spanish region of Extremadura will have its day in the Spain Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai this week. A wide range of activities have been organised starting on Tuesday 15 February, the Day of Honour of Extremadura. In attendance will be the President of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Guillermo Fernández Vara, the Spanish ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Iñigo de Palacio, the President of Acción Cultural España and Commissioner of the Spanish Pavilion, José Andrés Torres Mora, and Executive Commissioner Carmen Bueno will participate. Fernández Vara will also have an institutional agenda, meeting representatives from the political, economic and commercial fields of the United Arab Emirates. The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is located strategically in the ‘sustainability area’ close to the nerve centre of the Expo, the Al Wazl plaza, which makes it highly attractive to visitors. The common theme will be: ‘Spain, Intelligence for Life’, which embodies the country’s communication objectives: to highlight Spain’s capability in innovation and creativity and its efforts to ensure a good quality of life on the planet for us and future generations. On 15 February there will be a presentation of Extremadura before a range of representatives from the field of Emirati tourism and society, in which the region will be projected as a tourism destination and a good place live and invest in. The commitment to sustainability and tourism as a connecting link between Extremadura and the United Arab Emirates will be the central theme of this event, in which two videos of Extremadura will be shown. One is focused on sustainability and archeoastronomy, i.e. the importance of the stars in the construction of monuments by different …

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has partnered with VFS Global to provide efficient passport renewal services to a vast population of Sri Lankan nationals living in the Kingdom. Serving as an alternative platform, VFS Global passport renewal services allow customers to submit a passport renewal application and/or collect the renewed passport from 13 locations across the Kingdom. This service is in addition to the service currently offered by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh. The first VFS Global Sri Lanka Passport Application Centre was inaugurated on 06 February 2022 in Riyadh by H.E Mr. Pakeer Mohideen Amza, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist of the Republic of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mr. Sumanth Kapoor, Regional Head – KSA, Bahrain and Oman, VFS Global. The centres in Jeddah and Al Khobar were also made operational on the same day subsequently. The passport renewal services will further extend to 10 locations including, Al Jauf, Al Khobar, Al Qaseem, Hail, Jazan, Jubail, Madina, Makkah, Najaran, and Tabuk by 15 February 2022. During the inauguration ceremony, H.E Mr. Pakeer Mohideen Amza, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said, “Through our partnership with VFS Global we extend our network to reach Sri Lankan nationals residing all across the country. Holders of Sri Lankan passports who find it difficult to visit the Mission personally, can now submit their renewal application conveniently to the nearest VFS Global passport renewal touchpoint instead of visiting the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh”. As part of the constant and ongoing endeavour to add value to customers’ experience, VFS Global offers optional services that make the process …

The Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, has cemented its commitment to drive growth from The Gulf Cooperation Council union (The GCC) encompassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. To drive expansion in these emerging cruise source markets, The Scenic Group is working in partnership with consultant and sales strategy expert, Daniel Essex. Starting this month, Essex is the former consultant of sales strategy & planning for Cruise Saudi and is charged with delivering greater brand awareness for The Scenic Group and its brands within the GCC’s travel trade community as well as both the mice and charter-incentive markets. The move follows after Scenic Group successfully provided charter sailings in Saudi Arabia late last year on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™. In addition, brand new luxury super yacht Emerald Azzurra is set to visit the region including home-porting in Doha, Qatar this coming winter. Dominika Lange, General Manager Sales & Marketing EMEA, Scenic Group commented: “I am delighted to welcome Daniel to the team, his impressive track record will be invaluable as we focus our intentions on bringing the Scenic Group’s portfolio of incredible brands to life for guests in the region.” Agents interested in working with The Scenic Group should contact Achim Weber, Head of Sales at Scenic Group – cruises@scenic.eu

In implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, to proceed with the partnership agreement signed between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise Company to operate Cruise autonomous vehicles to offer taxi and e-Hail services in Dubai, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority announced the start of trials and preparations of digital maps needed for these vehicles by the end of this year, in preparation of 2023 actual service launch. As such, Dubai will be the first city outside the USA to operate such vehicles. Al Tayer made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the American Cruise Company headed by Anthony Gregory, Vice-President of Market Development, Cruise, USA. The meeting discussed the latest developments relating to the agreement signed between the two parties for operating Cruise autonomous vehicles in providing taxi and e-Hail services. Discussions also covered the supply of vehicles, operations, the latest developments of operating autonomous vehicles in San Francisco State, and the production of Cruise Origin autonomous vehicle, as Dubai will be the global platform for launching the operation of this vehicle. Attendees included Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and Abdullah Yousef, CEO of Licensing Agency from RTA in addition to Jamie Best, Director of Corporate Development, from Cruise, and several directors from both parties. “This initiative enhances Dubai’s pioneering role in self-driving transport. It is an important step towards realising Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed to transform 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai into journeys on various …

SAUDIA has underlined its commitment to contributing to the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism and sports sectors with the launch of the airline’s first-ever polo team. The three-man team will compete in the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2022, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the AlUla Moments season. The team’s participation comes as part of SAUDIA’s strategic partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, and is the latest in a series of collaborations designed to highlight the historic destination’s rich heritage and natural beauty. The national carrier has contributed to a variety of events and activations showcasing the ancient desert city’s unique attractions. These include the world’s first “Museum in the Sky” flight, which highlighted AlUla’s cultural significance as a living museum and the home of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, a challenging equestrian event that attracted 200 riders from more than 30 countries to compete across 120 km of rugged desert terrain. The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament is one of several upcoming events supported by SAUDIA. From 27 February to 12 March, visitors will be able to soar high above the desert landscape for a magical hot air balloon ride as part of the AlUla Skies Festival. Guests can also look forward to experiencing a Symphony Under the Stars on 11 March, as a dazzling musical performance takes place against the stunning backdrop of the famous Arch Rock. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer at SAUDIA, commented, “This is a period of incredible growth for SAUDIA, AlUla, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are proud to be part of the ambitious plans to …

The Philippines brought to life its 4,000-year story in its push for cultural sustainability at Expo 2020 Dubai, which witnessed one of its grandest National Day celebrations to date. From the flag raising ceremony at the Philippines Pavilion and the Al Wasl Plaza, to the magnificent culmination gala presentation at the Jubilee Park, the Philippines added elements of the importance of preserving and retelling the story of their rich cultural history through visual art, immersive music, and impressive artistic performances. With cheerful smiles and upbeat vibes, the Philippines filled the streets of Expo 2020 Dubai with day-long celebrations of colorful, fun-filled cultural festivities witnessed by thousands of Filipinos come came in from all over the UAE, alongside thousands more of Expo 2020’s visitors last February 11, Friday. Philippines Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group and PH Expo 2020 Dubai Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos underscored that not only was the one-day event well-attended and received by Filipino expats, it likewise captured the hearts of Expo 2020’s visitors from all around the world. “It’s always a delight to see our fellow Filipino compatriots who have driven from all seven emirates to converge in Dubai for this momentous occasion that celebrates the pride of our nation. As equally astounding is how Expo 2020 Dubai’s global audiences resonated and responded with smiles and gratitude to all of our events and presentations, and joined in the excitement of our festivities,” said Gaetos. The Philippine flag was raised twice – both in the Philippines Pavilion and in the Al Wasl Dome on Philippines National Day, with many Filipinos singing the Philippine National Anthem with pride at the world’s …

National tourism agency VisitBritain launched a new multi-million-pound global campaign to drive inbound tourism, as Britain gears up for a year of landmark events. The £10 million international GREAT Britain marketing campaign ‘Welcome to Another Side of Britain’ was formally launched by The Rt Hon Nadine Dorries MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) at a VisitBritain reception on 9 February in Dubai, UAE. The event, hosted by Dame Judith Macgregor, chair of the British Tourist Authority and Tricia Warwick, VisitBritain Director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), was in support of the wider programme for UK National Day at Expo Dubai. Also in attendance was the British Ambassador to the UAE Patrick Moody, the Leader of Birmingham City Council Councillor Ian Ward, as well as top tourism industry and travel trade executives from India, the GCC, the West Midlands in England and international media. VisitBritain’s ‘Welcome to Another Side of Britain’ campaign is putting the spotlight on Britain’s cities, hit hard by the absence of international visitors, as well as on messages of welcome and reassurance. It is also capturing the major events this year, set to be global tourism draws, including HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and ‘Unboxed,’ the UK-wide celebration of creativity, to drive tourism to Britain. UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries said: “This brilliant campaign will highlight the best of the UK to the world and show that we are open and ready to welcome back international visitors.” “2022 is a fantastic time to visit thanks to major events including Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has officially inaugurated the 11th Sharjah Light Festival – themed ‘Echoes of the Future’ – which includes a series of activities and shows, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, until February 20, 2022. The event was held tonight at University City Hall and included the Festival opening act, attended by representatives of local and international media in the UAE, as well as an enthusiastic crowd. Speaking at the event, SCTDA Chairman His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa said that the Festival, now in its 11th edition, is “one of the hallmarks of the success and originality of our emirate’s tourism sector, organised every year by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This event is an extension of years of hard work and dedication to charting a bright future for the Emirate of Sharjah – a future that cements its name and praiseworthy reputation as an unparalleled tourist destination teeming with culture, art, and authentic heritage, all the while being up to speed with visitors’ needs and requirements, and on a par with the world’s leading destinations.” “We are immensely proud of the accomplishments the tourism sector is making each year, guided by the forward-thinking vision and boundless support of our wise leadership, represented by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah,” H.E. Al Midfa added. “Over the course of the past 50 years, this vision has served as the foundation for Sharjah’s development and progress. And today, …

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has announced its partnership with Royal Jordanian Airlines, offering Royal Club Award Miles to Royal Club Program members staying in its distinctive hotel brands throughout the UAE, and Jordan Through this exciting new collaboration, HMH hotel guests enrolled in the Royal Club frequent flyer program will earn Royal Club Award Miles for every US$ they spend on hotel night stays and other services from participating HMH hotels. ‘We are always looking for ways to enhance our hospitality experience, both for our guests staying with us and for residents visiting the wonderful restaurants and facilities,’ commented (Haytham, Director of Operations). ‘Our aim through the HMH alliance and partner program is to reward guest loyalty with attractive, attainable rewards, and as one of the region’s most exciting customer loyalty programs, we are delighted to introduce Royal Club in participating hotels in the UAE, and Jordan. Members will be able to take those miles and unlock great travel related rewards, plus shop online at the Royal Club Rewards Store.’ ‘We are delighted to partner up with HMH in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, and to welcome five distinctive hotel brands to our program for our members to enjoy new memorable experiences and additional rewards’, said Yola Isaac, Head of Royal Club Program. ‘We are constantly working to expand our partners network especially in the region, to cater for the needs and preferences of our valued members and to provide them with additional benefits while enjoying the distinguished array of products and services offered by our partners’. HMH has a range of alliances and partnerships in place with industry leaders in the Middle East, and its proactive use of …