UAE’s newest 14-year-old resident is an excellent swimmer, weighs 115KG and prefers a diet of ducks and rabbits. When measured, 12 people had to hold her at full length. Hold on to your seats, we are talking about, what is believed to be, the largest living snake on display in the world! Super Snake is a seven-metre reticulated python and The National Aquarium at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi is her new home. She will live at the Flooded Forest Zone along with more than 8,000 fascinating rainforest creatures. Native to South and Southeast Asia, the reticulated python is the world’s longest snake. They can grow to be over 5 meters long in the wild, with the largest ever recorded at 10 meters. Although this species is non-venomous, they kill prey by wrapping themselves around them and constricting tighter as the victim exhales. Making them even scarier, Pythons’ jaws are connected by very flexible ligaments allowing them to stretch around large prey and swallow them whole. Reticulated Pythons are wildly feared due to their size and ferocity and are among the few snakes that can prey on humans. Although attacks on humans are not common, this species has been responsible for several reported human fatalities. Considering their incredible size, a full-grown reticulated python can open its jaws wide enough to swallow a small person. There have been numerous reports of people being eaten by reticulated pythons, particularly on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and Super Snake is of similar size to these reported man-eaters. The UAE’s new Super Snake, on the other hand, was born in a Los Angeles captive breeding program. She has grown accustomed to human contact during …

VistaJet further expands its comprehensive VistaPet program, as the number of animals onboard soars 86% over the last two years and global pet ownership continues to rise. Safety, security and the wellbeing of clients are fundamental for all at VistaJet. In addition to the unparalleled training with the British Butler Institute, Norland College and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, as well as being the first in private aviation to have in-house MedAire instructors, VistaJet’s team of over 200 Cabin Hostesses now has tuition in all segments of pet first aid to ensure safety for all in-flight and that loyal companions receive the same leading service as their owners.   The extensive training program includes: Pet CPR procedures from checking circulation, identifying location of the heart and optimum ratio of compressions to breath; Recognizing warning signs of chocking and the best maneuvers for the situation; Vital signs such as heart rate, varying pulse locations, body temperature, and mucous membrane and capillary refill time to check for circulation and levels of oxygen in the bloodstream; Understanding indications of poisoning from ingested or topical, spider or insect bites, and the best treatment for each; And to better understand behaviors, crew members also learn how to read body language, whether that be a friendly dog holding its ears up and a loosely wagging tail; a fearful dog with ears back and tail tucked; recognizing the difference between a rapidly twitching tail and a friendly wag; or the unpredictability of cats, gaining clues from their eyes, ears and whiskers.   Matteo Atti, EVP Marketing & Innovation at VistaJet said: “The fast increase in pet adoptions is paired with a habit of having pets as …

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, the vibrant hotel that connects the historic and modern Dubai, is ready to welcome visitors to the city as the doors to the much-awaited Expo 2020 opens on October 1. The world’s most significant and impactful event ever to take place in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) will welcome participants from different nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions who will witness the event with the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” To date, 191 nations have confirmed participation at the event, which will last for 182 days until March 31, 2022. “The opening of Expo 2020 will be a historic event for the UAE and an exciting period for the hospitality industry. We have been preparing for years, and Park Regis Kris Kin is all set to welcome visitors and participants to the largest cultural gathering in the world. We have seen a steady pick up on group inquiries for Expo, which in turn complements our forecast of recording a strong occupancy during Q4 of 2021,” noted Colin A. Baker, Regional Director, Middle East, StayWell Holdings. The mega event is forecasted to bring in 25 million visitors to the country, of which 11 million are international travelers. With 12,000 new keys expected to be added in the second half of 2021 in Dubai and 1,400 in Abu Dhabi, the industry gears for a good recovery. “Expo 2020 remains a great contributor to the hotel’s occupancies during the six-month event. We are closely monitoring the countries travelling inbound, which may still have travel restrictions when Expo begins whilst being optimistic that these [restrictions] will be lifted before the opening,” reveals Baker. …

With less than 25 days to go until the opening of the world’s greatest show, Emirates is inviting visitors to experience Expo 2020 Dubai’s endless possibilities in a new global campaign. Fronted by actor and celebrity powerhouse, Chris Hemsworth, the campaign illustrates the ultra-futuristic themes and incredible experiences in store at Expo 2020 Dubai when it opens its doors to the world on 1 October. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai said: “We partnered with Emirates to produce a bold and exciting campaign that we believe will resonate with audiences around the world, and inspire them to come and experience Expo 2020 Dubai for themselves. Expo 2020 Dubai will be one of the greatest must-see events in the world. In addition to impressive marquee pavilions that immerse visitors in the themes of mobility, sustainability and opportunity, and 191 amazing country pavilions, there will also be an unforgettable celebration of music, art and culture with a packed entertainment programme, unique culinary experiences, and much more. It’s truly shaping up to be an event not to be missed.” Chris Hemsworth also remarked on the importance of EXPO 2020 in shaping a brighter future: “In 2019, I partnered with Emirates and EXPO 2020 Dubai to help bring awareness to what is a really important event for the world. We all have the power to shape a better future, and the last year and a half has shown us that the possibilities are endless when we put our minds together. At Expo 2020 Dubai, the world will come together in the spirit of collaboration to provide real life solutions that will benefit …

Air France has announced new winter seasonal flights that will operate directly between Muscat (Sultanate of Oman) and Paris (France), starting on 24th October 2021 and continuing through the season until 27th March 2022. The new service will link the two capital cities and operate three-times per week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday) with a B787-9 Dreamliner offering a choice of three classes of travel – Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Muscat-Paris direct – AF 657  Muscat – Paris Charles de Gaulle departs 0900am arrives 1520pm  and AF 656  Paris Charles de Gaulle – Muscat departs 2100pm arrives 0610am (following day). France is an important source of visitors to Oman with the last pre-pandemic statistics (2019) highlighting 68,000 annual visitors to the Sultanate. The new service will connect Oman to Paris and other destinations in France, as well as to the Air France global network of 200 destinations across Europe and the Americas, through onward flights with Air France and SkyTeam Alliance partner airlines. Air France and KLM offer 41 weekly flights* from various cities in the Middle East to the airline’s two hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, connecting passengers to the global network of destinations in Europe, Canada and the Americas. For Air France customers traveling from Muscat to Paris Charles de Gaulle, the Boeing 787 provides a number of assets. They will enjoy a real cocoon in the sky in the Business cabin and even more comfort in Premium Economy and Economy with: on-board WiFi adapted to customers’ needs and expectations; windows that are approximately 30% larger than on similar aircraft; improved air pressure and humidity levels for greater travel comfort; 20% less fuel consumption than previous …

The 100-day countdown begins as the Global Citizen Forum returns to the global stage with its next Annual Summit to be held in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates from December 12-13, 2021, at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Under the theme, The Future in Motion, the summit will be hosted in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority — gathering the world’s leading minds to reimagine a new momentum for human mobility and feature pioneering initiatives that promote sustainable tourism. “We are delighted to welcome the Global Citizen Forum back to the UAE to be part of this important dialogue for a more resilient future in Ras Al Khaimah. The Emirate is committed to creating a sustainable world with responsible tourism at the heart of our strategy. As a nature-based Emirate, the significance of mobility will be brought to life across new attractions and offerings and will enhance knowledge and understanding of conservation and sustainable tourism,” commented Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “With the upcoming World Expo in Dubai, the UAE has become one of the world’s most desired and remarkably safe post-pandemic travel destinations and we look forward to welcoming members and guests as we spearhead meaningful initiatives to create considerable change for generations to come,” shares Armand Arton, Founder and Chairman of the Global Citizen Forum. In 2020, Ras Al Khaimah became the first safe-city in the world as certified by Bureau Veritas, as well as the first to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp. The Emirate is also one of the fastest developing sustainable tourism destinations in the region, named the Gulf Tourism …

Yas Island is gearing up to welcome back travellers from the GCC to the award-winning destination following the announcement of relaxed quarantine measures for fully vaccinated travellers to the UAE.  As part of the welcome back for GCC travellers, Yas Island has collaborated with popular YouTuber Fahd Sal to deliver a rallying call to GCC vacationers, encouraging them to unite together and reject boring mini breaks. Sal ends with a shout out to GCC travellers of all ages and interests to demand more from their holiday and experience a fun-filled trip to Yas Island. GCC visitors will get 20% discount off when booking directly through www.yasisland.ae. Yas Island will further launch a series of packages and offers specially designed for GCC travellers. As the events season starts to ramp up, Yas Island has announced a comprehensive line-up of live events musical performances, sporting fixtures, and live events, which will be taking place throughout the year.  Vacationers to Yas Island will be wowed by family shows such as Disney on Ice, which runs until 11 September 2021, a much anticipated appearance by global comedy superstar Russell Peters at Etihad Arena on 17th of September 2021. Sporting spectaculars such as UFC Abu Dhabi Showdown Week taking place 30 – 31 October 2021 and a musical performance by Arijit Singh Live in Concert on 19 November 2021.  On top off all this, Yas Island will once again host a series of seasonal celebrations including Diwali, Saudi Arabia National Day, UAE National Day and year end festive events. In addition, Yas Island will once again play host to FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2021 and the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi at …

The travel industry, which is one of the leading employers in the MENA region, is witnessing a major re-skilling drive in wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic across the globe, says a top executive of Education For Employment. “Rapidly changing government policies to curb the impact of different variants of the coronavirus and shifts in people’s travel behavior during the pandemic have led to the restructuring of the hospitality sector,” said Jasmine Nahhas di Florio, Senior Vice President Strategy, Partnerships & Communications at Education For Employment. The World Health Organization is monitoring a new coronavirus variant called “mu.” It has mutations that have the potential to evade immunity provided by a previous Covid-19 infection or vaccination, the WHO announced on Sept. 1. “A temporary demand drops in the travel segment, which is recovering fast, has provided an opportunity for re-skilling and up-skilling in order to meet the new sets of requirements in the industry,” said Jasmine. In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry is fast adopting contactless technologies and processes, she added. Some of the wealthy MENA countries like UAE, Bahrain, Qatar have achieved high vaccination rates and are slowly allowing travellers from less affected countries, she said. In the latest move the UAE has opened tourist visas for all nationalities and countries.   She also highlighted that many countries in the region are looking to allow quarantine-free travel for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Such moves are bound to create more employment in the travel sector,” Jasmine said. Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, Europe and the Middle East accounted for more than a third of global air passenger traffic and almost half of the total …

Introducing 2020 Club by Emaar, a unique hospitality lounge dedicated to business and lifestyle needs,  Emaar Hospitality Group is inviting guests for an elevated Expo experience, complete with stunning views and spectacular cuisine. Located at Al Wasl Plaza, adjacent to the UAE Pavilion, 2020 Club by Emaar comprises the Hospitality Lounge, events venue and spectacular Rooftop. Here, visitors can discover new cuisines and traditions during themed celebrations, witness the lighting up of Al Wasl dome, and watch the enthralling entertainment programme during the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, New Year’s Eve, and many other festivities. 2020 Club by Emaar is managed by Emaar Hospitality Group, Expo’s Official Hotel, Hospitality and Catering partner, and will be accessible to visitors only through its exclusive Hospitality Lounge Passes. These include full-day access to Expo 2020 through fast-track lanes, multiple smart queue pre-bookings for participant pavilions, a three-hour dining experience at the Hospitality Lounge with unlimited food and soft beverages, complimentary access to the observatory tower at Expo, and free parking. Emaar Hospitality Group is all set to welcome visitors to the city with an impressive offer starting today. Guests staying at Address Hotels & Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts between 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 will receive complimentary tickets to Expo 2020 during their stay. The stay must be booked during the month of September 2021.

Al Rostamani Travel & Holidays (ART) and Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) have signed a Partner Agreement that will allow ART to market the A&K products to their client-base in both, B2C & B2B segments. This partnership will bring A&K’s luxury travel products to the travellers in this region and grow Leisure traffic market share in the Middle East, while also enhancing Al Rostamani Travels portfolio in the luxury segment. Abercrombie & Kent, is an award-winning luxury travel company, offering unique holiday experiences to luxury travelers. There’s nothing DIY about A&K. These holidays are tailor-made escapes and each holiday is as individual as the person it is created for. Many travel companies have followed in the tracks they laid down, but A&K remains the original tailor-made, luxury holidays company – and still the best. A&K’s Trade Sales Manager, Mark Harris said: “We are delighted to partner with Al Rostamani Travels, who align with our vision of innovation and putting customer experience first. As our industry recovers from the global pandemic, we are expecting good demand from the U.A.E and GCC markets and will further strengthen our position in this high-potential region along with our partners.” Bimal Jain, General Manager, Al Rostamani Travels commented: “We are very excited to announce this strategic partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, a leader in the Luxury Travel segment. As the world begins to reopen and the prospect of travel becomes a reality again, both companies will focus on delivering high-end unique travel experiences to our customers across all segments, in UAE and the Middle East. There is a growing aspiration and increasing need for safe and exclusive luxury holiday packages and with nearly 60 years’ experience …