The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines is celebrating Siargao’s entry into Time magazine’s list of ‘The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021.’ Siargao earned its spot on the list not only because of its consistent waves but also because of its ongoing development to strengthen tourism infrastructure on the island. “While destinations such as Boracay, Cebu and Palawan nailed the mass market, the teardrop-¬shaped island off the coast of Mindanao until recently had been best known to a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent waves. But the secret is out, and new spots are popping up on the island, including the beachfront Inara Siargao Resort, an intimate five-suite property that can be booked on Instagram. Just before COVID-19 shutdowns, Siargao got additional cell towers to improve data connectivity, which will be a boon to tourism when it reopens to vaccinated international travellers,” wrote Time Magazine writer Duncan Forgan. According to the publication, the list is a tribute to individuals and businesses who were able to “adapt, build, and innovate” amid the challenges of the pandemic. It also highlights “ingenuity, creativity, revitalization and re-openings in destinations across the world.” The list was compiled through nominations from the magazine’s international network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on those that provide unique and interesting experiences. “I am pleased that the country’s innate beauty continues to draw attention from travellers all over the world despite the pandemic. We are doubling our efforts to create a future of Philippine travel that is safe, more fun, and provides travellers with an authentic and meaningful experience throughout their journey,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. Siargao is presently open to domestic tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ …

Saudi Netball, in collaboration with Sports for All and the Saudi Tourism Authority, have announced the first netball tournament in Saudi Arabia’s history. The tournament was held onboard the MSC Bellissima, a 4,500 passenger cruise ship that is currently touring the Red Sea for the first time. Netball is a fast-growing global game played by more than 20 million people in more than 80 countries. The promotion of netball, which is a women-dominated sport, is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiative as part of Vision 2030 to increase women’s involvement in sport as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. “Netball is an ideal sport to introduce across schools in the Kingdom,” said HH Princess Ghada bint Abdullah Al-Saud, Chairwoman of Netball Saudi. “As a game, netball is inviting, accessible, encouraging, fun, and inclusive. Its game rules ensure the equal participation of all players on the court. In netball, everyone contributes equally to the success of the team, regardless of the individual role they play. It is the perfect expression of an inclusive society.” Netball Saudi is one of sixteen sports federations and committees announced by the Saudi Olympic Committee in May 2021, as part of the Committee’s effort to widen the range of sports offered and the number of sporting communities in Saudi. The three-round tournament was played by two teams with a total number of sixteen players ranging from thirteen to twenty-three years old, and been practicing Netball in the Riyadh-based Golden Sports Academy. The tournament is a joint sports-tourism initiative showcasing Saudi’s continued progress toward building a vibrant society, a core pillar of the Vision 2030 plan led by the Crown Prince. Sports tourism, which includes traveling …

In a bid to ease the ePassport renewal process for Philippines nationals living overseas, The Republic of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and VFS Global has signed a contract recently to provide ePassport Renewal services in Cyprus, Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Kuwait, Singapore, the UK, the USA and Vietnam.  The launch of the VFS Global ePassport Renewal Centres in Dubai, UAE, in November 2019 marked the first time The Republic of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs had outsourced its ePassport renewal process for its nationals living abroad. Following the success of the operations in this pilot location which operates for 12 hours every day, VFS Global successfully expanded services to one more city in the UAE and three cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020, amidst the pandemic.   Mr Chris Dix, Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “We would like to thank The Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs for their continued faith in us as a leading passport and consular service provider. I am happy to share that our Passport and Consular services have been growing from strength to strength as we offer a world-class service experience to ease the ePassport renewal process for Philippine nationals residing in Cyprus, Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Kuwait, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the UAE, the USA and Vietnam. We look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation to ensure Philippine nationals across the world benefit from a first-class ePassport renewal service by expanding this service to more locations.” Key benefits of the Philippine ePassport Renewal Centre: Improved passport and consular services to Philippine nationals living overseas Strict verifiable processes to ensure accuracy of biometric data collection Flexible …

voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel on the iconic Palm Jumeirah announces the appointment of seasoned hotelier Charles Godot as General Manager. Originally from France, Charles joined the voco brand this summer and is responsible to lead the team ahead of the hotel’s opening and drive the performance of the 141-room hotel. The voco brand successfully combines familiar comforts, with the indulgences of an upscale hotel providing a premium experience with a laidback spirit. Charles’ role will be to bring the brand to life in this stunning beach location where guests can blend ‘me-time’ with ‘social-time’ for a perfect stay. voco Dubai the Palm is located in the heart of the “Palm West Beach” with direct access to the beach and with swiping views of Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. Set it this trendy and vibrant spot voco will feature some exceptional dining experiences directly accessed from the promenade. Additionally, the hotel features a pool and bar on the roof top for sundowners afficionados, and everything you would expect from an upscale hotel. Charles started his career journey with IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2003 at InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hôtel working across several departments. He then embarked on an international career in Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and finally UAE working across several departments gaining an all-encompassing understanding of hospitality and how to deliver exceptional service. “Our hotel is placed in an iconic location in Dubai and I am confident it will become an extraordinary and charming place to relax, socialise and enjoy memorable experiences alongside beautiful surroundings. I look forward to building a winning team to create   signature experiences beyond expectations on Palm Jumeirah” …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has successfully concluded its ‘Sharjah Summer 2021 Campaign’ with a huge turnout of visitors who availed the wide range of promotions, amazing experiences, and exclusive offers in Sharjah’s luxury hotels to spend their summer vacation. The campaign, which ran from July 15 to August 28, has achieved its aim of promoting the emirate’s unique attractions and competitive features. It further strengthened Sharjah’s leading position as a family-friendly destination, which provides exceptional, integrated, and high-quality experiences supported by a wide array of world-class hospitality facilities. The ‘Sharjah Summer 2021’ was organized in line with SCTDA’s commitment to introduce leading initiatives and innovative tourism marketing and promotions that exceed the expectations of visitors and tourists alike and boost local tourism development.  The latest campaign featured exclusive offers, including various hotel packages ideal for families. These special offers were designed to increase local tourism activities and highlight the key attraction and latest tourism projects in the emirate.   His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) commented: “We are delighted to witness the positive results of the ‘Sharjah Summer 2021’ campaign which provided visitors and tourists with many different experiences, activities, and a wide range of options on where to stay during their vacation in Sharjah, amidst the current challenges in international travel and tourism. In cooperation with our strategic partners, we are proud that we have maintained our key strengths and provide local tourism products and services that continue to attract visitors and tourists to the emirate. This achievement strongly reflects Sharjah’s appeal as a preferred destination in both the local and global tourism map.   This …

Dubai Holding announced that Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, is set to open on 21 October, 2021. Ticket sales for the city’s most anticipated attraction already open for public. Ain Dubai ticket prices start from AED130 and can be purchased on www.aindubai.com Standing at over 250-metres high, Ain Dubai is the latest landmark to join Dubai’s long list of world record-breaking attractions. The monument represents another addition to Dubai Holding’s extensive entertainment portfolio and supports Dubai’s long-term vision, as set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen its global position as a key tourism hub, continuing to build on the emirate’s reputation as a leader in the global leisure and entertainment landscape. Ronald Drake, General Manager of Ain Dubai, said: “Ain Dubai offers unique experiences catering to all audiences, including luxurious special event cabins; nightlife and party occasions; unique dining and culinary options; family-friendly cabins and customisable romantic experiences for special moments. We are the ultimate celebration destination, so it was only fitting that we celebrate the opening in style. More exciting details of what to expect from our grand opening will be revealed soon. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Ain Dubai.”   Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “Dubai continues to be a leader in the travel and tourism sector, with a reputation for delivering pioneering projects and landmarks. Ain Dubai is a testament to one of the many innovative initiatives developed by Dubai to further enhance its competitiveness as a key international tourism destination in continuation of Dubai’s drive to achieve new …

REHLATY by dnata Travel, the unique travel brand designed by Emiratis for the Emirati traveller, is revealing its upcoming plans to ignite women’s passion for travel across the UAE in the lead up to this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, including new all-women group travel itineraries for 2021, in the wake of increased demand.   REHLATY, part of the dnata Travel Group, launched in 2019 to introduce a home-grown brand dedicated to creating bespoke travel itineraries based on the needs and wants of Emirati travellers, including unique holiday packages and experiences tailor-made for Emirati women. From the team of Emiratis behind the brand, 60% are women, with a mission to support the Emirati traveller community in exploring the world, with ease, safety and unforgettable experiences front-of-mind.   In the build-up to Emirati Women’s Day 2021 on August 28, the brand is revealing its most popular itineraries for Emirati women travellers in 2021 so far, which are continually developed to cater to evolving travel preferences, whilst also announcing new, upcoming group trips designed exclusively for ladies only, to meet a growing demand for group travel.   Rehab Mansoor, General Manager at REHLATY by dnata Travel, commented: “As Emirati women become more travel savvy and curious, we are witnessing ongoing trends towards more women travelling, and more frequently, from the UAE to an enhanced range of destinations worldwide, with particular growth in solo travel itineraries and travel with friends.   “Over the last decade, the needs of Emirati women travelling, as well as the opportunities that exist to make travel safer, more comfortable and inclusive, have evolved significantly whilst research demonstrates that women often serve as key decision makers for family holiday bookings. …

Emirates announced several commercial leadership movements across West Asia, Africa, the GCC, and Central Asia. Six seasoned team members in leadership roles, all UAE Nationals, will help drive the airline’s commercial initiatives across key markets with a strategic focus on rebuilding its leadership position and growing its customer base as countries continue easing their restrictions. All of the new appointments are effective 1 September 2021. All of the movements include Emirati talent into key leadership positions, either being promoted from within the organisation or through portfolio rotations, underpinning the airline’s commitment to career development and progression of its UAE Nationals. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: ‘’Thanks to the strength of the Emirates brand, our laser focus on executing strategic customer and commercial initiatives, and rationally rebuilding our network based on tangible demand, the airline is well-positioned in the long-term to generate improved results as we navigate recovery. The movements within the commercial team that have been put in place significantly strengthen our management structure across key markets. We’re proud of the hard work and dedication that UAE Nationals appointed to these roles have demonstrated to tackle the challenges of the last 18 months, and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to build bench strength from within.” Jabr Al-Azeeby has been appointed as Vice President for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Jabr has been with Emirates for 16 years, previously holding Country Manager roles in Uganda, Cyprus, Thailand, Pakistan, before taking on his most recent role as Vice President, India and Nepal. Mohammed Alnahari Alhashmi has been appointed as Vice President for Pakistan. Mohammed has held several roles throughout his 18 year career with Emirates, including management posts in …

Ahead of the Expo 2020 Dubai opening this October, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (PDTI) is optimistic that the global event would catalyze robust and sustainable increase in trade exchanges between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East, as bilateral trade between the two nations rose 32% during the first 5 months of 2021. The PDTI, the lead implementing agency of the Philippines’ participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, said the country’s total trade (export and import) with the UAE crossed AED1.33 billion ($362 million) for the period of January to May 2021, with exports valued at AED411 million ($112 million) and imports at AED918 million ($250 million). PDTI Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group and PH Expo 2020 Dubai, Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos underscored that the forthcoming World Expo is deemed a game-changer in Philippines-UAE trade relations due to a forecast in the influx of opportunities and investments during and after the six-month long event, which is projected to drive increased revenue in major sectors and industries. Jobs creation With more than 190 countries converging in the Expo—the biggest event ever been held in the Middle East—the Philippines targets to showcase the very best of its culture, heritage, and technology to millions of global audiences, in order to draw investors to the country. This will enable the government to boost the confidence of the global business community to invest in the Philippines. In turn, it would have a positive impact on employment. Gaetos said: “During the Expo, the country hopes to strengthen its trade partnership with the UAE and the greater Middle East region on key sectors. With the magnitude …

Emirates is set to introduce a fourth weekly service between Dubai to Muscat from 28 August 2021. The increase of flights to and from Muscat provides more connectivity options for customers travelling to Dubai and beyond to the airline’s growing network, as well as visitors coming to Oman. The announcement comes as Oman is set to re-open its borders for tourists with an approved vaccine certificate, starting 1 September. The added services will meet market demand and offer customers greater flexibility, choice and connectivity while planning their travels. From 28 August, EK866 will depart from Dubai at 0215hrs, arriving in Muscat at 0330hrs. The return flight, EK867 will depart from Muscat 0440hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0555hrs. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents. As international borders reopen and travel restrictions ease, Emirates continues to expand its network safely and sustainably, matching capacity with demand in line with market dynamics and operating conditions. The airline has resumed passenger services to over 120 destinations, recovering close to 90% of its pre-pandemic network. Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city is open for international business and leisure visitors. Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE).