Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Youth Hostel Association and the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, with the aim of enhancing the guidelines, standards and mechanisms in managing youth hostels and improving the quality of services provided to the youth tourism sector while preserving the traditional houses of the emirate. The new initiative comes in line with Sharjah’s continuing efforts to strengthen its leading position on the global tourism map. The SCTDA has been tasked to take charge in the management, supervision and development of services of youth hostels located in the emirate, while the Sharjah Archaeology Authority oversees the maintenance and preservation of the facilities. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA stated, “This will ultimately benefit the local tourism sector and cement Sharjah’s position within the ranks of the most prestigious and distinguished tourist destinations in the world. We look forward to working closely with both entities, especially in the move to improve the quality of youth hostel services and the preservation of traditional houses. Our collaboration will help reinforce Sharjah’s reputation as a distinct destination that combines the past traditions with the present age in an urban setting. We are confident that this agreement, which will further enrich the tourism experience of Sharjah, will help strengthen our initial efforts to promote youth tourism. There is no doubt that improving youth hostels will have a positive impact on the tourism community, as they provide distinguished services that will help establish the emirate as an ideal destination for those looking to experience luxurious but cost-efficient holidays. The youth hostels offer multiple options to meet the different tastes and requirements …

flydubai from Dubai International (DXB) landed at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) to a water salute.  The inaugural flight was flown by Captain Patrick Gonzenbach and Emirati First Officer, Abdulla Al Shamsi. On board the aircraft was a delegation led by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai. They were met on arrival by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with a delegation that included the CEO of Ben Gurion International Airport Shmuel Zakay and representatives from the aviation industry. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Today’s inaugural flight sees the air transport agreement realised.  The creation of these direct air links will support the development of commercial ventures across a number of sectors helping to drive success and prosperity.  We look forward to welcoming the first passengers from Israel as they come to explore the UAE.” Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce, said, “Since we announced the launch of operations to Tel Aviv we have seen strong demand for services from both Israel and the UAE.  We received our first bookings from both tourists and business travellers shortly after the schedule was published. There is opportunity to further grow our double daily service.”  

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) in collaboration with Al Qudra Sports Management organized Masfout Mountain Bike Challenge at Masfout mountains on Friday, November 27, 2020 that witnessed a participation of hundreds of cyclists. The Saudi German Hospital in Ajman provided medical care and support to all participants. The race was held as a part of the community races launched by Ajman Tourism to reinforce Ajman’s position as a prominent sports and tourist destination, locally and internationally. Majid Albalushi came in the first place in the Emirati- men category of 28 km, Khuloud Al Dhaheri in Emirati- women, Michael Bang in the open category- men, and Ivana Kolaric in the open category-women. Majid Snake came in the first place in the Emirati- men category of 14 km, Joemar Josol in the open category- men, and Rachel D D Sotto the open category-women along with the distribution of prizes worth AED 12,000. The upcoming community races also include Ajman Time Trial Challenge (10 km) that will take place at Al Zorah on Friday, December 4, 2020 and aims to attract 120 competitors. Further, the second edition of Amina Hospitals Half Marathon- Ajman (21.1 km) will be held on Friday, December 25, 2020 at Al Zorah that is expected to attract around 400 participants. All community races are being hosted by keeping precautionary and safety measures in place that include temperature checks for all participants, wearing masks and gloves during the race, limiting the number of participants and ensuring social distancing.

Rotana announced the highly anticipated opening of its 35th property in the UAE, in the prestigious Al Jaddaf district of Dubai. In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mana bin Khalifa al Maktoum, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel Dubai was officially inaugurated, further cementing the group’s expanding footprint and commitment to the region’s thriving hospitality sector. Speaking at the official opening, Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana said, “I am grateful to the team at Al Jaddaf Rotana and the wider Rotana team, whose vision, resilience and determination have allowed us to reach our goal of a 2020 opening as originally planned. Al Jaddaf Rotana represents a huge milestone for Rotana. As a homegrown brand, we are committed to further developing and diversifying the hospitality industry in the UAE in line with the government’s broader economic and tourism objectives.” Haytham Omar, General Manager, Al Jaddaf Rotana said, “Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel Dubai represents an incomparable fixture in Dubai and the UAE.  We are committed to offering innovative ways to improve the guest experiences that embody the Rotana way of living. The concept of creating moments of ‘Treasured Time’ is central to this promise.  The district of Al Jaddaf has much to offer guests in the way of unique experiences and I am confident this hotel will become the property of choice for those seeking a comfortable, easily accessible and stylish home away from home for either business or leisure.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced its collaboration with the Frontline Heroes Office to offer curated dedicated packages and benefits for frontline professionals as a sign of recognition for the key role they play in protecting the nation.As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, RAKTDA took quick action and launched several support initiatives aimed at its hospitality, leisure and development partners to lay the strong foundations for the sectors’ recovery. The Authority has now made strong strides towards achieving its recovery goals and aims to pay it forward to the nation’s heroes, who made these achievements possible by putting themselves on the frontline in service to the country and ensuring the population’s wellbeing and safety. “We would like to take this opportunity to honour their commitment to this responsibility and show our gratitude through a series of dedicated offers and benefits that they can avail when they visit Ras Al Khaimah,” said Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. He goes on to add, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the nation’s heroes for a well-deserved break to enjoy the Emirate’s diverse entertainment and hospitality offering.” Her Excellency Professor Maha Barakat, Director General of the Frontline Heroes Office commented, “The Frontline Heroes Office strives to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the country’s heroes, working with partners on exclusive offerings to express the nation’s gratitude. With the help of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and its array of partners we are able to continue to reward and recognise the heroic efforts of the country’s frontline professionals and their immeasurable actions to protect the UAE and its community.”

TravelRevive, powered by ITB Asia and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), commenced at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Leading the way with rigorous protocols and innovative solutions for the end-to-end visitor journey, TravelRevive is the first pilot tradeshow to trial the newly developed ‘hybrid event’ tradeshow prototype for safe business events, safe itineraries, and digital enablers in Singapore. First MOU -The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and STB sign a one-year MoU with B2B event organiser Informa Tech to launch a new international technology event in Singapore. Slated for the second half of 2021, the event will bring together governments and businesses in the infocomm, media and tech ecosystem to discuss topics related to innovation and digital transformation in the tech sector. This partnership will help to deepen Singapore’s position as a thought leader in the digital space and provide a platform for the discussion of new ideas, policies and regulations.The flagship tech event will also allow Singapore to tap on new and existing international networks, as well as leverage on Informa’s industry knowledge, expertise and networks to further create and grow new best-in-class events in Singapore. Second MOU – Fiera Milano, one of the world’s leading exhibition organisers, and STB have signed a three-year MoU to establish a Southeast Asia (SEA) Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Singapore.The new office will be Fiera Milano’s first Southeast Asian headquarters, and will make them the first Italian professional exhibition organiser to set up its RHQ in Singapore. It will also serve to deepen Fiera Milano’s presence in Southeast Asia, providing greater support in the region. The collaboration is also set to strengthen commercial relations between Italy/Europe and the ASEAN region. Third MOU – …

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) will receive the first commercial flights from Indian value carrier SpiceJet today. The development signals a steady return to normal economic activity following the COVID-19 pandemic, spokespersons for the two operations said, noting that with SpiceJet’s connection to 28 destinations across the Indian sub-continent and RAK Airport’s position as an expanding travel and logistics hub, the development is poised to create notable economic growth and momentum in both countries, providing a major boost to the UAE’s efforts to restore activity across all its vital sectors to pre-COVID-19 levels. “The Indian expatriate community in the UAE numbers almost 3.5 million people and constitutes 27 percent of the population, making connectivity between our two countries an imperative. With UAE and India being each other’s largest trading partners, RAK Airport has an essential role to play in the business and economy of the emirate, especially in view of Ras Al Khaimah’s efforts to diversify its economy from heavy industry to one that is knowledge-based and underpinned by human capital and tourism,” said Sanjay Khanna, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.“Ras Al Khaimah was named Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021, holding onto the title for the second year running and providing a significant boost to the Emirate’s plans to attract 2.9 million visitors by 2025,and we aim to play an important part in helping achieve this goal.” “SpiceJet has played a pivotal role in opening up the UAE to Indian travellers and reconnecting families. As we enter the post-coronavirus phase, we are looking forward to continuing to play a vital role in Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing growth and development, especially its tourist sector, which is anticipated …

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the reopening of its borders to travellers from the Middle East with the introduction of the ‘TR’ tourist visa which enables tourists to visit Thailand up to 60 days. The updated TR tourist visa aims to revive Thailand’s international tourism following its successful launch of domestic travel within Thailand, as well as the recently launched STV long-stay tourist visa. “After taking all the necessary precautions to mitigate the pandemic, we are finally ready to welcome back visitors from the Middle East,” said Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East. “With the unwavering support from our public and private sector partners in Thailand, we believe we have elevated the Kingdom’s tourism standards, taking into consideration the health and safety of our visitors from the region.” The visa enables citizens and residents from the Middle East to visit Thailand for the purpose of tourism and must comply with the Kingdom’s COVID-19 control and preventive measures. This includes undergoing a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, holding the required medical and travel insurance and a bank statement providing proof of income in the last 6 months equivalent to USD 16,336 (500,000 Baht) . A medical insurance policy with coverage of at least USD 100,000 or about 3.16 million Baht for possible COVID-19 treatment is among the official documents required from foreign visitors planning to visit Thailand. After completing the 14-day quarantine and testing negative for COVID-19, TR visa holders are free to travel anywhere around Thailand. Travellers looking to visit the Thailand from the Middle East can reach out to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in home country with the …

Emirates has re-launched its Dubai Connect offer which gives customers transiting through its hub a complimentary hotel stay in Dubai. The offer is available to customers booked in all classes with a best connection time that exceeds 10 hours. Dubai Connect ensures that travelling through Emirates’ hub is seamless despite the altered flight schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic.Emirates now serves over 90 destinations across six continents across the globe, connecting customers to key destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australasia with one convenient stop in Dubai. With Dubai Connect, Emirates passengers will receive a complimentary night’s stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel, ground transfers to and from the airport, meals at the hotel as well as UAE visa on arrival where required. The service aims to provide customers whose best connection time is between 10 and 24 hours, a more convenient travel journey.Emirates ensures all its customers are well catered for. Those who qualify for Dubai Connect but are unable to leave the airport, will be given access to the Emirates Dubai Connect airport lounge to unwind and relax. Customers with new or existing bookings, travelling from 1 December 2020 are eligible for the offer. Terms and conditions apply, for more information visit: Dubai Connect. Dubai is open to visitors and Dubai Connect lets them explore the bustling city on the way to their final destination at no additional cost. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage attractions to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai has something to offer at any time of day and for any type of traveller. Fly better on Emirates and enjoy over 4,500 channels of entertainment on ice – the airline’s award-winning inflight …

In adherence to the ongoing “Rediscover Maldives…the sunny side of life” campaign, Visit Maldives has started a radio promotion with Al Khaleejiya for the Middle Eastern region. The purpose of this two-week campaign is to promote the destination and the unique experiences available in the Maldives. The campaign aims to inform prospective travellers from the Middle East about the safety measures that are imposed in the Maldives and ensure them that Maldives is a safe haven.