H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail witnessed the connection of Abu Dhabi and Dubai with a direct railway within the “UAE National Rail Network”, in a major development within the largest infrastructure project in the UAE. Their highnesses installed the final piece on the railway track, marking the start of a new phase of logistic and economic integration between the two emirates, and in preparation for linking the rest of the emirates to an integrated national railway network in the UAE. The completion of the main railway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai comes within the framework of “The UAE Railway Programme” which was launched as a part of the Projects of the 50, with an investment worth of AED 50 billion. The UAE Railway Programme includes a national network of railway projects that would link the seven emirates. The programme is expected to create economic opportunities amounting to AED 200 billion. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that “The UAE Railway Programme” reflects UAE’s ambitions and aspirations to start the next fifty years with huge development projects that enhance its position as a leading regional and global center in the sectors of trade, economy and logistics services. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed added: “The completion of the main railway of the “UAE National Rail Network” project between Dubai and Abu Dhabi represents an important pivotal phase that shows the great benefits of this national project in linking all the …

Emirates is streamlining check-in formalities for its customers in Ajman and the Northern Emirates with the introduction of a new check-in facility in collaboration with the Ajman Transport Authority. The new facility, located in the Ajman Central Bus Terminal,  is the first remote check-in facility outside of Dubai and is another way the airline is helping customers reap the benefits of simple and quick check-in closer to home, reducing queues and improving their overall experience across the first touchpoints of their travel journey. From 1st March, customers can easily and efficiently check-in, verify Covid-19 related medical records for their destination, receive their boarding passes and board one of the convenient Ajman Transport Authority buses to Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.  Once customers arrive at Terminal 3 and disembark, they can drop of their bags in a dedicated baggage area and proceed directly to immigration and security—ensuring a smoother ground journey through the airport by bypassing the check-in counter at Dubai International. Plans are underway to integrate baggage check-in at the new Ajman facility in the coming weeks. Open 24 hours a day,  the Emirates check-in facility in Ajman will have four counters and two self-service kiosks for a contactless start to the journey, allowing check-in, boarding pass collection, choosing or changing seats on board, and updating passport and Skywards information. Bus trips from the facility to Terminal 3 will run in parallel with Emirates’ peak operational periods, which include early and late morning scheduled flights as well the late night departures. Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Airport Services said: “We are committed to continually enhancing every aspect of the on-ground experience for our customers and creating a …

The ninth edition of Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), the region’s leading aviation and tourism industry event, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah. Under the theme ‘Roadmap to recovery’, hundreds of international and local industry experts as well as media representatives gathered to discuss an array of aviation and tourism topics. Since its inception, the Summit has proved to be an ideal platform to shed light on the status of the region’s aviation-tourism requirements and its prospects. This year’s edition aimed to create a post-pandemic roadmap to recovery. It also amplified the messaging that emanates from discussions on important topics and issues, including knowledge sharing that are vital to helping industry players unify their efforts towards uplifting the aviation and tourism sector. Endorsed by Arab Governments, the 2022 AAS is hosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Air Arabia, Turkish Technic, Collins Aerospace, and others. Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, the location of the 2022 Arab Aviation Summit, offers state-of-the-art, elegantly designed meeting facilities, and is the first safe meeting facility in the world, as certified by Bureau Veritas, the international leader in testing and inspection services and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp. The certification follows the implementation of stringent safety and security protocols by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, offering hospitality and event providers access to global best practice, supportive policies and professional guidance on safety …

The fourth edition of the most popular virtual trade show the Gulf Travel Show aims to kick off on 22nd and 23rdMarch 2022 at 10am UAE time until 3pm. It will be an opportunity to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Middle East. Travel products from across the world have signed up to participate. Focused on business meetings, the digital event will host buyers from across the region. After the success of the first three editions in November 2020, March 2021 and October 2021, Gulf Travel Show is back on popular demand in 2022. Like last time, all exhibitors and buyers will log-in to the GTS platform from either their office or the comfort of their home. Each exhibitor will be given their own private virtual booth with branding, videos and document broadcast facilities. These can be customized as per the individual requirements. Buyers can visit the virtual exhibition and individual stalls of all exhibitors and have personalised undisturbed meetings. For more information, contact crisna@ddppl.com

It was announced recently that the much awaited Ritz Carlton in Amman Jordan is slated to open by Q2. Two stunning towers unveil a refined, modern luxury experience the heart of Jordan’s buzzing capital city, Amman. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman will offer 228 guestrooms including 34 lavish suites, perfectly complemented by the brand’s legendary service. Guests can relax in the elegant Cigar Lounge or indulge in distinguished cuisine at the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant. For a dinner with a view, the rooftop restaurant and bar offer dazzling views across the skyline. The enchanting towers offer both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa, along with a 1,000 square metre ballroom.

The latest touristic destination in the new Deira Islands in Dubai will now have more access as Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has opened a new access point to enjoy a more scenic route.  Access to Souk Al Marfa at Deira Islands, the waterfront souk and marketplace by Nakheel is now even easier, thanks to a new abra and ferry station launched under a new partnership between Nakheel and the Road Transport Authority (RTA), with free rides available to all visitors in the first five months. With two routes, connecting Souk Al Marfa to Dubai’s Old Souq and Deira Old Souq, the 25-minute abra journey operates from 5 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The 20-minute ferry trip runs between Souk Al Marfa and Al Ghubaiba from 6 pm to 10 pm on weekends only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Celebrating and connecting Dubai’s oldest most traditional trading hub with the city’s newest island development, the abra and ferry journeys will offer views of the Deira Corniche, Deira Old Souq, Dubai Creek and the Gold Souq, providing an enjoyable and scenic experience for families looking to explore the city. Muath Abdelkader AlRais, General Manager of Souk Al Marfa said: “The new abra and ferry service brings a new and memorable way for local residents and visitors from further afield to reach our newest retail destination. It’s part of our commitment to continually enhancing Souk Al Marfa as a key retail and entertainment destination in Dubai.” Ahmed Bahrozyan, Chief Executive Officer at Public Transport Agency at Roads and Transport Authority added: “We …

One of the new emerging outbound destinations for the UAE, Brazil has initiated a new programme at Expo.  Embratur — Brazil’s Tourist Board — and the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, with the support of the Federal government, have recently launched the “Safe Tourism Program”. The initiative aims to develop actions and public policies to improve the security of tourists during their stay in Brazil. To create the program, Embratur and the Ministry of Tourism met throughout 2021, to develop proposals that, when implemented, ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of health and safety, especially when it comes to travelling and tourism. Tourist security is critical as it involves issues related to mobility, public safety, consumer relations, protecting childhood, human rights, gender equality, accessible information, physical integrity of agents, quality food,  and many others. Considering all these points, 59 actions were created, which aim to contribute to the positioning of Brazil as a safe destination. The areas of action include public safety, consumer relations in tourism, tourist transport, civil defense, health surveillance and positive communication. “We are implementing a thoroughly thought-out program that has a clear objective, to improve tourism security in our country. We want to give travelers the confidence to visit our country knowing that we are doing everything we can to give them a once in a lifetime experience. The Federal Government has prioritised tourist safety, and this program is sure to positively impact the already rapidly growing tourism sector,” says the Minister of Tourism, Gilson Machado. “We know more and more UAE tourists are considering visiting Brazil. This initiative intends to make sure that tourists vacationing in …

Emirates will operate an extra five flights to and from Kuwait, with the additional services running through 5 March. The extra flights are operating in response to a surge in demand with travelers flocking abroad for their National and Liberation Day nine day holidays after two years of missed breaks, and amid the easing of entry protocols in Kuwait and in other destinations around the world. According to booking data, Emirates customers in Kuwait are choosing Dubai for their holidays, for its accessibility as well for its commitment to always offer something new and unique to visitors. New attractions awaiting Kuwaiti travelers include Ain Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai, Hatta Dome Park and The View at The Palm, to name a few, as well as Expo 2020 Dubai, which is in its final weeks and has already attracted close to 15 million visitors. This is in addition to Dubai’s world-class hotels, shopping and iconic culinary experiences. Emirates customers travelling to Dubai anytime now or during the final month of Expo 2020, will be eligible to receive a free Emirates Expo Season Pass for every flight ticket booked with the airline, to visit the event as many times as they like until 31 March 2022. Travelers from Kuwait are also jet setting to London, Munich, Geneva and Amsterdam for winter getaways, and are also taking in the sun in the Maldives during the holiday period.   For more information to book a journey, travellers can visit www.emirates.com/kw, travel agents or contact the local Emirates Sales Office.

Kuwait Airways signed an agreement with Airbus to restructure the Company’s fleet of Airbus aircraft. The agreement was signed by the Chairman of Kuwait Airways, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan, representing Kuwait Airways and by the President of Airbus for Africa and Middle East, Mr. Mikail Houari as representative of Airbus, and in the presence of the President of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, the Ambassador of Germany to the State of Kuwait, HE Stefan Mobbs, the Ambassador of the Republic of France to the State of Kuwait, HE Claire Le Flecher, Board Members of Kuwait Airways, the Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Maen Razouqi, and various senior officials and Heads of the Company. In this regard, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Mr. Ali Al-Dukhan stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the signing of the agreement to restructure the Company’s Airbus aircraft, which aligns with the plans and strategies of the Blue Bird to develop the fleet with the addition of new models, different types, capacities and sizes appropriate to the vision of Kuwait Airways in the coming years and in line with its ambitious plan to expand its network around the world and provide the best, distinguished services to its passengers.” Al-Dukhan added, “This agreement is one of the largest agreements concluded between Kuwait Airways and Airbus, as our relationship with Airbus extends over four decades of successful and fruitful partnership, and we always strive to strengthen and develop it for the benefit and public interest of both parties. Airbus has greatly contributed to the development of the Kuwait Airways fleet, with its modern and diverse aircraft that has the best technological characteristics that keep pace with the latest and finest …

Sabre Corporation and Gulf Air have reaffirmed their long standing relationship with an expanded, multi-year agreement. Under the renewed agreement, Gulf Air will continue to use Sabre’s passenger service system (PSS) SabreSonic to help power its digital transformation, provide a seamless traveller experience, and drive revenue growth. The PSS is designed to automate sales and reservations with enhanced functionalities that can help provide increased revenue opportunities by tailoring offers to meet the needs of travellers and help create an efficient airport experience. Gulf Air has also renewed a suite of solutions that will help ensure the airline’s operational efficiency and help incremental revenue opportunities through advanced fares management, schedule and network optimization and state-of-the-art revenue management. The agreement has also been expanded to include Sabre’s Dynamic Availability tool. A key building block for personalized retailing, the dynamic pricing engine will allow Gulf Air to identify ways to unlock greater value. “We’re delighted to reaffirm our relationship with Sabre and leverage its technology to further support our strategic plans,” said Captain Waleed Al Alawi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air. “We are currently undergoing a major transformation to upscale our technology strategy, advance operational efficiencies and improve traveller experience. As we move into recovery, we are confident that the flexible and intelligent nature of Sabre solutions, including SabreSonic, will enable us to be more efficient and offer a modern retail experience that enables personalized travel at scale, increases growth opportunities and allows us to create a differentiated brand experience in a highly competitive environment.” Sabre’s high performance, flexible PSS enables Sabre’s valued partners to realize increased growth opportunities through merchandising, codeshare agreements and alliance partners, plus cost savings from better …