A new study by Tumodo and Admitad reveals significant shifts in business travel trends across the Middle East and North Africa for 2024. In 2024, business travel is expected to reach $1.48 trillion globally, with the Middle East showing a growth rate of 11.2 %. Last year, the region surpassed its pre-COVID spending levels, reaching $17 billion in business travel expenditures, instilling confidence in its future. Based on over 500,000 travel purchases from Q1 2022 to Q1 2024, the report by Admitad highlights increased car rentals, evolving destination preferences, and a growing shift towards mobile booking. Admitad’s and Tumodo’s study shows that the average price of airline flight tickets within the MENA region has reached $205, a change attributed to seasonal inflation. On the contrary, economy class tickets from MENA to Europe, Asia, and America average $510, while business class fares for these routes reach $2084. Regarding the distribution of ticket types in business travel, 88% of the tickets are for economy class, 10% are for business class, and 2% are for first class. Additionally, a 17% increase in car rentals during business trips compared to 2023 indicates a preference for flexible transportation options. Regarding business travel destinations, the study highlights Pakistan, Kuwait, and Saudi – Arabia as top destinations for travellers from Dubai. In fact, Arab News reported that Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain the leading destinations for Pakistani workers. Over 450,000 individuals left Pakistan in 2023 for employment opportunities in these countries. This trend underscores the strong economic ties and business connections within the MENA region. “Each sub-region showcases its unique trends, such as the UAE, where business travel represents 14.5% of the region’s total. This data …

Sri Lankan Airlines announced operations to Gan International Airport in Southern Maldives, a secluded getaway with luxurious resorts via Sri Lanka especially suited for high-end travellers from the Middle East. This route will have an opportunity for Middle East travellers to explore two destinations at their convenience.  Speaking with TravTalk MiddleEast Jayantha Abeysinghe – Regional Manager Middle East shared, “we wanted to introduce a new experience to our discerning clientele from the Middle East to discover serene, secluded and tranquil areas which appeal to their requirements to enjoy a private luxurious getaway. Adding Gan to our Middle East operations will further enhance connectivity between key destinations in the region and capitalise the growing demand for travel between the Middle East and the Maldives. Our product offering is well suited for our customers from the Middle East such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman and over the years they have made Maldives their much loved destination, hence we wanted to bring in what we do best, ensuring that our customers have new and personalised luxury experiences.” Speaking on the campaign just launched Abeysinghe further reiterated, “If customers fly to Gan with Sri Lankan, their stay is complimentary for three nights. Middle East travellers can book through their travel agents in order to reap more benefits of this exclusive offer tailor made for the region. We know that our Middle East travellers constantly seek exclusive and less crowded holiday destinations, hence this will be a good fit for the entire family.” The introduction of this new direct service from key Middle Eastern cities to Gan will boost tourism between Sri Lanka, Middle East and Maldives. For Maldives this would …

The Ministry of Tourism reported that Inbound tourists spent over SAR 141 billion in the Kingdom in 2023. According to the Ministry’s annual tourism statistics report for 2023, the largest portion of spending was on accommodation, surpassing SAR 45 billion. The report also highlighted that shopping spend exceeded SAR 25.5 billion, with Local Transport amounting to approximately SAR 21.5 billion. Food and beverage spending approached SAR 19.4 billion, while other expenses surpassed SAR 25.5 billion. Additionally, entertainment spending topped SAR 4.0 billion. In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 27 million international tourists, with spend exceeding SAR 141 billion. Furthermore, the combined total of domestic and international tourists for that year surpassed 109 million.

Etihad Airways is hailing its long-standing connection with India by deploying its iconic Airbus A380 to Mumbai for a special four-month period, marking 20 years since its inaugural flight to the city. Starting from 1 September until 31 December 2024, the double-decker aircraft will operate three weekly flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM), enhancing the travel experience on this popular route. Since its first flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004, Etihad’s relationship with India has deepened. The airline currently offers nonstop services between Abu Dhabi and 11 Indian cities, with plans for further expansion. This supports its mission to seamlessly connect Indian guests to Abu Dhabi and its global network, enabling them to visit friends and family, pursue education, and engage in business worldwide. In a move to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for its Indian customers, Etihad recently became the first international airline operating in India to launch a Hindi website, allowing customers to access information in their preferred language. Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market is evident through its embrace of India’s love for cricket, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of the Chennai Super Kings. Additionally, its brand ambassador partnership with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif has further solidified its presence in the region, with a captivating series of videos shared across Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “To kick off our celebrations for 20 years of service to Mumbai and India, we are thrilled to introduce our A380 on the Mumbai route. While this iconic aircraft is typically reserved for long-haul journeys, for our 20 years of celebrations of flying to India, we will …

Vida Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of Vida Marina Resort Marassi, the first-of-its-kind Vida Resort in Egypt. This upscale lifestyle hotspot blends chic coastal living with vibrant waterfront indulgence, set against the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Designed for the inspired, this resort promises an unforgettable stay. The resort features 103 deluxe rooms, twin rooms, and suites with stunning marina views. Located on the enchanting Marassi coast, Vida Marina Resort Marassi provides direct access to the Marassi Marina, one of the largest international marinas in the Middle East. The resort’s strategic location allows guests to explore the bustling marina, enjoy designer boutiques, gourmet cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. With proximity to historical cities like Alexandria and Cairo, travellers are perfectly positioned to explore Egypt’s rich culture and contemporary lifestyle. The interiors reflect a Mediterranean oasis with open, airy aesthetics, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtfully curated spaces inspire creativity, with bold textures and artistic details echoing the vibrant Mediterranean spirit. During the stay, guests can unwind by the infinity pool with breathtaking marina views or relax on the serene beach at the resort’s sister property, Address Beach Resort Marassi. The resort also offers a state-of-the-art fitness studio, The Spa by Vida, a kids’ pool, and a dedicated kids’ club. Mark Kirby, Head of Emaar Hospitality Group, expressed his excitement: “Vida Marina Resort Marassi is a true embodiment of the Vida brand, bringing our signature blend of stylish living and vibrant hospitality to the stunning Mediterranean coast of Egypt. This resort not only offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities but also creates a unique space where guests can connect, rejuvenate, and find inspiration. We are excited to welcome travellers to this new coastal haven …

Emirates announced plans to introduce its newly retrofitted Boeing 777s to two more cities – Zurich and Riyadh from 1 October 2024*. The airline will also layer on refurbished B777s to Geneva and Brussels operations, making them the first two cities in the airline’s network to sport refreshed B777 cabins on all flights. The airline aims to offer customers more of its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product and newly configured Business Class cabin on the Boeing 777 in the coming weeks and months. Emirates’ enhanced B777s will operate as follows: To Zurich, Emirates will operate its retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK 85 and EK 86 starting from 1 October 2024*. Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777 featuring its latest cabins will also land in Riyadh for the first time, as EK 819 and EK 820 from 1 October 2024*. This will be the first debut of Emirates’ Premium Economy in the Middle East/GCC. From 22 September 2024*, Geneva will become the first city in the Emirates network to offer Premium Economy seats and newly refreshed Business Class cabins on all flights, with the introduction of the retrofitted B777 on EK 89 and EK 90. From 9 October 2024*, Emirates will operate its second retrofitted B777 to Brussels on EK 181 and EK 182 six times weekly. With an expanded list of cities served by both the refurbished Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft, Emirates is providing customers more choice and a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The airline plans to serve 28 cities with Premium Economy by the end of this year. So far, 25 aircraft have been retrofitted, with 17 more aircraft to undergo a facelift by December 2024. The …

Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh, an Edge by Rotana hotel, is set to open its doors in the last quarter of 2024. Centrally located on the renowned Al Olaya Street, the new property will be a prime destination for both business and leisure guests, offering convenience, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality. Situated in the heart of Riyadh, a short 27-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport, the Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh is very close to business districts, a range of shops, restaurants, and cinemas making it a prime location and ideal option for a range of guests. The hotel features 104 meticulously designed rooms and suites that blend contemporary aesthetics with functionality and are equipped with modern amenities, providing a comfortable retreat for both business and leisure travellers. Guests at Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh can enjoy a variety of dining options. Misk Restaurant is an all-day dining restaurant that brings patrons “Flavours of the World” via an international buffet. Sola Lobby Café offers prime coffee, teas, and light bites, and its Grab-and-Go concept ensures a quick and delicious casual meal option for guests and visitors alike. Additionally, a 24/7 in-room dining menu guarantees quality and speedy service for those who prefer the comfort of their room. The hotel’s facilities include Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, featuring a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam rooms, and a massage room. A refreshing rooftop pool provides an ideal escape for those seeking both activity and relaxation. For business travellers, Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh offers flexibility and convenience, with three separate meeting rooms able to accommodate medium-sized corporate meetings. All meeting spaces are equipped with the latest technology, elevating the event experience. …

Air France recently inaugurated an exceptional new airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle for its La Première (First Class) customers. Laila El Mansouri, Country Sales Manager United Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan of Air France said “Air France’s commitment to excellence ensures that every journey in the La Première cabin is an experience of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. The exclusive journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the addition of new airport suites takes the La Premiere experience to new heights. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, the attention to detail in the La Première cabin allows you to arrive at your destination refreshed and rejuvenated.” Customers flying from Dubai, United Arab Emirates can connect via Paris, Charles de Gaulle to several La Première destinations such as United States (New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami), Brazil (São Paulo), Ivory Coast (Abidjan), Singapore, and Japan (Tokyo). Upon arrival at the airport, every La Première guest is warmly welcomed by a dedicated concierge who promptly attends to their luggage.Guests are then guided to a newly established exclusive check-in lobby, marking the initial step in their personalized journey through the airport. Here, an attentive Air France team manages all departure-related procedures, encompassing check-in and luggage assistance. This area, furnished with 15 seats and two private lounges, ensures enhanced privacy for guests*. The check-in lobby also caters to La Première passengers arriving at the airport. Customers have the option to relax post-flight, avail themselves of shower facilities if desired, and retrieve their checked baggage. Acting as a tranquil haven amidst the bustling airport environment, this lobby embodies French elegance and sophistication. Meticulously crafted by Air France experts in collaboration with …

The “teamLab Borderless” museum, a collaboration between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Japanese art collective teamLab, has been a huge success, drawing 52,500 visitors in the first two months since opening on 10 June 2024. The museum underlines the Ministry of Culture’s dedication to preserving the Kingdom’s heritage while embracing innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression from around the globe. According to Director General of the Jeddah Historic District Program Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, the interactive global “teamLab Borderless” museum in the heart of Jeddah’s historical district is important. Al-Issa stressed that with the support of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the museum helps strengthen the region’s position as a global tourist destination, and offers a one-of-a-kind cultural and tourism experience to visitors. The “teamLab Borderless” museum offers visitors the chance to experience over 80 interactive digital art installations in a 10,000-square-meter space. Choosing the Jeddah Historic District for this innovative museum aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Jeddah’s strategic development drive to become a leading global cultural and tourism center. According to the program, since the opening of the museum, tickets have completely sold out online until August 15. The museum’s website has received 890,000 visits, and the Jeddah Instagram account for “teamLab Borderless” has rapidly grown to 20,900 followers; it has a total reach of 10.02 million. According to Saudi Press Agency.

Following a triumphant 2023/24 season marked by stellar performances, Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is poised to unveil its highly anticipated new season. The official announcement is scheduled to take place on 18th August 2024 at 11:00 am (GST), and broadcast live online via the ROHM YouTube channel. Following the announcement, tickets for the upcoming season will be available for purchase on the ROHM website. ROHM extends a warm invitation to all enthusiasts of the performing arts to join the virtual launch event and explore the unique lineup of performances awaiting audiences for the 2024/25 season. Reflecting on the forthcoming season, Director General and Artistic Director of the Royal Opera House Muscat, Umberto Fanni, expressed his anticipation, stating: “I look forward to presenting our new season to our loyal and dedicated audience. From enchanting operas to mesmerizing ballets and world-renowned performers, this season promises to be a true highlight in ROHM’s illustrious history”. The previous season saw ROHM captivate audiences with an array of world-class productions, including the iconic opera The Barber of Seville, the mesmerizing Bolshoi Ballet’s Raymonda, the family-show Symphony on Ice, a breathtaking co-production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Teatro Carlo Felice di Genoa, sold out performances of Swan Lake acrobatic ballet performed by Xi’An Acrobatic Troupe of China and the percussion show Stomp, and the unforgettable Muscat debut of world-renowned soprano Sonya Yoncheva in Homage to Maria Callas, among other remarkable shows.