Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, launched the region’s first cinema in the snow and the world’s only movie theatre in an indoor ski resort in Dubai, UAE. United Arab Emirates always takes the first step in introducing novel experiences to the travelers across the globe. As the first destination to open post pandemic and making sure that safety and health is high priority UAE has been able to attract over 4 million tourists over the past few months. From mid -December to end of January begins the ultimate winter season for the UAE, hence introduction of many attractions to increase families to visit a safe destination is a key strategy which enables the number of visitors. Earlier this month, the special winter wonderland with Santa’s village really kicked started the winter season and for the first time in the region the Snow Cinema was introduced parallel to the Christmas spirit. Snow Cinema by VOX Cinemas allows guests to experience the magic of movies on the snow-laden slopes of Ski Dubai, which has been crowned the ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’ for five consecutive years. During Christmas guests were able to experience the winter wonderland and the snow cinema together which included a special conversation and photo opportunity with Santa in his village, followed by scrumptious Christmas treats such as mince pies and hot chocolate. As the season continues guests can snuggle up and relax on lounge-style seating while watching Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom & Jerry, Maya the Bee, big-budget blockbusters such a Godzilla vs. Kong and Mortal Kombat as well as a slate of …

Emirates customers travelling from the UAE to EU member countries now have more opportunities to confidently make the most out of their travel journeys. The airline has been working closely with Alhosn National Health System team to enable the readability and recognition of customers’ health credentials with EU verified QR codes, including COVID-19 vaccine status and PCR test results, on the IATA Travel Pass. Emirates customers simply have to download the IATA Travel Pass, scan Alhosn App’s Travel Pass QR Code and load the results back to the app. UAE citizens and residents will also be able to upload their negative PCR test results and vaccination certificates performed anywhere in the country, without the need to visit specific labs. This health data is stored in the National Cloud per the highest privacy standards and policies set by the UAE Data Protection Law. The new enhancements make it easier for Emirates customers to benefit from the IATA Travel Pass and get their “Ok to Travel” prior to their departure to any EU destination on the airline’s network. By using the Alhosn App, Emirates customers travelling from the UAE to the EU can also reliably demonstrate their COVID-19 health status, and be able to easily enter hospitality and entertainment venues, attend events or embark on other experiences that require proof of negative test results or vaccination. This minimises the use of multiple apps to demonstrate testing and vaccination status while in the EU, and also allows for safer, convenient movement for Emirates customers. Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer said: “As part of Emirates’ plan to implement digital travel verification and make the travel process more seamless, we’re boosting the customer …

Oman Air will continue to strengthen strategic codeshare partnership agreements to maximize its post-pandemic growth trajectory. The airline’s ongoing recovery calls for greater codeshare connectivity to offers passengers better connections and a wider choice of destinations from its hub in Muscat. Oman Air has built a healthy network throughout the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as several cities in Europe, South Asia and Africa in recent years and is focused on growing additional connectivity to North and South America and Australia through strategic codeshares with its 18 partner airlines. These include Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Royal Dutch Airlines KLM, Kenya Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, SalamAir, Bangkok Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudia, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Egyptair. Currently, Oman Air operates 46 codeshare sectors and markets an additional 219 codeshare sectors on six continents through its partners for a total of 265 sectors. “Providing access to more destinations underpins our business operations and growth strategy as we gradually emerge from the global pandemic and look for new ways to offer our valued guests greater travel convenience and connectivity,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “Together with our codeshare partners, we continue to grow our network reach out of Muscat while offering reciprocal connectivity for passengers flying to the Sultanate of Oman. Strategic codeshare agreements make sense at a time when airlines around the world are facing tremendous challenges, and Oman Air understands that now, more than ever, seamless connectivity is a deciding factor for passengers when it comes to booking.” To date, Qatar Airways remains Oman Air’s biggest codeshare partner. In …

Located along Al Fateh Highway, the 348-room Hilton Bahrain will feature studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with all the comforts of home and a stunning view of the sea from each unit’s balcony. With six distinct restaurants and lounges, nine meeting rooms and a luxurious spa, the hotel promises an exceptional guest experience.

With its combination of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences, from one-of-a-kind theme parks, world-class shopping and superb dining, Yas Island is becoming the preferred destination for families this winter. Experience Hub, the trade and promotion arm of the Yas Island Abu Dhabi and a subsidiary of Miral, is encouraging travel professionals to take advantage of the competitive holiday packages, which enable guests to receive access to the record-breaking theme parks when booking via their website. Liam Findlay, CEO of Experience Hub said: “Yas Island is one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations and as the UAE approaches cooler months, Yas Island continues to deliver memorable and action-packed experiences to its guests of all ages, in a safe environment. As the global tourism industry recovers, to cater to the increasing demand, we have worked with our partners to evolve our popular ‘Stay and Play’ package. It allows guests to enjoy a luxury stay at one of Yas Island’s leading hotels, including  Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and the recently opened The WB Abu Dhabi, while also gaining access to one of the three award-winning theme parks for every day booked across Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.” Travel professionals can now save up to 45% when booking Yas Island packages inclusive of hotel stay and theme parks access through Experiencehub.com or their preferred travel partner. To ensure sustainable growth and encourage repeat visitation, Yas Island has expanded its offerings with two new hotel properties opening this year.  The WB Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Warner’s Bros. themed hotel with 257 keys. Located next to Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, …

The UAE has an enthralling new destination for unconventional theatrical and sensory experiences as Street Diversions . Dubai’s newest immersive entertainment and dramatic dining destination – formally opens at Souk Madinat Jumeirah on December 16. Founded on the principles of diversity, inclusion and empowering the unconventional, Street Diversions’ unconventional al fresco venue, which has breathed new life into the open-air amphitheatre at its Souk Madinat Jumeirah home, marries a variety of sensory theatrical performances with high-quality Pan-Asian food, international beverage options, and an extensive shisha menu. With a full-time international cast of multidimensional performers from three continents delivering an ambitious daily performance schedule, Street Diversions’ shows include a variety of dance, song, and non-musical performances every 30 minutes from 5pm to 12.30am. Dance routines include contemporary, modern, street, break, Bhangra, salsa and abstract, while music shows range from rap, 1980s, and show tune classics, to Latin, pop and DJs sets. Employing a strict ‘no repeats’ policy across its daily show schedule, the performance list is led by Street Diversions’ UAE-based entertainment and event industry innovators, Kayzar.Iam and Verou Poli, who perform live original songs inspired by the city every evening, including Dubai Hustler, Dubai La La La, Ce’ Ce’ Dubai, and more. To complement the variety-themed entertainment bill, Street Diversions boasts a diverse menu of Asia-inspired dishes including Korean Fried Chicken, Dynamite Shrimp and Crispy Calamari for starters, and Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken & Prawn Curry Laksa, Chicken Katsu, and Black Pepper Beef for mains. Desserts include Thai Mango Sticky Rice and Miso Chocolate Mousse. Dinner can also wash down the sumptuous Pan-Asian fare with an extensive beverage menu including white, red, rose and sparkling grape varieties, draft and …

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this upscale hotel’s beachfront location makes it a destination of choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway. After waking up to the sunrise reflecting over the serene waters of the Palm, guests can exercise on the mile-long promenade, take a dip on the property’s private beach, enjoy a treatment at the spacious eforea spa or have a bite at the hotel’s wide range of restaurants, bars and lounges – including Trader Vic’s, Barfly by Buddha Bar, and Claw BBQ.

Emirates is increasing its capacity on flights from Dubai to Brisbane commencing today (16 December), in line with the easing of local government restrictions on international travel after the state achieved its target to reach a double-dose vaccination rate of 80 per cent. From 5 February, Emirates flights to Perth will also operate at full capacity for eligible vaccinated travellers. With the return to full capacity on inbound international flights into Queensland flight EK430 from Dubai to Brisbane can carry more than 350 passengers per flight, and will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration. Emirates is also increasing its weekly capacity on the route by boosting the frequency of flights EK430/431 between Dubai and Brisbane to five times weekly, effective 1 January 2022, with the potential to increase in line with demand. Meanwhile, frequency on flights EK420/421 on the Dubai-Perth route will also increase to five times weekly to accommodate more Australian citizens and residents returning home as well as international travellers planning to visit the Western Australian destination. To Brisbane, eligible overseas travellers will no longer have to quarantine in state facilities and can now self-isolate at home, based on a series of requirements stipulated by the Queensland government. Furthermore, vaccinated travellers arriving in Perth will not be subject to quarantine but will be required to follow Western Australia’s guidance on arriving international passengers with proof of fully vaccinated status. Tickets can be booked by visiting www.emirates.com or through preferred travel agents. “Emirates is excited to increase our inbound capacity to Brisbane and Perth as part of the continued return of international travel across the country. As the demand for international travel grows by …

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Nicholas of Montenegro, a special B2B workshop was held to the agents of the UAE. His Royal Highness thanked and welcomed everyone for taking time off their busy schedules to discover the many offerings in Montenegro. After the introduction, the agents were given a special tour of the pavilion. Ivana Karanikic, Prolingua Travel DMC, General Manager, Montenegro shared about the destination by sharing videos, and information and the various different experiences that one can make use of at the destination. She also shared some itineraries that has been done in the past and invited the agents to speak with her about tailor making experiences for their clientele. After the interesting features of the destination Bojan Kovacevic, Sales&Marketing Manager, Hotel Hilton Podgorica, Montenegro shared the most luxurious way to spend the holiday in the destination located in the capitol in Podgorica. Karanikic mentioned that apart from visiting Montenegro, if the clients would prefer to club in more experiences as DMC which looks after the Western Balkans they can assist and design the bespoke itineraries to accommodate the guests. A special quiz was held at the end of the presentations followed by a networking session and Montenegro delicacies served to all the agents that attended.

Emirates announced it will operate double daily flights to Seychelles from 24 December 2021, until 9 January 2022 to serve market demand during the busy holiday season.* The added service will offer customers more travel choices, flexibility and enhanced connectivity to the island-nation. Emirates currently operates a daily flight to Seychelles utilising its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The second daily service will boost tourism to the popular Indian Ocean destination this winter holiday, especially from popular inbound markets including France, Germany, U.K., Russia, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, U.S., UAE, and KSA. The added flight from Dubai to Mahe will operate as Emirates flight EK707, departing Dubai at 10:20hrs and arriving in Mahe at 14:55hrs, local time. The added flight from Mahe to Dubai will operate as Emirates flight EK706, departing Mahe at 08:35hrs and arriving in Dubai at 13:10hrs, local time. From 10 January 2022, the airline will serve the country with 10 weekly flights, including a double daily service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office or via travel agents. Earlier this year, Emirates renewed its commitment to Seychelles by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seychelles Tourism Board at Expo 2020. The agreement reaffirms the airline’s commitment to the island-nation, and outlines various initiatives to promote trade and tourism to the country. *Excluding 29th and 30th December, 2021 *Subject to government approvals