Sharjah Airport has witnessed an impressive surge in passenger traffic, with over 7 million passengers passing through its terminals during the first half of 2023. This notable figure reflects a remarkable growth rate of over 24.4 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The airport also achieved substantial growth in cargo operations, managing to handle more than 70 thousand tons of cargo, including six thousand tons of sea-air cargo. These figures highlight the airport’s essential role in facilitating trade and logistics operations, further reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and efficient cargo hub in the region. Furthermore, the aircraft activity exhibited an upward trajectory, with a notable 14 percent increase in flights, totalling over 46.9 thousand flights during this period, in comparison to the same period last year. This rise in air traffic is a testament to the successful collaboration between Sharjah Airport Authority and its airline partners, as well as the airport’s commitment to provide seamless operations and exceptional facilities and digital services to its customers. In order to meet the growing demand and enhance the airport’s operational capacity, the Authority announced the addition of 6 flight destinations and 3 air cargo destinations. The new destinations include Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Ufa City and Samara City in Russia, Lar in Iran, Indore in India, and Bangkok in Thailand. The air cargo destinations, which have been newly included are Houston in the United States, Kigali in Rwanda, and Nashik in India. This move is in line with the Authority’s aim of boosting commercial ties and contributing to the economic expansion of Sharjah and the UAE as well as improving connection with the world through sustainable growth, enhancing the infrastructure …

Emirates announced that it has officially signed on as the Main Sponsor and Official Airline of the King Salman Club Cup 2023. The new sponsorship is in line with the airline’s efforts to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to become a global centre for professional sport. The deal also underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to connect with the fanbase of the 16 top-tier regional clubs from across the Arab World competing in the high-profile tournament. The announcement was revealed today at a press conference in Jeddah. Jabr Al-Azeeby, Vice President Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Emirates Airline remarked on the new partnership: “Emirates is one of the biggest names in sports and is heavily involved in the sport of football, helping fans get closer to the action, and engaging in ways that go far beyond logo recognition. We’re committed to engaging with fans across new football frontiers by supporting the King Salman Cup 2023. We’re also incredibly proud to play a role in supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision to become a global powerhouse for professional sports. It’s already a driving force on the global stage across a gamut of sports, and the tournament is part of wider efforts to expand sports further in Saudi. Over the next few weeks of the tournament, we hope to build unique opportunities and experiences with a rich mix of top-tier clubs across the Arab World.” His Excellency Abdullah bin Saeed Aldalac, Vice President of the Saudi Sports Ministry said:  “The Vice President of the Arab Federation welcomes the partnership and confirms that it will be a successful addition to the championship.” The sponsorship deal gives Emirates extensive in-stadium brand visibility …

GuestReady announced its official launch in Saudi Arabia with the opening of the company’s Riyadh office. The company’s entry into the Kingdom means that GuestReady now offers short-term rental property services in over 63 cities globally. The office is the second in the Middle East following Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which launched in 2016. According to GuestReady’s GCC Managing Director, Reem Al Khatib, the company chose to expand to the Kingdom due to it’s thriving real-estate sector and rapidly growing travel & tourism industry: “Domestic tourism has always been strong in Saudi Arabia and now, with international travel set to play a more significant role to the Kingdom thanks to Vision 2030, we see a tremendous opportunity to not just support guests, investors and property owners, but also the sector as a whole.” Under Vision 2030, the country plans to reach 100 million tourists annually by 2030, and along with it, contribute 10% to the country’s GDP and create one million jobs in the tourism industry. With a full team of property managers, including interior designers, onboarding and support staff, GuestReady’s Riyadh office is set to help boost Saudi investors and property owners’ returns through world-class technology and expert, local advice and end-to-end support. GuestReady’s launch in the Kingdom is also set to elevate guest-experience for both domestic and international tourists, and short to mid-term renters who choose to stay in GuestReady-managed short-term rental properties. Along with local expertise powered by global best-practice, GuestReady is also introducing its innovative proprietary platform and property management system (PMS), RentalReady to Saudi Arabia. RentalReady offers all-in-one functionality for managing short-term vacation rentals to both property owners and managers, as it also …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is delighted to promote its captivating campaign 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany aimed at enticing GCC travellers to explore the wonders of Germany during the vibrant summer season. Germany boasts 51 World Heritage sites and more than 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance. Showcasing a fusion of both its rich history and contemporary allure, Germany offers an extraordinary tapestry of experiences where ancient castles, picturesque landscapes, and bustling cities coexist seamlessly. With its latest campaign, the GNTB seeks to present the country as the ideal summer destination for Gulf travellers, enticing them with a diverse array of attractions, cultural encounters, and unforgettable adventures. Whether it is in the city or countryside, Germany’s culture is honoured and preserved, providing inspiration for the future. Under 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany, the country is unswervingly promoting its palaces and castles, nature and gardens, architecture and design, churches and abbeys, cultural heritage, and historical town centres. Some of the noteworthy places that explorers can discover under this campaign are the castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust in Bruhl, the Margavial Opera House in Bayreuth, Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz, Bauhaus sites in Weimar Dessau and Bernau, Cologne Cathedral and the historic centres of Stralsund and Wismar, among others. This allows travellers to embrace Germany’s ‘Stay a Little Bit Longer’ initiative and explore many of the country’s regions and make the most of the abundance of diverse experiences each has to offer. Travellers can also make the most of GNTB’s interactive map (https://www.germany.travel/en/campaign/world-heritage/home.html), which allows them to immerse in the full splendour of Germany. The tool enables visitors to seamlessly …

Rentals for business travellers are becoming popular in Dubai, Stella Stays launched two branded residences in Al Barari Dubai recently. Mohannad Zikra, CEO and Co-Founder of Stella Stays expressed great excitement: “The launch of Stella Stays Al Barari is a significant milestone in our journey of becoming the unrivaled leader in flexible living, both in the UAE and globally. We aim to deliver an extraordinary level of comfort, convenience, and a uniquely personalized rental experience, distinctively setting Stella Stays brand apart.” Stella Stays, the renowned proptech start-up disrupting the rental landscape with its pioneering flexible living solutions and technology-integrated branded residences, announces the launch of two iconic residences in the prestigious Al Barari, Dubai this July. This highly anticipated launch represents a significant milestone in Stella Stays’ journey to reshape rental experiences. Stella Stays Al Barari residences, composed of 90 state-of-the-art units, showcases the brand’s distinctive “Show Up and Start Living” concept. The meticulously designed, fully-equipped apartments offer an unparalleled level of comfort, convenience, and elegance, ensuring a sophisticated living environment and personalized rental experience for residents. Nestled in the heart of Al Barari’s lush green landscape, Stella Stays residences seamlessly blend with premier recreational, commercial, and community amenities. Residents can immerse themselves in the peaceful exclusivity that Al Barari is renowned for, while also enjoying access to high-end facilities and amenities such as indoor and outdoor sporting venues, swimming pools, botanical gardens, cycling and walking pathways, restaurants, and supermarkets. The harmonious fusion of natural beauty, wellness and modern amenities creates an unrivaled living experience in Dubai. At Stella Stays Al Barari, residents and guests will embark on a tech-enabled seamless journey from effortless booking and stay management to smart …

Holiday Inn is bringing its new design hallmarks to the Middle East for the first time, at the newly opened Holiday Inn Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The opening marks IHG’s expansion of its mainstream brand portfolio across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. Newly opened in Saudi Arabia, Holiday Inn Riyadh The Business District features the first brand- defining Open Lobby and is a perfect showcase for the modern and engaging public spaces that Holiday Inn has come to be known for globally. For over 70 years, Holiday Inn has been one of the world’s most recognised and trusted brands and it continues to create memorable experiences for thousands of guests every day. Holiday Inn is an iconic brand that has set industry standards and continues to meet the changing needs of guests by delivering exceptional experiences that can be seen and felt through the new active, open lobby (with a mix of spaces to lounge, dine, and work), elevated food & drink options, and modernised design. The brand’s Open Lobby concept combines all public spaces, including the reception area and the restaurant and bar, into one open, lively, and cohesive space. It allows guests to make themselves at home and enjoy their stay on their own terms, whether they’re there to eat, drink, work or socialise. The Open Lobby will offer a vibrant communal space where guests can relax and connect with friends, family or other travellers, designed with the needs of the modern traveller in mind. The public space includes a contemporary media lounge to unwind with friends, a coffee bar for a chat over a quick …

Despite the widespread adoption of Airline Loyalty Programs (ALP), the results of the recent survey reveal passengers feel unable to make the most of them with over half (58%) unsure where they can redeem points and 64% unaware of the value of their points in the UAE and Singapore. A survey was conducted online by YouGov. The study polled 1500 travellers from Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore who have travelled by air in the last 18 months. In Dubai there is a high adoption of loyalty programs in general, with more than half of respondents here already a member of airline loyalty programs. More travellers prefer travelling for leisure with family/partners/alone. This market shows the highest willingness for ALP among the non-members, however, has the lowest awareness of the redemption process. There is a high adoption of loyalty programs in Dubai, with more than half of respondents are already a member of an ALP – with respondents citing class upgrades, discounts on travel experiences and exclusive lounge access as the most appealing elements of an ALP. However, of the markets surveyed, Dubai travellers were the least aware of the redemption process. Conversely, in Dubai non-members were the most willing to try an ALP. Infrequent flying and insufficient knowledge of ALP benefits were the top barriers to membership. Free seat reservation and great customer experience were deemed to be the main motivating factors to join. Overall, more than half of respondents said they are looking for more customised experiences – in particular flexible bookings, access to travel documentation and additional discounts. Almost six in ten (58%) agreed they are more likely to buy additional services from an airline when targeted with …

As  Middle Eastern travellers adopt Maldives as their wellness and family friendly getaway, Soneva, has unveiled four new transformative health and wellness programmes at Soneva Soul in the Maldives. Middle East guests at Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll or Soneva Jani in Noonu Atoll can now supplement restorative stays with three-, seven- or 14-day bespoke wellness journeys centred around the themes of Foundation, Sleep, Detox and Time Rewind that combine ancient healing wisdom with innovative therapies. Uniquely designed to promote healing and health, each programme is personalised to include Soneva Soul’s holistic blend of naturopathy, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine alongside rejuvenating spa treatments and regenerative therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ozone therapy. Yoga, meditation and movement classes also complement this uniquely integrated wellness experience. Those looking for a short yet invigorating wellness retreat can reset and recharge in the serenity of Soneva Soul’s island sanctuaries with the three-day Foundation Programme at USD 3,105++. Itineraries are tailored to each guest and include daily treatments such as traditional Ayurvedic abhyanga and shirodhara, acupuncture and cupping, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and flotation pod sessions, among others, for a holistic, healing journey like no other. Guests can enjoy the best rest yet with the Sleep Programme at USD 4,650++ for seven days and USD 11,295++ for 14 days. Expertly designed to optimise sleep health, this programme incorporates a range of targeted treatments and cutting-edge solutions, including Ayurvedic Nidrasana sleep rituals, bespoke IV vitamin therapies and BEMER electromagnetic sessions to help maintain healthy habits. A revitalising journey to heal and restore optimal metabolic function, the Detox Programme offers expert guidance for nourishing menus that eliminate dairy, gluten and refined carbohydrates to bring …

Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (“ARTIC”) and Element Hotels  announced the opening of Element West Bay by Westin. Element Hotels are designed for today’s healthy, active traveller who seeks to maintain the balance of their daily routine while away on the road. Offering many of the comforts of home, Element caters to those looking to stay for both the short and long-term. The hotel offers a fresh approach for the longer stay market with its thoughtfully designed accommodation and contemporary, nature-inspired spaces. Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with  a  design  philosophy  that encourages guests to recharge and find their focus. The hotel’s 180 spacious studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments offer views of both the city and the Arabian Gulf, while being exquisitely furnished with signature Westin Heavenly® beds, a large workstation, and a fully equipped modern and spacious kitchenette. The apartments also feature  spacious  living  and dining areas. An ideal place for business travelers, long stay guests, and holidaymakers, the hotel is five minutes walking distance from Doha’s best beach clubs and provides easy access to key business and financial districts. This includes destination hubs such as Doha Exhibition Convention Center and the City Center Mall. At Element West Bay, guests will be energized with a food and beverage menu that prioritizes fresh and healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise® breakfast starts the  day  by  offering morning staples as well as low-fat options and fruit smoothies, followed by all-day dining at Californian food culture concept ShiKiMiKi. In addition, the Restore Grab & Go menu, available 24/7, includes a wide variety of fresh ingredients and on-the-go meals, from wholesome salads and sandwiches to yoghurt and snacks and …

dnata is partnering with the Maldives’ Pulse Hotels & Resorts to bring its unique and expanding portfolio of properties across the Indian Ocean archipelago closer to the region’s traveller base. dnata Representation Services will become Pulse Hotels & Resorts’ exclusive sales and marketing representative in the GCC, showcasing its latest news, exclusive rates, and more to travellers across the region, as travel demand for the Maldives continues. According to statistics from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the UAE was placed in the top ten number of arrivals by country of residence in its latest reports, between January and May 2023, whilst tourist arrivals from other GCC destinations remain strong. Pulse Hotels & Resorts owns and manages three properties across the Maldives, each offering a unique experience. The Nautilus is an ultra-luxury private island and winner of multiple awards, known as one of the world’s most exclusive bohemian island hideaways. One of the newest resorts in the Maldives, Nova launched in 2022 with a modern take on all-inclusive with a vibrant ‘community’ concept. The largest of the offering, Kandima, is a stylish and game-changing island destination boasting 264 studios and villas, 10 dining venues, and a plethora of activities for leisure, corporate or MICE travel. The Maldives-based company, which launched in 2015 with an entrepreneurial mindset to re-imagine the hospitality offering of the destination, continues to enhance the current portfolio and further expand its resort portfolio with product launches scheduled for the coming years. Althaf Mohamed Ali, Chief Operating Officer at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, commented: “There has been an increase in interest and travel to our resorts from the GCC region in recent years. Our resorts cater to luxury travel …