Emirates announced it will launch a new daily service from Dubai to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, starting 3 June connecting Colombia with the United Arab Emirates, the new services will establish a historic first-ever link between the greater Middle East region and the northern part of the South American continent. Emirates’ entry into Bogotá will expand its South American network to four gateways, complementing its scheduled services to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. The latest destination will also enhance the airline’s operations in the Americas to now serve 19 points across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. The daily services will link Dubai and Bogotá via Miami, with Emirates set to become the first airline to offer a host of premium services on the popular route between south Florida and Colombia. Commenting on the launch of the new route and destination, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “We’ve long wanted to serve Colombia, and the addition of Bogotá to our network is part of our strategy to deliver better connectivity, expand options and choice for travellers and provide unparalleled premium experiences on the ground and in the air. The launch of our daily operations to the dynamic capital of Colombia also underscores our deep commitment to South America, and is poised to foster increased business and leisure travel opportunities for customers. “There is a huge demand for travel to and from Bogotá and we can’t wait for customers to experience Emirates’ signature products and services on the flights between Bogotá and Dubai as well as between Bogotá and Miami. We would like to thank all the authorities involved for supporting our plans and making this …

flydubai inaugurated its operations to Langkawi and Penang becoming the first carrier to serve the two airports with a daily service from Dubai. With the start of flights to Penang and Langkawi, flydubai expands its network in Southeast Asia to four destinations in two countries, including Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, and Krabi and Pattaya in Thailand. Commenting on the start of flights, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to see our presence grow in Southeast Asia with the addition of Penang and Langkawi to our growing network. flydubai remains committed to opening up underserved markets and with the start of our daily service, we look forward to offering our passengers more opportunities to explore the beautiful region.” The timing of the inaugural flight on the first day of Chinese New Year presents an exciting opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the multicultural festivities and vibrant events leading up to the 15 days of Chinese New Year celebrations in Penang. Through an array of Chinese New Year activities, Penang invites visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic cultural landscape, embracing the essence of the Lunar New Year celebrations. YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), said: “we are thrilled that flydubai has introduced Dubai to Penang and Langkawi, marking the first new direct flight route for our airport this year. We believe this will be another key international route from Penang, and we applaud flydubai’s efforts to make Penang a destination of choice for many regional travellers.” The two new Malaysian destinations offer visitors from the UAE, and across the …

SpaceKnow, a New York-based technology company dedicated to transforming space data into actionable intelligence has announced the launch of SpaceGuardian in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SpaceGuardian is the first approved company dedicated to satellite imagery and AI analysis to launch in Saudi Arabia. Majid Alghaslan, Chairman & CEO of Front End Limited Company and Founder & Partner of SpaceGuardian, and Jerry Javornicky, CEO and Co-Founder of SpaceKnow entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement to launch SpaceGuardian in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) 2024 that took place in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia from February 12-14, 2024. The agreement marks a significant leap forward in leveraging satellite imagery and AI analysis to empower various sectors across the Kingdom. SpaceGuardian specializes in applying machine learning AI on satellite imagery to facilitate economic activities, energy and commodities analysis, environmental assessments, construction progress tracking, and more. Speaking on the occasion, Majid Alghaslan, said, “The historic launch of SpaceGuardian marks a pivotal moment for the entire technological and industrial landscape of Saudi Arabia. As the inaugural company dedicated to satellite imagery and AI analysis, this partnership embraces innovation and progress that will propel Saudi Arabia into a new era of digital transformation.” Jerry Javornicky, CEO and Co-Founder of SpaceKnow remarked, “Majid Alghaslan has a long history of bringing the most innovative companies into the Kingdom, so for us, collaborating with Majid was the ideal way to enter Saudi Arabia. We aim to revolutionize the AI-powered geospatial analytics market and to bring our technology to multiple sectors, starting with infrastructure monitoring, carbon sequestration, and security applications.” SpaceGuardian’s innovative approach to satellite imagery analysis and AI integration offers a myriad …

Frasers Hospitality opened Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain, its third property in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Distinctively premium, Fraser Suites properties are timelessly elegant and located in highly desirable addresses, offering thoughtful service curated for the most discerning travellers. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain premieres a diverse range of 63 thoughtfully designed premium apartment suites set to redefine luxury living in the Kingdom of Bahrain, catering to both business and leisure travellers with an elevated home-away-from-home experience. Accommodations include nine one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom serviced suites ranging from 107 sqm to 192 sqm. Guests can take advantage of in-suite dining facilities, the L’una breakfast buffet or can visit N’ovetto, the property’s lobby café managed by award-winning chef Susy Massetti. N’ovetto, meaning ‘little egg’ will debut the chef’s first quick serve café and offers guests breakfast and a variety of fresh food throughout the day including cakes and pastries crafted in Massetti’s Al Liwan bakery, delivering the same exceptional quality that patrons have come to expect at Massetti’s nearby restaurant N’ovo. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain is strategically located in the vibrant Al Hamala neighbourhood, a suburban area in the northwestern region of the main island providing guests with modern amenities and convenient proximity to Dumistan Beach, the Sakhir Desert in Al Riffa and the town of Zallaq, home to the Al Zallaq Mosque. For a cultural experience, UNESCO world heritage site, Dilmun Burial Mounds, is also within easy reach. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain becomes the cornerstone of Seef Properties’ mixed-use Al Liwan development – a new entertainment district offering direct access to the Al Liwan Mall. designed to cater to a ‘Live, Work, and Play’ lifestyle. Steps …

Marriott International announced its plans to strengthen their commitment towards hospitality with some key campaigns in the region as well as obtaining the “Green Key” certification for all their properties. Speaking at a media gathering Sandeep Walia COO Middle East Marriott International shared, “Mangroves store carbon dioxide give out oxygen four times more than trees so you will see more mangrove plants. We started our journey this year in Ajman in January then we move into Dubai and Fujairah and we started in Saudi as well. St.Regis Red Sea in Saudi is 100% renewable energy on this island. All local, solar energy being generated and 100% on the whole island for everything is renewable. Zero waste in terms of food as well. We want to see that we don’t throw away. We have a responsibility and opportunity for us to make a change. Water will be a big thing and being mindful and instead of flying bottles making it locally and reduce the transport of bottles. Sustainability is engraved into everything we do, everybody is asking about it, whether it is the traveller, booker or operator, everybody is getting into it and doing the right thing. It is no longer a trend, but it is the way forward and here to stay which is the good part. It is the part where we give back to the community and the area we take it from so a lot we did in that space in 2023. We started this big project of mangroves which we started from the UAE itself. We partnered with Etihad, and we conducted mangrove planting in Abu Dhabi but instead of doing a few we did a …

Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will be held at the iconic Dubai Harbour district from 28 February – 3 March 2024. Celebrating its landmark 30th edition, expects over 30,000 visitors. The UAE’s most extravagant international boat show will feature more than 1,000 brands and 200+ boats from globally renowned shipyards including Azimut, Sunseeker Gulf, Gulf Craft, Finnmaster, HP Watermakers, Oceano and Althaus Yachts. With 46 boat launches planned for this year’s event, Dubai International Boat Show, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), continues to build on a three-decade legacy of hosting the world’s largest marine brands in Dubai and providing a sales and networking platform of paramount importance for the largest homegrown manufacturers and global distributors. IMG Boats is set to make three global launches at the show, while Riviera Boats and Al Fajer are preparing to launch two new boats each. Regional launches are expected from SF Yachts, Williams Tender, Ferretti and many more. At the event’s press conference, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show, said: “As the Dubai International Boat Show embarks on a new chapter in its illustrious history for its 30th edition this year, the event continues to be a comprehensive platform for premiering innovations and welcoming new maritime companies and brands into the local industry.” “Having been part of the show since its inception, it has been incredible to witness the show’s growth and enduring power to unite the global maritime industry in Dubai, which is now a magnet for global yachting tourism.” International superyacht builders anchor in Dubai amid swelling luxury boat market Amplifying its global attraction and reach, …

AI disruptions and legacies will be on the main agenda at the fourth edition of the Dubai Association Conference 2024 from 27 – 28 February at Dubai World Trade Center, which is set to host a transformative gathering of association executives, stakeholders, government officials and strategic partners, with the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), digital disruptions and legacy planning all on the agenda. The event will provide a global platform that will delve into innovative strategies, best practices, and collaborative approaches, to amplify the influence of associations. The fourth edition of the flagship event of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC) aims to create a path for associations to be at the forefront of value creation, both within and beyond their membership. Participants will learn successful member engagement strategies and sustainable practices to enhance their societal contributions and build a lasting legacy. The event also offers a packed schedule of lively discussions, networking breaks, peer-to-peer sharing, and fireside chats that will explore association life and long-term plans within the dynamic context of Dubai. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said: “The association sector plays a vital role in today’s world as a key driver of positive change, and the DAC Conference will strengthen its impact. Themes and key topics at the conference – such as member engagement strategies, technology-driven tools, sustainable practices and ethical governance – are all important priorities for associations and will support them in their roles as agents of positive change by tackling societal challenges through collaboration and advocacy. This is complemented by a strong line-up of speakers, who will deliver insights on trade and investment opportunities for sustainable economic and social development. Dubai’s …

Qatar Airways, the Global Partner and Official Airline of F1®, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, announced the launch of its fan packages for the upcoming FIA Formula One World Championship. The packages allow fans travelling from more than 40 countries to be up-close to high-octane action and enjoy unique experiences. From the beginning to end of their journey, the packages are designed for fans to enjoy a seamless motorsport extravaganza, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodation, F1® Paddock Club or Grandstand race tickets, and return airport transfers for all global races (excluding Qatar). Packages are available for purchase at: qatarairways.com/f1. Qatar Airways Holidays Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds said: “We are thrilled to once again provide our F1 Fan Packages to motorsport enthusiasts around the world, offering our passengers an unparalleled experience to witness the adrenaline-fuelled excitement of F1. We have worked hard to create these affordable packages that offer unbeatable value and look forward to helping fans travel to races globally, for what promises to be yet another blockbuster F1 calendar.” Similar to the inaugural packages, this year’s fan packages include an array of flexible and competitively priced options for select F1® 2024 race destinations. This year, fans are also encouraged to experience guided track tours, pit lane walks and more with the F1® Paddock Club™ packages, featuring savings of up to 20 per cent on global race packages. One of the best spots to watch the action, offering world-class cuisine and free-flowing beverages, the Paddock Club™ is the pinnacle of F1® hospitality. In addition, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on all fan packages, accumulating rewards to use towards future travel and …

Raffles Hotels & Resorts and NEOM unveiled plans to debut a new resort in Trojena, the year-round mountain destination located in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Slated to open in 2027, Raffles Trojena will reimagine mountainside hospitality, offering guests unprecedented access to discover and explore the region’s incomparable beauty. “We are thrilled to collaborate with NEOM on the creation of Raffles Trojena, an architecturally significant resort that will showcase the very best in modern luxury hospitality and underscores Raffles’ commitment to growing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Trojena is set to be a destination unlike any other, and this mountainside retreat continues the Raffles legacy of growing in the world’s most compelling locales, providing our guests with an opportunity to ignite their passions through highly personalized service and experiences.” – Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts Positioned among the majestic mountains in Trojena, Raffles features a unique and striking ring-shaped design, offering stunning scenic views of the surrounding destination from every vantage point. The resort is set to include 105 guestrooms, which are arranged around the perimeter of the ring, offering guests the highest level of comfort in addition to unobstructed vistas and privacy. Circular zones and meticulously landscaped gardens on the ground level will encourage exploration and discovery, while the roof, comprised of a variety of circular apertures, allows for ample natural light. The Raffles resort will also feature the signature hallmarks for which the globally renowned hospitality brand is known, including its legendary butler service, exceptional culinary offerings, and an emphasis on destination arts and culture. “Trojena is set to redefine the understanding of luxury hospitality and mountain tourism. We are thrilled to work with Raffles to …

flydubai will add seasonal summer flights to Sochi in Russia. Flights to Sochi International Airport (AER) will operate between 16 June and 01 September with a three-times weekly service from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to expand our seasonal summer offering with the resumption of flights to Sochi. Over the last few years we have seen consistent demand on our popular seasonal routes such as Batumi, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos and Santorini and with the start of flights to Sochi, we look forward to offering our passengers more attractive holiday destinations to explore between June and September.” Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is a popular seaside resort surrounded by sweeping beaches, lush forests and stunning mountainous landscapes. This famous resort city features cultural and historical sites as well as beautiful nature reserves to explore such as the Sochi Arboretum. With more than 125 destinations in 58 countries on its growing network, passengers travelling on flydubai’s latest aircraft can enjoy a comfortable travel experience whether they are in Business Class or Economy Class. Flight details Flights between Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) and Sochi International Airport (AER) will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return Business Class fares from DXB to AER start from AED 10,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500. Return Business Class fares from AER to DXB start from USD 2,400 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD 600.