Oman Air and Qatar Airways have signed a reciprocal loyalty partnership where members of Oman Air Sindbad and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can earn loyalty miles for travel on both airlines between Muscat and Doha exclusively, in either direction. With this partnership Sindbad members can earn Sindbad miles on Qatar Airways flights on the sector; reciprocally, Privilege Club members can earn Qmiles on Oman Air flights. Members of both loyalty programs will be able to redeem their miles for flights on either airline between the two cities. “The strong relationship between Oman Air and Qatar Airways offers a world of exciting travel possibilities and we’re delighted that our Sindbad members can now earn and redeem Sindbad miles for travel on Qatar Airways between Muscat and Doha,” said Oman Air CEO Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi. “We’re equally delighted to welcome Qatar Airways Privilege Club members on board Oman Air flights on the popular sector, where they can earn and spend Qmiles.” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker stated, “Qatar Airways is delighted to launch this new partnership with Oman Air, offering valued members flying between Qatar and Oman significant opportunities to earn and spend miles across both airlines. This new loyalty partnership cements our dedication to the Sultanate of Oman, and we will remain committed towards creating more unique opportunities to reward our members, in addition to offering various avenues to use Qmiles with our airline partners”. The reciprocal loyalty program partnership follows the strengthening of the relationship between both airlines and builds on the benefits of expanded code-sharing. In December last year, Oman Air and Qatar Airways announced greater cooperation that would allow both airlines …

Emirates announced it will launch a daily non-stop flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv, Israel, starting 6 December. The move comes as the UAE and Israel continue to develop greater economic cooperation to drive growth across a range of sectors, in addition to boosting trade flows between both nations. With the new daily flights, Israeli travellers will be able to connect safely, seamlessly and efficiently to Dubai, and through Dubai to Emirates’ global route network of over 120 destinations. The flight timings to/from Tel Aviv will offer travellers convenient access to major leisure destinations beyond Dubai like Thailand, the Indian Ocean Islands and South Africa, among others. Furthermore, the new flights introduce convenient inbound connections to Tel Aviv from close to 30 Emirates gateways across Australia, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, India and South Africa, all home to some of the largest Jewish communities in the world. Travellers from the United States looking to stop in Dubai before embarking on their onwards journey to Tel Aviv can avail the Dubai Stop Over package, which includes stays at world-class hotels, sightseeing, and other activities.   Dubai also continues to attract leisure travellers from Israel with its ever-expanding list of experiences, including hosting Expo 2020 Dubai which has drawn in more than 2 million visits in its first month. Israel is participating at Expo 2020 Dubai with its own country pavilion under the theme ‘connecting thoughts – creating the future’. Emirates’ new flights will also boost connections for business communities in both countries, creating new channels to network and forge investment opportunities across industries. With the opening of visa-free travel between both countries and the easing of restrictions across the Emirates network, …

Gulf Air announced the launch of private charter services under the title of “Boutique Charters” allowing its global clientele to book private direct charter flights with personalised itineraries. The new service is available to government and corporate delegations, group travel, destination weddings, private family holidays as well as private cargo consignments. Available on various types of aircraft from the airline’s young fleet, the private charter services can be booked on narrow body fleet, Airbus A320neo or A321neoLR, or on wide body fleet, the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. In 2019 and in line with its strategy to become the customer’s airline of choice, Gulf Air announced its boutique business model concept which would reinforce its focus on product and customer experience. Similarly with the hospitality industry, Gulf Air differentiates itself as a boutique airline that is different and unique in the way it operates comparing to the bigger airlines that are more volume driven. This new concept is derived from the airlines business model to offer its boutique services to a more niche clientele whilst highlighting the key services the airline is renowned for. The new private “Boutique Charters” will allow customers to choose from a number of in-flight services and preferences from fresh flowers, bespoke amenities, unlimited WiFi connection, selection of newest movies and TV shows, choice of food and beverage, tailor made menus with cold and hot meals that are served by expert multinational flight attendants. Commenting on the launch, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi said: “This is a major milestone for the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. We will now extend our boutique excellence to a new niche clientele to offer …

It is once again time to return to Germany with a special focus on its popularity as a shopping destination. The focus of this webinar will be on Breuninger, one of Germany’s most prestigious department stores on 23rd November 11am UAE time. With the recent announcement that the limitations on GCC travellers have been relaxed, it is once again time to discover some of the destination’s new and renovated experiences. The German National Tourist Office will host a special webinar to highlight the various offerings, with a particular emphasis on Germany as a shopping destination. “I’m looking forward to refreshing our industry partners on destination Germany and informing them of the latest travel guidelines to Germany while also highlighting one of the most prestigious department stores Breuninger,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales and Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf Countries. We’d like to invite you to pre-register for the event and come prepared with all of your questions.” For a moment, everything was put on hold due to the pandemic, but now it’s time to revisit and rediscover the many shopping spots throughout Germany. Travellers and shoppers can find anything they want, from discounts to fine couture, from second hand knickknacks to futuristic treasures, from worldwide to traditionally German brands, always prompt, easy to find, and, at an unbelievable low cost. The unique selling characteristics of one such retail destination, Breuninger, will be highlighted in this webinar. It will be a chance for the travel industry to rediscover the destination after the Covid era. “For 140 years, the fashion and lifestyle company Breuninger has been setting high standards in the areas of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, “ said Lena Schulz, …

Oman Air will resume flights between Muscat and Bangkok from 11 November 2021. The flights will operate twice weekly on Thursday and Saturday. The Thursday flight will depart Muscat at 22:00 local time and arrive in Bangkok at 06:45 local time on Friday. The flight from Bangkok will depart at 09:15 local time on Friday and arrive in Muscat at 12:35 local time on Friday. The Saturday flight will depart Muscat at 09:00 local time and arrive in Bangkok at 17:45 local time. The Saturday flight from Bangkok will depart at 20:05 local time and arrive in Muscat at 23:25 local time. All flights are scheduled to operate with Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Meal service has been modified to further ensure safety, and a number of other measures have been implemented to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate. Guests travelling to Thailand should ensure they are aware of official requirements to enter or transit through the country. Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com.        

Spain Tourism successfully hosted its first post-pandemic travel and trade roadshows in the GCC after international travel bans have been lifted. The first roadshow took place in Jeddah on the 25th of October 2021, followed by an event in Riyadh on the 26th, and one in Dubai on the 28th of October. All three events saw huge turnouts as key travel agents and industry experts were excited to learn more about Spain’s new promotions and offerings after the ease of international travel restrictions.  The events saw the participation of partners from the regions of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia and Costa del Sol, along with renowned hotel and DMC partners from Spain. Mr. Ameen Saduk, General Manager of Al Maha United Travel, commented after his participation in the Jeddah roadshow: “This is my first physical roadshow post pandemic and I thank Spain Tourism for the tremendous effort. The roadshow allowed us to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones with our partners in Spain, which will help us in creating new holiday packages for the Saudi traveller in the coming months. “Now that the agents in Jeddah are more familiar with Spain, there will be a great demand for the destination in the KSA market, and we expect an upcoming growth in the number of Saudi visitors to Spain”. Mr. Mohamad Korjieh, Sales Manager of Time Travel, said regarding the Riyadh roadshow: “We were very happy to receive an invitation for a physical roadshow after long time of attending the events virtually, we were very impressed of the level of organization that Spain Tourism had displayed. Spain has always been an attractive destination for Saudi families and sports enthusiasts; however, we …

Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced Hotel Royalty Since 1887, a brand campaign developed by Accor’s Creative Studio, a diverse cast of modern-day royals, and celebrated film director and artist, Peter Greenaway. Renowned for his evocative films with striking imagery, Peter Greenaway brings his powerful vision to this collaboration, the first commercial project of his career. The campaign pays tribute to the brand’s storied history and prestige through an innovative, emotive, offbeat, and atypical lens – modernising hotel royalty through a multi-generational cast that have always considered Raffles their luxury brand of choice. The new campaign is designed to reinterpret the golden age of travel, with each vignette emulating a painting, layered with saturated colours and textures that feel exotic and daring, yet also familiar. Filmed and shot at Raffles Singapore, the birthplace of the brand, the campaign draws from the fundamental spirit of Raffles, showcasing the extraordinary experience the brand provides. Inspired by Raffles’ philosophy of true luxury being not only about what you do, but also about how you feel, the campaign highlights the brand’s position as a destination for the well-travelled; a meeting point for many cultures, infused with international influences, where stories are told, and legends are made. Showcasing an enchanting, imaginary day in the life at Raffles, the campaign follows a cast of real-life royals – HIRH Catharina von Habsburg, Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Hungary and Bohemia with her mother HIRH Archduchess Anna Gabriele von Habsburg, born von Wrede; HRH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, King of Jaipur; George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford; HRH Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark; and HH Prince Nikolai of Denmark – as they embark on a series of marvellous and …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has appointed The Lux Collective, a luxury hospitality management company headquartered in Singapore, to manage two new hospitality projects set in Sharjah’s scenic central and East Coast regions. The announcement took place during Shurooq’s participation at the World Travel Market 2021, under the presence of HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, held in London, UK, from November 1 – 3, at the Sharjah stand. The nature-inspired LUX* Al Jabal Resort spans a 260,000 sqm area on a spectacular terrain hill overlooking a beach in Khorfakkan, facing the stunning Arabian Sea. The resort is expected to welcome guests in March 2023 and comprises of 45 eco-friendly units and suites that open out to expansive views of aquamarine waters and a jagged mountain range, offering a complete privacy. Set adjacent to the largest conservation park in the region for the largest wildlife safari in the world outside Africa in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah, Sharjah Safari, the LUX* Al Bridi Resort is scheduled for a 2023 opening. Upon completion, the project will feature 35 luxurious private tents and the LUX* Me Spa. Another key highlight of the property is the various types of animal encounters that are set in partnership between Shurooq and the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) under safe and secure measures that guarantees protection for both the guests and the animals. Speaking about Sharjah’s growing tourism profile, H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Chairman …

As part of its continuous endeavour to gradually return to normal operation and provide a variety of options to its valued customers, Kuwait Airways announced the resumption of its scheduled commercial flights to Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan as of 18th November 2021, with two flights per week, on Sundays and Thursdays. In this regard, the Director of Public Relations and Media Department Fayez Al-Enezi stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the operation of its direct flights to Baku, Azerbaijan, as this comes within the framework of Kuwait Airways keenness to launch new destinations that meet the requirements of its valued passengers, and provide different options and alternatives for them, especially since Baku is one of the destinations that has been witnessing tremendous demand in recent times because of its tourist and historical attractions, rich in diverse cultures, as well as its moderate climate throughout the year.” Al-Enezi added, “Kuwait Airways is constantly striving to serve its valued customers and provide them with all means of comfort while they travel on board, in addition to providing its services to its passengers in an integrated manner and overcoming all obstacles ahead of them; commencing with the reservation of tickets, entering Terminal 4, completing travel procedures, and boarding the aircraft to enjoy a comfortable and safe travel.” Al-Enezi concluded by extending appreciation for all the tangible efforts by all government agencies operating at the Kuwait International Airport and for their best efforts to serve the country and citizens. It is worth noting that Kuwait Airways had earlier launched several permanent and summer destinations as part of its gradual return to normal operations from mid-June until now, which include London, Sarajevo, …

The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival is all set to return for its 27th edition from 15 December 2021 to 29 January 2022, offering residents and visitors a diverse line-up of innovative events, world-class entertainment, mega raffles and array of promotions. Coinciding with EXPO 2020 and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the event further reinforces the city’s position as a multi-faceted must-visit destination and adds to the growing momentum of activity across its leisure, retail and entertainment sectors. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the latest edition of Dubai’s flagship festival will highlight to the world the vibrancy that has returned to the city, Featuring an array of innovative events, lively concerts, incredible drone shows, fireworks displays, global brand collaborations, life-changing mega raffles, promotions and offers across a range of homegrown and global brands, the Festival will give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy exceptional experiences throughout the 46-day extravaganza. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the city has always exceeded expectations when organising festivals and events. With Dubai open to all travellers and visitors from across the globe, we will roll out an extraordinary Dubai Shopping Festival during this landmark year in which the city is hosting EXPO 2020 and celebrating the nation’s Golden Jubilee. As the longest running and most successful shopping festival of its kind, we extend our deepest gratitude to our retailers and partners for their continued support to DSF, as we work even more closely with them this year to ensure that the …