With a diverse calendar of international sports events combined with a range of world-class infrastructure and facilities, Dubai’s sports sector has emerged as a key driver of growth for the city’s tourism industry, attracting both players and fans from around the world and further enhancing Dubai’s position as a multi-faceted destination. What sets Dubai apart as an attractive sporting hub is the superior spectator excitement and experience shared by visitors and residents from over 200 different nationalities; access to tournaments featuring the world’s best sporting icons; year-round availability of world-leading sports venues such as stadiums and golf courses; tourism infrastructure such as hotels catering to the varied visitor profile, in addition to the unique destination offering. As a testament to the growth of sports tourism, even international sports brands continue to choose Dubai as the launchpad for major initiatives. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and top global brand, adidas, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that enables Dubai’s residents and visitors to access a range of lifestyle, retail and sports events and activations to encourage everyone to adopt a healthier lifestyle while prioritising their safety and well-being. His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said: “Dubai, without a doubt, is a leading sports destination – not just in the region, but also globally, thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, …

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Gulf Air’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, the National Carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani met with the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Mr. Willie Walsh at the Association’s headquarters in Geneva, where they discussed a number of aviation related issues, and elements of this vital economic sector to various revenue-generating fields such as tourism and investment. During the visit, H.E. expressed how he values IATA’s efforts in supporting and developing the  ever-changing aviation industry; noting the importance of the Association’s role in sustaining aviation, especially amidst the great impact of the recent pandemic. Mr. Walsh expressed his thanks and gratitude to H.E. and to the National Carrier as the airline operations continued during the pandemic to help solve some of the global problems during that time. Additionally, he highlighted that Gulf Air remained one of the few airlines that kept operating and never stopped flying during the pandemic, and wishing the National Carrier success and prosperity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) was established in 1945, and is one of the most notable associations in the aviation industry, connecting many commercial airlines through its membership, and is also involved in setting aviation related policies and regulations in which Gulf Air has been a member since 1981.  

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, today attended one of the biggest cruise ship naming ceremonies in the region, in an event that reflects the rising global profile of Dubai’s cruise industry. Hollywood superstar Sophia Loren officially named MSC Virtuosa, the new luxury liner launched by MSC Cruises at a glittering ceremony held at Port Rashid. In partnership with DP World and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise operator and part of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, chose Dubai for the naming ceremony in recognition of the Group’s commitment to Dubai and the UAE, as well as the wider Middle East market where MSC Cruises is the brand leader. The milestone event reflects Dubai’s emergence as a must-visit destination for global cruise holidaymakers and reinforces the importance of the cruise industry’s contribution to the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Dubai’s glorious seafaring legacy, which is an integral part of its cultural heritage, has inspired its development as a major global maritime destination. The emirate’s status as a leading international maritime hub has significantly strengthened its position as a pivotal global trade and tourism centre.” Furthermore, His Highness noted that “Dubai’s renewed growth as an international cruise tourism hub, overcoming the repercussions of global challenges in the industry, is testament to the vision of the leadership to create an infrastructure that surpasses the world’s best. The accelerated rebound of its cruise industry also reflects Dubai’s ability to adapt rapidly and flexibly to the evolving global situation and take advantage …

Surrounding yourself in nature holds many wellness benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing the immune system. In the Philippines, it is possible to experience this feeling of wellbeing while traveling to fun and nature-friendly destinations. The Philippines Department of Tourism will be highlighting sustainable travel post-pandemic as it works towards inclusive growth and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, and safeguards the integrity and diversity of the country’s national resources. Sustainable tourism ensures that destinations, especially nature-based, remain intact and will be preserved for future travelers. Travel to these exciting destinations at the heart of nature and create a positive impact on its environment and local communities when international borders reopen. 1. Trek through Masungi Georeserve, Rizal The sprawling landscape of the Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area that is a sanctuary for hundreds of native wildlife species. Take a three-hour trek on the Discovery Trail through the pathways with lush vegetation and limestone formations, walk over suspended bridges to take snapshots of your adventure, and crawl onto a spider-web view deck to get a spectacular view of the nature park and the expanse of the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay. For a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts of the local community, take the Legacy Trail and participate in the planting and nurturing of the trees that will be part of the reforestation of the area. 2. Go Dolphin Watching in Bohol Enjoy a day out at sea to watch the marine life in the clear blue waters of Pamilacan Island in Bohol. Visitors can catch various species of dolphins and whales such as Risso’s dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, …

Dubai Airports reopened Concourse A at Dubai International’s Terminal 3 complex recently, taking the world’s busiest international airport closer to 100% operational capacity. Flight EK659 which arrived from Male was Concourse A’s first flight since the facility was closed 20 months ago on March 25, 2020 as part of measures taken by the UAE authorities to control the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The reopening of the facility follows robust growth in passenger traffic at DXB throughout the year and a consistent surge of demand in the final quarter. Concourse A will be reopened in phases over the coming weeks, helping DXB to maintain service levels while accommodating the rush of seasonal travellers in December and beyond. The world’s largest purpose-built facility for the Airbus A380, Concourse A is connected to Terminal 3 by an airport train and has capacity to serve 18 million passengers annually.

Dubai Harbour, an extraordinary seafront district, welcomed the arrival of its first cruise passengers comprising approximately 1,200 passengers and 600 crew members aboard the 252-metre-long Cruise Ship AIDAbella. Operated by AIDA Cruises, the maiden call of the AIDAbella at the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal marks the start of the cruise season at Dubai Harbour and the official debut of the region’s most modern and largest, standalone dedicated twin cruise terminal centre in the Eastern hemisphere, capable of the simultaneous handling of two of the largest cruise ships currently operating globally. As the owning-company and curator of Dubai Harbour, the diversified investment firm Shamal Holding is the driving force behind making Dubai Harbour an exceptional seafront district. Dubai’s 2021-2022 season, which commenced in October, is expected to welcome 126 ship calls and over 500,000 cruise visitors, contributing further to the momentum of Dubai’s tourism recovery. More than 150,000 passengers are forecast to visit Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal in its first season. Located at the centre of modern Dubai, Dubai Harbour is within easy reach from the city’s key landmarks – including the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island, and Palm Jumeirah, giving cruise passengers easy access to some of the world’s most iconic experiences. The cruise terminals, which are part of the incredible Dubai Harbour development, showcase the spectacular and beautiful Dubai harbour skyline to our guests and offer a wide array of amenities and services for passengers and crew – from ample seating areas to washrooms, currency exchange outlets, ATMs, cafes, retail outlets, Duty-Free, dedicated parking, taxi stands and much more. All facilities are wheelchair accessible and complimentary WIFI is enabled for passengers and crew to stay connected. Abdulla …

Tourism Ireland invited key travel trade CEO’s, Golf Society Captains and influential Expats who take golf holidays, to participate in our Tourism Ireland Golf tournament on the 22nd November in Dubai Creek Golf Club following the DP World Tour Championship. Eight island of Ireland industry participated along with golf representatives from TNI and FI who were in market for Tourism Ireland’s Golf Ireland stand at the DP World Tour Championship . The aim is to highlight the Island of Ireland as a world-class golf destination to people in the region. Siobhan McManamy was in attendance.

Accor is expanding its footprint in Egypt with the opening of Movenpick Living and Residences in Cairo. Once open the property will feature 150 serviced apartments and 40 branded residences. The Group is partnering with Al Bourouj Misr Development, which operations started in 2012, with a visionary approach towards strategically responding to the diverse and evolving real estate market in Egypt, by offering a sustainable and diverse mix within a real estate portfolio comprised of construction and real estate developments of mixed-use contemporary, residential and commercial developments through its subsidiaries. “It is with great pride that we announce the inking of a partnership with Movenpick for one of the foremost iconic real estate projects by our company” mentioned Mohamed Assy, Vice Chairman of Al Bourouj Misr Development. “Our collaboration with Accor is a continuation to the company’s commitment of working hand in hand with reputed international brands to redefine the lifestyle of the new capital. We are confident that Sixty iconic tower with its modern and outstanding architectural design will be the first choice for those seeking uniqueness and tranquility in a next generation focal point of the business and financial district that is set to be Egypt’s most sought business and lifestyle destination.” The new Movenpick Living & Residences will be located in the New Capital City (NCC), Egypt, which features hospitality, residential, entertainment, commercial, retail components and government entities, including the presidential palace, parliament, cabinet, Supreme Court, all ministries of Egypt and various foreign embassies.   “This is a very exciting project for Accor in Egypt”, says Mark Willis CEO of Accor India, Turkey, Middle East, and Africa. “This new addition will be introducing a unique offering to …

Deutsche Hospitality continues to establish its growing portfolio in the Middle East with the opening of the IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront on 25 November 2021. On the occasion of this opening, the hotel group joined forces with the hotel management company Valor Hospitality Partners. The IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront thus becomes Deutsche Hospitality’s first franchised hotel in the Middle East. It will offer benefits such as a buzzing, centralised location and award-winning service to both leisure visitors and business travellers. “The Middle East has always been an exciting and ever-growing market,” says Marcus Bernhardt, CEO Deutsche Hospitality. “We are already operating 19 properties in the Middle East and will continue to expand the presence of our brands in the future. Establishing our first franchised property with such an accomplished partner as Valor Hospitality Partners opens up further opportunities for us in this regard as well.” Situated on Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, the hotel features a total of 138 Superior and Premium rooms. The roof terrace will feature a pool complex complete with an AquaLounge and a dedicated children’s pool area. Further facilities include gyms, contemporary style restaurants and a Bistro Lounge. The property’s striking interior design concept bears the signature features of Italian architect Matteo Thun, as can be seen at all latest generation IntercityHotel properties across the world. The uniquely placed hotel also allows guests to choose their own means of travel with easy and efficient access to the Dubai Metro, main roads, or boat rides across the Creek. Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality, comments: “We are tremendously excited to introduce the IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront. Located at the heart of Dubai, nestled between the historical …

Emirates and airBaltic are starting codeshare cooperation that will open new, seamless travel opportunities. airBaltic customers will benefit from convenient access to Emirates’ worldwide network via its hub in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At the same time, Emirates passengers will have more possibilities to travel to the Baltic sea region. Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “Emirates is a truly global connectivity provider, and we are excited to start a new partnership alongside direct flights between Riga and Dubai which we commenced in September. The new partnership will enable our passengers to  reach new exciting destinations in Asia, Australia and beyond.” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re very pleased to announce a new partnership with airBaltic, the leading airline in the Baltics, which enables us to offer Emirates customers even more travel choices and connectivity in the Baltic region. It will also open up Emirates’ exciting network of global destinations to more travellers from the Baltics. We look forward to the start of a successful partnership.” airBaltic performs all of its flights with the most modern and environmentally friendly Airbus A220-300 jets, offering affordable and flexible Economy class tickets as well as a full Business class service. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights can be found on the company’s homepage at www.airbaltic.com. Health and safety: The safety and health of our passengers is airBaltic’s top priority. airBaltic has introduced strong health measures and the flight operations follow the recommendations issued by authorities. To read more about the airBaltic health measures, please visit airBaltic website: https://www.airbaltic.com/en/health-measures. airBaltic asks its passengers to strictly follow all of the rules and regulations issued by the relevant authorities. Passengers are strongly suggested …