The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Le Cordon Bleu to open the first-ever Le Cordon Bleu Institute in the UAE on the emirate’s Saadiyat Island. Launching in the first quarter of 2025, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi is set to elevate the epicurean scene in the region and position Abu Dhabi as a centre for culinary talent, innovation, and development. Situated in the heart of Aldar Properties’ The Grove, the state-of-the-art Saadiyat Island campus will attract local and international students aspiring to refine their skills and broaden their horizons within one of the world’s most revered institutions. Notably, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi will be developing Le Cordon Bleu specialisations in two pioneering fields – maritime sustainability and food security. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “At DCT Abu Dhabi, we pursue excellence across all our activities by collaborating with world-leading organisations and top talent. This collaboration with the globally renowned Le Cordon Bleu will enable us to redefine culinary education in the region, nurturing creative talent while shaping the future of food to advance the emirate’s status as a hub of diverse gastronomic experiences.” The announcement comes following the launch earlier this year of the AED 360 million Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund, which will introduce leading brands to the UAE capital over five years and accelerate Abu Dhabi’s development as a rapidly growing gastronomical hub. André J. Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, commented: “Founded in 1895 in Paris, Le Cordon Bleu is recognised worldwide for its excellence in education, with programmes ranging from diploma level up to Bachelor’s, Master’s …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche in Saudi Arabia, with 148 contemporary rooms and suites spanning six floors. The hotel is a vibrant & modern property launching on the picturesque coastal waterfront bordering the Red Sea. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts ‘Essentials Collection’, Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche will blend the warmth and modernity of the Holiday Inn brand as it welcomes business and leisure travellers, as well as residents, to its brand-new property on Jeddah’s beachfront. The hotel will house 148 contemporary rooms and suites spanning six floors, complete with spacious bathrooms, high-speed internet, and satellite television for increased comfort. Room categories comprise of 102 King Leisure Rooms, 35 Queen Rooms, 11 Twin Rooms, and 10 sea-facing Suites with the inclusion of two dedicated differently abled mobility rooms, ensuring that there is an extensive selection of stay options to anticipate diverse guest needs and preferences. Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche will feature three unique dining destinations: Roshan, a cosy, all-day dining restaurant with a wide array of fresh dishes; Moood Café, a charming coffee and sweet treat bar in the lobby that also includes Starbucks Coffee; and the trendy Ya Mal Café, which serves a selection of light snacks and freshly squeezed juice mocktails by the pool, with sweeping views of the nearby Red Sea. The hotel will also operate 24/7 Room Service, ideal for guests who prefer to enjoy their meals in the comfort and privacy of their lodgings. Catering to its corporate visitors, the hotel has an open lobby business area with two high-tech, sunlit meeting rooms, able to hold up to 65 delegates in total, as well as a sizable Al …

Qatar Airways launched a new flight service to NEOM Bay Airport marking a new chapter in Qatar-Saudi relations. Qatar Airways flight 1205 will depart from NEOM Bay to Doha on Saturdays at 14:00 and Thursdays at 13:40, while the return flight, Qatar Airways flight 1204, will leave Hamad International Airport at 06:55 on Saturdays and 06:35 on Thursdays. The inaugural flight from Doha’s Hamad International Airport touched down at NEOM Bay on December 9. The airline has chosen an Airbus A320-214 for the 1,650-mile journeys, scheduling two flights per week.  NEOM is a visionary project in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, and it represents a future-focused city embodying innovation and progress. This new service from Qatar Airways is a key step in enhancing regional airline connectivity, an initiative aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Etihad Airways will start flying non-stop four times a week from 23 April 2024 to Bali. Conveniently timed to connect with flights from across Etihad’s growing global network, guests will arrive at the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) refreshed and ready to transfer to their resort. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to announce our first-ever flights to Bali. This exciting development follows closely on the heels of our dynamic Summer 24 schedule, reinforcing our dedication to expanding our network in tune with the needs of our customers so they can travel to their desired destinations in comfort and style. “Bali is the quintessential tropical escape, enchanting travellers with its verdant surroundings, vivid culture, and dreamlike beaches. From jade-green rice terraces to pristine white sands, the island balances exquisite beauty with deep tradition, offering a bewitching escape for those looking for tranquility and excitement alike. “We have timed the flights so guests can even enjoy a long weekend if they choose. We can’t wait to go there.” Visitors travelling from Europe and North America will also find the timings convenient for combining their trip with a stopover in Abu Dhabi to enjoy the legendary hospitality and remarkable attractions of the UAE’s capital. Etihad will operate flights to Bali four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, flying its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s award-winning service, delivering a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience year-round.

Wego  announced a new collaboration aimed at promoting Morocco as a premier travel destination. This partnership combines Wego’s innovative travel technology with the rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings of Morocco, creating an unparalleled experience for global travelers. Wego, a pioneer in the online travel space, connects millions of users to a vast array of travel options, making trip planning seamless and enjoyable. The partnership with Moroccan National Tourist Office signifies a shared commitment to enhancing the visibility of Morocco on the global stage and driving tourism growth for the country. This partnership will showcase the beauty, history, and unique attractions of Morocco to MENA travelers. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, Morocco is poised to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “At Wego, we are dedicated to inspiring and facilitating travel experiences. Our collaboration with Moroccan National Tourist Office is a testament to our commitment to promoting exceptional destinations. Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry, historical landmarks, and diverse landscapes align perfectly with what our users seek. We are thrilled to bring the magic of Morocco to the fingertips of travelers around the world.” The partnership aims to leverage Wego’s extensive reach, data-driven insights, and user-friendly platform to elevate Morocco’s visibility and attract a broader audience of travelers. Through joint marketing initiatives, curated content, and exclusive promotions, the collaboration seeks to position Morocco as a top destination for adventure, culture, and relaxation. As part of the partnership, Wego will feature dedicated sections on its platform highlighting Morocco’s key attractions, travel tips, and exclusive offers. Users will have access to comprehensive travel information, …

TravTips Travel and Tourism won ‘Best Leisure Tour Operator’ title at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Suraj Mainat –  Founder and CEO – Travtips Travel and Tourism shared, “Thank you for putting together an exceptional event! The success of Arabian Travel Awards is a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by everyone involved & especially attendance from travel and tourism industry veterans. We were honored to receive the award for Best Leisure Tour Operator in the region. We strongly believe in our tag line “trust us to make your dream holiday reliable, safe and value for money. As we accept this award, we also recognize this responsibility it bestows upon us. I strongly believe “we could win this award due to tireless effort of our professional team members & trust of our guests”.  This award isn’t just a milestone; it is a motivation to explore new horizons, craft new innovative leisure product lines and deliver pleasant experiences to every guest who travel with us on a holiday.”

According to Goldstein Research analyst forecast the UAE luxury goods market is set to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period 2017-2025. Moreover, the market is projected to reach USD 7.8 Billion by 2025 owing to rapid urbanization and development of shopping centres and malls in order to expand their tourism industry and the; government aims to develop UAE as one of the biggest shopping destinations across the globe. A hidden or niche market which has always been overlooked but bring in the revenue to the destination is luxury re-sale retail travellers. This is a market which has always been on the sidelines as it is a trend only for those high-end travellers. From London to Dubai, the famous family-owned pre-loved store opened recently in Dubai to make it easier for high-end travellers to purchase or re-sell their goods in the luxury space. London’s leading luxury re-sale retailer ‘Love Luxury’ now opened in Dubai, located in Business Bay, the family-run store specialises in high-end pre-loved designer bags, jewellery and watches. As one of the UK’s largest retailers of pre-loved Chanel, Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels and Rolex, Love Luxury has expanded to the UAE, bringing their expertise, and second-to-none service to the people of Dubai. As well as sourcing the most in-demand high end accessories from the world’s leading luxury fashion houses, Love Luxury also offer same day pay-outs for those looking to sell or trade their pre-loved designer products, as well as offering a consignment option. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Adam and Emily Abraham shared with TTME their reason to select Dubai and how this venture would bring in many clientele from GCC as they all select …

Qatar Airways landed its first resumption flight at Yanbu, the airlines’ eighth connection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The non-stop service will operate two weekly flights on Wednesday and Sunday. To mark the resumed operations, passengers onboard the aircraft received special menu cards with exclusive design that reflects the distinctiveness of the occasion. Upon touchdown at Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport, water cannons saluted Qatar Airways flight QR1216 with showers of affection, signifying the renewed connection between Yanbu and Doha. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Yanbu back into our extensive network, comprised now of eight Saudi cities. This highlights our commitment to increasing travel options for passengers in the Saudi market, which remains one of the key global markets for Qatar Airways. We look forward to connecting travellers to and from Yanbu to over 170 destinations across the globe, while offering them an unrivalled travel experience onboard our state-of-the-art aircraft and through our multiple award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.” Offering two weekly flights to Yanbu, the new route aims to facilitate both business and leisure travel, further reinforcing Qatar Airways’ dedication to connecting travellers from six continents to some of the most sought-after destinations across Saudi Arabia. The addition of Yanbu operations compliments the airlines’ over 120 weekly flights to eight Saudi cities including AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Taif, Yanbu. Located on the Western Coast of Saudi Arabia, Yanbu, a coastal gem on the Red Sea, is renowned for its rich history, archaeological sites, and serene beaches. Known as the “Capital of Diving”, Yanbu represents a haven for all divers thanks to the vibrant underwater world …

STR data year-on-year up to September 2023 shows that average hotel occupancy in Manama is up by 5.9% compared to the same period in 2022, with RevPARs also up 4.9% YoY. This is despite average daily rates (ADRs) falling slightly at 1.0%. In July, it was announced that Edamah broke ground on two boutique hotels at Bilaj Al Jazayer – the four-star Avani and five-star Tivoli, both scheduled to open in 2025. Upon completion, the Bilaj Al Jazayer mixed-use 1.3 million square metre development master plan will also comprise residential villas and apartments, retail and F&B, entertainment and offices along the 3km beachfront. Fraser Suites is expanding its offering in Bahrain, signing with Seef Properties to operate in Al Liwan in Hamala. The new offering will provide 63 serviced apartment units, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, over three floors. The serviced apartment component is expected to open in Q4 2023. Heather Longden, Director – Advisory & Transactions, at CBRE in Bahrain comments: “We’ve seen slight uplifts in Bahrain’s hospitality and residential sectors in Q3 2023. In the residential market, although performance was mixed and quoted apartment sales rates dropped marginally year-on-on year, average quoted residential rents increased along with villa sales rates across the geographies. In the hospitality sector, occupancy rates increased by 5.9% compared to the same period in 2022 and RevPARs also grew by 4.9% in Manama. Other aspects of the market remained stable, as the commercial office and retail sectors continue to witness development with prominent projects due to complete soon, which will add to existing stock.”

Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel won ‘Best Luxury Halal Hotel’ at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Philistine Kharbouch – General Manager – Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel shared, “From the warm welcome to the meticulously planned program, every detail was handled with care and professionalism. It was evident that a tremendous amount of effort and dedication went into organizing such a successful event. Winning an Arabian Travel Award is a significant achievement and can instil a sense of pride. It reflects recognition for the hard work, dedication, and excellence of service performed by Jannah Burj Al Sarab Team. Definitely winning such Award is powerful motivator to strive for setting high standards, benchmark for excellence , responsibility which is driven by a commitment to maintaining and enhancing this positive image and reputation.”