More than 100 tourism representatives from Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland will gather in Dubai later this month at the Discover Europe Travel Summit with the aim of strengthening relationships and exploring new opportunities within the Middle East travel market. The two-day networking event will take place at 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central from April 29-30, the weekend immediately prior to the start of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the region’s largest travel exhibition. Promising an ideal prelude to ATM, Discover Europe is held in partnership with the European Travel Commission and set to draw attendance of at least 110 GCC buyers specialising in the culture and luxury sectors of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Set to feature presentations from the four national tourism boards along with one-to-one meetings and networking events, the summit will bring together buyers and exhibitors holding just under 4,500 meetings. Miguel Gallego, Head of Marketing at the European Travel Commission, said: “As we prepare to kick off the Discover Europe Travel Summit in Dubai, we are thrilled to be a partner at an event that has been collaborating with GCC buyers to strengthen our existing relationships and explore new opportunities. Our goal is to foster long-lasting partnerships and promote Europe’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty to the discerning travellers of the GCC region. We believe that by working together, we can create innovative travel experiences that showcase the best of what Europe has to offer and pave the way for a bright future of travel industry growth and success.” Michael Tauschmann, Head of Markets Middle East & India at the Austrian National Tourist Office, concluded: “It is an absolute privilege …

Advancing its sustainability efforts, Emirates and dnata have joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a voluntary global initiative that promotes responsible business practices and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “In the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, we are pleased to join the United Nations Global Compact, which is another step forward in the Emirates Group’s efforts to embed sustainable and responsible business practices across our operations. “Emirates and dnata have always taken a balanced approach to growth. Reflecting Dubai and the UAE’s long-term vision, we are tireless in our pursuit of excellence and progress, and we embrace the values of tolerance and respect. We will continue to invest in technologies, people, and partnerships to improve our business performance, expand our positive impact on the communities we serve, and reduce our environmental impact,” he added. As participants of the UNGC, Emirates and dnata commit to implementing the Global Compact’s Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, and to report on its progress on these efforts annually. The Group will benefit from access to the UNGC’s extensive tools and resources to engage with its employees across the globe and improve their learning and training in Sustainability. The Emirates Group’s ongoing environmental initiatives focus on 3 areas: emissions reduction, responsible consumption and the preservation of wildlife and habitats. In June 2022, dnata pledged US$100 million to be invested over 2 years to enhance environmental efficiency in its operations. In January, Emirates successfully operated a milestone demonstration flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one engine, supporting collective industry …

The event convened over 200 leading figures from the Dubai-based Chinese business community, underscoring DMCC’s commitment to attract Chinese businesses to Dubai. The event also included a panel discussion titled “Building business success in Dubai and the UAE with experiences from leading Chinese companies”. Speaking on the panel were senior members and representatives from China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Bank of China, China Mobile International Middle East & Africa, Dahua Technology, and Yingke & Shayan Legal Consulting. DMCC the world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, successfully hosted its China Business Day at Almas Tower, celebrating the growing commercial ties between the UAE and China, and how DMCC provides dedicated support to Chinese businesses looking to expand through Dubai. Commenting on the event, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers said: “The UAE represents one of the strongest economies in the region and as a natural partner of the Belt and Road Initiative, it has risen as a prominent global gateway for Chinese businesses, particularly with its unparalleled logistics infrastructure and position along the New Silk Road. China has always been a market of strategic importance to Dubai and the mutual investments between the two countries continue to witness strong growth in various economic and commercial sectors. Through the extensive efforts and support of organisations like DMCC, we look forward to continued collaboration and seeing the relationship between our countries thrive and prosper even more. We look forward, through our international offices, to strengthen the trade ties between Dubai and China and attract foreign direct Investments in line with the objectives and goals of Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).” As a leading …

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a sponsorship agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA). According to the agreement, RTA will be the Platinum Sponsor of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), which is organised by the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), DEWA, and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, for three sessions from 2023 to 2025. This supports the shared vision of DEWA and RTA to support the transition to a green economy and consolidate Dubai’s position as a global platform for sustainability. The agreement was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the WGEO; and HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. “The World Green Economy Summit, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is part of the UAE’s contributions to the global community’s collective effort to launch sustainable initiatives to help the world transition into a green economy. The Summit plays a fundamental role in supporting the UAE’s outstanding efforts in climate action, as well as supporting its firm commitment to sustainability, unwavering support for energy and climate change issues, and the development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. It also reflects the UAE’s effective and influential role in achieving sustainable, low-carbon economic growth and ensuring a better future for humanity. It provides a strategic platform for developing effective and proactive plans to combat climate change, enhance international cooperation and overcome climate change challenges and risks,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of …

In keeping with the overarching theme of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels will reaffirm its position as a steadfast advocate of sustainability during the four-day regional exhibition. From the design and production of its exhibition stand, to the eco practices on display, TIME Hotels will demonstrate its impressive environmental credentials at ATM 2023. From a design perspective, the TIME exhibition stand at ATM has been made from recycled materials, with the structure painted with biodegradable paint – a more eco-friendly alternative to toxin-based paints which take longer to break down. LED lighting illuminates the stand, which is more energy efficient and has a longer life span. To minimise the carbon footprint involved in the whole process, materials were delivered to the venue in a single trip. The stand will be reused at future events for the next three years (for the 2024 and 2025 editions of ATM) and materials will be stored in a sustainably run warehouse. Any materials that are not able to be reused will be taken to licensed recycling centres so that their journey can continue elsewhere. CEO of TIME Hotels, Mohamed Awadalla commented: “In the past decade, TIME Hotels has successfully implemented a number of market-leading environmental initiatives. We are delighted that sustainability takes the spotlight at ATM 2023 and look forward to sharing the latest news on our environmental practices. We have thought about every detail for our presence at ATM to ensure the sustainable goals and initiatives of TIME Hotels are met onsite.“ Visitors to the TIME Hotels stand at ATM 2023 will be able to learn about the hydroelectric energy and hydroponic farming initiatives at its properties in …

Experience Abu Dhabi announced its participation in the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2023 (ATM 2023) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 1–4 May. Experience Abu Dhabi’s stand will be over 30% bigger than that of 2022, inspired by stunning natural landscapes such as Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Al Ain Oasis and Saadiyat Beaches – and will engage guests, event participants and members of the media through immersive stand experiences. Revealing Abu Dhabi’s calendar of events and demonstrating the city’s untapped potential, Experience Abu Dhabi will reveal its latest ground-breaking summer campaign films, alongside new and exciting travel products to benefit visitors throughout the season and beyond. Alongside key stakeholders collectively sharing Abu Dhabi with the world, Experience Abu Dhabi will showcase the diversity of experiences that excite, inspire and restore, and highlight the emirate as a leading year-round destination. Representing Abu Dhabi, major Abu Dhabi stakeholders will present updates on events, experiences and attractions, including the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Etihad Arena and the world-class portfolio hotels and resorts across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi is also expected to announce and sign several Memorandums of Understanding and announcements of new developments and strategic partnerships for the year ahead. Arabian Travel Market is the market-leading international travel and tourism event. Assigning an industry-relevant theme each year, ATM 2023 will be presented under ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Visit Experience Abu Dhabi stand in hall two, stand number ME2410 and ME2450. Opening hours are: 11am – 6pm on Monday, 10am – 6pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 10am – 5pm on Thursday.  

Central Hotels & Resorts is participating in this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market from the 1st to the 4th of May, to highlight its ongoing sustainability practices and announce upcoming summer promotions. In line with the main theme of ATM 2023 which is “Working Towards Net Zero”, visitors and exhibitors can get insights into the sustainability activities across the properties of Central Hotels & Resorts including single-use plastics, energy-saving lighting and utilities and many more. “Truly sustainable and responsible tourism should make destinations better for people to live in and well as visit. This is what we are aiming to achieve across our properties and there’s no better platform to share our goals and vision that at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Key industry leaders and stakeholders from various sectors including destinations, travel platforms, airlines, hospitality, online travel agencies, and hotels will be attending the event so we will be learning from each other,” explains Abdulla Al Abdulla, COO, and Group General Manager. The leading global event for the travel industry in the Middle East will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will evolve and also identify strategies for growth within specific key vertical sectors. Along with other announcements, Central Hotels & Resorts will unveil its upcoming summer promotions, valid at C Central Resort The Palm, Royal Central Hotel The Palm and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay. Central Hotels & Resorts is keen on attracting guests from all markets including the USA, Canada, Italy, Australia, China and other European countries. “We have observed a strong recovery in the UAE’s hospitality industry following the pandemic based on recent statistics, occupancy rates, and investments. However, there will always be some challenges …

Representatives from more than 80 of the world’s leading travel technology companies are preparing to exhibit at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May. Over 2,000m2 of exhibition space will be dedicated to industry technology during the 30th edition of ATM, representing a 54.7% increase in sector participation compared to last year’s show. ATM 2023’s Travel Tech space will also be supplemented by a brand-new Sustainability Hub, which will shine a spotlight on the latest environmentally responsible travel trends and innovations. The ATM Travel Tech Stage sponsored by Sabre, will host a selection of in-depth panel discussions that will explore how modern innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data and Web3 are enabling seamless operations, professional development, payments, accessibility, sustainable travel and enhanced customer experiences. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to see such strong representation from travel technology professionals at this year’s show. Encouraging innovation is especially pertinent to ATM 2023 as it is a crucial component of our theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. It is essential for our industry to support and invest in the most promising technologies today in order to build a better and more sustainable travel sector for future generations.” Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Travel Tech Stage will host a series of innovation-centric discussions and events throughout the show. The first session, ‘Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel’, will see industry experts discuss how online tools are making it easier for consumers to mitigate their environmental impact when purchasing and planning trips. Moderated by Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO of …

Emirates announced it will launch a new daily service from Dubai to Montréal, starting 5 July. Montréal becomes Emirates’ second gateway in Canada, complementing its passenger services to Toronto, which have been operating to Ontario’s capital city since 2007. The launch of services to Montréal comes as the UAE and Canada aim to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations and stimulate benefits to the aviation and tourism sectors, in addition to enhancing trade flows and commercial links. The daily flights to the new destination will help cater to the huge demand for direct flights between Dubai and Canada, particularly to its two largest metropolitan hubs, and provide more choice for travellers when flying to Canada. Passengers from Montréal can enjoy the airline’s award-winning services to and through Dubai, and connect safely, seamlessly and efficiently to Emirates’ global network of over 130 destinations in over 70 countries and territories. The daily flights between Dubai and Montréal will operate as EK243/244 with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration, offering a premium travel experience across its cabins. Passengers can enjoy Emirates’ award-winning travel experience aboard its wide-body aircraft with 8 First Class suites, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 seats in Economy Class. Tickets to Montréal go on sale today for flights starting 5 July and can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents. The flights will operate with timings as follows (all times are local):

flynas has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) to launch five new international destinations. The destinations include the capitals of Iraq, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. This collaboration aims to facilitate the arrival of visitors to the Kingdom. Under the agreement, flynas will operate direct flights to Abuja, the Nigerian capital, from Jeddah, and direct flights between Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, and King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, as well as Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Three other destinations in Central Asia will be launched, including direct flights from Jeddah to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and Osh, the second largest city in the country. The fifth new direct flight will operate between Jeddah and Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. During the signing ceremony, Bander Almohanna, flynas CEO and Managing Director, stated: “The new agreement strengthens the partnership between flynas and the Air Connectivity Program, and supports the company’s growth and expansion strategy launched under the slogan ‘Connecting the World to the Kingdom’, which aims to reach 165 destinations.” Almohanna emphasized that connecting direct flights with these five new cities distributed between Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, will enhance flynas’ ability to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, and will open new horizons for tourism, trade exchange, and economic opportunities. It will also contribute to achieving the objectives of the Air Connectivity Program by establishing new routes. “The partnership between flynas and the Air Connectivity Program marks a significant milestone in the ecosystem’s efforts to facilitate travel to the Kingdom,” said Ali Rajab, CEO of ACP. ‘’By enabling direct air connectivity to these five new …