Miral in collaboration with Warner Bros., announced The WB™ Abu Dhabi, located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, the first ever Warner Bros. themed hotel, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially opened its doors to guests. The hotel allows guests to see their favorite stories and characters brought to life through unique hospitality experiences that only the rich history and storied legacy of Warner Bros. could offer. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi (CEO of Miral), HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak (Chairman of Miral), Jochem-Jan Sleiffer (President, Hilton, MEA & Turkey) and Pam Lifford (President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences) at the grand opening of The WB™ Abu Dhabi HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “This is yet another great moment for us, with The WB™ Abu Dhabi hotel opening on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination for leisure, entertainment and business. We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with both Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Hilton, bringing world firsts and global hospitality offerings and experiences to Abu Dhabi.” Featuring over 400 curated images and film and TV props, guests at the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel will be treated to a journey of discovery through film and television, enjoying Warner Bros.’ rich history and library of timeless productions at every touchpoint from arrival to check-out. While dining in one of five restaurants on the property, you can listen as the piano from “Westworld,” the hit HBO science fiction TV show, plays a familiar tune. Visitors can stroll through the lobby or admire 360-degree city and sea views alongside their favorite props and costumes from Warner Bros. films and TV shows.  Kids and …

The fourth edition of the most coveted awards of the region, Arabian travel awards will kick off on 21st November 2021 amidst a gathering recognizing the heroes of the industries of travel, tourism and hospitality. The pandemic set back the industry with challenges that were harder than ever before yet the industry emerged victorious and this is the celebration for the year. Every year the awards are focused on the people behind the scenes that put in all the effort and the work and most often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Arabian Travel Awards established itself as the first in the region to recognize these heroes and this year it is of a totally new level of recognition as it is about weathering the storm. Arabian Travel Awards will once again host the industry in a brand new venue at the Le Meridien Hotel and conference center in Garhoud. San Jeet Director Arabian Travel Awards shares, “Our awards this year is very special as it not only recognizes the untiring efforts of the industry experts but also celebrates as heroes of the industry after all the challenges, obstacles that engulfed the whole industry. Applications are still open to vote for those in the industry and who has been in the forefront promoting and proactively working during the pandemic and beyond as of today. Borders slowly open in certain parts of the world and the pandemic is now something we will have to live with for the next few years or so, yet the resilience over the period and the way in which the industry fought back and still keep at it shows the passion and commitment to move forward. As partners …

Emirates announces that its flagship A380 service will return to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport from 28 November. The aircraft upgrade will help Emirates to meet strong passenger demand for inbound travel into the popular holiday destination, on the heels of Thailand’s re-opening to international tourists who are vaccinated. The daily A380 flights will operate as EK372/373, adding much-needed capacity and frequency to its flights to Bangkok, in response to the uptick in travel demand that the airline is witnessing. The iconic Emirates A380 aircraft to serve the route will offer seats in First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. The deployment of the double-decker aircraft will complement the existing services, EK384/385, also operating on a daily basis with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration, in addition to its five weekly flights to Bangkok via Phuket, operating as EK378/379, which is set to increase its frequency to daily from 1 December.The daily A380 service to Bangkok, flight EK372, will depart Dubai daily at 09:30hrs, arriving in Bangkok at 18:40hrs. Flight EK373 is scheduled to depart Bangkok at 20:35hrs to arrive in Dubai at 00:50hrs the next day. All times are local. When the A380 service launches on 28 November, Emirates will offer three daily services to passengers travelling to and from Bangkok, in its support for the country it has been serving for over three decades. Emirates is playing a vital role in facilitating the tourism industry recovery, spearheaded by the government’s efforts. The boosted capacity and frequency increase will help meet demand from holiday-makers originating from Europe, Africa and the Middle East to travel to the Thai capital. With the easing of travel restrictions, Emirates will also serve its …

Oman Air has updated its winter schedule reflecting frequency increases and flight resumptions. Among reinstated destinations are Munich, Zurich and Kuala Lumpur, based on the flight schedules Munich: Starting from 1 December 2021 WY123 – Muscat 15:00 to Munich 18:50 on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday – Return WY124 Munich 21:45 to Muscat 06:50 +1 Zurich – Starting from 1 December 2021 WY153 Muscat 14:55 to Zurich 19:05 on Wednesday & Friday and return WY154   Zurich 21:35 to Muscat 06:50 +1 Kuala Lumpur – Starting from 4 December 2021 WY821 Muscat 21:15 to Kuala Lumpur 08:10 +1 on Tuesday & Thursday and return WY822 Kuala Lumpur 09:40 to Muscat 12:50 on Wednesday & Friday WY823 – Muscat 08:45 Kuala Lumpur 19:40 on Saturday, Thursday and return WY824 Kuala Lumpur 21:05 Muscat 00:15 +1 Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Meal service has been modified to further ensure safety, and a number of other measures have been implemented to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate. Guests travelling to Germany, Switzerland and Malaysia, as well as all other destinations on Oman Air’s network, should ensure they are aware of official requirements to enter or transit …

Air Arabia will showcase its latest A321neo-LR alongside the latest innovation, technologies and cabin configuration at Dubai Airshow 2021 from Nov. 14 to 18. The carrier also unveiled a special livery on its Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft to commemorate the nation’s golden jubilee. Air Arabia’s latest A321 neo-LR can accommodate 215 passengers. It is equipped with Air Arabia’s state of the art cabin interior; wireless entertainment system “SkyTime” and the seats provide extra comfort while maintaining Air Arabia’s generous seat pitch. Dubai Airshow visitors will get to experience Air Arabia’s value driven low-cost product onboard the carrier’s Airbus A321 neo-LR aircraft. Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, commented: “As the aviation sector is gearing up for a steady recovery, we are delighted to be part of the Dubai Airshow, a platform to highlight how our industry has addressed the challenges and is on a new flightpath to renewed growth. We will focus on highlighting our new technologies, innovations and state-of-the-art solutions that aim to further enhance the customer experience.” Air Arabia recently celebrated 18 years of successful operations that transformed the air travel industry in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. To mark the milestone, Air Arabia unveiled a new uniform, which reflects the carrier’s modernity and youthfulness. The Dubai Airshow, now in its 17th edition, is one of the largest and most successful air shows in the world, which connects aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry.      

Germany, the most popular shopping destination for the GCC travellers once again will host a webinar on Breuninger, one of Germany’s most prestigious department stores on 23rd November 11am UAE time. With the recent announcement that the limitations on GCC travellers have been relaxed, it is once again time to discover some of the destination’s new and renovated experiences. The German National Tourist Office will host a special webinar to highlight the various offerings, with a particular emphasis on Germany as a shopping destination. “I’m looking forward to refreshing our industry partners on destination Germany and informing them of the latest travel guidelines to Germany while also highlighting one of the most prestigious department stores Breuninger,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales and Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf Countries. We’d like to invite you to pre-register for the event and come prepared with all of your questions.” For a moment, everything was put on hold due to the pandemic, but now it’s time to revisit and rediscover the many shopping spots throughout Germany. Travellers and shoppers can find anything they want, from discounts to fine couture, from second hand knickknacks to futuristic treasures, from worldwide to traditionally German brands, always prompt, easy to find, and, at an unbelievable low cost. The unique selling characteristics of one such retail destination, Breuninger, will be highlighted in this webinar. It will be a chance for the travel industry to rediscover the destination after the Covid era. “For 140 years, the fashion and lifestyle company Breuninger has been setting high standards in the areas of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, “ said Lena Schulz, Manager Tourism Marketing-Breuninger Kurzbeschreibung. Since 1881, Breuninger has been emphasising the …

All tourism employees and eligible Boracay residents are expected to be fully vaccinated in one month, allowing fully vaccinated individuals to visit the world-famous island without having to undergo COVID-19 testing as early as November. As of October 24, the vaccination had reached 91.09 per cent of all tourism workers and 62.78 per cent of the Island’s eligible population, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Boracay Island is projected to vaccinate its entire eligible population of 24,451 people by the end of October, making it the first Philippine destination to achieve 100 per cent vaccination. Earlier this year, the island became the first tourist destination to get COVID-19 inoculations. Berna Romulo-Puyat, Tourism Secretary, expressed her optimism about the Island’s tourism revival, citing Governor Florencio Miraflores’ commitment to accept visitors with proof of full vaccination, in lieu of a negative RT-PCR test result, once the Island’s residents have reached a 100 per cent vaccination rate. This is a favourable development because the DOT has seen a significant increase in visitor arrivals in the last two months compared to the same period last year. A total of 11,668 active tourism employees had obtained full doses of the COVID vaccine. Individuals employed in hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas and wellness centres, souvenir shops, shopping malls, security services and other essential service providers, tourism transportation, tourism-related cooperatives and associations, and government frontline service and private agencies are among them. A total of 15,350 people, or 62.78 percent of the Island’s 24,451 eligible people, h ave been fully vaccinated, leaving about 9,000 people to be vaccinated. There were no new active cases as of October 18. “Our vaccination rollouts are crucial in protecting our tourism …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) hosted a media gathering on day two of its agenda of activities at the World Trade Market (WTM) 2021 exhibition, held on November 1-3 at ExCel London, where the Authority was promoting its tourism offering while exploring the new global tourism system as the pandemic subsides around the world. The SCTDA booth hosted a media gathering on day two of the exhibit to announce a series of new and future tourism projects to look forward to in the emirate. The Authority also announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Singapore’s The Lux Collective group, which specialises in managing luxury hotels and hospitality institutions. The MoU includes the management of two new tourist resorts in Al Dhaid and Khorfakkan cities in Sharjah. Additional new and notable tourism projects were also highlighted, such as Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid, the Moon Retreat in Mleiha, Al Suhub Rest House in Khorfakkan, Kalba Waterfront, family parks, and plans to develop the emirate’s beaches, including Al Heerah and Al Luluyah. “Tourism is a key pillar of Sharjah’s economy and the national economy in general,” noted H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Chairman. “It is a necessary requirement to drive sustainable development at every level. As the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority sought to strengthen its relations with the European market by actively taking part in the World Travel Market exhibition in London. WTM is an opportunity for us to highlight the great potential Sharjah’s tourism sector has, showcasing the emirate’s various tourist attractions, which are, once again, drawing tourists …

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a private and lavish resort located between the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountains, has launched an exciting new range of exclusive offers and luxurious experiences for guests and families to enjoy for the coming months especially for the GCC clientele. Guests visiting Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, for a family getaway rather than business are in for a treat, as they will get to experience all the facilities the resort has to offer, such as the infinity pool, non-motorized water sports activities, and an array of daily kid’s activities. Families can also enjoy 50% savings on their second room for children up to 16 years old. Breakfast is available for two guests per room, and kids below six years old can also enjoy free dine-in and breakfasts. Also, families can enjoy complimentary use of Ritz Kids facilities and selected non-motorized water sports. The 50% discount applies to the lower room rate and interconnecting or adjacent room upon availability. There are a limited number of rooms available on this package, and blackout dates may apply, so guests should reserve a week in advance to avoid disappointment! Make an extended weekend escape a luxurious and relaxing experience at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, by enjoying a stay at the resort for four to six nights to enjoy 25% savings. With many activities catering to their every wish and need, guests staying four or more nights can enjoy a 25% discount along with luxury accommodation, creating the perfect addition to a relaxing weekend. Breakfast is available, and children under six years old will enjoy complimentary dining. Saving the best for last, travellers …

Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC, to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Dubai’s sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline. Expected to welcome its first guests in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is set to become an iconic addition to Dubai’s skyline and a new buzzing, urban escape in the cosmopolitan city. “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trend-setting W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With its unexpected design and iconic, socially driven Whatever/Whenever® service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.” His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and introduce W Dubai – Mina Seyahi to the renowned Mina Seyahi complex in Dubai Marina. This new property, which is among several other Marriott International hotels that wasl brought and launched in the emirate, will be an exciting addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector. We continue to look forward to developing further hotels to cement our position as a key player in the hospitality sector”. Located close to Dubai’s thriving leisure destinations, such as Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is well-situated to offer guests a vibrant and playful escape. The 31-storey hotel is expected to feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite). The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw …