Dubai Municipality has launched a new VIP ticket package for guests visiting Frame Dubai, one of the Emirate’s most popular architectural attractions. Holders of the new AED 300 ticket are entitled to several benefits, which include the opportunity to experience a unique tour of Frame Dubai. Ahmed Al Zarouni, Director of the Department of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities, pointed out that the new VIP ticket package comes in line with the Municipality’s efforts to offer attractive and fully integrated amenities and services, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy a holistic recreational experience. This aligns with the Municipality’s mission to drive pioneering services that improve quality of life for residents and tourists alike, as well as continue to improve the Emirate’s appeal as a recreational hub. Al Zarouni said: “The ticket grants visitors access to a variety of amenities and benefits, including reserved parking quick entry through a private gate. Another important feature that we are certain guests would appreciate is a guided tour that covers the most important details and facts about the frame and the area it overlooks.” Frame Dubai, which opened in January 2018, attracted more than 5.5 million visitors and is in the Za ‘abeel area and stands as a cultural landmark that connects the Emirate’s present with its rich history. Inspired by the ‘golden ratio’ of 1.618, the dimensions of the Frame Dubai measure up to 150 metres high and 93 metres wide. More than 9,900 cubic metres of reinforced cement, roughly 2,000 tons of steel, and 2,900 square metres of laminated glass panels were used in the construction of the structure. Additionally, it has circuits modelled after the Expo 2020 logo spread across more …

Etihad Airways is celebrating the renaming of its home airport to Zayed International Airport today. The naming of the airport follows the opening of Terminal A in November 2023, which is the airline’s new state-of-the-art home terminal. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We take immense pride in our home, Abu Dhabi, which is the perfect hub from which to explore the world. We’re forever grateful to the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and proudly join in these celebrations as our home airport is renamed in his honour.” To celebrate the historic occasion, Etihad Airways has launched a special offer for guests departing from Abu Dhabi to select destinations. The limited time offer is available between 9 and 14 February 2024 for guests travelling between 19 February and 15 June 2024. Guests traveling to Bangkok can book special fares starting at AED 2,490 in Economy class and AED 7,990 in Etihad’s award-winning Business class. While guests can say ‘konnichiwa’ when they jet off to Osaka, from AED 4,490 and AED 14,990 in Economy and Business respectively. Etihad will launch flights to its new destination Boston, from 31 March, meaning guests can be amongst the first to fly to the popular US city and enjoy its rich cultural vibes at fantastic sale fares starting from AED 3,490. Those wishing to tour Europe can book to Copenhagen, Munich, and Lisbon with fares starting at AED 2,490 in Economy and AED 11,990 in Business. Over the celebratory weekend, guests will be warmly welcomed at Zayed International Airport, with gifts, special activities and live entertainment. The Terminal provides dedicated check-in desks for Etihad’s Economy guests …

Celebrating Lunar New Year on the 10 February and heralding the year of the Dragon, Emirates customers can embrace the luck of the season with curated menus in Emirates lounges in Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai and Beijing, enjoy traditional ‘red envelopes’ shared inflight, and blockbuster movies onboard in Mandarin and Cantonese. Emirates customers on select routes will be treated to a Lunar New Year dessert, a luscious red velvet lychee cake in First and Business Class, and a creamy red velvet lychee mousse in Economy Class. First and Business Class customers will also receive a traditional red envelope filled with chocolate coins, to share the good luck and wishes of the new year. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Emirates Lounges in Dubai will offer an array of festive fare on the 10th of February. Breakfast in the First and Business Class lounges will feature a classic ‘Cheung Fun’ steamed rice noodle roll stuffed with dried prawn and scallops. At lunch and dinnertime, First Class lounge customers can indulge in a Cantonese roast duck bao with plum sauce, while First and Business Class lounge guests can feast on scrumptious poached shrimp and vegetable dumplings with soy and vinegar dip, or Chinese rainbow salad with smoked salmon, sesame and soya ginger dressing, or pan-seared Chilean seabass with XO sauce and pak choy. Desserts include a sweet and light mango coconut cake with spices, or black tea cake in the First Class lounge, with a tangy yuzu tartlet served with green tea powder available in the Business Class Lounges. Customers can also head to the unique old-fashioned Emirates ice-cream cart to enjoy limited edition gourmet Matcha green tea ice cream, made in-house by …

It was announced that Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve will open by Q2 in the Red Sea which will be the first Ritz Carlton Reserve in this region; Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only six Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. The resort will feature 63 one-to-three-bedroom water and beach villas surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination and offer a highly personalised leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design.  This slice of paradise is situated on a breathtaking set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort will feature 63 one-to-three-bedroom water and beach villas. Foodies can enjoy an array of culinary outlets, including a specialty seafood restaurant. The resort will offer a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services, including a lavish spa, swimming pools, kids club and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings, including a Conservation House. Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment.  

VFS Global opened France visa services for the residents of Qatar through its new France Visa Application Centre in Doha. Focused on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring convenient and seamless experiences, the premises feature a spacious waiting area, state-of-the-art biometric facilities, and a dedicated space to promote France as a destination, providing applicants with key information ahead of their travels. Travellers visiting this centre can also choose from a range of our optional services, such as courier return service to receive processed passports at home, and form filling assistance from trained professionals, among others. Those looking for a more personalised service can also opt for the Premium Lounge to receive end-to-end assistance throughout the process in a plush ambience. The centre was inaugurated on 08 February 2024 by Patrick Poinsot, First counsellor at the French embassy in Qatar. France visa applicants can now visit this centre located in Level 2, Al Nuaimi Building, Oqba Ibn Nafie Street, Airport Road, Doha, Qatar, to submit their applications for short and long stay visas. Prior appointments are mandatory and can be booked on www.vfsglobal.com. Mr. Patrick Poinsot, First counselor at the French embassy in Qatar said, “We care about the quality of the welcome of our Qatari friends and residents of Qatar who want to go to France. We are very pleased to see that, each year, more and more people are travelling to France, especially for touristic reasons and, with our new partner VFS Global, we will endeavor to process their visa applications in the best possible and efficient way” Mr. Atul Marwah, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Egypt, VFS Global said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with …

Etihad Airways announced its exciting new venture as the official sponsor for the Chennai Super Kings, strengthening their sports tourism strategies to attract more sports fans and elevate the fan experience by engaging in exciting activities, promotions, and unique initiatives throughout the upcoming season. Fans can expect a thrilling journey with Etihad as they support the Chennai Super Kings in their quest for victory. The partnership was revealed during a special ceremony held in CSK’s home city of Chennai. Welcomed by 2,000 enthusiastic fans, the ‘unveiling event’ was held at Kalaivanar Arangam, in the presence of team officials and Chennai Super Kings’ players, who joined Etihad cabin crew onstage wearing their new jerseys proudly displaying the airline’s logo. The Etihad partnership will come to life across Chennai Super Kings’ events and platforms, with Etihad showcased on the back of the Chennai super Kings’ jersey, through engaging activations and fan activities at events and matches, as well as offering exclusive deals to Chennai Super Kings’ fans. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Today marks the start of an extraordinary journey as we welcome the Chennai Super Kings to our sports portfolio. Cricket’s global resonance unites diverse communities, reflecting the shared values of Etihad and Chennai Super Kings. Our collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a celebration of a shared ethos, a testament to the collective spirit of Etihad and the Chennai Super Kings. “Cricket in India is truly incredible and the Chennai Super Kings fans really showcase exactly what it means to love and have true passion for the game in this incredible country. For Etihad, we believe in connecting with our travellers …

All-inclusive premium holiday resort leader, Club Med, announces its membership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance). This move further cements Club Med’s commitment to industry-wide environmental sustainability, marking a significant stride toward Net Positive Hospitality. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global consortium representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms, is eager to leverage Club Med’s experience in sustainable development and innovation. This partnership is a testament to Club Med’s motto, “The Place to be happy is here; the moment to be happy is now. But it’s also tomorrow,” signifying its implication in creating harmonious and nature-immersed experiences for travellers. For over 60 years, Club Med has championed sustainable practice with 70% of new or majorly renovated resorts since 2018 being built to globally recognised BREEAM standards. Most of Club Med Resorts are “Green Globe” certified, guaranteeing sustainable best-practices. Club Med’s “Bye Bye Plastic” programme, aimed at eliminating single-use plastic from its resorts, further underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship. In 2023, Club Med was named the best hospitality tourism company to work for by French economic magazine Capital, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being and development. CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Glenn Mandziuk, welcomes Club Med, stating, “Club Med’s sustainable credentials are widely acknowledged in the industry, and their innovation and sustainable practices will undoubtedly contribute to our five-year strategy to realise Net Positive Hospitality.” Gregory Lanter, Chief Development, Construction & Property Officer, says, “as we embark on the acceleration of our CSR strategy, we are thrilled to join the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. We believe that Club Med, born of a shared utopia that fulfilled the dreams of many, helped shape tourism in the 20th century. Therefore, …

MakeMyTrip has launched a new feature  “Business Class Funnel for international flights” This feature aims to provide different experiences exclusively to business and first class travellers. They want to provide a centralized platform where every traveler can access detailed, relevant information, enabling well-informed decision-making. Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO, MakeMyTrip said, “The newly launched Business Class Funnel reflects our commitment to innovation, transparency, and a seamless booking experience. It will ensure our customers know exactly what they pay for through a hassle-free and immersive booking experience.” This premium flow is embedded within the platform and gives travelers booking an international business or first-class ticket, access to detailed information like seat recline, position, in-flight entertainment, meals, and more. MakeMyTrip’s funnel provides an immersive experience through rich media images and videos, revamped filters, and an experiential design, ensuring transparency and clarity for travelers without having to seek information from multiple separate sources. MakeMyTrip has also partnered with several prominent premium airlines, ensuring detailed information is made available across a selection of top-tier options and will keep expanding it to all major airlines in the upcoming weeks.

The emirate of Sharjah has been illuminated with artistic displays from Wednesday (7th evening) as the 13th Sharjah Light Festival kicked off, unveiling its artistic canvas of light across different locations. The festivities commenced at the Sharjah Police Headquarters, featuring a breathtaking inaugural light show that transformed the iconic architectural monument into a work of art. The spectacular display took the attendees on a visual journey, reflecting the authenticity of Sharjah’s identity and the UAE, while also depicting its ambitious and futuristic vision. Illuminated symbols portrayed the emirate’s history, its trajectory toward the future, and its ongoing developments. The festival’s opening ceremony, graced by prominent heads of authorities, departments, entities, distinguished personalities, and visiting delegations, featured a film dedicated to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of his ascension to rule. The festival, organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), will take place across 12 of the emirate’s premiere cultural landmarks and natural destinations from February 7 – 18. In his opening speech, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), underscored that the tourism sector in Sharjah is one of the key sectors that contribute to supporting the national economy. He noted that tourism is seeing notable progress at all levels, thanks to the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Al Midfa also highlighted how SLF has become a major tourist attraction, drawing a great deal of attention through substantial turnout and media interest, year after year. “The festival showcases the emirate’s unique features, achievements, and future vision to the thousands of visitors and …

Saudia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the entity behind the world-first adventure tourism destination, THE RIG to  delve into new transportation methods, including eVTOL, and carbon reduction initiatives, aligning with the sustainability goals of both organizations. The agreement, which was signed in Riyadh by Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, and Raed Bakhrji, CEO of Oil Park Development Company, sets the stage for Saudia and THE RIG. to jointly collaborate on initiatives designed to drive traffic to the Eastern province and elevate the overall guest experience. Captain Ibrahim Koshy said: “At Saudia, we are deeply committed to fulfilling our role as the ‘Wings of Vision 2030’ to accomplish our goals in line with the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, which is to bring around 150 million visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2030. This collaboration holds great promises for the travel and tourism industry. Along with our partners, we look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.” Raed Bakhrji said: “THE RIG. draws inspiration from Vision 2030 and its initiatives to develop the tourism sector. It is expected to be one of the leading adventure tourism projects, offering visitors an unparalleled mix of adventure experiences. Our collaboration with Saudia is expected to enhance the quality and uniqueness of our offerings, providing visitors with a wide range of easy access options to this distinctive tourist destination.”