Majid Al Futtaim, the premier shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia has launched its first hybrid digital food hall concept at City Centre Me’aisem. Combining digital and physical dining experiences, Halla Food allows guests to order from multiple virtual restaurants with a single online transaction. The opening of this hybrid concept demonstrates how Majid Al Futtaim is at the forefront of digital transformation and is embracing technology and innovation to meet the expectations of today’s dynamic and digital-savvy consumers. Spanning less that 3,000 sq foot, Halla Food consists of a single cloud kitchen, seven homegrown F&B concepts and a 34-seater restaurant. Using cutting-edge technology and automation, the hybrid model provides guests with a seamless and contactless digital experience from end-to-end. Customers can conveniently order their food online on voxcinemas.com, through delivery apps (Deliveroo, Talabat and Zomato) or at the physical location by scanning a QR code or using the self-serve kiosks. They also have the option to have food delivered directly to their door or collect it at the self-service pick-up cubbies and dine-in. Halla Food boasts a wide variety of F&B concepts including existing brands such as VOX Cinemas’ Candy Bar, Top Bun, Kitchen 35, Pizza Al Taglio and Nutella as well as exciting new additions including Epic Byrd, a fried chicken restaurant, and Akl El Beyt, which specialises in Lebanese home cooking. Later this year, it will be adding to its offering and joining forces with third party F&B outlets so guests can enjoy an even wider variety of cuisines. Halla Food also plans to expand its presence with additional locations planned for later this year. Marc Matar, Vice President, …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the appointment of Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer as its Acting Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Al Qaseer will continue the ongoing concerted efforts to achieve Shurooq’s vision of developing world-class projects and bolster efforts to drive national and foreign investments into the emirate. He will also oversee the management and operational execution of all multi-sectoral projects under Shurooq’s portfolio, including its tourist and heritage destinations across the emirate. Al Qaseer made formidable contributions in fulfilling the goals of Shurooq’s plans and projects. He has facilitated the growth of businesses across sectors, in addition to strengthening Sharjah’s status as a key investment, tourist and trade destination in the region. Ahmed Al Qaseer joined Al Qasba Development Office in 2006 as Business Development Manager and was promoted to Director of Business Development in 2008. He was an integral part of the team that transformed Al Qasba into the popular leisure and tourism destination it is today. Following his highly successful track record with Al Qasba, Ahmed Al Qaseer played a key role in the establishment of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in 2009. As Director of Property Management in 2010, he was entrusted with the responsibility of managing Shurooq’s properties as well as its operations, sales, and leasing. The following year, he was promoted as Chief Operating Officer of Shurooq, and in that capacity, was responsible for the operational execution of Shurooq’s portfolio of projects and destinations.

Dubai’s independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has signed a management agreement to operate Accor’s luxury five-star MGallery hotel, as well as all facilities at the new Century Park Hotel and Residences development in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. A signing ceremony took place in Kigali recently between Aleph Hospitality respectively, the international hospitality group Accor, and Century Park Hotel and Residences Ltd, the developers of the project. Located in the pristine and calm hills of Nyarutarama, Kigali’s most esteemed neighbourhood, Century Park Hotel and Residences is an all-in-one mixed-use residential and leisure park. The unique lifestyle destination offers luxury villas, two- and three-bedroom apartments, four- and five-bedroom duplexes and penthouses as well as three restaurants and bars. In addition, the development features the luxurious MGallery Hotel, the first for the brand in Rwanda, featuring beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, leisure facilities including an outdoor pool as well as conferences and meeting rooms. Century Park Hotel and Residences is ideally situated just 5 minutes from Kigali Convention Centre, 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport and 20 minutes from the capital’s central business district. Billy Cheung, Chairman of Century Park Hotel and Residences Ltd said: “ We are delighted to formally launch our hotel and residences with agreements with two leading international organizations – Aleph Hospitality and Accor.” Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said: “We are very excited to be part of this incredible new mixed-use development in Kigali, which marks our first entry into Rwanda. We are delighted to be entrusted with the operations of the first MGallery hotel in Rwanda, our first Accor branded property, alongside the management of the facilities and restaurants at Century Park …

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has honoured members of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme – including healthcare professionals, scientists, industry experts, academics, business leaders and government officials – who have spearheaded successful bids to bring global business events to Dubai. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and a division of DET, presented awards to 20 member organisations at the Programme’s annual appreciation ceremony, held on 3 March at Dubai Exhibition Centre, within the Expo 2020 Dubai site. With Dubai continuing to lead the global recovery of the business events sector, the bid wins driven by the Ambassadors are contributing to the growth of the pipeline of conferences, congresses and meetings which will take place in the city over the coming years and provide platforms for the sharing of knowledge, professional development and networking. As the city continued to present a compelling proposition for international associations, societies and other entities for their major events, the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme last year supported in securing 26 conferences and congresses to be hosted in Dubai over the coming years, set to attract over 35,000 industry-specific professionals and experts from around the world. Among the events won in 2021 thanks to the contributions of Ambassadors were: 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (2025), IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (2024), World Science and Technology Education Conference (2023) and Congress of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (2024). Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “In recognition of their commitment and vital contributions towards Dubai’s growing status as an international business events hub, we congratulate and express gratitude …

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai-based marketing and representation company to promote and market PNG’s tourism industry in the Gulf and Middle East regions. Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard and the chief executive officer of Across Borders Travel, Fabian Fernandes, signed the MoU in Dubai – UAE. The signing was witnessed by TPA chief executive officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo, and TPA director marketing, Alice Kuaningi. Minister Leonard said Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry has never penetrated the tourism market in the Middle East and that the MoU was a break through, and hopes that a market from the Gulf region can be secured. He said PNG’s participation at the Dubai World Expo2020 would provide the leverage to effectively market PNG as a tourism destination in light of the opening of international borders. Across Borders Travel looks after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which is a political and economic union of Arab states bordering the Gulf. GCC was established in 1981 and its members include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Established and registered in 2013, Across Borders Travel is a Preferred Sales Agents(PSA)  for 7 Cruise Companies and 11 Destination Management Companies(DMC’s) around the world. Under the MoU, Across Borders Travel will provide tourism and marketing advice to TPA, and support in providing information about travel and tourism, and any related information throughout the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Arab region to TPA.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of InterContinental® Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, the first property for the luxury brand in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Located on the sparkling shoreline of Hayat Island, just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, the five-star haven brings the InterContinental life to the Arabian Peninsula, combining idyllic island style living with the warm hospitality of authentic Arabia. His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Zaabi, Chairman of RAK Properties, said: “We are pleased with this qualitative addition to our company, which owns great assets in the world of real estate and luxury. The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa from IHG, added a new value for lovers of nature, beauty and contemporary authenticity. He added: “We are always keen to improve our business and projects and achieve the highest levels of luxury and distinguished services, and it is no secret to everyone the position that the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has reached in the world of tourism in general, and hotels and resorts in particular”. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East and Africa said: “InterContinental Hotels & Resorts have been pioneering luxury travel in new destinations for over 75 years and the undiscovered destination of Ras Al Khaimah couldn’t be more perfect for a new, best-in-class InterContinental resort. Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation has grown internationally and has put the Emirate on the world travel map. Its focus on heritage, cultural and adventure activities has a strong appeal to domestic and also international visitors. We look forward to welcoming guests to this exquisite property and offer a level of bespoke hospitality that is befitting of …

Marriott International signed an agreement with Venue International to debut Moxy Hotels in Turkey. Slated to open in 2024, the 168-room Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu will be located in the heart of the city within walking distance from Taksim Square – one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the area. “We are excited to work with Venue International to debut the Moxy brand in Turkey,” said Begüm Kaya Şanver, Director Development, Turkey, Marriott International. “Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu will serve as a playful lifestyle hotel bringing a bold, spirited experience to the vibrant area of Beyoglu.” Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu is expected to offer 168 stylish and cozy, yet smart bedrooms that have been designed to maximize every inch for today’s young-at-heart travellers. The hotel is set to feature playful Moxy spaces from the energetic lobby where guests are met by the welcoming crew, to its lively Living Room space ideal for day to night gatherings. In addition to its buzzing public spaces aimed to be the center of activity, Design plans for Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu include an industrial chic look, a fun grab-and-go concept, bold programming with local flavor, and communal tables offering plenty of opportunities to plug and play. Kaan Namlıcı, Chairman of the Board, Venue International said, “We are excited to work with Marriott International to bring the first Moxy Hotel to Turkey. We have always believed in the potential of Moxy Hotels in this market but were keen to wait to introduce it in the right location. Moxy Istanbul Beyoglu will infuse an energetic urban vibe to the bohemian and dynamic character of the Beyoğlu area. The hotel will feature a unique blend of Afrikahan’s historic relevance and …

The ninth Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), the region’s leading aviation and tourism industry event at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, concluded today on an optimistic note with industry stakeholders expecting the region to demonstrate strong recovery. They underlined the need for greater collaboration and open dialogue between governments, regulators and operators to better support the industry’s recovery. They also highlighted the need for greater investment in technology to respond to changing passenger behaviour, which is shifting towards a preference for a seamless and digital experience. Discussions also centred on the importance of sustainability and the role of the industry in achieving Net Zero carbon emissions. In addition, experts highlighted the role of the tourism as a catalyst for economic development and pandemic recovery in the region, addressing the need to support small and medium-sized businesses moving forward. Under the theme of ‘Roadmap to Recovery’, more than 750 international and local industry experts as well as media representatives gathered to discuss a wide array of aviation and tourism topics spread over the 2-day summit. The first day of the AAS (Feb. 28) hosted industry workshops covering various topics related to regional and international practices across tourism, aviation, airports, and other sectors. The second day of the summit (Mar. 1) featured high-profile industry leaders speaking across panel sessions that discussed the state of air transportation and tourism in the Arab world, and its effect on the global economy. Top aviation and tourism leaders gathered to discuss how airlines are thriving in a post-pandemic world, in addition to sharing new operational models and success stories based on their unique expertise and knowledge. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO …

Global Village, the UAE and wider region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment has announced the launch of a fully digitized, one-stop portal for its travel trade partners through an exciting photography competition with prizes worth AED 40,000 up for grabs. From tickets to world-class attractions like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!®, Carnaval fun fair and Harbour Force Stunt Show to dining and shopping opportunities, the new travel trade portal has everything needed to tailor the perfect package. With the latest and most up to date information available, it is easy to enhance an exisiting tour or simply introduce the multi-cultural destination to a new itinerary. Jaki Ellenby, Executive Director, Marketing & Events, Global Village, said: “We, at Global Village, are committed to providing enhanced services to our travel trade partners and keeping them up to date on the latest happenings. Our easy-to-navigate, user-friendly portal acts as an enhanced informational hub with customised resources and essential tools where partners can easily book tickets and avail exclusive offers to simplify the travel planning and promotion process. We very much look forward to welcoming all of our partners on board and to working together to make this a great success.” With a click of a button, the easy-to-use platform allows partners to download materials, including images, videos, brochures and offers. It is anticipated that portal will play a pivotal role in building relationships with tour operators, travel agents, and companies thereby allowing them to deliver a more superior, personalized services to their clients whilst raising awareness of Global Village as a top family destination. Register for a chance to win big! To celebrate the launch of the dedicated portal …

flydubai celebrated its inaugural service to AlUla on 02 March, becoming the first national carrier of the UAE to operate flights from Dubai. Yesterday’s inaugural flight arrived at AlUla International Airport (ULH) and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the start of a twice-weekly service. On board the inaugural flight was a senior delegation led by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, members of the Royal Commission for AlUla, as well as representatives from the UAE media. The delegation was invited to a welcome reception which was followed by a press conference. Speaking at the press conference, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are delighted to see the first flydubai flight land in AlUla today and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the authorities and the Royal Commission for AlUla for their support. The launch of operations to AlUla reflects our commitment to strengthening the cultural, trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and opening up new markets to more passengers.” Phillip J. Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer at The Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “As AlUla continues to attract more visitors from around the globe, we are thrilled to have flydubai offer year-round direct flights from Dubai. The new twice-weekly flights will facilitate not only the movement of visitors from the important UAE market, but from throughout flydubai’s extensive international network into AlUla.  There is no other destination that equals AlUla for fascinating ancient history, heritage and culture combined with high-end luxury settings and experiences – and now increasingly more easily accessible for both leisure and business visitors. We still have five …