The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a further update to the ‘Green List’ of countries for inbound travel into Abu Dhabi, as it supports the easing of travel restrictions whilst maintaining safety protocols. All travellers arriving from the updated ‘Green List’ destinations will be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi. Travellers will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result valid for a maximum of 48 hours before departure, and undergo an additional PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Vaccinated passengers from the updated ‘Green List’ countries will take another PCR test on day 6 (the day of arrival into Abu Dhabi counts as day 1). Unvaccinated travellers arriving from ‘Green List’ countries will must take PCR tests on days 6 and 9. Countries, regions, and territories included on the ‘Green List’ will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion on the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety protocols for travel, ensuring and prioritising the well-being of the UAE community. To note, the countries on the ‘Green List’ have been given the green light for travel and refer to inbound travel origin, not citizenship of passenger. Below is the updated ‘Green List’ as of 3 January 2022 – 12:01 AM: 1. Albania 2.Algeria 3.Armenia 4.Australia 5.Austria 6.Azerbaijan 7.Bahrain 8.Belarus 9.Belgium 10.Bosnia and Herzegovina 11.Brazil 12.Bulgaria 13.Burma 14.Cambodia 15.Canada 16.China 17.Croatia 18.Cyprus 19.Czech Republic 20.Denmark 21.Finland 22.France 23.Georgia 24.Germany 25.Greece 26.Hong Kong (SAR) 27.Hungary 28.Indonesia 29.Iran 30.Iraq 31.Israel 32.Italy 33.Japan 34.Kazakhstan 35.Kuwait 36.Kyrgyzstan 37.Laos 38.Latvia 39.Luxembourg 40.Malaysia 41.Maldives 42.Netherlands 43.Morocco 44.Norway 45.Oman 46.Papua New Guinea 47.Philippines 48.Poland 49.Portugal 50.Republic of …

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi announced a new agreement with Manchester City, which establishes the legendary hotel as the Club’s Official Luxury Hotel Partner. The partnership will see the Emirates Palace brand featured across Manchester City’s facilities, including Etihad Stadium, its training ground, and on the team’s training kit. The hotel has previously been used by Manchester City’s first team as a base during warm weather training visits to the country. In addition, City Football Schools based in Abu Dhabi currently use the pitch facilities at the hotel to host educational and community sessions with children in the region. The English Premier League club, founded in 1880, has won the European Cup Winners’ Cup; seven League Championship titles, including five Premier League titles; and six FA Cups. “The partnership with Manchester City reinforces Emirates Palace’s position as the ultimate destination for sports, leisure and recreational facilities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. With our FIFA-approved football pitch and other award-winning facilities, we are excited to be the training ground for the English Premier League Club and to host educational and training sessions for sports enthusiasts and children and of the region,” said Michael Koth, General Manager & Area Vice President Operations Middle East, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. In addition, as part of its community outreach programmes, Emirates Palace will continue to welcome Abu Dhabi-based City Football Schools to use the resort’s pitch facilities, and will host educational and training sessions for children of the region. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is the ultimate destination for sports and recreational facilities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Complementing the professional football pitch is a 1.3km …

A total of 62 countries will be represented on the exhibition floor of the 2022 edition of Arab Health, the MENA region’s leading exhibition for the healthcare industry, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 24 – 27 January. The 2022 edition of the show, which returns as a co-located event for the healthcare and laboratory industries, has attracted more than 3,590 exhibitors from countries around the world. They include the UAE, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and a host of European countries such as the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium. Russia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, the US and Canada will also have several exhibitors showcasing the latest technology and innovation through a range of healthcare products. Ross Williams, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said: “The global healthcare industry has shown its resilience throughout the pandemic and continues to be the driving force for global recovery. Despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, we have seen the commitment from healthcare exhibitors and experts from around the world to meet live and in-person at Arab Health to discuss the latest healthcare solutions.” Continuing with the international theme, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan have all confirmed hosting international pavilions. Each pavilion will host between 16 and 33 healthcare-related companies. In addition, the European Innovation Council Pavilion will host 20 selected companies from across the healthcare landscape.   Appropriately, the theme for Arab Health 2022 is ‘United by business, forging ahead’ with new technology and innovation taking the stage with a host of exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services. Canon, Draeger, NAFFCO, Philips and NEOM will again be exhibiting this year. At the …

Committed to delivering a distinct experience to its guests and stakeholders, LEVA Hotels announces its plans for 2022. The dynamic lifestyle hotel brand enjoys a concrete position in the UAE’s hospitality market. It’s known for its “unique” business model that enables hotel owners to rebrand their existing property or build a new property from scratch with LEVA Hotels’ expertise and tried-and-tested strategies. Calculated Expansion – LEVA Hotels is currently at an early stage of expansion. With properties in the UAE, it is now working on plans to expand in the GCC and MENA region. Given Egypt’s position as a go-to destination in the region, LEVA Hotels intends to contribute to its hospitality landscape with new properties. The same can be said for Africa, which LEVA Hotels has on its radar in 2022. As LEVA Hotels continues to expand – forging strategic partnerships with hotel owners – it will emphasize the importance of hospitality ethics. Each new LEVA Hotels property will keep its brand philosophy at heart, outlining its flexibility and convenient solutions for hotel owners. Technology plays a crucial role in LEVA Hotels’ guest experience. The brand has already started implementing tech-savvy tools like marketing automation, paperless initiatives, and sustainability programs. When asked what lessons 2021 has taught them, the LEVA Hotels team shared: “Resilience during the pandemic is not enough. The current market requires continual innovations across technology, sustainability, and staff welfare. These are all key aspects of a successful year ahead”. They continue: “What all hospitality brands need to do is take a closer look at cost control while maintaining their quality and operating standards. These may be challenging times, but they cannot compromise guest satisfaction or employee …

If you are looking for a relaxing post-lockdown vacation, Hokkaido is the place to go for a holistic holiday experience. Discover a world of breathtaking beauty, unique culinary experiences, storied heritage, and endless adventures on Japan’s northernmost island. It is Japan’s largest and most fascinating prefecture, covering roughly a quarter of the country. With the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games drawing the world’s attention for weeks, Japan was the most sought-after destination in 2020. The Olympic marathons and race-walking events were held in the cool environs of Hokkaido. Japan’s famed ‘Omotenashi’, the time-honored spirit of selfless hospitality that goes above and beyond, was experienced by the entire world. Fall in love with Hokkaido’s pristine landscapes, which are known for their natural beauty and produce. Immerse yourself in slow-paced travel with guided tours to organic farms where you can learn about traditional farming and vegetable harvesting firsthand. A trip to Hokkaido’s vineyards is a must if you want to savour hand-picked fine wines while taking in the stunning scenery. Yoichi wineries have harnessed Japanese terroirs to create a distinct expression from their European counterparts. Furthermore, the three-Michelin-star Noma restaurant in Copenhagen offers Yoichis premium wines for connoisseurs to enjoy. Do not miss Japan’s celebrity Michelin-starred chef Tomoyuki Takao’s ingenious Italian culinary marvels made with the region’s freshest seasonal products while you are here. He is a dedicated chef who traverses the highlands and forages the nearby harbour for traditional Ainu foods and fresh seafood to use in his gourmet creations. He is noted for curating neo-Hokkaido cuisine by incorporating the Ainu (Hokkaido’s indigenous people) culinary methods. Say yes to adrenaline-fueled adventures at Hokkaido’s gorgeous ski locations for skiing and snowboarding in the …

In line with group’s efforts to ease the restrictions imposed following the pandemic, Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), has resumed its City Check-in services in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman. Air Arabia’s City Check-ins was established in 2012 to provide passengers added convenience and flexibility by enabling them to drop off their bags at a location near them and collect their boarding pass before traveling with Air Arabia. The City Check-in service allows passengers to select seats and receive their boarding passes and baggage claim tags. They can then immediately proceed to the flight upon arrival at the airport. Located at Sharjah, Safeer Mall, and at Air Arabia Sales Shop in Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, the three centres will operate seven days a week, from 9AM to 9PM, with a break from 11AM to 2PM on Fridays for prayers. The centres will accept baggage from 24 up to eight hours before departure, which is then transported straight to the Sharjah International Airport. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announces the next PATA Annual Summit to be held live and in-person from March 22 – 25, 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The event will be the first time that the not-for-profit travel trade association, which serves government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region, will host its Annual Summit in West Asia. Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the four-day event will lead a global forum on sustainable growth and the value and quality of tourism today, bringing together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. Comprising conference elements, experiential networking sessions, the PATA Executive Board and Board Meeting, and Annual General Meeting, the four-day Summit will be hosted in various locations across the Emirate, including the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center. Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, the program will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members and partners to convene on critical industry topics, including destination recovery strategies, sustainability and resilience, human capital development and innovation. Additionally, PATA delegates will visit Expo 2020 to gain insight on the sustainability, innovation and design best practices around the world, including PATA Destination Members’ pavilions.   “We are honoured to be working with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in bringing together our industry network to discuss opportunities and best practices to enable recovery and sustainable growth,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “The event programme, under the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, …

Buoyed on by a steady increase in tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka, with confidence and pride, presented the country’s tourism roadmap on the Expo 2020 Sri Lanka National Day which was celebrated on Monday, 03 January 2022, at the Expo Media Centre in Dubai. Expo 2020 Sri Lanka National Day was led by Honourable G. L. Peiris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Prasanna Ranatunga, the Minister of Tourism & Aviation and Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism and Commissioner General for EXPO 2020 Dubai. The event shed light on Sri Lanka’s readiness for growth and revival of the Tourism industry post-pandemic. In addition, the National Day attracted visitors with colourful cultural performances performed at the Al Wasl Plaza situated at the Stage of Nations. Inbound tourism in Sri Lanka is booming due to the successful implementation of the vaccination programme. As a result, the country is witnessing a decline in COVID-19 infections, with over 85% of the eligible population from Sri Lanka’s 21.9 million being vaccinated. In addition, the administering of booster Pfizer vaccines is rapidly progressing, with priority being given to personnel from the travel industry. During the event, Kimarli Fernando quoted, “Sri Lanka has recovered post-pandemic with confidence, and the country is now steadily moving forward, prioritising its tourism sector in the interests of the country and travel-hungry tourists. We are honoured to be awarded the ‘Safe Travel Stamp’ by the World Travel and Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel & Tourism Council in 2021.” The destination is fully operational and delighting vaccinated as well as non-vaccinated tourists, with a set of health & safety protocols to follow: Vaccinated travellers do not need on-arrival PCR tests and …

Over the last three decades, Dubai has grown in reputation as one of the world’s most exciting golf destinations. With several world-class golf courses including ones designed by the sport’s most celebrated stars, golfing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the emirate. As the host of major global tournaments, Dubai also offers one of the most packed golfing calendars for those who are ardent fans of the game. Combined with its five-star hospitality and premium dining and viewing experiences, Dubai is a dream hotspot for golf lovers.   However, championship golf courses are not the only places where golf is thriving in Dubai. The city is offering a new golfing experience that is changing the way people interact with the sport and encouraging vast numbers of people to pick up a club for the first time. Leading this transformation is Topgolf Dubai, a sporting and entertainment venue that is bringing together people of all ages and skill levels to test their skills.   An all-encompassing entertainment venue with golf at its heart, Topgolf Dubai features a three-level complex located at the Emirates Golf Club spanning more than 60,000 square feet. The facility which opened in December 2020, is the first Topgolf venue to be established in the Middle East and Asia. With the capacity to accommodate 1,100 guests, Topgolf Dubai offers interactive games that provide enjoyable experiences for everyone whether they are skilled golfers or not.   Featuring 96 climate-controlled driving bays with more than 300 state-of-the-art digital screens, Topgolf offers both amateur and experienced golfers the opportunity to test their driving skills on a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline. Guests can enjoy point-scoring golf games using …

A comprehensive webinar will be hosted on Tuesday 18th January 2022 from 12 noon GST about the pristine sandy beaches, white chalk cliffs, sophisticated Baltic seaside resorts, cozy fishing villages, sky high brick churches and fairy tale castles of Meckenburg-Vorpommem. Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations for the travelers in the Middle East as it has a diverse offering catering to each traveler from the Middle East, whether it be family, millennial, leisure, MICE etc. Meckenburg-Vorpommem located between the metropolises of Berlin and Hamburg in the northeast of Germany, the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has fascinated guests from all over the world for centuries. It is time once again for the agents in the region to take a quick peak at the destination to offer a new area to explore to those yearning to discover. The region welcomes its guests with 2,000 kilometres of Baltic Sea coasts and 2,000 glistening lakes. It is also known as the sunniest region in all of Germany with 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. Also more than 30% of the whole region is under conservation. The unspoiled nature of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern inspired famous painters throughout the centuries and is best explored by foot, bike or boat says the experts. In terms of local wellness they offer such as Thalassotherapy and the so called healing forests or for those who want to let loose with all kinds of activities on land or on water you can take up kitesurfing, stand up paddling or Jeep Safari on an island. Virtually you can immerse yourself in the culture of a historical region and enjoy the local cuisine with freshly caught fish and the 700-year-old brewing …