Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Concourses D and E, marking a major milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually. This development elevates traveller comfort and further establishes Doha as a key global aviation hub. The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport’s ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden. The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The terminal now spans 845,000 square meters—a 14% increase—while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway; it is a vital pillar of Qatar’s growth and global connectivity. I am pleased to see this expansion project, with conclusion of both concourses going live, which I have personally been involved with since 2018. While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects our commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar’s economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This development allows us to meet the evolving demands …

Sabre Corporation announced that SalamAir has extended its multi-year partnership with Sabre’s Radixx solutions to support its continued growth and operational efficiency. This renewal will see SalamAir continue using Radixx Res for its reservation system and Radixx Insight for reporting, further reflecting the airline’s confidence in Sabre’s Radixx solutions. This long-term agreement provides stability and positions SalamAir for continued growth and success in an increasingly competitive airline industry. “This renewal is an important step in our partnership with SalamAir,” said Darren Rickey, Senior Vice President of Airline Sales at Sabre. “As SalamAir continues to grow in the region, we look forward to supporting their journey with the tailored solutions Radixx offers. This extended collaboration reflects SalamAir’s trust in our ability to provide reliable, scalable technology that aligns with their operational needs and strategic goals, including the transition to Offers and Orders. We are proud to be part of their growth and success.” SalamAir, known for offering affordable fares without compromising on service quality, has quickly become an important player in the aviation industry. With both domestic and international flights, the airline makes air travel more accessible to a wide range of customers. SalamAir’s focus on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and network expansion has fueled its rapid growth and positioned it as a preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers across Oman and beyond. “We are pleased to continue our successful partnership with Sabre and their Radixx solutions,” said Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir. “The Radixx reservation system (Radixx Res) and data and insights platform (Radixx Insight) have been instrumental in supporting our growth, helping us innovate and deliver a seamless travel experience to our customers. This renewal reaffirms our confidence in Sabre’s …

Royal M Hotel & Resort by Gewan Al Aqah Beach Resort bagged the title of ‘Best Beach Resort’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Arabian Travel Award is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Gewan Hotels & Resorts. It is a testament to our team’s hard work, passion, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. This recognition fuels our confidence and inspires us to aim even higher, constantly innovating to delight those who choose us.”-Ahmed Hassib, CEO, Gewan Hotels & Resorts

The Group Vintage announced it has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to open a dual-branded Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in Dubai Production City – a fast-growing business hub in the city. The hotel will be a conversion of an existing property operating as The Vintage Grand Hotel. The property will be conveniently located just 30 minutes away from Al Maktoum Airport and Dubai International Airport, with excellent connections to every part of the city. Kunal Bansal, Owner of The Group Vintage commented, “We are delighted to partner with Marriott International as we continue to expand in hospitality. Our dual-branded Marriott Hotel and Marriot Executive Apartments—set to be the largest Marriott Executive Apartments in UAE —will bring exceptional, new F&B experiences to this location which is rapidly emerging as the heart of the New Dubai corridor, catering to both our guests and the surrounding vibrant communities.” Saahil Lalit, Vice President – Development, Middle East, Marriott International added, “We look forward to working with The Group Vintage to grow our footprint in Dubai where we continue to see opportunities to further diversify our portfolio. The conversions of these properties are also a testament to the trust owners have in Marriott International and the reputation of our world-class brands.” The opening of Marriott Hotel Production City, Dubai is anticipated to mark the fifth hotel under the Marriott Hotel’s brand in Dubai. The hotel will exemplify the brand’s continued evolution and feature contemporary and intuitive spaces. Projected to open in 2026, the 345-room hotel will feature a number of dining outlets, the brand’s signature M Club lounge, a pool, fitness center and tennis courts. Marriott Executive Apartments continues to …

Emirates anticipates busy weekends ahead of and during the Eid Al Fitr holiday with heavy traveller volumes departing from and arriving to Dubai. The busiest time for departures in Terminal 3 will be on the 28 and 29 March, and on the 5 and 6 April, with more than 80,000 daily customers making their way abroad for their spring break holidays. With expected traffic congestion around Terminal 3 entrances, Emirates urges customers departing from Dubai to build in extra time for their journeys to avoid potential delays. Passengers should arrive at the airport up to 3 hours before their flight and take note of their boarding times to ensure they reach the departure gate on time without delay. Customers can use the broad range of check-in options available to them including online check in on emirates.com or the Emirates App open 48 hours before their departure; Emirates City Check in and Travel Store in ICD Brookfield Place from 24 hours up to 4 hours before departure, except for customers travelling to the US; book a home check-in from their residence or hotel; use the airline’s convenient check-in kiosks and baggage drop facilities in Terminal 3 and mobile check-in ports located throughout the terminal. Customers travelling from the northern Emirates can check in at the Ajman Central Bus Terminal from 24 hours up to 4 hours before their flight. Customers can also drop off their luggage at the airport the night before travel at no charge or check in early and drop off their bags 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before departure if flying to the US. This allows them to proceed directly to immigration or Smart Tunnel for seamless processing. …

Miral continues its collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) to support local entrepreneurs in the fourth edition of Waterfront Nights at Yas Bay Waterfront. The Ramadan market will run until April 1 and feature 26 local brands, 22 of which are supported by KFED. As part of this strong partnership, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, and Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, visited Waterfront Nights to support the entrepreneurs and learn more about their local businesses and products. “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which continues to empower Emirati entrepreneurs by providing them with opportunities to showcase their exceptional products and services,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. “As we celebrate the Year of Community, this initiative has greater significance, as it not only drives economic development but also strengthens the social fabric of our communities, ensuring a more prosperous and connected future for all.” Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, also added: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Miral for the third consecutive year in this special event, which reflects our commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati businesses by providing a platform to showcase their innovative projects and engage with the community. We hope that this partnership will have a positive economic impact that enhances the competitiveness of national businesses and reflects the innovation and creativity of Emirati entrepreneurs.” The fourth edition of Waterfront Nights is free to enter and offers a bigger and more vibrant experience. The event also features free workshops, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and a variety …

Etihad and Ethiopian have joined forces in a landmark Joint Venture (JV) that will transform connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As part of this collaboration, the airlines are launching new flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, strengthening ties between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines will commence services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, while Etihad Airways will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 1 October. Subject to regulatory approval, the Etihad – Ethiopian JV will enable both airlines to collaborate in developing and expanding routes between the UAE and Ethiopia, as well as enhancing connectivity across their respective networks. This partnership is designed to deliver greater value to passengers by strengthening links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, resulting in a more seamless and comprehensive combined network. Signed at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, this strategic partnership also includes a codeshare arrangement, unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said: “This Joint Venture is great news for customers of both airlines. The start of flights between the two great cities of Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi connects our expanding networks, giving our customers seamless access to a growing list of destinations via our extensive hubs. It also paves the way for deeper discussions on working together across our respective regions on other cooperation, including frequent flyer programmes, training and cargo. “We are excited to extend a warm welcome to Ethiopian travelers visiting Abu Dhabi, where they can experience our renowned hospitality and immerse themselves in the rich culture of our city. From breathtaking beaches …

Book your Voyage wins ‘Fastest growing B2B Travel Portal’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Receiving this award is a tremendous source of motivation and appreciation for all BYV team members. It will boost our confidence to work even better together. The impact has been very positive for me personally, as it has strengthened my capabilities to take the company to the next level. For the company, it has brought significant recognition in the market. As an industry, we proudly express our gratitude to our suppliers and partners for their mutual support and collaboration.”- Ajay Sinh Atalia, CCO, Book Your Voyage

Emirates revealed the next seven cities to be served by its A350. The airline’s summer schedule will include A350 services to Tunis, Amman, Istanbul, Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Baghdad and Oslo as the new seven cities. With the latest tranche of planned Emirates A350 deployments, the airline is expanding the list of its short to medium haul destinations served in the Middle East/GCC and Europe. For the first time, the Emirates A350 will make its debut in Africa and Southeast Asia. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Our strategic A350 expansion across diverse geographies in the Middle East/GCC, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia leverages the aircraft’s operational flexibility and efficiency, while offering more customers expanded premium travel options and the opportunity to experience our latest generation interiors like Business Class and Premium Economy along with plenty of thoughtful touches throughout every cabin, now available in more cities than ever before.” He added: “The introduction of this aircraft and layering it on existing route schedules also enables Emirates to maintain a compelling competitive position as the airline of choice for discerning travellers looking for a unique slate of connectivity options and elevated onboard experiences they can’t have with any other carrier.” The airline’s latest A350 fleet additions will start scheduled operations to the following destinations: Emirates will operate the A350 six times weekly (all days except for Tuesday) to Tunis on EK 747/748 from 1 June.* Amman’s EK 905/906 will be served daily by the Emirates A350 from 1 June.* Emirates’ A350 featuring the latest cabins will land in Istanbul for the first time to commence daily operations on EK 117/118 from 1 July.* The …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is expanding its network with two new routes to Beirut, Lebanon and Gabala, Azerbaijan. Offering unbeatable fares and greater accessibility from June with three weekly flights each. Starting 4 June 2025, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will operate flights to Beirut three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays*, with fares starting as low as AED 359**. Starting 19 June 2025 Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will connect the UAE capital to Gabala three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with fares starting as low as AED 169**. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, available in the Arabic language. The national airline of the UAE celebrates this exciting news with a three-day promotion***, offering 20% off ticket fares starting today available to all customers. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the region. By establishing of an ultra-low-cost air connectivity with Lebanon as well as opening a new, previously unserved destination in Azerbaijan. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi continues its mission to grant access to affordable, reliable, and accessible travel for all passengers, making it easier than ever for everyone to connect and explore new destinations. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to expand our ever-growing network with Beirut and Gabala, offering ultra-low fares to these exciting destinations for travellers exploring the Middle East and South Caucasus. Lebanon’s blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it appealing for business and leisure travel while Gabala, our second, and truly a hidden gem destination in Azerbaijan, is an ideal retreat for travellers seeking outdoor adventures, green plains, snowy hills and deep historical heritage. Wizz Air …