Footgolf, a sport combining football and golf, is set to take center stage at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club for the ‘Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament’ from 12 to 14 January 2023. The Professional Footgolf tournament will take place at Sharjah’s world-class country club, with some of the world’s best players traveling to the Emirate from across the globe to participate. The event will bring together over 140 players from more than 20 different nationalities to take on the challenging course. Organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA) in partnership with Sharjah Sports Council and Professional Footgolf Tour, The Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament will host the world’s top footgolf players, with both men and women competing for cash purses over a two-day competition, utilising an 18-hole, stroke-play format. The tournament will consist of four players per group, teeing off every six minutes. Players will compete across two days, vying for more than $40,000 in total prize money. The event is also open to amateur footgolf players based in UAE with a prize fund of $1,500 up for grabs, with these players also eligible for the overall fund. While Footgolf tournaments have taken place all over the world to date, the Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament will be the first of its kind within the GCC. “We’re thrilled to be bringing the region’s first footgolf tournament to Sharjah. We have a line-up of world-class footgolf players flying in from all over the world, and we’re excited to show them the beauty of the UAE and everything Sharjah has to offer” said Dan Ferretti, Co-Chairman of Professional Footgolf Tour. “While there are some immaculate golf courses across the UAE, to date there have …

Closing the year on a high note of achievements Cozmo Travel recently opened its 20th branch in the UAE at City Center Ajman. This will serve the customers as the travel agency and a city check in service for Air Arabia customers. The Cozmo Travel and Air Arabia City-Check in Outlet in Safeer Mall Ajman was inaugurated by Cozmo Travel CEO Jamal Abdulnazar and Chief Guest Salah Zainal – Head of Ground operations at Air Arabia. Cozmo Travel winner of many awards and accolades including the Arabian travel award for the most trusted travel partner in the Middle East. Speaking on the occasion, Jamal Abdulnazar CEO Cozmo Travel reiterated, “Cozmo Travel has had a great year, even with the risks and adversity towards travel which was pandemic induced, we managed to persevere and come out stronger than ever with the inauguration of our newest branch in Safeer Mall Ajman, UAE. Additionally, ending the year with a bang, Cozmo Travel has started operations in Armenia & Pakistan, with plans to open up more branches in the two countries while also being a GSA for Fly Jinnah & FlyArna the latest joint ventures of Air Arabia. These expansions bring up the Cozmo Travel global network to cover thirteen countries with multiple branches including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, KSA, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, India, China & Egypt. This brings about the Bounce Back of tourism and Cozmo Travel’s role in facilitating travel in the region.”  

NEOM, the smart and sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia, has announced a USD 175 million Series E investment in Volocopter, the pioneer of Urban Air Mobility. The land of the future giga-project will take a significant equity stake in the company as part of its strategic engagement with the global eVTOL industry, positioning it as a leader in future mobility solutions. This deal will expand NEOM’s strategic partnership with Volocopter to progress an advanced air mobility industry in Saudi Arabia, in line with NEOM’s cutting-edge strategy for its mobility sector. It builds on the NEOM-Volocopter joint venture launched in December 2021, which will operate electric air taxi services in NEOM to connect various regions including THE LINE, OXAGON and TROJENA. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer at NEOM, said: “This crucial investment aligns with the ambitious plans announced by HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Chairman of NEOM’s Board of Directors, for the Kingdom to achieve sustainability and to develop NEOM into an accelerator of human progress. It will contribute to taking humanity closer to a new era of mobility – an era defined by zero-emission, electrically-powered vertical take-off and landing vehicles. Together with the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, NEOM and Volocopter will make concepts like air taxis an everyday reality for its residents and visitors. Powerful partnerships such as the one that NEOM is cultivating with pioneering companies like Volocopter will fuel giant leaps forward – not just for the benefit of NEOM and the Kingdom – but for all.” Dirk Hoke, CEO at Volocopter, added: “This is the first time in history that eVTOLs, with their unique characteristics, are being factored into the …

On the Occasion of the Sultanate’s Celebrations of 52 Glorious National Day and under the patronage of HE Salim Bin Mohammad Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, the 5-star beach resort hotel, Jumeirah Muscat Bay officially inaugurated. The inaugural event was attended by key government officials and senior leaders from the sector. The resort set a benchmark for tourism development in Muscat Governorate and offers local tourism a new concept of hospitality to support the government’s effort towards making the Sultanate a remarkable tourism destination. As another step towards Oman vision 2040 and the efforts into achieving the objectives of tourism, Muscat Bay marks another milestone with its official opening of the luxury hotel. Built with an investment of RO 60 million and built-up area of 32,000 square meters. Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a unique tourism destination that provides more than 206 rooms with breathtaking views and an extraordinary offering with its hospitality and extensive range of hotel facilities including 3 swimming pools, kids club, spas and sports facilities. Located within the general plan of Muscat Bay’s fully integrated resort, this project resonates with the strategic partnership between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Saraya Oman Holding Company, and it considers as Jumeirah group’s first luxury resort in the Sultanate. It will continue to expand its rich portfolio of hospitality assets and facilities and provide guests with a new experience of leisure and relaxation. In addition to attracting an increasing number of global visitors and investors who can consider the Sultanate of Oman a magnificent tourist destination. Aligning itself with Oman Vision 2040 and national tourism strategy to support the national economy, Muscat Bay resonates with developing …

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched an awareness film titled “Journey of a Lifetime”, in a strategic partnership with the General Authority for Awqaf and cooperation of the SAUDIA Group, and several government entities. It comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to educate pilgrims coming from all around the world to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. The twelve-minute film has been translated to nine languages and presents a series of educational stories that were filmed over a span of a 7-week period in more than 14 locations. More than 800 actors participated in the making of the film to address topics of high interest to pilgrims, including all of the steps that pilgrims take while performing their rituals. The film will be included in SAUDIA’s inflight entertainment system, where guests can enjoy more than 5,000 hours of movies, TV shows, E-books, shopping and weather reports. Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group, hosted the premiere of “Journey of a Lifetime”, under the patronage of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, the Director General of SAUDIA Group, His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar. The screening was also attended by the Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf, His Excellency Mr. Emad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi, and a number of leaders and employees from entities that participated in this work. Following the screening, Director of the General Department of Media and Corporate Communication, and the Director of the General Department of Awareness at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Turki bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalaf, explained that the film, which is produced by the Ministry, will be shown on …

Laguna is a province just southeast of Manila in the Calabarzon region (or Region IV-A). Endowed with numerous mineral hot and cold springs, majestic waterfalls, and protected forest areas teeming with a great diversity of flora and fauna, the province is a cluster of destinations for eco-tourism, wellness visits, and leisure activities. The region is also well-known for its Spanish colonial-era art of embroidery and woodcarving. Tayak Nature, Adventure and Wildlife (TANAW) Park Tayak Hill has been a key attraction for tourists to the region. It is situated in Rizal right beside Mount San Cristobal (a dormant volcano) and dubbed as ‘The Biker’s Heaven of Laguna’, frequented by bikers and pilgrims alike. Nuvali Evoliving Shopping Nuvali is both a lifestyle and cultural centre that celebrates local architecture, artistry, and design. With 400 stores that comprise retail, dining and entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion segments, the destination offers a relaxed and leisurely shopping experience. Enchanted Kingdom Enchanted Kingdom is the first theme park in the Philippines. It offers world-class rides, spellbinding entertainment, delectable food delights, and a variety of unique souvenir items for all ages. Visitors to the park can enjoy the fascinating sights and sounds of seven themed zones and experience exciting events and amazing attractions. AGILA: The EKsperience is the first and only flying theatre in the Philippines, at the Enchanted Kingdom. It is an exhilarating multi-sensory adventure that takes park entertainment to incredible heights. Visitors can be part of the magical virtual experience as AGILA: The EKsperience takes them on a thrilling journey across the Philippines’ majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and incredible islands, right in the comfort of their own seat! Mount Makiling Forest Reserve Mount Makiling Forest Reserve …

NEOM, the global development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, has successfully wrapped up the NEOM Beach Games 2022 after hosting over 500 athletes from 25 countries. Between October 19 and December 9, NEOM witnessed thrilling competitions that received wide international media coverage. The series of dynamic sport events commenced with freestyle kitesurfing on October 19, followed by an Olympic-level competition of short-course triathlon. Other events included 3×3 basketball and 5×5 beach soccer, the latter of which saw world champions Brazil secure both the men’s and women’s trophies. NEOM Beach Games concluded on December 9 with a desert mountain bike race that saw 220 male and females from around the world take part in the four-stage event, each athlete cycling 80-120 kilometers per day. To ensure maximum global exposure, each sport federation participating at NEOM Beach Games had its own global live feed to broadcast the action. BBC screened the Super League Triathlon NEOM event, while Sport TV ­– the biggest sports channel in Brazil – broadcast the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup to a potential audience of over 200 million. Jan Paterson, Managing Director of Sport at NEOM, said: “NEOM Beach Games has been a milestone for NEOM and its success will help to further position the region as a natural hub for sport. Additionally, the Games saw Saudi athletes compete alongside fellow participants from 25 countries in triathlon, 3×3 basketball, beach soccer and mountain biking , reflecting NEOM’s role in providing opportunity for local talent to compete on the global stage.” “We believe the ongoing collaboration between NEOM, the national federations and the rights holders of each sport will positively impact the national sporting ecosystem and we look forward …

On the sidelines of the recently concluded WTTC summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of their participation in this prestigious international forum. This agreement aims to develop the tourism sector of both countries through the exchange of experience, active participation in various tourism-related events, and mutual cooperation in several areas and initiatives related to the tourism sector. As part of the MoU, the OMRAN Group and the Godoba platform, and the Saudi Arabia-based Al Matar Group for Travel and Tourism, signed a strategic partnership agreement as one of the first initiatives under the new MoU, further strengthening the role of the private sector in supporting the tourism development efforts of the two brotherly nations. The agreement aims to drive digital transformation in the tourism sector through the partnership between the Al Matar App, known to be one of the fastest-growing apps in the region over the last three years, and the Godoba platform, which received the Best Arab OTA Award in 2019. The agreement is expected to pave the way for both parties to expand regionally and internationally. The signing of the agreement was overseen by His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Culture for the Sultanate of Oman, and His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia. For over 30 years, WTTC has conducted research on the economic impact of Travel & Tourism in 185 countries and issues such as overcrowding, taxation, policy-making, and many others to raise awareness of the importance of the Travel & Tourism sector as one of the world’s largest economic sectors. The …

NEXT50, an Abu Dhabi based technology company, is well underway to delivering the first phase of the biometric initiative at Abu Dhabi international Airport. The project, which sees NEXT50 introduce its cutting-edge AI solutions alongside global artificial intelligence and technology solutions partners IDEMIA and SITA, will initially see the deployment of next generation biometric solutions at select self-service baggage touchpoints, immigration e-gates, and boarding gates before implementing the technology across all passenger touchpoints in the airport. “We are excited to be leading the biometrics project at the UAE capital’s state-of-the-art International Airport as part of the Emirate’s digital transformation vision,” said Ibrahim Al Mannaee, NEXT50’S Chief Executive Officer. “Once the project is fully realized, the airport will be the only airport in the region with biometric solutions implemented across all customer touchpoints, contributing to Abu Dhabi Airport’s vision to become the operator of the most technology-driven airport in the world, providing a seamless journey to all its passengers. We are proud to be joining forces with IDEMIA and SITA and offering our expertise in artificial intelligence and data sciences to make this initiative a reality.” H.E. Eng. Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, MD and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “The phase one deployment of advanced biometrics at Abu Dhabi International Airport further cements our commitment to shape the future of airport experiences by delivering innovation and technology that drives efficiency, convenience and service excellence. Upon final completion of the project, Abu Dhabi will be home to the world’s first airport to include every touch point in the biometric journey, providing travelers with a seamless, safe and secure passenger experience.” Once the project is delivered, it will offer passengers a convenient, …

Continuing to drive transformation in the aviation sector, Oman Air’s Digital department recently held its annual workshop. Attended by members of senior leadership and key stakeholders, the workshop reviewed the progress of the company’s ongoing digital transformation strategy and its IT Roadmap for 2023. During 2022, the company accomplished a number of digital initiatives to support its strategic goals. Among them was the restructuring of its Passenger Service System (PSS) to advance its digital retailing capabilities, facilitating the initiation of a new internet booking engine and mobile app. A New Distribution Capability (NDC) solution was also developed to allow travel agents to deliver rich content and ancillary to customers, while, in order to promote crew and operational efficiency, an elegant Crew Pairing and Fleet Management system with AIMS was established. Further safeguarding data and cybersecurity, the airline introduced a Privileged Access Management Solution, an enhanced IT Service Continuity initiative and Disaster Recovery Plan. Recently, the company also announced it has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a founding member of the pioneering Modern Airline Retailing programme alongside a global consortium of airlines. Leveraging the ‘Offers and Orders’ system, the group intends to spur technological advancement in the industry and create value for customers by reducing the hassles of increasingly complex passenger document checking requirements. Dr. Khalid Al Zadjali, Senior Vice President – Digital at Oman Air, said, “In this digital age and in the face of increasing competition, its vital that we capitalise early on advanced technologies in order to stay ahead of the curve. As such, we continue to invest in long-term, sustainable efficiencies, whilst improving IT service delivery right across the organisation, and to our guests. …