Sharjah Airport launched an exciting summer campaign under the slogan ‘Summer at Sharjah Airport’, focusing on providing passengers with enhanced and seamless travel experiences, with special attention to enriching the journey for children. This campaign reinforces the Airport’s unwavering commitment to delivering an array of smart and innovative services, guaranteeing seamless travel procedures and exceptional experiences while elevating its status as one of the best airports in the region. The campaign, scheduled to last until August 22, 2023, includes a series of engaging and fun-filled itinerary of activities and events, along with gift giveaways. The campaign aims to provide passengers of all ages, especially children, an enjoyable and memorable experience during their time at the Airport, making their waiting time an exciting part of their journey.

Travelport confirmed the integration with Deem and Travelport+. The announcement comes just months after Travelport publicized the game-changing acquisition, a move intended to fulfill a growing need for a tight, fully-integrated tool that provides access and end-to-end servicing of all multi-source content, including NDC. “Business travelers want, and deserve, the same modern retailing experience as leisure travelers,” said John Elieson, COO and Deputy CEO of Travelport. “When Travelport announced the acquisition of Deem in March, it was with the intention of providing the corporate travel world with award-winning, complementary tools that are as revolutionary, modern, and easy-to-use as Travelport+. We’ve not only delivered on that promise, but are proud to confirm the integration of the Deem and Travelport+ platforms.” Together, Deem and Travelport are modernizing the corporate travel experience. Travel management companies (TMCs), corporations and their travelers that utilize Deem and Travelport+ will be able to access a wide range of rich and relevant content, all in one place, enhanced by the Content Curation Layer (CCL). This Travelport+ feature uses powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) capabilities to provide agents and travelers a more modern retailing experience with faster search responses, more pertinent results, and greater accuracy. When seamlessly integrated with Deem’s award-winning, modern user interface, this will allow travelers to stay within their corporate policies while ensuring bookings (including NDC) are fully serviceable. In the 150 days since the acquisition, Deem has continued to thrive, with notable moments such as: Being named a Champion in Software Reviews 2023 Travel Management Emotional Footprint Awards Expanding to support global customers in more than 60 countries Achieving a net score of 9.5 in a customer satisfaction survey, a nearly two-point lead …

As the UAE government is currently streamlining visa regulations by unifying fines for overstaying their visas. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has standardized the fine on visa overstay. Residents, tourists and visit visa holders who overstay will now pay AED 50 per day instead of the previous AED 100. The new policy ensures compliance with visa rules and encourages timely renewal. Officials request expatriates and tourists to visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship websites and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to facilitate a smoother visa process.

Abu Dhabi International Airport announced the airport’s traffic results for the first half of 2023 which show healthy figures and outstanding growth in passenger numbers, flights and cargo movement. The figures confirm a significant increase of 67% in passenger traffic as 10,258,653 passengers passed through Abu Dhabi international Airport between 1 January and 30 June 2023, compared to 6,158,376 passengers served during the same period last year. Abu Dhabi International Airport also recorded 67,835 flights, a notable increase of 36% compared to 49,919 flights during H1 2022. Abu Dhabi International Airport’s network continues to expand rapidly with 114 destinations served by 27 airlines during H1 2023. The destinations with the highest passenger traffic served by Abu Dhabi International Airport during the period included Mumbai (461,081), London (374,017), Delhi (331,722), Kochi (316,460) and Doha (261,117).

IHG® Hotels & Resorts and Sharjah Asset Management announced the signing of a management agreement to bring a voco hotel to Sharjah, UAE. The new hotel is poised to contribute to the growth and advancement of Sharjah’s tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world. As the first IHG hotel in the Emirate, the voco hotel aims to open in 2027. It will comprise 191 rooms, helping boost Sharjah’s offering as one of the top destinations in the region. The hotel will be located in a prime position near the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club on the Al Dhaid-Masafi Road, and will offer convenient access to Sharjah International Airport. As part of a masterplan encompassing retail spaces, offices, and SAM’s headquarters, the vibrant mixed-use environment is expected to attract tourists, business, and corporate guests.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will ramp up frequencies to destinations across its network during the Northern Summer 2024 operating season (31 March 2024 to 26 October 2024), supporting the strong demand for air travel to its key markets. This includes increasing flight frequencies to pre-pandemic levels across multiple points and exceeding them in some. Destinations include Dubai (the United Arab Emirates), Beijing and Shanghai (China), Da Nang (Vietnam), Darwin, Melbourne, and Perth (Australia), Tokyo-Haneda (Japan) and many others. Details of Singapore Airlines’ changes to its flight schedules between Dubai and Singapore are as follows. All times stated are local. All flight services are subject to regulatory approvals, and the aircraft deployment is subjected to operational requirements. Tickets will be available for sale progressively through SIA’s various distribution channels. THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES From 31 March 2024, SIA will mount a new four-times weekly service between Singapore and Dubai (SQ496 and SQ497) with the A350-900 medium-haul aircraft. This will bring services between the two cities from seven-times weekly to 11-times weekly, exceeding the pre-pandemic levels.       Ms JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said: “With the release of SIA’s Northern Summer schedules, our customers can plan ahead and start to make their travel plans for 2024. Our customers will be able to enjoy greater choice and flexibility when they travel with us, as SIA continues to adjust and expand our network in response to demand patterns.” For the full news release, please see attached or click here

Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visas to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan for leisure, business and religious (Umrah only) travel. Nationals of these countries can apply for a Saudi visitor visa ahead of their journey via the official e-visa portal at visitsaudi.com/en/travel-regulations Saudi is reimaging the tourism experience, with the famously warm and generous Saudi welcome – known as Hafawah – at the heart of its plans. The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries and permits a stay of up to 90 days. And Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries with ease. From visiting Saudi’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, snorkeling and diving in Saudi’s Red Sea – one of the world’s most spectacular undiscovered diving spots, wandering Taif’s world-famous Rose Gardens, shopping like a local in Riyadh’s Deira Souq, chartering the unknown on land in the lush, green Asir region and tasting Saudi’s diverse and delicious culinary scene from fragrant Arabic dishes to internationally-renowned fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone. Since launching the e-visa program in 2019, Saudi welcomed 93.5 million visits in 2022, a 93% increase compared to 2021, resulting in a tourism spend of SAR185 billion (USD49 billion). This rapid tourism growth is due to expanding visa initiatives, which now include 57 nations and two special administrative regions, compared to the initial 49 countries at the program’s launch. In 2022, Saudi extended regulations to provide a visitor e-visa to holders of valid Schengen, United Kingdom and United States of America visas that have been used to enter those countries before arriving in Saudi …

Abu Dhabi Airports announced that daily non-stop flights operated by Air France-KLM connecting Abu Dhabi and Paris will be resumed starting October 2023. The return of this route will create additional avenues for business, trade and tourism between Abu Dhabi and France. Abu Dhabi International Airport’s expanding network currently encompasses 114 passenger destinations in 61 countries with 23 airlines operating flights. Elena Sorlini, Abu Dhabi Airports’ Acting Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This renewed partnership between Abu Dhabi Airports and Air France contributes to bolstering the existing business relations between Paris and Abu Dhabi, while affirming our commitment to enhancing connectivity from and to the UAE’s capital. The highly anticipated resumption of flights reinforces Abu Dhabi International Airport’s standing as a gateway to the United Arab Emirates and the region. We look forward to catering to the diverse needs of travellers from France and facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between the two countries.” Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM, added: “Air France is poised to reinstate daily non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Paris, further connecting the United Arab Emirates to Europe and beyond. Abu Dhabi has emerged as a major and rapidly growing destination in the Middle East, and we are proud to join hands with such a reputable airport owner and operator to elevate the city’s global presence and attract travelers seeking unique and enriching experiences.”

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The MoU is intended to expand cooperation and investment between the two entities, enabling new and promising investments in the Sultanate of Oman’s (Oman) rapidly growing economy. The MoU provides benefits and incentives for PIF and its portfolio companies, which intend to unlock investment opportunities in Oman. The MoU also represents a significant milestone in PIF’s and OIA’s strategic partnership as it aims to expand PIF’s portfolio in Oman, building on the recent establishment of the Saudi Omani Investment Company (SOIC), a PIF-wholly owned company, which intends to invest up to USD5 billion in promising sectors in Oman. SOIC recently closed its first investment in Oman as a 20% anchor investor in Abraj Energy Services’ IPO and continues to seek other investment opportunities with OIA and its companies. Through this MoU, PIF aims to streamline its investment activities in Oman across a wide range of asset classes and target industries. The OIA is expected to explore attractive investment opportunities for cooperation and partnership with PIF, in addition to providing all aspects of support required in the Omani market.

Fairmont Ramla serviced residences Riyadh, Fairmont’s first serviced residences in KSA, is now open to the public. With 249 exquisite residences, Fairmont Ramla seamlessly blends authentic Saudi heritage with modern luxury apartments, which range in size from spacious one-bedroom suites to four-bedroom penthouses. More than just a place to stay, Fairmont Ramla promises an unforgettable journey immersed in rich cultural details. Standing tall with its magnificent 35 floors, the property graces Riyadh’s skyline as a symbol of opulent living, offering an unparalleled experience and lifestyle. Jointly unveiled by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in partnership with Naif AL Rajhi Investment, this architectural masterpiece proudly resides in the vibrant heart of Riyadh, poised to become the epitome of sophistication and comfort for discerning travelers and families seeking a sense of home during extended stays. The hotel’s leisure facilities embody uncompromising luxury. Two stunning rooftop infinity pools reflect the azure skies, while two state-of-the-art gyms provide a haven for wellness for men and women. Atop these lavish amenities, guests are greeted with breathtaking vistas of Riyadh’s cityscape. Fairmont Ramla also caters to families, weaving a captivating tale of leisure. At the heart of this narrative lies the Falcon Kids Club, a sanctuary for our young guests aged 4-12. Within this enchanting world, children can enjoy educational and sporting adventures, allowing parents to steal away moments of relaxation.