UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels has been awarded the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Dubai Chamber) CSR Label Award for the eighth year in succession. Launched in 2010 to reward corporate commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the CSR Label is awarded to companies based on performance scores across seven different criteria. These include human resources (training, development, welfare, Emiratisation), client relations, business development, procurement, environment, health and safety, innovation and community; with Dubai Chamber also measuring the resulting impact in four key areas, namely workplace, marketplace, community and the environment. According to the 2022 report from Dubai Chamber, TIME Hotels recorded an impressive overall score of 81.3%, which was 9.5% higher than the average market score achieved. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, said: “Receiving this official label for the eighth year in a row highlights our consistent commitment to our employees, the environment and our broader social responsibility. “It also allows us to benchmark our own performance against those of other like-minded, forward-thinking companies in Dubai, for whom CSR forms an integral part of their overall corporate strategy and company values.” TIME Hotels’ recent CSR achievements include installing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at two of its Dubai properties, joining a Recycle, Reforest, Repeat initiative with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and partnered with Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (DET), collecting over 1,500 kilos of wastepaper for recycling. TIME has participated in the Give and Gain Campaign during Ramadan and managed to donate over two metric tons of rice, which was sent to Emirates Red Crescent, as well as distributing free Iftar meals to taxi drivers.   Moreover, TIME has raised funds for the Children’s Cancer Hospital …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost critical decision-making through Artificial Intelligence (AI). The agreement facilitates access for DCT Abu Dhabi to use SCAD’s AI-based Induction and Foresight Platform, which will contribute to supporting research and future planning to achieve strategic objectives. H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, and H.E. Badriya Abdullah Obaid, Executive Director of the Foresight and Communication Sector at SCAD, signed the agreement during their organisations’ participation at GITEX Global 2022. H.E. Al Fazari said: “This agreement represents an important step towards the use of AI solutions in our strategic planning, which will allow us to achieve our objectives for the culture and tourism sectors in Abu Dhabi. With this, we are showcasing the power of long-term public and private partnerships in the emirate which focus on digital transformation in line with the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025. We appreciate SCAD’s collaboration on this initiative and look forward to witnessing the results of this successful agreement.” As part of the agreement, SCAD will provide DCT Abu Dhabi with access to the platform, allowing training for the Department’s employees in ways to leverage data for the development of future plans and strategies. SCAD’s Induction and Foresight Platform includes interactive panels, analytical modules and simulations based on statistical data that allow decision-makers to study the impact of various policies on the economic and social sectors, as well as continue integrating resources across government agencies. GITEX Global 2022 is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from …

Malta’s delegation at the AVIAREPS Travel Caravan included DMC’s that promote luxury and MICE travel. Middle East is an emerging market to Malta at present, but once the borders opened, there had been a surge from this market towards Malta. Speaking with Travel TV, Chris Micallef, General Manager Avon Brockdorff Services Limited, “This is a relatively a new market for us, we represent an agency Malta DMC where we specialise in MICE, Events, groups and conferences, meetings as well as luxury travel so it was nice to meet people and showcase what Malta offers in this sector and it does offer quite a lot in this sector and value for money. A lot of people are not aware of the many offerings available in Malta so basically the agents asked questions about what you can do for incentives, is there enough conference space, facilities, hotels, also what I explained was that Malta is a small country its only 27km long and you don’t spend more time there. We also spoke about cuisine which is another attraction of the destination.” Damon Camilleri Allan, Exclusively Malta, a luxury DMC in the Maltese islands shared, “It’s a privilege to be here, it’s a unique situation as we represent luxury travel as well as small group travel what that means is when we say luxury it doesn’t always mean the price tag rather the exclusivity, uniqueness and private nature of the experiences for guests. The uniqueness of our storyline is Malta is the ultimate Mediterranean experience because of our relationship with partners, artisans, farmers etc we can offer exclusivity which no one else can have which we believe our clients from this region would really …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors (SHA), one of the leading boutique advisory institutions in the region, announces the completion of phase one of the mixed-use masterplan project in the mountainous area of Oman. The four-phase project launched in June 2022, with SHA spearheading the development across the tourism and hospitality sectors to optimise the destination’s economic potential and attract further investment.  The mixed-use project encompasses an overarching strategy to develop an attractive, profitable destination, appealing to domestic and international travellers. Working together with governmental agencies, local investment groups, internationally-renowned master planners, and infrastructure and sustainability advisors, SHA is now initiating the second phase of the project.  This includes the development of one of the ridges of the Hajar Mountains into a holistic tourist destination, highlighting Oman’s highest terrain and unique history and artisanry. The sectors SHA is currently covering includes looking at creating all types of accommodation; from wellness escapes and luxury hotels to more standardised 3- and 4-star offerings, as well as family-run B&Bs, which maximise the local community’s involvement. SHA is also looking into the potential development of niche products such as lifestyle boutique hotels, glamping solutions, container camps and farmhouses, catering to diverse customer needs and raising the destination’s competitive edge, enhancing overall tourism in the country. Stretched along the northern coast of Oman, from southwest of Muscat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Hajar Mountains are a six-hour drive away from Dubai, making for the ideal getaway destination for travellers looking for an adventure in the wild terrains or a luxurious and relaxing weekend in the mountains. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “We are delighted to be working on Oman’s stunning Hajar Mountains …

Musafir.com inaugurated their new office in Doha, Qatar. The office was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Co-founder, and Chairman of Musafir.com and a member of the Qatari House of Al Thani in presence of eminent guests from the travel fraternity. Musafir.com’s strong presence in Qatar is part of the organization’s regional growth strategy and commitment to boost travel and tourism in the country. It enables the organization to facilitate Qatar Tourism’s goal of attracting six million visitors by 2030 and raising the tourism industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP to 10% by the same year. Musafir.com has seen two-fold growth post COVID and will invest in technology to drive seamless experiences for both leisure and corporate clients. Speaking at the opening of the office, Sheikh Al Thani said, “The new corporate office in Qatar is part of the company’s expansion within the region. The Middle East travel and tourism sector post-pandemic is gaining pace as pent- up desire to travel rekindles. Musafir.com has moved from strength to strength and this new office will help the company achieve long-term success.” The new office premises is centrally and strategically located in Al Emadi Financial Square, and includes a state-of-the-art, multilingual contact centre, which will offer Musafir.com’s customers dedicated 24 X 7 support. Sachin Gadoya, Co-founder, and CEO Musafir.com, said, “Qatar is an exciting and fast-growing travel market, and the opening of our office will allow us to better cater to the burgeoning travel and tourism demand while reinforcing our commitment to growth in the country.” With significant travel-intensive events such as the FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar, Musafir.com has plethora of exciting new offers for its customers …

AVIAREPS successfully relaunched its in-person AVIAREPS Middle East Travel Caravan after a 2-year hiatus following the Covid pandemic. Over 110 key travel industry professionals, media and travel influencers attended the Dubai leg of the event which was held on October 11th, 2022 at the Shangri-la Dubai Hotel. The travel roadshow saw key international travel brands and destinations gather under the one roof to meet with the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s key outbound travel agencies and meeting and conferencing professionals, to meet one to one to develop new travel packages, itineraries and events tailored for UAE and Saudi Arabia-based travellers. A total of 27 key international partners joined the 2022 edition of the AVIAREPS Caravan including Qatar Tourism Board, The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Malta Tourism Authority, The Royal Commission for AlUla, Visit California, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and a host of international hospitality brands, airlines and destination management companies. In addition to meeting leading travel agencies, partners also had the opportunity to meet with popular travel influencers from the region, as well as join an intimate panel discussion industry thought leaders, that included representatives from Emirates Holidays, ITL World and Al Rostamani Travel, where they were updated on the latest travel trends and consumer travel requirements from the region. Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs, AVIAREPS commented: “As we head towards a post pandemic world outbound international travel from the Gulf Countries continues to demonstrate a remarkably strong and quick return compared to all other major travel regions around the globe. Within this context it is extremely important and timely to hold such an event. By bringing the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s travel professionals …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)  unveiled its new, innovative crowdsourcing platform, which serves as a collaborative, agile, and welcoming tool connecting DCT Abu Dhabi with the world. The unveiling took place as part of the Department’s participation in the 42nd edition of GITEX Global, which runs from 10 – 14 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The new Platform complements DCT Abu Dhabi’s five additional data-led projects on display throughout the event. The crowdsourcing platform will be used to implement a complete corporate innovation ecosystem and engage the worldwide community in solving challenges concerning DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate whilst facilitating access for participants to share new ideas with the Department. The global activation will also support DCT Abu Dhabi’s brand and digital transformation, enhancing regional recognition and focusing on the Department’s efforts to encourage new talents, projects, designs, and ideas through one unified digital platform. Further, through this platform, DCT Abu Dhabi will tap into the vast knowledge of participants to create a wealth of knowledge of significant value. As a result, the competitive benefit for DCT Abu Dhabi can be found in the unexpected solutions that these unique insights will deliver. Additionally, the platform will allow for faster problem-solving while involving the community and driving the adoption and analysis of valuable data. H.E. Adnan Mohammed Alawadhi, Support Services Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Developing and launching this platform comes in line with the UAE Digital Government’s Strategy 2025, focusing on digital transformation, which is a core priority of DCT Abu Dhabi. We are committed to identifying avenues for faster problem-solving and continually involving the community in projects. In addition …

The countdown has begun to one of the most significant hospitality openings of the year, Address Beach Resort Bahrain – a jewel in the crown for Emaar, standing proudly on the spectacular shores of Marassi Al Bahrain. In just a matter of weeks, the property will be open to the public who will be able to enjoy luxury and relaxation in an idyllic setting, accompanied by an unrivalled mix of amenities. The 117-key hotel along with 154-key residence exudes luxury with its modern façade, complimented inside by crisp, cool, tones offering equal measures of sophistication and tranquillity. Guests will enjoy vast dining options across The Restaurant, The Lounge, and The Garden – each offering a different dining experience whether you are looking for the perfect romantic dinner, an impressive business lunch, or a chilled-out bite with a beverage.If that wasn’t enough, the property is a beautiful beachfront retreat, sitting on the glittering shores of Marassi Al Bahrain providing the Kingdom’s most incredible vistas. Market-leading amenities will including a world-class spa for the ultimate in self-care, a fully equipped gym, and breath-taking pool. The little ones are catered for with a Kids’ Club and splash pad. Address Beach Resort Bahrain will also provide the perfect venue for unforgettable events from weddings to functions, and business meetings and conferencing. This property will change the way people think about hospitality in the Kingdom, with exceptional accommodation, services, and standards to deliver guests a truly unforgettable experience.

Emirates, the largest international airline, is upgrading capacity on its Narita-Dubai route with the deployment of its flagship A380 from 15 November, as Japan scraps the daily arrival cap, and lifts the COVID-19 testing and self-quarantine protocols for inbound travel. Following the Japanese government’s announcement last month to ease the entry restrictions, Emirates has seen a spike in bookings for flights to its gateways – Narita and Osaka. Emirates’ flight EK318 from Dubai will depart at 2:55hrs and arrive in Narita at 17:20hrs. The return flight EK319 from Narita will depart at 22:30hrs and arrive in Dubai at 5:30hrs the following day. All times are local. The reintroduction of the Emirates A380 to Narita also underscores the airline’s long-standing commitment to Japan’s tourism and travel sector. By providing more capacity, the airline aims to serve the pent-up demand for travel into Japan along with providing choice and flexibility for travellers through its daily service to Osaka EK316/317, operated by the Boeing 777. This year, Emirates is celebrating two decades of successful operations to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport. Emirates was the first airline to establish air connectivity between Japan and the UAE, as well as the rest of the Arabian Gulf countries back in 2002. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the airline continued to contribute to the local community by transporting essential air cargo between Japan and other global markets, which also helped to maintain the trade links that were needed during the unprecedented times via its Dubai hub. Leisure travellers from over 60 countries can now travel to Japan visa-free and without guided tours. However, travellers must still check the entry requirements. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the …

In line with Dubai’s aim of becoming the world’s most visited destination, Dubai Miracle Garden today opened doors for local and international visitors for its eleventh season. Visitors to the world’s largest natural flower garden will enjoy never-before-seen floral and water-themed attractions. As the 11th season coincides with the FIFA World Cup, the region’s biggest sporting event, characters from The Smurfs will be seen sporting jerseys of different participating nations in the park. Engineer Abdel Naser Rahhal, Creator and Co-Founder of Dubai Miracle Garden, said: “We are excited to open the doors for our 11th season. As one of the UAE’s top attractions, Dubai Miracle Garden is proud to contribute to Dubai’s tourism ecosystem by offering a unique and diverse experience to residents and overseas visitors, further enhancing the city’s position as a year-round must-visit destination. We are proud to play a role in making Dubai a global destination for lifestyle and tourism.” The destination is gearing up for a renewed sense of confidence amongst international visitors as a post-COVID world allows for easier and safer travel plans. A team of designers and sculptors have put the final touches on multi-sensory exhibits and attractions that appeal to children and adults alike. Engineer Rahhal added: “We are delighted with how Dubai Miracle Garden has grown from strength to strength over the years. With every new season, there are high expectations to surpass the creativity, innovation and scale of floral exhibits we’ve had in the past. In the 11th edition, Dubai Miracle Garden is prepared to bedazzle its visitors more than ever before.” He continued: “The Smurfs attraction was a huge hit during our milestone season last year. So, this year, we …