The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic (SRP) have announced a new agreement to boost the capabilities of young Saudis looking to launch a career in AlUla and the Kingdom’s rapidly growing rail sector. Officially signed by representatives of The Royal Commission for AlUla and The Saudi Railway Polytechnic in November in Riyadh, the partnership aims to strengthen the long-term and sustainable development of young Saudi talent. The first stage of the agreement is planned to provide vocational training programmes in railway maintenance and operation that will build sector-specific subjects such as rolling stock and infrastructure through hands-on training. The comprehensive regeneration of AlUla is powering the development of new mobility options across the county, including new rail and tram services such as the Experiential Tram that will link key heritage, tourist, and residential sites once complete. Building the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of AlUla’s workforce is critical to achieving RCU’s transformational and development goals, as well as the long-term ambitions of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. The history of railways in Saudi Arabia stretches back to 1947 with the construction of the first line, which was followed by the inauguration of a railway linking Dammam with the capital Riyadh. The launch of the Haramain High Speed train Railway between Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City in 2018 was a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s rail sector, providing greatly improved speed, safety, and comfort for passengers. In 2021, SAR was created after the annulment of the previous national train operator, the Saudi Railways Organisation. Mohammed Alshkrah, The Human Capability Development VP at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The ongoing regeneration of AlUla supports the …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announces “Sharjah Championship Week” which is one of the most important events in the Sharjah tourism calendar as it draws spectators from across the world. The final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship will be held at Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, with the participation of 19 drivers representing 9 teams, competing for the top three positions in the largest and most prominent championship of its kind in the world.  This takes place during the “Sharjah World Championships Week,” which attracts a selection of world champions in powerboat racing. Organized by “Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority,” the event will take place from 6th to 8th December and it will determine the world champions for the 2024 season for both drivers and teams. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, Sharjah is hosting the “Sharjah World Championship Week,” the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, “Grand Prix of Sharjah,” in its 23rd edition. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the importance of the final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship as a significant global achievement for the UAE in general, and Sharjah emirate in particular, in the field of marine sports. He added, ” We are delighted to welcome world champions and fans of this thrilling sport to such a prestigious event. Hosting this championship reflects our commitment to supporting international sports while providing a prominent platform for world champions to compete on UAE soil. We are fully prepared to host …

Bedsonline has unveiled its new loyalty programme, Bedsonline Rewards, designed to reward and recognise the hard work of travel agents around the world. This new reward programme, which will substitute the prior Star Rewards programme in some markets, will integrate seamlessly with Bedsonline’s existing booking engine and will allow agents to earn points for any of their purchases, whether it be accommodation, experiences or other products. Designed with travel agents in mind, Bedsonline Rewards is built on a tier-based structure. Starting at Bronze level, agents new to the programme will be awarded a 2,000-point welcome bonus. As agents earn more points through each booking, they can move up to higher tiers, each offering more valuable rewards. The higher the tier, the greater the benefits agents receive. Bedsonline has designed the programme to be easy for agents to join and use. They can quickly sign up through the booking engine and, once enrolled, can access their personal dashboard to track their points, view their current tier and explore the rewards available to them. The platform also provides regular updates to keep agents informed of their progress and new opportunities to earn more points. The programme offers a wide range of rewards designed to appeal to different preferences and needs. Agents can redeem Amazon vouchers or other gift vouchers depending on the market. They can also opt for Bedsonline vouchers for future bookings, allowing them to reinvest their rewards directly back into their business. Bertrand Sava, Managing Director of Bedsonline, said: ‘We are delighted to launch Bedsonline Rewards as a way of thanking our agents for their dedication and support. This pro- gramme has been created to be flexible and accessible, providing …

SAUDIA Group has signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Projects in a strategic initiative to enhance local media content and to enrich its in-flight entertainment experience. This collaboration brings episodes of the acclaimed media programs of Saudi Projects to SAUDIA’s BEYOND entertainment system, significantly enhancing the guests’ travel experience. The agreement was signed by Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer at SAUDIA, and Eng. Mishal Al-Qassim, Founder and CEO of Saudi Projects. Saudi Projects’ media programs will be highlighted in the “Discover Saudi” library of SAUDIA’s BEYOND entertainment system, providing guests with unique insights into the Kingdom’s ambitious development projects. This is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on tourism, economic growth, and enhancing the “Quality of Life” Program. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer of SAUDIA, said: “This partnership brings numerous advantages, particularly in strengthening local content, which is a central focus of SAUDIA’s new strategic direction. Our BEYOND entertainment system now offers 243 hours of diverse local content, available in both visual and audio formats. This initiative not only broadens the entertainment choices for our guests but also enhances a key aspect of their travel experience.” BEYOND, SAUDIA’s innovative in-flight entertainment system, offers an immersive and interactive experience, featuring over 5,000 hours of HD content tailored to a wide range of guest preferences and age groups, available in 16 languages. Eng. Mishal Al-Qassim highlighted that this agreement will support Saudi Projects platform in expanding its publishing channels and reaching various audience segments, aiming to achieve the highest levels of engagement with all its programs and media products. These efforts focus on showcasing the Kingdom’s projects, future, and diverse economic opportunities, while also aiming to enhance …

In a vibrant tribute to the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel – managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) will present the “TESLAM – UAE” art exhibition, a captivating showcase of artistry in collaboration with The Paintbrush Art Community and Ajman Department of Tourism Development. The exhibition celebrated the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and modern achievements through breathtaking artworks by 26 talented artists, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. “Our aim is to celebrate the spirit of UAE and provide a platform for artists to showcase their creative expressions,” said Mr. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel. “Hosting this exhibition until December 7 allows our community and guests to engage with the UAE’s radiant art scene at their own pace.” The initiative reflects Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s commitment to cultural enrichment and supporting local communities, aligning with its broader vision for responsible hospitality.

This UAE National Day, leave the city behind and escape to the turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches of Siyam World, a one-of-a-kind island destination in the Maldives and part of the prestigious Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio. Located in the tranquil Noonu Atoll, just a 45-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, Siyam World combines luxury, charm, and adventure, offering an unparalleled getaway where every moment is filled with indulgence and discovery. Take advantage of Siyam World’s exclusive last-minute offers to make this holiday extra special. Guests staying a minimum of four nights can enjoy complimentary seaplane transfers for one person, a one-time floating breakfast in their private villa, and up to 20% off diving and water sports. For stays of seven nights or more, enjoy transfers for two, as well as a watersports bundle package, making it the perfect choice for adventurers. These offers are further enhanced by Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions, ensuring your dream Maldivian escape is as accessible as it is luxurious. This exclusive offer is valid for bookings made from November 1 to December 2, 2024, for stays until October 31, 2025. Whether you’re diving into adventure, indulging in a spa day, or enjoying the serenity of your private pool, Siyam World is the ultimate destination to celebrate UAE National Day in style. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves and stepping out onto your private villa deck, where a shimmering pool meets the endless turquoise ocean. At Siyam World, the choices are endless. Slide straight from your overwater villa into crystal-clear waters or explore a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life. For thrill-seekers, the Maldives’ largest floating water park …

Emirates officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai. The event, led by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy,  was attended by VIP guests, aerospace partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media, as well as aviation enthusiasts. Guests were able to experience the aircraft’s interiors, equipped with its next generation products and latest technologies.  The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimising operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth. This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to spread its wings farther by offering added range, efficiency and flexibility to our network, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities that we serve. Onboard, our updated interiors and seating configurations will help us deliver a more elevated and comfortable experience to travellers across every cabin class. The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which will transform the city into a pivotal …

Kuwait Airways signed an agreement with the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) that enables the national carrier of the State of Kuwait to sell tickets for the Haramain High Speed Railway trips to its valued customers. The service will be activated in the coming period, commencing with Hajj and Umrah campaigns and later for individuals. The agreement also aims to enhance joint cooperation between the two sides and to improve passenger services to facilitate their trips between the cities of Mecca and Medina. The agreement was signed on behalf of Kuwait Airways, by the Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, and Saudi Railways by the CEO, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik. The signing ceremony was attended by several officials representing both companies. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan said, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to sign an agreement with one of the most prominent companies in the region, the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This joint cooperation will enhance the services provided by Kuwait Airways to its valued customers. This cooperation will also support the national carrier’s objectives to provide increased options to customers to facilitate their travel, offering them new additions in services, especially for visitors to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.” Al-Fagaan added, “This agreement will contribute to commercial marketing and promotion of Kuwait Airways services, as well as providing locations for Kuwait Airways to offer its services at the Haramain High Speed Train stations, thus enabling the sale of tickets for Haramain High Speed Train trips through Kuwait Airways. This is in addition to integrating booking platforms between the Haramain High Speed Train and Kuwait Airways reservation systems, which will facilitate the completion of …

Air Astana signed a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, effective from 26 November 2024, marking an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding travel opportunities for passengers of both airlines. As part of this agreement, Air Astana passengers will have access to Etihad Airways’ flights to Mumbai, Riyadh, Dammam, Bahrain, Cairo, Doha, Kuwait City, and Muscat, unlocking new travel experiences to India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Etihad’s global network will be accessible to Air Astana passengers via seamless connections in Abu Dhabi, utilizing Air Astana’s direct flights from Astana, which were launched in late October, and from Almaty starting from 5th December 2024. “We are excited to partner with Etihad Airways, offering our passengers enhanced travel options and convenient access to a broader network. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing passengers with an exceptional and comfortable travel options, whilst maintaining the highest standards of service and safety. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board following this partnership,” said Zhanna Shayakhmetova, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Air Astana. Codeshare agreements allow for single bookings, simplified check-in processes, and seamless baggage transfer between airlines. To date, Air Astana has signed codeshare agreements with eight airlines worldwide.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) concluded its Annual Overseas Conference, a significant event bringing together representatives from DCT Abu Dhabi’s international offices and key global tourism partners from Abu Dhabi. The conference served as a platform for collaboration, strategy alignment, and information-sharing aimed at driving Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth across various international markets. The Annual Overseas Conference provided a dynamic platform for key tourism stakeholders in the emirate to engage with DCT Abu Dhabi’s overseas representatives from key international markets, including the UK, India, Germany, and the GCC, with a focus on optimising Abu Dhabi’s global presence. DCT Abu Dhabi shared strategic insights into the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 and presenting new initiatives and offerings which will support long-term tourism growth. Attendees participated in market-specific networking sessions, fostering tailored collaborations that address the unique needs of each target region. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Annual Overseas Conference enables DCT Abu Dhabi to strengthen relationships with our valued partners, align on strategic objectives, and explore new avenues for enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal globally. Through these interactions, we are committed to delivering compelling experiences and ensuring Abu Dhabi remains a top destination for travellers worldwide.” This event underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to meaningful partnerships and accelerating tourism industry growth, aligning with the emirate’s goals to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for culture and leisure.