Swiss-AS officially announced the signing of a strategic agreement with the emerging Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, for the implementation of our Aviation Maintenance and Engineering software solution AMOS. As a national carrier, Riyadh Air will play a significant role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s economic and cultural interests globally, aiding in the development of Riyadh as a major destination in the Middle East. The signing ceremony took place in Dubai, with representatives from both Riyadh Air and Swiss-AS present to celebrate the occasion after their extraordinary debut at Dubai Airshow 2023 and the unveiling of several commercial agreements with leading companies such as IBM, Lucid Motors, Lufthansa Systems, and Saudia. The newly signed partnership will involve aligning AMOS’s capabilities with Riyadh Air’s strategic goals, such as enhancing customer satisfaction, improving operational reliability, and driving innovation in maintenance operations. AMOS as a best-in-class solution The selection of AMOS follows a rigorous and meticulous evaluation, which positioned AMOS as the comprehensive software solution that will seamlessly integrate with Riyadh Air’s evolving ecosystem IT systems landscape. The airline is currently in the process of selecting and defining the solutions essentials for its commercial operations planned for 2025. A critical aspect of this partnership relies on AMOS’s ability to integrate Riyadh Air’s evolving fleet, accommodate new aircraft types and drive the carrier’s sustainability mission for engineering. AMOS is planned to closely integrate with the carriers’ digital initiatives to reach its sustainability goals. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s commitment to optimise its maintenance operations from the very start, with the goal of achieving the highest overall efficiency through AMOS. AMOS will be covering all aspects of the maintenance, engineering, and logistics …

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), in collaboration with Miral are partnering to welcome a trade summit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi from 22 – 24 January 2024. IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, continues to support the Middle East region with in-person offerings by welcoming attendees to this event. The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit will take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 22 to 24 January, 2024, after a successful trade summit in Riyadh last year. The full summit agenda offers access to the Trade Connections Area with 41 companies, a selection of educational sessions, networking events, and EDUTours like a visit to the brand-new SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – the region’s first marine life theme park. These EDUtours will also include three more visits to Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with the record-breaking Formula Rossa; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi; and Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Attendees can register now and secure one of the limited spots for the Full Summit packages that include the EDUTours. Education sessions cover a variety of topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the challenges of digital transformation, and building destinations and attractions in a sustainable manner. Peter van der Schans, Vice President and Executive Director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, Africa, said: “The Middle East is an important region and IAAPA is looking to build more relationships there while growing our membership. Abu Dhabi and the UAE have worked hard for years to build a vibrant attractions industry. We can’t wait to learn from their newest expansions.”

The Public Investment Fund (PIF)  announced the establishment of “Dan Company,” specializing in agritourism and ecotourism. Dan’s first project will be located in Al-Ahsa region and will cover 1.8 million square meters. It will feature an eco-resort, an agri-resort and an adventure resort, each catering for a niche market in the tourism sector, providing exceptional visitor experiences and offerings designed to meet the aspirations of a wide variety of tourists. The company plans to develop unique tourism projects around cities across Saudi Arabia with attractive natural and farmed landscapes. Dan aims to involve local communities in providing experiences that allow visitors to fully interact in harmony with distinctive Saudi regional culture and traditions including arts, crafts, local cuisines and culture. The term “agritourism” refers to visitor experiences related to traditional farming, while “ecotourism” focuses on experiencing nature and minimizing environmental impact. As enablers for local communities, Dan’s projects will also provide Saudi and international visitors with new experiences by granting franchises to farmers and tourist lodge operators that will receive the training and knowledge they need to help them start and build their own facilities. Additionally, the company will provide investment opportunities for the private sector and create direct and indirect job opportunities. The agritourism resort will celebrate the unique produce of Al-Ahsa – which is especially famous for its rice and dates. The resort will offer various experiences to connect hands on with earth and nature through seasonal farming, harvesting and cooking farm-sourced products, emphasizing the field-to-plate experience. Meanwhile both the eco-resort and adventure resorts will focus on providing experiences to connect and interact with the landscape. The eco-resort will utilize local materials with low carbon emissions, preserving the region’s …

The Tower Plaza Hotel won the title as Best leisure and business hotel at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Haitham Galal – General Manager – The Tower Plaza Hotel shared, “The event was amazing, gathering leaders from the hospitality and travel industry, creating a valuable platform for recognition, networking and collaboration.  It offered a platform to celebrate excellence and innovation in the hospitality and tourism field. Winning an Arabian Travel Award is an immense honour, validating our dedication to enhancing business and leisure travel experiences for our guests. It’s a tangible proof of our success and a strong reminder of the trust our guests have placed in us. Receiving the Arabian Travel Award has ignited a strong sense of inspiration within our team.  This recognition motivates us to further innovate, enhance our services, push our boundaries to set new benchmarks in the industry and continue to strive for excellence in achieving more in the future.”  

RAK Properties announced its strategic relationship with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the introduction of ‘Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab’ on Hayat Island. The 156-key Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab will offer studio, one and two-bedroom apartments blending contemporary design with spacious layouts. The 14-storey tower will feature a fully equipped fitness centre, breakfast and restaurant areas, combining idyllic island style living with the warm and authentic Arabic hospitality. Guests will also have direct beach access as well as benefit from the luxurious offering of the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, located within walking distance. IHG has had a successful partnership with RAK Properties since the signing and opening of InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah in 2022. A testament to their collaborative excellence, the hotel is renowned for its luxurious accommodation, world-class dining options and exceptional spa experiences, making it an all-encompassing destination for travellers. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO, RAK Properties, commented: “We are delighted to partner with one of the world’s leading hotel companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to open our first Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah. We’re witnessing a trend of blended stay, where guests arrive for business but then stay longer for personal travel, and we are plugging the gap for long serviced stay in the emirate. This concept will help us diversify and enhance our hospitality portfolio on Hayat Island, as well as contribute to our food & beverage offering as we look to add considerable additional appeal to our overall hospitality offering on Mina Al Arab.” According to a report by global network InterNations, Ras Al Khaimah has been ranked world’s fourth best city for expatriates to live and work, based …

VFS Global secures its title of Best Visa Outsourcing Company at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Atul Marwah, chief operating officer – MENA, VFS Global shared, “We are honoured to have been felicitated by the Arabian Travel Awards at yet another glittering ceremony in Dubai. This accolade encourages us to continue providing best-in-class services and seamless customer experiences in the Middle East. On behalf of VFS Global I congratulate all the winners of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023, and wish the team continued success in the years to come.”

Kempinski Hotels is returning to the Kingdom of Bahrain with a landmark hotel and residences in a new development in Bahrain Harbour, signing a deal with Infracorp, which currently has more than US $3 billion in assets under management. Kempinski Bahrain Harbour and The Residences at Kempinski Bahrain Harbour, will occupy one of three signature towers that are part of the mixed-use Bahrain Harbour development. The property will boast 74 guestrooms situated on the upper floors and an additional 186 Kempinski branded residences spread across the rest of the building, which is expected to open its doors by the end of 2025. “This landmark development re-establishes our foothold in Bahrain and our long-standing commitment to the Middle East,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG. “At Kempinski Bahrain Harbour, guests will discover a warm European welcome in a setting that reflects the riches of the Arabian Gulf; a modern and sophisticated environment set around a wonderful marina at the heart of Bahrain’s financial district. We are thrilled to be partnering with Infracorp on this prestigious project.” Elegant and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites at Kempinski Bahrain Harbour and The Residences at Kempinski Bahrain Harbour, will be one of the highest towers in the Kingdom, offering elevated views across the marina and Manama skyline from floor-to- ceiling windows and private balconies. The guestrooms and branded residences will feature contemporary style interiors with soft colours, marble features and wooden textures, with accented feature walls and brass fixtures. Guests will also have access to a stunning rooftop swimming pool offering remarkable views, spa and wellness facilities, a fully equipped panoramic gym, tennis courts, …

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.