Travelport announced signing a new multi-year content agreement with Malaysia Airlines. The agreement also includes the use of Travelport’s leading merchandising tool, Travelport Rich Content and Branding, as well as Travelport’s Digital Media Solutions. With the agreement, over 68,000 agencies servicing hundreds of millions of travellers worldwide will have real-time access to search, book and sell the content and inventory of Malaysia Airlines. It will also join over 300 other airlines using Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising tool, which gives agencies a graphically rich experience when searching for and booking branded fares. Additionally, Travelport Digital Media Solutions, including Travelport sponsored flights and destination banners, will be used by Malaysia Airlines to promote its flight options through highly targeted advertising tool kits and campaigns. Commenting on the new deal, Lau Yin May, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Malaysia Airlines said, “We fly to over 1,000 destinations around the world and Travelport’s edge in technology innovations, air merchandising and digital marketing will help Malaysia Airlines better fulfill the demands of travellers and seize growth opportunities in today’s highly competitive environment.” Chris Ramm, Vice President Asia Pacific, Air Partners at Travelport, said, “Following the airline’s launch of new flexible fare options last year, I believe Travelport Rich Content and Branding will further empower Malaysia Airlines to offer more flexibility to travellers who increasingly demand personalised travel experience. Our Digital Media Solutions will also support Malaysia Airlines in global and tactical sales campaigns to promote its product offerings.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) adds Hotel Indigo, to its boutique and lifestyle brand, the brand’s first ever hotel in the Middle East. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa. Slated to open in Summer 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall. Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination. Each of the 269 rooms are inspired by the story of Dubai Creek– whether that’s through the surrealist wallpaper exclusively created by local artists, bespoke shisha lamps or the wardrobes with carved wooden doors, hand-crafted in Mashrabiya style with a modern twist. The spa inspired mother-of-pearl bathrooms pay homage to the country’s proud heritage of pearl diving, while eye-catching vibrant Moroso designer furniture adds a contemporary touch to the interior. Floor to ceiling windows overlook envy-inducing views; be it over the Dubai Canal or the Dubai Skyline. Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, said, “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown combines the city’s heritage with the new, fresh buzz of the ever-evolving landscape through local collaborations. We’re looking forward to sharing our neighbourhood story with you.”

Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADDH) announced signing agreement with Wizz Air to jointly establish Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. The LCC plans to start operations in the second half of the year, to a range of destinations across Europe, ME, Asia and Africa. The airline is set to launch its operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport in Fall 2020. The agreement is a major milestone in the launch of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a new emirati low-cost airline based in the UAE’s capital. His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, CEO of ADDH, said, “Significant investment is going not only into our airports but also the tourist infrastructure, including hotels, resorts and cultural attractions. Last year the emirate achieved a record high of 11.35 million visitors and a key driver for this is the connectivity that enables people to visit Abu Dhabi easily and affordably. Our partnerships with Wizz Air and others will help elevate the UAE’s capital as a highly competitive regional and international destination for leisure and business travellers alike.” József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air Holdings, said, “The joint venture agreement underpins our long-term dedication to bringing an economically and operationally highly efficient as well as environmentally most sustainable airline business model to boost Abu Dhabi’s aviation development. Wizz Air’s mission feeds into Abu Dhabi’s diversified economic strategy as we aim to stimulate traffic by creating demand to the benefit of growing Abu Dhabi’s touristic and economic diversity. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board our young, green and ultra-efficient fleet.”

Madar at Aljada was launched by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in UAE. HH Ruler of Sharjah was received by Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Head of the Seaports and Customs Department, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council and Arada, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and CEO of the Kalimat Group, Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Deputy Chairman of Arada, and a number of sheikhs, heads of government organisations and private sector companies, businessmen and investors. After unveiling the official plaque outside the Aljada Discovery Centre, HH Ruler of Sharjah toured the main attractions and various zones and facilities across Madar’s 600,000 square-foot park. He paused in front of a model of Aljada project, listening to a full explanation of the various attractions that are spread over an area of 2.2 square kilometres, and include many facilities, services and entertainment avenues. On this occasion, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said, “HH Ruler of Sharjah does not confine his focus to one area or the other but rather pays attention to all areas and factors of success and progress in order to support the sustainable development of the emirate in a way that serves the human being as it is the key to the progress of all societies.”

The Ministry of Tourism, in coordination with relevant health authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced the following regulations: Temporary suspension on issuing tourism visas to tourists from countries with significant coronavirus risk areas: China, Italy, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan; Temporary suspension on processing tourism visas previously issued to the citizens from the above-mentioned countries; Temporary suspension on issuing or processing tourism visas for anyone who have visited high risk areas within the past 14 days; Continued issuing of electronic and on arrival tourist visas for citizens from other permitted countries; Tourism visa holders will not be permitted to visit Makkah and Al Madina. The Ministry of Tourism stated that such measures are taken to provide the utmost protection to citizens, residents and tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. This is in line with the recommendations of relevant health authorities concerned with applying the highest precautionary standards, and taking proactive preventive measures to avoid the entrance and spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Tourism announced that these measures are temporary and are being constantly monitored by relevant authorities.

Dubai’s most anticipated design led, luxury hotel will open its doors on March 1, 2020.  Designed by the world-renowned late architect, Dame Zaha Hadid, ME Dubai will take residence in The Opus by Omniyat building, located in the heart of the Burj Khalifa district in Dubai – the latest outstanding addition to Dubai’s iconic skyline. This is the first and last hotel where the Iraqi-British architect has designed both the exterior and interior of the hotel, making ME Dubai her legacy project. Hadid was famous for her intensely futuristic architecture, characterised by curves, sharp angles and bold materials and the ME Dubai hotel is no exception. The hotel boasts 74 rooms and 19 suites, including the Passion Suite, Personality Suite, Vibe Room and the ultra-luxurious ‘ME Suite’. Guests and visitors can choose from three owned F&B outlets, including Central, the Refuel & Relax pool bar and The Opus Studio. In addition, the Opus building will offer 15 F&B outlets including ROKA, the contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant, as well as MAINE Land Brasserie. The spa at ME Dubai provides guests the ultimate refuge for relaxation, offering a variety of luxurious spa treatments for indiviuals or couples to unwind. Welcoming bookings from March 1, ME Dubai will act as a platform for contemporary Middle Eastern culture, bringing together music, art, design, fashion and gastronomy in curated experiences that celebrate the latest trends, events and scene leaders shaping the local cultural landscape. With properties located in cultural capitals around the world, ME by Meliá creates a unique link to the communities in which it operates. As the brand’s first Middle Eastern property, ME Dubai is not only set to become the social and …

Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with BeemCar, touted as one of the largest developers of sky pods in the world, to develop sky pods in Dubai, in a move to step up the development of futuristic mobility solutions in the emirate through suspended transport technology. Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of Rail Agency, signed for RTA; and Robin Brownsell, CEO of BeemCar, signed on behalf of the company. “The signing of the agreement is part of RTA’s efforts to deploy autonomous transit means in line with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed at diverting 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transit means by 2030. The move corresponds to RTA’s efforts to enhance the integration of mass transit modes, and offer a solution to the first and last-mile challenge; which helps riders reach their final destinations,” said His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. “I am very pleased to attend the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority and BeemCar UK. This exciting collaboration will evaluate the feasibility of an aerial transit system based on BeemCar’s unique expertise. This is another example of the UK’s continued commitment to forging partnerships with the UAE across a broad range of innovation and technology,” said His Excellency Chris Heaton-Harris, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, UK.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)  announced stellar visitor figures for 2019 with arrivals up almost 4 per cent to 1.12 million and RevPAR recorded at an impressive $114.90, amongst the highest in the region. This was reflected by the strong yearly occupancy rates, averaging at 74 per cent.  Last year’s inbound growth was spurred by a variety of activities undertaken by the Emirate, inclusive of the launch of the Jais Sky tour, and hosting of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Tough Mudder and the prestigious UAE tour. In addition, corporate activity and M!CE participation further contributed to the growth in visitor numbers, with RAKTDA conducting 122 familiarisation trips, participating at 20 exhibitions and completing 34 roadshows across 16 countries. Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, commented, “2019 was a positive year for Ras Al Khaimah, as we saw increased footfall from key markets resulting in the overall arrival growth of almost 4 per cent. Ras Al Khaimah is in the midst of its three-year destination strategy which aims to broaden its reach through increased segmentation. A key focus has been on higher yield visitors such as M!CE delegates, as well as prioritising sustainable nature-based adventure and culture driven activities and experiences.”

The 2020 Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) announced an array of top executives for its eighth edition, to be held on March 16 and 17 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Themed, ‘Linking cultures, driving economies,’ the summit will bring together an audience of key industry stakeholders and experts to participate in high-level dialogue on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities facing Arab travel and tourism. Global and regional industry experts will also discuss the contribution of the aviation and tourism sector to economies, and how it adds value to the economic diversification narrative of the region. They will evaluate the challenges faced by the aviation sector and share ideas and strategies to address them.  Amongst the line-up of aviation and tourism thought leaders participating in the event are Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia; Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority;  Hussain Omar bin Alawi Alibrahim, Head of Air Transportation (Aviation), The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of Gulf (GCC); Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners, Board Member & Member of the Steering Committee – World Tourism Forum Lucerne, Chair of the Advisory Board – The Red Sea Project Saudi Arabia; Mikail Houari, President Africa and Middle East, Airbus; Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Amadeus;  Rehab Mansoor, General Manager, REHLATY by dnata Travel New Ventures; Jacques Khoriaty, Middle East & South Asia Aviation Director, EGIS; Hussein Dabbas, General Manager – Special Projects MEA, Embraer; Emad Al Monayea, Chairman, Vaayu Group;  Sudeep Ghai, Chief Customer & Commercial Officer, Fly a Deal; Gavin Eccles, Managing Partner, GE Aviation & Tourism. Endorsed by Arab Governments and previously held in …

Dubai Food Festival 2020 being held from February 26 to March 14 is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). The annual 18-day Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is now in its seventh year, and includes the Foodie Experiences Programme, Dubai Restaurant Week, the Etisalat Beach Canteen, Hidden Gems and brand-new DFF 2020, ‘Home Edition’ and ‘Tasty Tunes’. To mark the festival opening, revelers should head to the Etisalat Beach Canteen at 8.30 pm on February 27 – for a beachside fireworks display. For the second year running, a key element of the event is Foodie Experiences, a carefully curated series of incredible, one-off culinary experiences designed to stimulate all the senses. There are more than 80 opportunities to take part in either a MasterClass, a Chef’s Table or an experiential dining experience – some of which are exclusive events for one night only. The Foodie Experiences MasterClass series includes the chance to try your hand at everything from vegan Vietnamese dishes to dim sum; cake decorating to MasterChef-style cooking challenges. The Foodie Experience Chef’s Table series brings guests up close and personal with some of the city’s top chefs. Indulge in a one-off Japanese Italian fusion night; a unique sustainable tapas experience or a 14-course journey into modernist, molecular Indian cuisine. For an even more experiential occasion, one can try Bedouin desert dining; Emirati dining under the stars atop a traditional coral house in Al Bastakiya. Dubai Restaurant Week (DRW), which runs from March 5-14 is offering the chance to indulge in gourmet global food at very special festival prices. The 2020 edition of Dubai Restaurant Week (DRW) features 36 outlets, and exclusive menus at Dubai’s best restaurants, including five …