The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of the Kayanee Company (“Kayanee” or “the Company”), a unique lifestyle integrated concept designed to inspire and enhance women’s well-being in Saudi Arabia. Kayanee will focus on women’s health and lifestyle of future generations through six offerings, including fitness, apparel, personal care & treatments, nutrition & diagnostics, healthy eating and learning. Chaired by HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar, Kayanee will adopt a female-focused approach to all its services, prioritizing mental, physical and social health. In line with the Vision 2030 ambition to create a vibrant society, the company aims to reach over one million consumers. The establishment of Kayanee is part of PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors, localize technology, enable the private sector, drive the diversification of the local economy, and contribute to enhancing the quality of life, in line with Vision 2030. In an effort to ensure mass participation, a world-class digital platform will become the main gateway for Kayanee’s customers, providing seamless connection between in-person and online services.  The company will act as a catalyst for the rapid growth of health, well-being and fitness in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of the industry through collaboration with the private sector and across the value chain. Raid Ismail, Head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF said: “Kayanee will serve to expand Saudi Arabia’s SAR 16 billion fitness and well-being industry. It is a very exciting time for PIF to venture into women’s fitness, wellness and well-being, and Kayanee is well positioned to enable the industry through its integrated offering, which will see the company partner with the growing private sector to create a vibrant society.”

ADNEC Group has announced through its subsidiary, Capital Holiday, its full operational launch in Munich, marking a significant milestone in its vision to elevate Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. With a dedicated team in place, Capital Holidays is committed to supporting sustainable growth of tourism in the emirate. Driven by a shared passion for excellence, the Capital Holidays team is working to activate a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to streamline workflows and enhance collaborations between Capital Holidays and its trade partners, ensuring seamless travel experiences for tourists exploring Abu Dhabi. The inauguration of Tourism 365’s new office in Munich, operating under its subsidiary Capital Holidays, represents a strategic move to attract European leisure and business tourists to Abu Dhabi. This expansion aims to promote the emirate’s captivating tourist attractions in the European market while forging partnerships with tour operators. Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “The establishment of our Munich office reflects our commitment to creating lasting connections between Europe and Abu Dhabi. By providing convenient access to our exceptional destination through our European hub, we aim to showcase the richness of Abu Dhabi’s offerings to travellers, entrepreneurs, and investors alike. This move is evidence of ADNEC’s dedication to bolstering the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector on an international scale.” The strategic location of the new office in Munich positions Capital Holidays to cater to the unique preferences of European travellers. Through targeted marketing initiatives, Capital Holidays will highlight Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural heritage, modern infrastructure and unparalleled hospitality. Emphasis will be placed on the city’s iconic landmarks, thriving arts and culture scene, and world-class business facilities to foster a deeper understanding of …

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), the PIF-owned entertainment and recreation company, has announced its construction work on its new attraction-filled destination in Almadinah at an investment of SAR 1.3 billion. The project aligns with the Saudi region’s aims to build vibrant communities and improve everyone’s quality of life. Construction at Almadinah has started with BUJV, a joint venture by Al Bawani Co. Ltd. and UrbaCon Trading & Contracting, appointed to carry out the construction works.   Abdullah AlDawood, Chairman, SEVEN, said: “Our entertainment destination in Almadinah will transform the entertainment landscape of the region and bring new, unique, and exciting experiences to the people of Almadinah supporting SEVEN’s aims to enrich the quality of life for millions of Saudis.” Fakher AlShawaf, Group CEO, Albawani Holding, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate once again with SEVEN on this groundbreaking project, which aims to establish an exceptional entertainment destination in the holy city of Almadinah.” Ramez Al Khayat, Group Managing Director, UCC Holding, said: “This is an exciting project to add to our portfolio. As a leading international construction and contracting company with a wealth of expertise, we will deliver SEVEN’s entertainment destination with our signature superior quality.” Visitors can expect immersive experiences from exceptional rides set within a 4,000-square-meter family entertainment center. There will also be an e-karting track, with 330+ meters of track covering two levels; a Discovery Adventures center offering treks, treehouse trails, and other jungle-themed challenges and educational missions; and a Play-Doh entertainment center will spark children’s imaginations with three different sensorial zones.   SEVEN supports PIF’s mandate to create a sustainable entertainment, leisure and sports sector, alongside Saudi Arabia’s aim to welcome 100 million visitors …

The latest property to be added on to the Address Hotels and Resorts is the opening of Address Beach Resort in Egypt. The stylish destination in the northern coast of Egypt boasts of 118 hotel keys, 169 serviced apartments, 48 private cabanas, and 21 day-use cabanas. With its own private beach and white sandy shore, the resort takes influence from its coastal location, destination, navigators from the past, and the beautiful crystal waters. A few steps away from all that Marassi has to offer, guests at Address Beach Resort Marassi will have everything their hearts desire in one place. Enjoy taking strolls along the resort’s private beach, swim in one of the three pools, or take refuge in the Spa while the kids are entertained at Qix Club, as no matter what you choose, the team at Address are there to ensure a memorable stay.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) celebrated the graduation of 56 Emirati students from its 2023 Tourism Youth Summer Camp, a two-week introduction to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality industry where participants nurtured essential teamwork and leadership skills, gained hands-on experience and received insights from professionals within the field. The graduation ceremony, held at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas was attended by the students and their parents, as well as key industry partners and government officials including H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasseri, Executive Director of Small & Medium Enterprises, Department Of Economic Development; Shaikha Al Nuwais, Vice President Owner Relationship Management at Rotana Groups; Hamad Mohammed Alsudain, Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Director at DCT Abu Dhabi; Mouza Theib Al Mansoori, Recruitment Department Manager at Human Resources Authority; and Najla Al Nahdi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi National Hotels. In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, DCT Abu Dhabi’s annual Tourism Youth Summer Camp allows young UAE nationals interested in exploring a career in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industries to learn about Abu Dhabi as a tourism and cultural destination. The programme includes a work placement at one of the emirate’s top hotels, where participants discover the different components of the tourism business and how they contribute to the growth and development of the emirate’s economy. At the end of the programme, each student is equipped with knowledge and experience in various aspects of the tourism and culture sectors and an understanding of their important role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambitions, having gained valuable professional skills and greater confidence to pursue a career in the industry.

Starting August 31st, 2023, SalamAir will operate three weekly flights from Muscat to Baghdad. The new route is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  In parallel, starting from the 1st of October, SalamAir will operate two flights per week to Peshawar every Monday and Thursday. Peshawar is their fourth destination in Pakistan, after Sialkot, Multan, and Karachi. “We’re excited to unveil Peshawar and Baghdad as our latest destinations, a testament to our six years of successful operations. We have now extended our network to cover 41 airports spanning three continents,” Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir. He emphasized, “These new routes signify our achievement in elevating connectivity between Oman and the global while reinforcing the momentum of the tourism movement from and to the Sultanate. Now, the SalamAir network consists of 41 destinations; SalamAir flies to domestic destinations, including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Duqm, and Masirah, and international destinations Dubai, Fujairah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Baghdad, Shiraz, Tehran, Mashhad, Istanbul, Rize, Trabzon, Alexandria, Beirut, Almaty, Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Prague, Sarajevo, Bangkok, Phuket, Colombo, Chattogram, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Trivandrum. SalamAir flies directly from Suhar to Salalah, Shiraz, Trabzon, and Salalah to Muscat, Suhar, Fujairah, Madinah, Bahrain, and Calicut.

Qatar Airways, the Title Sponsor of Qatar MotoGP™, and Qatar Airways Holidays – the airline’s leisure division, have launched the MotoGP™ travel packages for the upcoming Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2023 ™ race which will take place from 17-19 November 2023. The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2023 MotoGPTM Travel Packages include return flights on Qatar Airways, hotel accommodation, and race tickets that feature unique experiences across the entire racing event. Fans can choose from the Main Grandstand Qatar MotoGP™ Experience and the Qatar Airways MotoGP™ VIP Village experience. Privilege Club members can collect Avios on travel packages, and members from select countries can also use Cash + Avios to book packages. Discover Qatar,  the airline’s destination management company, is currently offering tickets only to the Main Grandstand Qatar MotoGP™ for all three race days. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It gives Qatar Airways great pride to support MotoGP™ and help fans travel to our beautiful home in Qatar. The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2023 gives fans the exclusive opportunity to experience the distinguished Lusail International Circuit, a course that has cemented itself as one of the most, highly coveted racing venues for premier motorcycle road racing. It is an event that motorsport devotees do not want to miss out on.”

Emirates announces that its codeshare partnership with Air Canada has extended to include flights to and from Montréal, following the launch of services to Québec’s largest city in July. Emirates customers will now be able to plan travel between 11 of the most popular domestic points beyond Montréal and destinations on Emirates’ expansive network, utilising the services of both airlines conveniently on a single ticket. The expanded network of Canadian points included in the codeshare partnership between Emirates and Air Canada now extends to 11 destinations via Montréal, with an additional 69 points accessible from the gateway, on an interline basis. Tickets are available via emirates.com and preferred travel agencies. The codeshare partnership between Emirates and Air Canada enables customers to enjoy flexibility and choice with smooth connections via Canada’s two largest cities to points such as Halifax, Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary – perfect for leisure and business travellers or those visiting family or friends. From Toronto, Emirates’ customers can travel to 19 points whilst enjoying codeshare benefits, and an extra 100, made possible through an interline arrangement. Customers travelling from Canadian cities can easily connect to Emirates’ services in Montréal or Toronto to travel to exciting destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, via the airline’s hub in Dubai. On its flights to and from Toronto, Emirates offers daily services to Dubai, onboard its popular flagship A380 aircraft. The world’s largest international airline also operates seven weekly flights between Montréal and Dubai, utilising its other widebody aircraft – the Boeing 777 – enabling passengers to plan their travel itineraries to global destinations, with seamless connectivity. Travellers with itineraries on Emirates’ flights can plan their entire trip on a …

Hilton is continuing its expansion across Saudi Arabia with the signing of Hilton Dammam Airport, its first airport hotel in the country. The 273-key property will be completed in partnership with Al Musbah Group and Damman Airports Company (DACO). Hilton Dammam Airport will offer guests spacious and contemporary accommodation with direct skywalk access to the terminal building at King Fahd International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia which welcomes approximately 10 million passengers per year. The property is also ideally located for Dammam City Centre, as well as Dharan, Khobar, and nearby Bahrain. King Fahd International Airport serves as a hub for Saudia Airlines, Aramco Aviation, and FlyNas, with flights to over 70 international destinations by over 50 airlines. It also operates a dedicated Saudi Aramco terminal and Oxford-authorized training centre, an aviation academy, and a large-scale cargo village. Mohammed Al Hassani, CEO, Dammam Airports Company (DACO) expressed his pride in this agreement, and its positive impact for the future of passenger services at the airport, adding, “We are delighted to work with our partners Al Musbah Group and Hilton to develop this new Hilton hotel at the busy King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. We are confident the Al Musbah Group and Hilton partnership will be a great, long-term success.” Hilton Dammam Airport will feature a combination of 273 guest rooms, junior suites, as well as larger one and two-bedroom suites. Featuring an all-day dining restaurant, complete with an outdoor terrace, a café, an outdoor pool with adjacent café, and fitness centres, the hotel will have a range of leisure facilities for guests to enjoy. Hilton Dammam Airport will also offer state-of-the-art meeting facilities for business …

Hilton announced it has signed two hotels under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands in Abha city’s iconic The Point development. Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point will feature a combined total of 250 guest rooms, suites, and residences, paired with state-of-the-art facilities for guests to enjoy. The shared amenities are complete with an indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, multiple dining outlets, and a children´s pool and kids club. The hotels will also be well-positioned to cater for large-scale leisure and business events, with 600 square metres of outdoor event space, a 500-square-metre ballroom, and 250 additional square metres of meeting space. The properties have been signed with Red Sea Aseer Fund, a fund made up of unitholders from Red Sea Markets and the Tourism Development Fund, and a project developed by SEDCO Development and managed by Saudi Fransi Capital. The announcement follows the signing of Hilton´s Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Development Fund to develop iconic leisure tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia. Work on Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point has already received a number of prestigious accolades, particularly for the interior design of the properties, winning “Highly Commended” in the Saudi Commercial Interior Design Awards, Interior Design of The Year: Concept category; “Best Future Concept” in the Commercial Interior Design Awards: Hospitality category; as well as “Highly Commended” in Global RLI Awards, RLI Future Project.