VFS Global  has entered an agreement with the Ministry of Commerce, Saudi Arabia, to provide visa application services through a centre operated within the premises of the Ministry of Commerce headquarters in Riyadh. Through this partnership, VFS Global will cater to about 8000 employees and delegates, as well as personnel of subsidiary government institutions under the Ministry. In keeping with its commitment to making people’s cross border mobility simple and convenient through highly secure, reliable, efficient, and innovative technology solutions, applicants can also opt for the Visa At Your Doorstep* service to have trained professionals visit a location of choice to complete the visa application process. The agreement was signed in the presence of Eng. Mohammed A. Al. Alwaily, Deputy Minister for Shared Services, Ministry of Commerce.  Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global said, “It is an honour to have entered this strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce. We are very pleased to offer this dedicated Visa Application Centre service to the employees and associates of the Ministry, to further enhance their visa application experience in a seamless, convenient and secure manner. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to this great nation.” This partnership adds to VFS Global’s expansive network of collaborations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which includes agreements with Aramco, Neom, and Chambers of Commerce across the country, cementing its position as the trusted partner to client governments, with an extensive global net-work and reach.  

Emirates has taken the final step in the restoration of its Australia capacity announcing its return to Adelaide. A daily service will relaunch between the South Australia capital and the airline’s Dubai hub on 28 October 2024. The reinstated service will facilitate the growing travel demand to and from South Australia and allow passengers to travel conveniently between more than 140 destinations across Emirates’ global network, offering a wide range of choice, flexibility, and connectivity. Emirates first launched its Adelaide services in 2012 and carried more than 165,000 passengers between Dubai and Adelaide in 2019. By 1 December, when Emirates also reinstates its second daily service to Perth, the airline will offer 77 weekly flights from Australia with the ability to transport 68,000 passengers per week to and from Australia, returning to its pre-pandemic capacity. Emirates’ return is a major milestone for South Australia’s pandemic recovery. The tourism expenditure of daily direct non-stop Emirates’ flights is estimated by South Australian Tourism Commission to generate more than $62 million per year and create in excess of 315 full-time equivalent tourism-related jobs for South Australians. Each flight will also offer 14 tonnes of cargo space, totalling 196 tonnes weekly between Dubai and Adelaide. The value of freight exports is estimated to be $98 million per year, bringing the total estimated expenditure generated by Emirates’ flights to Adelaide to $160 million. South Australia Premier, Peter Malinauskas, says, “Reinstating Emirates flights to Adelaide has been a key priority for the State Government. Emirates once again flying daily direct into Adelaide will further drive South Australia’s economic growth – set to deliver an estimated $160 million in tourism expenditure and freight exports and create more than …

Emirates and Moët Hennessy ring in the new year with an exclusive, money-can’t-buy-experience for Skywards members. Starting from today, elite members can bid Miles with Skywards Exclusives for a chance to win a trip to France with LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) to discover the idyllic vineyards in Champagne and charming streets of Paris. Starting from 250,000 Skywards Miles, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity includes a two-day trip to Champagne and two-day trip to Paris. The offer is applicable to all Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members and valid for travel from 25 April until 29 April 2024*. Sip and stroll through the Champagne region From 25 to 27 April, members can expect: A one-night hotel stay for two guests at the Royal Champagne, including all meals. A one-night stay for two guests at Château de Saran, Moët & Chandon’s exclusive home, including all meals. Exclusive tastings, cellar visits and vineyard explorations. A bespoke Dom Pérignon tasting in the private lounge. An exclusive Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage dinner. A visit to the historic Abbey of Hautvillers. City of lights and culinary delights From 27 to 29 April, members can look forward to: A two-night stay for two guests at Le Meurice Hotel, including all meals. A fine dining experience with Moët & Chandon Exclusive tour of the Dior Museum. A Michelin-starred dinner with Dom Pérignon. A visit to the Iris Van Herpen exhibition at Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Le Louvre. A scenic cruise on the Seine River to end the holiday in style. For more information, click here. Enjoy the world’s best Champagne onboard Emirates Emirates passengers have enjoyed Moët Hennessy Champagnes onboard for more than 30 years. Thanks to …

Emirates will be boosting its services to Osaka with the introduction of the A380 starting from 1 June 2024. The A380 to be deployed to Osaka will be retrofitted with the airline’s latest product, Premium Economy, making it the second Japanese gateway to operate with the newly upgraded aircraft. The upgraded service will offer increased seat capacity on flights to and from Japan’s second largest city, in addition to introducing the highly sought-after Premium Economy Class for customers, as well as refreshed interiors across First, Business and Economy Class cabins. From 1 June, Emirates’ four-class A380 will replace the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently operating the EK316/EK317 service to and from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). With upgraded A380 operations, Emirates will offer 910 additional weekly seats between Dubai and Osaka, offering more opportunities to connect to and beyond Dubai to popular destinations for travelers including Milan, Madrid, Brazil, Paris and London. Emirates celebrated the 20th anniversary of its services between Dubai and Osaka last year and during that time, the airline carried more than 220,000 passengers on more than 360 flights between the two gateways in 2023. Emirates’ four-class A380 deployed to Osaka will feature 14 First Class suites, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 56 seats in Premium Economy Class and 338 ergonomically designed seats in Economy Class. On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with the 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. In the cabin, every inch of space anticipates customer needs with a generous seat pitch and width for working and relaxing, and customised features that offer function and convenience like in-seat charging …

Abu Dhabi Airports announced the appointment of Elena Sorlini as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Sorlini transitions into the role permanently after serving in an interim capacity since June 2023. Since joining Abu Dhabi Airports, Sorlini has overseen the successful opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new state-of-the-art Terminal A, which ranks among the largest airport terminals in the world. It has the capacity to host 45 million passengers annually and accommodate 79 aircraft at any given time, thereby strengthening the aviation sector’s contribution to Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. Additionally, she has played an important role in maintaining the steady increase of passenger traffic numbers, which continue to experience year-on-year growth, as well as attracting new airlines and routes to Abu Dhabi, including the French national carrier Air France. His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor of Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “On behalf of the board, we are delighted to welcome Elena Sorlini as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports. With her proven track record of success in the aviation sector, we have full confidence in her ability to lead the organization through its next phase of growth, underscored by our commitment to solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism destination and a leading aviation hub. I wish her all the best in her new role.” Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “I am honored to have been officially appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports. Following the opening of Terminal A, …

Visit Qatar and the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) have signed an agreement to renew their diamond sponsorship. The agreement is part of Visit Qatar’s efforts to promote and support Qatar’s business events industry, which is of great importance within Qatar’s tourism sector. Under the agreement, Visit Qatar will promote Qatar as a destination for business events and allow partners to create more opportunities for collaboration across all of the Association’s events and activities throughout the year. Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi said, Head of Sector Marketing & Promotion Tourism at Qatar Tourism: “Visit Qatar and the World Association of the Exhibition Industry have a long-term strategic partnership with the common goal of promoting and developing the exhibitions, conferences and incentives industry. Qatar is an ideal destination for hosting business events, thanks to the construction of modern facilities, innovative public transport networks, easy travel policies, as well as its geographical location and world-class tourist destinations, providing business people with tourism experiences that meet all their expectations.” Michael Duck, QBA President for 2022/2023, said: “We are delighted to continue working with Visit Qatar as one of the World Association of Exhibition Industry Diamond Sponsors in the coming years. Supporting this Global Association programme allows additional products and services to be offered to our global membership holders and ultimately to further grow their events and exhibitions industry.” Qatar is a major home and destination for major global events, thanks to the country’s highest security standards, in addition to hosting 128 meeting and conference corners, spanning 70,000 square meters. Qatar is strategically located between east and west, with an award-winning national carrier and international airport. …

At a special press briefing by Sandeep Walia – COO Middle East of Marriott International shared the latest research on the two big markets UAE and Saudi Arabia with their latest focus on the key trends for the region. According to the research, 50% of the participants shared that they have used AI in one form or the other over their vacation. 70% said they will use it going forward. Walia reiterated, “AI will be a key focus for us too going forward.. 83% of UAE said they are ready to pay more to go to a hotel or destination that is sustainable. 78% of Saudi said the same. Sustainability is engraved today in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.” In terms of the market, Walia shared that “the Middle East, Egypt and Turkey we have 233 hotels open and about 130 projects in different phases that’s 50% plus growth. Exciting times in terms of growth in the region. Reflecting on the past year he shared, “2023 has been a great year of openings and signings for us – so we had 10 openings – they were very key strategic openings for us. One I want to certainly  call out is Saudi, so we have been announcing a lot of hotels over the last few years but last year was the turning point where all these openings we announced the projects getting into reality and opening. The first was St.Regis in Riyadh, which was the first one to enter the market. We opened the Aloft in Muscat which was the first to get into Oman. We opened the Marriott Executive Apartments in Kuwait and the list continues, so we had 10 …

Generation X, those people born between 1965 and 1980 – are leading the significant growth in outbound travel from the GCC countries, according to findings by New York headquartered Research Nester. The report highlights numerous reasons why this generation has a dominant share of the GCC’s outbound market, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets. The GCC outbound market is forecast to grow exponentially over the next five years, driven by Gen X travellers, according to recent research, says Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which takes place from 6-9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Commenting on the report, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market said, “Within an age range of approximately 43 years to 58 years, many Gen Xers hold senior positions within companies and as such tend to travel overseas regularly on business trips. “In addition, with responsibility comes reward and therefore many have high earning potential and disposable income. Many successful entrepreneurs at this stage in their careers also have built significant wealth and can afford to travel frequently. “Many industry commentators are focused on Millennial and Gen Z travelers, but it is perfectly logical that Gen X would dominate the GCC outbound market value given the region’s demographics, particularly expatriate senior management.” Members of Gen X are also changing their lifestyles, with considerable numbers now looking for a more sustainable work life balance. This often means spending more leisure time with their families, including holidays and combining business with leisure, which is significantly growing the bleisure segment of travel. To illustrate these points, Gen X will be responsible for $11.1 billion, 41% of Saudi Arabia’s total outbound market value of $27 billion by 2028 …

IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2024 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi concluded with participation from 400 attendees and 45 exhibitors. Organized in collaboration with Miral, the creator of immersive experiences and destinations, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Summit hosted two days of insightful education sessions featuring 27 international experts. Industry leaders from globally renowned entities explored innovative strategies in destination development and management, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction to foster continued growth across the region’s attractions and theme parks industry. The Summit opened with a welcome keynote address by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. Additional speakers included Scott O’Neil, CEO, Merlin Entertainments; Ahmad Hussain, COO, Dubai Holding Entertainment; and Don Potts, President, Qiddiya Investment Company; with many more industry leaders from Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi – Al Qana, Atlantis Resorts, Majid Al Futtaim, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), amongst others. A series of interactive sessions and workshops discussed trending topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, sustainability, and innovative attractions. A selection of guided facility tours, or “EDUTours”, welcomed trade visitors to Yas Island’s world-class theme parks and attractions, enabling them to gain valuable insights into the operations and creative processes behind these leading attractions. Participants had the opportunity to visit the recently opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi; and Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The Summit also presented the inaugural edition of the IAAPA Ride Safety Report, specifically tailored for the Middle East region. During the Summit, IAAPA announced it will be expanding its presence in the region …

Located in Jabal Omar and a short walk from the Great Mosque of Makkah, the hotel offers world-class, luxurious amenities, including 1,121 keys of spacious and elegantly designed rooms, suites, and residences that provide a comfortable and peaceful sanctuary for guests. Jumeirah Group continues its regional and international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The hotel has commenced operations as part of the second phase of the city’s flagship Jabal Omar project, designed by Fosters + Partners architects. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is designed to reinforce a sense of serenity through thoughtful service that allows guests to reconnect and reflect as they experience a deeply significant life event visiting the holy city of Makkah. Eight dining destinations, including Mediterranean restaurant Patras, and a lobby lounge serving specialty teas and baked goods, are currently open at the property. Soon, guests will have access to six more unique dining options at the East and West towers, featuring a signature regional Arabesque restaurant alongside Persian, Middle Eastern, South-east Asian, and Indo-Pakistani restaurants, and a café offering the finest teas and French baked goods. The property will also host three meeting rooms and event spaces accommodating between 10-70 people. Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are proud to have opened the first Jumeirah hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in such a significant location, in partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company. Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah will deliver the exceptional service that Jumeirah is known for, enabling an enhanced experience for all who are visiting Makkah.” Bringing its signature hospitality and service to the Kingdom, Jumeirah aims to …