The eyes of the world will be on Qatar for the Final Draw of the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on Friday 1 April, to witness the grouping of all teams for the flagship competition. The much-anticipated ceremony will be held at The Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, starting at 19:00 (Doha time). The Final Draw will be graced by a delegation of Qatar Airways’ senior management who will be present to share the excitement amongst several former champions of the prestigious tournament in attendance. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “What was once a dream is now a reality. Many world-class footballers will be present to play their part in deciding who will face who in this year’s FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar.” H.E. Mr. Al Baker added: “As the Official Airline Partner of FIFA, we offer fans from around the world unique travel packages, inclusive of match tickets, flights and accommodation options, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We want to utilise our global network to reunite the world in Qatar for what will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime sporting event.” With 29 out of the 32 participants confirmed at the time of the Final Draw, qualified teams will be separated into four pots based on the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Pot four will include three placeholders representing the two intercontinental play-off winners and the European play-off winner, who will only be determined in June. Guests attending the Final Draw event will be able to experience the World’s Best Airline’s multi-award-winning Qsuite Business Class, which will be featured in a designated area. Qatar Airways is inviting …

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA is pleased to announce the latest addition to its expansive portfolio in the UAE with the opening of Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments at Dubai Investments Park in partnership with Properties Investment LLC. Hamid Sidine, Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, said: We are very proud to open our latest hotel in the UAE and continue our strategic expansion across the Middle East region. We aim to create memorable experiences for our guests across all our hotel destinations and this hotel is no exception with its spectacular views and a relaxing atmosphere near the Dubai Expo 2020 site, Copthorne Lakeview is the ideal destination for the local community, business and leisure travellers” Overlooking a picturesque lake, the Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments Dubai Investments Park encompasses 165 rooms and 43 apartments of one and two bedrooms. It offers an outdoor pool area that includes a separate children’s pool and a relaxing terrace. The hotel adjoins a shopping mall that consists of a large grocery shop, Choithrams, a nail salon, a hairdresser, a kids play area, and several restaurants. Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments offers a choice of dining options including a specialty all-day dining restaurant, Poolside Bar, and a British style gastro-pub, Neighborhood. It also provides banquet spaces with a private entrance, a large outdoor terrace to host special events and outdoor receptions, and five event rooms. For golfers the hotel is located near three championship golf courses and is also within a 15-minute drive to Dubai Expo 2020 site and a 20-minute drive from Al Maktoum International Airport. Copthorne is a renowned brand that provides …

Travelex has launched its 29th location at the world’s busiest international airport, Dubai International (DXB) in the latest indication of the UAE’s tourism industry’s strong post-pandemic rebound. Travelex is also announcing plans to open its 30th store at the airport by April 2022. The new location – conveniently located for passengers in DXB’s Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall – is equipped with ATMs and trades in over 60 currencies. The launch of the new flagship store  and Travelex’s 46th in the UAE – comes as regional passenger volumes continue to climb, with 29.1 million passengers passing though DXB in 2021, a 12.7% increase on 2020. Earlier this month, the World Travel and Tourism Council announced that the Middle East’s travel tourism sector is likely to reach $246 billion this year – just 8.9% below pre-pandemic levels – with a return of global air travel, a relaxing of Covid-19 regulations, and major events, such as Expo 2020 Dubai and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, being major drivers of the market’s recovery. Travelex now offers customers foreign exchange services from 22 conventional stores and 7 mobile kiosks across Dubai International – all operated by over 240 employees. In addition to 29 locations at DXB, Travelex also operates a range of stores, OTMs (mobile kiosks) and ATMs across the wider UAE. These include Port Rashid, as well as a combined 15 locations across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Travelex has plans to develop further locations across both Dubai International and Sharjah in 2022, creating more jobs in the process for both Emiratis and expats. Batu Dolay, Commercial Director, Travelex Middle East & Turkey said: “We are delighted and proud to both open our 29th …

The first-ever virtual event in the region, the Gulf Travel Show 2022 ended its final day with  over 2000 one-on-one meetings attended by travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media over a period of two days for the fourth consecutive time in platinum partnership with Tourism Malaysia. San Jeet, Director, DDP group, reiterated in his address, “Advancing connections in a changing world has never been more important. We want you to make the most of this platform and help us shape the future. Our goal is to offer a virtual show that is as dynamic and as rewarding as a physical one. We intend to build connections, grow businesses and establish long-term mutually beneficial relationships.” Mirza Ghalib – Deputy Director – Tourism Malaysia – Dubai, ‘Gulf Travel Show 4.0 was a success for our Malaysian partners on the virtual B2B sessions with buyers from the Middle East region. We are satisfied with the contacts and enquiries that we have received, and our partners have been full with appointments since the announcement of Malaysia is re-opening on 1st April 2022. This is a good sign for us and we hope to see you in Malaysia soon.’ Sanaf Rahman – Travel Consultant – Aldar Travel & Tours Bahrain, shared, “Gulf Travel Show created a platform over the past two years to connect with suppliers from various parts of the world in one safe virtual space. Every edition of the Gulf Travel Show has brought in different suppliers to meet, engage and collaborate. Another interesting fact will be the insightful panel discussions and presentations by the experts featured in the auditorium, which we all look …

Deutsche Hospitality is expanding into the United Arab Emirates by joining forces with Al Hamra the leading lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah to take on management of the Al Hamra Residences and Al Hamra Village Hotel. The resorts will use the Steigenberger Residences and MAXX by Deutsche Hospitality brand names in future. This expansion will enable Deutsche Hospitality to gain market entry to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. “The partnership with Al Hamra represents an important milestone in Deutsche Hospitality’s growth strategy in the Middle East,” said Marcus Bernhardt, CEO of Deutsche Hospitality. “The United Arab Emirates is a very attractive market, and the potential for our eight hotel brands is high. Collaboration with a strong local partner will enable us to leverage this potential in the best possible way.” Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, said: “As Ras Al Khaimah’s premier lifestyle developer and investment company, we are focused on enhancing the destination appeal of the Emirate and driving regional and global partnerships that create exceptional value for our customers and guests. Our strategy supports the vision of the leadership to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a regional tourism and investment hub. The expansion of Deutsche Hospitality in the Middle East through the management of our award-winning assets further highlights the growing global investor appeal of Ras Al Khaimah and the high returns that Al Hamra delivers through its existing income generating assets.” Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality, added: “In light of the constantly growing demand in the Gulf, we are delighted to be working with Al Hamra to enhance our presence in the region. We are confident that …

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. to enter the safari segment in Africa. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions. Offering discerning travellers an unparalleled setting, the elegant retreat expects to welcome guests in 2023. Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. Plans for the new-build lodge feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, ideal for families, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening. The untamed landscape will offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is also host to the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. “As a brand rooted in mindfulness, we cannot think of a more perfect retreat for the mind, body, and soul than the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya,” says Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as they connect with nature and …

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced a management agreement to rebrand the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. This will be the Group’s first hotel in Egypt and further expands the brand’s portfolio in the region. The celebrated Shepheard Hotel first opened its doors in 1841 and remains a landmark in the city, respected by the local community and well known internationally.  A comprehensive renovation of the property is already underway and Paris-based interior designer, Sybille de Margerie, is tasked with preserving the building’s heritage design while enhancing the facilities and services.  Upon completion, currently anticipated for 2024, the hotel will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo. Situated on the eastern shore of The Nile river, in the heart of Downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with balconies, providing excellent views over the city, the Nile and Gezira island. The hotel is ideally located to explore the city’s renowned attractions such as the historical Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Souq and Al-Azhar Mosque, and provides easy access to the river, key commercial buildings, and vibrant shopping, restaurants and cafés. Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo will feature five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant for al fresco dining, as well as an exclusive club lounge.  The hotel will also offer expansive function spaces, including a rooftop ballroom, making this the ideal destination for conferences and social gatherings of all sizes. An all-encompassing Spa at Mandarin Oriental will provide eight treatment suites and offer the tailored experiences and signature treatments for which the Group is renowned. Further wellness facilities include an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a beauty salon, fitness centre and a kid’s club. The …

flydubai announced that it will operate flights to select destinations from Dubai World Central (DWC) in order to provide more travel options to passengers during the northern runway refurbishment project announced by Dubai Airports. The rehabilitation project is scheduled to take place from 09 May to 22 June 2022. flydubai will operate flights to 34 destinations from DWC during the period of the refurbishment project to ensure minimum disruption to passengers’ travel plans. At DWC, passengers will continue to benefit from all the convenient travel services offered by flydubai. During this period flights to five of these destinations will also be available from DXB. Flights to all other flydubai destinations will continue to operate from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB). Commenting on the announcement, flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: “as we saw in 2019, runway enhancement programmes continue to support the long-term vision for Dubai as it reinforces its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. We look forward to the completion of the northern runway refurbishment programme and the efficiencies it will bring to our home at Dubai International (DXB). With flydubai flights operating to select destinations from DWC, we aim to provide our passengers with as much choice as possible to travel across our network with minimum disruption as more countries open up for travel.” flights to 34 destinations from flydubai’s network of more than 90 destinations will operate from DWC during the runway refurbishment project including flights to Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Delhi, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, Muscat and Riyadh. Following the completion of the runway refurbishment project on 22 June 2022, flydubai will resume its flights to all destinations …

Day one of the fourth edition of the Gulf Travel Show ended with its pre-planned meetings for VIP buyers with over 500 meetings. SanJeet Director DDP Group opened the show welcoming all the exhibitors and buyers to the fourth edition of the Gulf Travel Show. Tourism Malaysia participating for the fourth time at the fourth edition of the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) from 22nd to 23rd March 2022. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths consisting of tourism boards, tour operators and hotels and resorts such as Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Selangor, Asian Overland Services, Universal Holidays travel and tours, World Express tours Malaysia, Sunway hotels and resorts, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, New World Petaling Jaya hotel, Dash Box Hotels, Lexis hotels and resorts, Berjaya hotels and resorts and Gembox. Following this year’s participation, Mr Manoharan Periasamy, the Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia’s International Promotion Division for Asia & Africa said that it is their fourth consecutive time to participate in the Gulf Travel Show and they continued to participate as they received a very good response and this has been a platform which brought together exhibitors from Malaysia to meet and network with partners from the Middle East. “We are very happy to announce that we will be opening our borders from 1st April 2022 this year to all international travelers and those fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine. Gulf Travel Show provided us the opportunity to connect and engage with partners from the Gulf region and promote our destination and keep them up to date about the latest information on Malaysia. …

A total of 32,621 hotel rooms are currently under construction in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom prepares to meet pent-up demand from pilgrims returning to its holy cities. That’s according to the latest research from STR, commissioned by Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May. The analysts found that the country’s revenue per available room (RevPAR) recovery index stands at 52 percent, noting that the absence of millions of Muslim pilgrims has significantly impacted hotel performance in Saudi Arabia. Medina and Makkah witnessed RevPAR rates of just 33 percent and 24 percent, respectively, in 2021. Although significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, KSA’s hotel performance registered year-on-year gains in 2021 and the sector’s recovery is expected to persist throughout the coming year, with pent-up demand driving further improvements as Covid-related restrictions continue to ease. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, said: “As was the case for markets the world over, the global pandemic had a major impact on Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Even so, STR’s findings clearly point to an ongoing and sustained recovery, and we are looking forward to exploring the vast untapped potential of the kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector at ATM 2022.” Hotels in Al Khobar are currently outperforming those in Saudi Arabia’s other major cities, with RevPAR surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, meanwhile, recorded recovery index rates of 88 percent, 85 percent and 56 percent, respectively, last year. In terms of outbound travel, research conducted by Colliers International shows that overseas journeys from the kingdom are set to grow to 6,075,000 in 2022, …