Dubai Airshow is set to return for its 17th edition on November 14-18, 2021, to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence. One of the most successful air shows in the world, the event will be held with the support of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, the UAE Ministry of Defence and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and organised by Tarsus F& E Middle East. The event will be the only Airshow of its kind to take place in a live format, highlighting Dubai’s leading response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the world-class safety measures implemented in the emirate. Dubai Airshow will be the most important and critical point of convergence in 2021 where the future of global aerospace industry will be showcased and analysed. Welcoming experts from commercial and business aviation, defence and military, aircraft interiors, air traffic management, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), space and air cargo, the show will serve as an ideal platform for re-thinking strategies, navigating uncertainty and scaling up operations to ensure the smooth re-establishment of the industry in general. Tim Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus F & E commented, “The Dubai Airshow 2021 will demonstrate the evolution of the aerospace industry and the fast acceleration of digitalisation as a result of the pandemic. The event brings together the entire aerospace ecosystem, showcasing the latest technology and innovation from across the industry. The industry has been impacted significantly by COVID-19 and we are excited to use the Airshow as a platform to demonstrate the necessity of the aerospace and aviation industries and …

“The implementation of a slew of measures and initiatives at both federal and local levels is further enhancing the openness of the UAE economy, presenting a golden opportunity for the Israeli business community to take advantage of the numerous economic prospects that are being currently generated,” said H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs. The Minister made these opening remarks during his participation in the ‘Sharing innovation – A UAE-Israel’ startup ecosystem event, which was organized by Google. With an aim to create an exclusive inner circle of experts to collectively build an ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the UAE and Israeli tech ecosystems, the event brought together policy makers and technology leaders from both the UAE and Israel, in addition to featuring the participation of Google executives. H.E. Dr. Al Falasi further reviewed the UAE’s success in establishing a robust SME sector in line with the highest standards stands out at both regional and international levels. He noted that the sector contributed 53 per cent to the UAE’s GDP in 2019, up from about 49 per cent in 2018. Through the efforts we have currently undertaken, we strive to increase SME sector’s contribution to 60 per cent by 2021, also underscoring its importance in the country’s economic diversification, H.E. explained. The event witnessed the participation of H.E Faisal Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, in the roundtable discussion, where he discussed how the UAE’s economic strategy aligns with the appendix of the Abraham Accords. He added that the UAE’s main focus areas include the retention of high-quality human capital, advancement of key industries enabled by technology such as healthcare, cyber …

Al Hamra in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), is offering investors an unparalleled opportunity to secure a 12-year residency visa and a business licence when they purchase a ready-to-move-in seafront or golf-course view home in Al Hamra Village or Bab Al Bahr, two award-winning master-planned communities by Al Hamra, set in the scenic emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. As part of the package, investors will enjoy exceptional incentives and benefits including a 12-year UAE residency visa, a business licence to undertake any of the hundreds of business activities as per the investor’s choice, an additional partner visa and a flexi-desk with modern amenities to conduct business seamlessly. Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, said, “The UAE is among the top places to live and work in the region, in addition to being ranked as one of the world’s most-preferred tourist destinations. With its vibrant expatriate community, which makes up around 80 per cent of the population, international investors feel instantly at home in the UAE. Further, the nation’s strategic geographical location, government support programmes, policy reforms, and infrastructure offers attractive opportunities for entrepreneurship and business growth. “Ras Al Khaimah, named as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 at the fifth annual meeting of tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, is now the fastest-growing tourism and investment destination in the region. The government’s institutional approach has made the Emirate an investment destination of choice for SMEs and big businesses. More than 38,000 companies from 100 countries representing over 50 industries already operate in Ras Al Khaimah. With the launch of our new package, we are offering an extraordinary opportunity for investors to buy-into Al Hamra as …

BCD Travel moved to their new premises at M Square, right next to Spinneys (Burdubai) on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Mankhool. The move was planned much before the pandemic hit the world despite all difficulties with their proactive and positive attitude they carried on to new beginnings. There were restricted invitees under the present protocol as explained by Sumit Acharya, Managing Director, BCD Travel. “We had plans for the office to move in the pre Covid times yet continued with it despite the difficulties created by the crisis, thanks to the commitment and positive outlook of our main shareholders AWR group and our JV partners BCD Travel BV.” Pictured Left to right. Shaz Peshimam, Senior Manager Dxb and NE, UAE Sales, Emirates, Khalid BelJaflah, Divisional VP UAE and Oman, Commercial Operations of Emirates, Hans Sandee, Consul General for the Netherlands in Dxb and NE, Adil Al Ghaith, SVP Commercial Operations Gulf, ME, Iran, UAE and Oman of Emirates, Khalid Al Rostamani, Chairman and CEO of AWR group, Dr. Amina Al Rostamani, COO AWR group, KhamisAlBlooshi, GM Dubai and NE of Etihad and Sumit Acharya, MD BCD Travel UAE.

Israel is preparing to welcome tourists from the UAE and will be adhering to the advice of health experts to ensure it remains a safe destination in terms of COVID-19 exposure, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israel’s Tourism Minister said. The key aim of the forum was to build the foundation for a long-term tourism relationship between Israel and the UAE. The online event highlighted Israel’s position as an important historical and cultural destination. It focussed on the two urban gems of Israel – Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, featured its sandy beaches, a sprawling metropolis and breathtaking natural beauty. Jerusalem’s unique sites, holy to Christianity, Judaism and Islam, are also on the list of the country’s must-see locations. With great weather virtually all year round, tourists can enjoy the great outdoors, take in colourful markets, cutting-edge culture and entertainment and an exciting culinary scene. The forum witnessed an attendance of over 300 trade partners from the UAE and 100 partners from Israel. Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israel’s Tourism Minister said, “Tourism is key to building a lasting peace between countries, and Israel looks forward to welcoming travelers from the UAE. I am certain visitors from the Emirates and other countries will enjoy the unique blend of this new, and near, destination. Israel is where thousands of years of history meet modern day life. It is the home of Tel Aviv and the StartUp Nation and of ancient Caesarea and the magnificent Dead Sea. Israel’s unique religious sites are holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, with Jerusalem at their center. Alongside the sites, visitors will enjoy the people, culture, art, music and culinary delights.”  

Hotelbeds announced a preferred deal with Flight Centre, this partnership Hotelbeds and its retail channel Bedsonline – that exclusively caters to retail travel agents – will increase distribution reach in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, South Africa, Canada, the USA, India, Hong Kong, and Dubai. As part of the partnership Flight Centre will connect to Hotelbeds’ product portfolio via the API solutions offered by Hotelbeds.Flight Centre will gain full access to Hotelbeds’ extensive portfolio of 180,000 hotel properties in 140 countries worldwide providing breadth and depth of range globally – many of which are contracted under special terms and conditions – supplementing Flight Centre’s own direct range. In addition, Flight Centre will also now offer its clients ancillary services from the Beyond The Bed portfolio of Hotelbeds, which comprises 25,000 transfer routes, 18,000 activities in more than 680 destinations, and 30,000 pick-up locations in 170 countries. León Herce, Global Sales Director at Hotelbeds said, “We are very excited to announce our preferred partnership with Flight Centre. Not only is Flight Centre one of the largest retail travel in Australia but it also has many outlets on high streets in leading source markets worldwide. “This is great news for our 180,000 hotel property partners worldwide, all of whom place great value on retail travel agency guests – not least from long-haul source markets such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, South Africa, Canada, the USA, India, Hong Kong, and Dubai.” Michelle Connolly, Global Procurement Leader – Leisure at Flight Centre, added, “We have ambitious plans to grow further and extend our sales reach to more international markets, and Hotelbeds is the right partner to do so due to its extensive global portfolio …

Rove La Mer Beach opens on the sunny shores of Dubai’s iconic La Mer beachfront, where the surf meets the city. Guided by Dubai Tourism’s vision to offer global travellers customisable experiences suitable for every type of visitor, Rove La Mer Beach gives Rovers (guests) the perfect excuse to soak in the sun, sand and pristine beach waters, explore trendy restaurants, and enjoy an affordable beachside stay. Centrally located, only a 10-minute drive from City Walk and Downtown Dubai. “Rove La Mer Beach is Rove Hotels’ first beachfront hotel and an exciting step in the brand’s journey. As we add more and more convenient locations to our ever-growing collection of well-connected hotels, we continue to find new ways to engage the modern traveller with a diverse array of enriching experiences. By bringing fun, affordable and fuss-free hospitality to La Mer, Rove aims to redefine people’s expectations of what a beachfront hotel is supposed to be and make them accessible to a wider range of travellers,” says Paul Bridger, Corporate Director of Rove Hotels.

ITB China organizers have announced to launch an ITB China Special Edition in 2021. The two-day business event will make its debut in Beijing from May 7 – 8,  2021, to deliver an innovative showcase for business exchanges while providing a stage for sharing industry insights for the travel industry. The regular edition of ITB China 2021, together with the accompanying ITB China Conference in Shanghai, is being rescheduled to November 24-26, 2021. “Fueled by promising news about vaccine developments we all anticipate upward trends in 2021. The way to real market recovery, however, will be a steady and gradual one that our industry will have to walk jointly in order to reach a post pandemic new normal”, said David Axiotis, General Manager of ITB China, further adding, “As the next major milestone, ITB China is once again leading the way with a tailor-made event format, the ITB China Special Edition 2021. Taking place in Beijing in spring next year, we expect a promising outlook on cross-border travel and emerging business opportunities at that time. Lastly, ITB China 2021 in Shanghai is set to once again serve as the leading platform to connect with the world’s largest travel source market, strategically rescheduled to the end of the year, paving the way for a strong rebound of the industry in 2022.” “The progressive recovery of the Chinese travel market is a highly encouraging sign to the tourism sector in Europe. Together with our members, we will continue monitoring the latest changes in the industry and building on our close cooperation with Chinese partners to prepare for a speedy recovery of international travel as soon as the health situation allows,” said Eduardo …

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas announced its creative and exciting programming to share the holidays with family and friends in one of Malaysia’s finest beaches. Along a pristine 17- kilometer beachfront facing the South China Sea, the property sits near Iskandar Malaysia and is easily accessible via a 45-minute drive from Senai International Airport and a two-hour drive from Singapore. Spending time with family helps children gain a greater sense of self-worth, boost in confidence, and helps build family values that will go down from generation to generation. Allowing for more family bonding time as well as intimate couple retreats, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, has created the following offerings: For the perfect family vacation, guests may choose the Anantara Staycation package. The package includes incredible savings, a candlelit dinner for two, one-night stay for two in a deluxe sea view room, daily breakfast, complimentary dinner for one child aged up to 11 years from kids’ menu, and one bottle of sparkling or house wine. The Layang Layang Kids Club and Teens Club will help parents keep the kids entertained with fun activities such as cupcake making class, pizza making class, boardgames and more. A quick and romantic getaway to the Malaysian golden shores is most easy when booking the Anantara Spa Essence package. The package includes accommodation in a room or villa, daily breakfast for two and a 60-minute Anantara Signature Massage for two per stay. Recently awarded Malaysia’s Best Resort Spa at the 2020 World Spa Awards, Anantara Desaru’s Spa offers a world of escape overlooking the ocean. Indulge in a signature massage for two, laying side by side as Eastern and Western techniques, combined with …

Recent ‘Global Holiday Intent’ survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has revealed that residents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the most likely to make an international trip in 2021. The poll, which was conducted during October and November 2020, asked recipients if they were planning to make an international trip within the next 12 months and 48% of those polled in the UAE confirmed their intent to travel, with Saudi Arabia coming in a close second with 46% of respondents confirming their intent to travel abroad in 2021. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, which will take place live at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) May 16-19, 2021, said, “This survey was conducted before the most recent announcements about COVID-19 vaccines, so in many respects this is even better news for the Middle East’s aviation sector. Nearly half of those polled, confirmed that they intended to travel in 2021 and once vaccines have been rolled out around the world, those numbers can only increase.” “In terms of outbound travel, many expatriates will be looking for a relaxing holiday or hoping to travel home to see family and friends. In terms of inbound travel, it was welcome news that almost a third of Germans polled said that they intended to travel internationally – Germany is one of largest European feeder markets to the GCC, 1.8 million overnight stays in 2018. Indeed, over 316,000 Germans visited Dubai between January and June 2019. Much of the domestic travel in Asia will no doubt be linked to Chinese New Year, which is due to take place on February …