It was revealed by Skyscanner findings for 2024, that 63% of UAE travellers sleep better on holiday. One of the key travel vibes for this year is called ‘Destination Zzz’ According to the report, sleep tourism is a growing trend in a world that feels busier and harder to switch off from. Some of the other trends revealed is the fact that travellers between 18 to 24 years of age prefer to take a polaroid camera on holiday and the new term used is ‘Analogue Adventurers’ – according to the findings 26% of UAE 18 -24 year olds bring the polaroid camera and 37% of UAE travellers are checking their work email, struggling to switch off from work. More trends to be revealed this week.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the opening of the first Radisson Individuals hotel in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the Group’s growing footprint in the region and Saudi Arabia, with a portfolio of 43 hotels in operation and development in the country, and five hotels in the city of Jeddah. Jeddah is known for its beautiful Red Sea coastline, Al-Balad, the historic UNESCO heritage site with gorgeous coral architecture, narrow alleys, and bustling souks, the world’s tallest fountain, the King Fahd’s Fountain, Tahlia Street, known for its prime shopping, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Formula 1), and for being a gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. For adventurous souls, scuba diving offers a thrilling opportunity to explore fascinating underwater wonders like the Chicken Wreck. Strategically located in the prime area of Al Hamra, Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals is near many corporate businesses and just a short walk from Jeddah Corniche. King Abdulaziz International Airport, the busiest international airport in Saudi Arabia, is the largest hub for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, and is only 22 kilometers away and a 26-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel boasts 339 elegantly designed rooms, including 30 exquisite suites, and a magnificent royal suite, providing guests unparalleled luxury and comfort. The rooms in the sea tower offer the most breathtaking views, allowing guests to witness stunning sunsets and indulge in mesmerizing sea vistas. The hotel boasts a range of dining options, including the Jasmine Restaurant, where you can greet the day with unexpected culinary delights the Vivid Lounge Café in the …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi celebrated the inauguration of its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Turkistan, one of the most important and historic cities in central Asia. The new route reaffirms the airline’s commitment to unlocking an eclectic mix of travel opportunities for both residents and visitors of the UAE and Kazakhstan. Flights to Turkistan will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with tickets already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, available in the Arabic language, with fares starting as low as AED 179*. The national airline is currently flying to more than 40 destinations from Abu Dhabi, including three in Kazakhstan, and providing hassle-free, point-to-point travel for adventurous travellers across the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond. A gem in the heart of Kazakhstan, Turkistan is a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty and testament to the country’s diverse heritage. Boasting architectural marvels, such as the revered Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site that echoes the grandeur of Islamic art and architecture; Turkistan offers an immersive cultural experience. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the surrounding landscapes, from the scenic beauty of the Sayram-Ugam National Park to the tranquil waters of the Sasykkol Lake with warm Kazakh local delicacies and age-old traditions awaiting. Basking in glorious year-round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned family-friendly destination with incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality offerings. The UAE capital, blessed with stunning beach resorts, excellent cultural offerings, and exciting attractions, offers visitors a warm welcome and breathtaking natural and built beauty. The city offers an enriching historical experience and a bustling culture to explore with a plethora of both relaxation and …

Shamal Holding started the construction of Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai. Set to open in 2026, the new Downtown lifestyle development will include two crystal-inspired towers cutting a new feature into Dubai’s skyline, containing Baccarat hotel suites and bespoke residences boasting the brand’s signature design. The luxury offering will be complemented by exceptional dining experiences and the highest quality amenities and services. An exclusive lifestyle development, Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai will blend Baccarat’s heritage of craftsmanship, the experience and energy of Dubai and a meticulous attention to finer detail, providing authentic elegance, refined comfort, exquisite living and iconic design. The hotel project will be managed by SH Hotels & Resorts. Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding – the diversified investment arm that owns Baccarat Hotel and Residences, Dubai said; “For over two centuries Baccarat has defined luxury, translating its essence into contemporary lifestyle offerings including Baccarat Hotel New York, the first hospitality flagship for the brand. Inspired by this, Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai introduces a glimmering new masterpiece with an otherworldly lifestyle experience for those who choose to see life in a new light. We are working alongside a team of extraordinary partners led by H&H Development to deliver an industry-defining project, setting a new standard of elevated living in Dubai”. “We remain committed to bringing the extraordinary to the communities we invest in, as we play our role alongside our partners and stakeholders in supporting Dubai’s growth and ambitions to be the number one city to live and work in,” continued Binhabtoor. Award-winning architects Studio Libeskind and interior design studio 1508 London led by renowned Dubai developer H&H Development and owner Shamal Holding will deliver an industry-defining …

Arabian Travel Award winner Rezlive has signed up as gold sponsor with Rent Conferences and Exhibitions Company for the first edition of the Saudi Travel Market (STM) to be held in Riyadh from February 25-27, 2024. Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group shared, “We will be participating in the inaugural Saudi Travel Market 2024 as both an exhibitor and sponsor. Saudi Arabia holds significant importance in the travel industry, and your presence at this event reflects your commitment to exploring and contributing to this thriving market. Being a part of the first edition of this prestigious event offers a unique opportunity to engage with travel partners, fostering valuable connections and collaborations. This premier event promises to be a dynamic convergence of key players, innovators, and stakeholders within the travel sector and we are very happy to be a part of this event.” Rent Conferences and Exhibitions Company General Manager Mohammed Al-Harbi said: “We are pleased to sign a new agreement today with Rezlive to sponsor the Saudi Travel Market. The partnership with one of the world’s leading companies in the travel and tourism sector is very important in attracting international companies to the Kingdom. We consider the Saudi Travel Market to be one of the important exhibitions through which we intend to place the Kingdom on the list of major tourist destinations in the coming years. Through this exhibition, we aim to attract the largest international companies to the Kingdom and make it the first and best choice for everyone.” For his part, Rezlive’s Business Development Manager in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Marzooq Suleiman, said: “We are pleased to sponsor one of the most promising tourism exhibitions in Saudi …

Jeddah International Travel Exhibition (JTTX) will take place from 28 – 30 January 2024 connecting international travel businesses to the Saudi travel trade. The three day travel trade exhibition will open from 4pm to 11pm from 28 – 30 January 2024. Last year’s edition saw over 29,000 participants with 172 exhibitors and 27 countries, hence this year the show is expected to attract more visitors both B2B and B2C.  Saudi travel market is considered as one of the fastest growing markets in the World. JTTX is an ideal place to identify and build business relationships, connect and understand customer preferences and trends, as well as to promote Tourism destinations, with relevant products and services. The exhibition is the perfect networking  and meeting point for all in the travel. tourism and hospitality trade.

Saudi Arabian Airlines intends to buy around 100 aircraft to operate flying taxis between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Makkah. The Saudi national carrier is making preparations to use air taxis as a new mode of transportation during the Hajj season, according to Abdullah Al-Shahrani, director of corporate communications and spokesman of the Saudia Group. He said that the Saudia Group has contracted the purchase of 100 Lilium jets, German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to shuttle between the Jeddah airport and airstrips in Makkah hotels near the Grand Mosque and other holy places. “The electric plane Lilium is one of the first aircraft that operates entirely on electric power. The news is according to the Saudi Gazette. “After completing the necessary arrangements, these planes will fly with the guests of God during Hajj and Umrah seasons from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to the airstrips in hotels near the Grand Mosque in Makkah,” he told Al-Arabiya. Al-Shahrani noted that flying taxi can transport four to six passengers. “The Lilium aircraft is characterized by a low rate of carbon emissions and is an environmentally friendly aircraft, which makes it one of the possibilities for sustaining air travel and shortening the time of flights, as it covers a maximum distance of 250 km. “Through purchasing nearly 100 aircraft, Saudi Airlines intends to launch an advanced service to connect a number of travel destinations via this advanced electric aircraft, and will support it with air routes between the main airports from where Saudia operates,” he said while pointing out that this is a special service for its guests. He said that the aircraft also features …

Red Sea Global (RSG) with Zain KSA and the French Serge Ferrari Group, has announced a new technical breakthrough to deliver a groundbreaking digital experience at Ummahat Island. Through this strategic partnership, which aims to maximize joint sustainability efforts, RSG and Zain KSA have designed and installed innovative telecom towers to provide visitors with an unprecedented communication experience that combines speed and efficiency of service. At the same time, the towers are fully blended with the aesthetic elements of the island, ensuring that guests enjoy an exceptional experience on the white beaches of Ummahat, with its charming turquoise waters and stunning landscapes. Completion of the towers coincides with the opening of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, with Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, also located on the island, preparing to welcome its first guests imminently. “Today, we are developing a future of stunning destinations with putting people and planet at the center. As we aspire to be leaders in sustainable development and environmental responsibility around the world, we are well aware that achieving this ambitious goal requires being surrounded by partners who share a common development vision, a common ethical and social commitment, as well as a desire for innovation and uniqueness. Our strategic partnership with Zain KSA, a leading provider of telecommunications and digital services, is once again yielding an unprecedented technological milestone. We are confident that we have a partner capable of turning all our digital ambitions into reality, through its extensive experience in innovation in the telecommunications and digital services sector,” said Group Head of Technology at Red Sea Global, Dr. Ahmed Al Suhaili. The project had four main objectives: provide an ideal 5G service; enhance the island’s …

Qatar Airways announced the success of its inaugural journey to AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the airline’s commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences across over 170 destinations worldwide. Operating two weekly flights to AlUla, Qatar Airways brings the total number destinations to Saudi Arabia to 10, including 125 weekly flights across AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. The meticulously curated trip showcased AlUla as a new and exciting destination, offering travellers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury. The VIP delegation included His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar who attended the inaugural flight, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Acting Chief Executive Officer Royal Commission for AlUla, Abeer Al Akel, and Phillip Jones Chief Tourism Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla. The VIP delegation started the itinerary with a visit to the heart of the city’s Old Town. The tour showcased the revitalised Old Town, a historical gem with ancient traditional architecture revamped with a modern touch. The journey continued with an exploration of various sites, highlighting a synergy of modernity and history, notably a visit to the sustainable and biodiverse district, Oasis, as well as to multiple publishing houses, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture and its affinity to literature. The pinnacle of the trip was the significant visit to the Kingdom’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, Hegra, where His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received …

Jazeera Airways announced the signing of a new facilities management contract with Kuwait-based Intelligent Management Solutions (IMS). Under the terms of the contract, IMS will utilize its Computerized Aided Facilities Management System (CAFM IMS) to digitize operations systems and maintenance at Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5) and other facilities. This contract is a part Jazeera Airways’ commitment to support local businesses. Speaking about the contract, Naser Al Obaid, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Terminal 5, highlighted: “We are pleased to partner with Intelligent Management Solutions and benefit from their comprehensive digital operations and maintenance system to manage our facilities. It is also a matter of pride to be working with a Kuwaiti startup that has seen many successes in providing its services to local and regional companies.” Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5), fully owned and operated by Jazeera Airways aims to make the passenger journey faster and smoother. The recently upgraded terminal includes 24 check-in desks, five boarding gates, transit areas, food, and beverage options, Duty Free and retail outlets as well as service provider desks for the convenience of all passengers. A 350-vehicle parking building across the road is connected to the Terminal by a walking bridge making it easier to cross over or transfer luggage, especially during the summer months. With just one security check to be cleared for departures, passengers can relax till it’s time to board their flight. IMS is a startup company founded by Kuwaiti entrepreneur Faleh Alajmi. The company developed its proprietary Computerized Aided Facilities Management System (CAFM IMS) to enable companies to efficiently manage facilities, reduce maintenance costs and preserve asset values. The system, alongside the company’s services and solutions, has benefited government-owned and private companies …