As part of SAUDIA’s investments to make King Abdulaziz International Airport into a true hub and enhance the guest’s travel experience, they officially inaugurated its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, the Director General of SAUDIA Group inaugurated this luxurious, exclusive space which is designed to elevate the travel experience for SAUDIA’s First and Business Class guests, as well as AlFursan Gold members. The lounge offers personalized services tailored to meet the needs of discerning travelers. The new lounge features 10 dedicated check-in counters, each complemented by a comfortable seating area to ensure a seamless and relaxed start to the journey. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by specialized staff and treated to traditional Saudi coffee and dates. The lounge also includes a dedicated café counter, offering a selection of hot and cold beverages. The opening of the new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a significant milestone in SAUDIA’s strategy to strengthen its Jeddah hub. This strategy involves centralizing operations in state-of-the-art facilities and services, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic, and maintaining a distinctive on-time performance through integrated operations. By creating a true hub, Saudia is also contributing to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 goal of attracting 330 million visits and welcoming the world to the Kingdom. Additionally, the lounge’s design reflects the rich Saudi culture and landmarks, highlighting SAUDIA’s new era and its dedication to presenting the nation’s rich identity and culture to its guests. Riyadh M. Alhudhaif, General Manager of the Jeddah HUB stated: “Unveiling SAUDIA’s new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a landmark milestone in luxury travel, redefining …

 Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways are taking a significant step towards creating a more supportive travel experience with the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme at Zayed International Airport (AUH) and onboard Etihad Airways flights. This initiative underscores both organisations’ commitment to supporting all passengers, particularly those with non-visible disabilities. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities, is now available at Zayed International Airport (AUH). This programme provides a discreet way for passengers with conditions like autism, chronic pain, or anxiety to signal to staff that they may require additional assistance or compassion. Passengers can pick up their complimentary Sunflower lanyards at the two dedicated Special Assistance desks located in the pre-check-in area of AUH, allowing them to discreetly communicate their needs and fostering a more supportive environment for all. “At Abu Dhabi Airports, we are dedicated to providing a seamless and inclusive travel experience for every passenger,” said Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports. “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme is a natural extension of this commitment, empowering passengers with non-visible disabilities to discreetly communicate their needs and receive the support they deserve throughout their journey at Zayed International Airport. It’s about recognising that the kindest gestures are the ones that acknowledge unseen challenges. This means our staff are now even better equipped to assist passengers who may require a little extra time, understanding, or assistance, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience for everyone.” To ensure the programme’s success, both AUH and Etihad Airways have implemented comprehensive staff training. Frontline teams from the airport, its stakeholders and business partners have undergone specialised training to better understand the …

According to Mabrian, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt are becoming the most popular destinations for autumn travel by German travellers. In the findings it is shared that German travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional European destinations for their autumn getaways, with a noticeable shift toward long-haul destinations, including alternatives in the Middle East. According to Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform part of The Data Appeal Company, demand for autumn travel to the region has surged, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt seeing significant increases in flight searches and inspirational demand. These findings combine cyclical data about Germans’ autumn travel interests and motivations, along with inspirational travel demand data based on Mabrian’s Share of Searches Index, that reflects the strength of travel demand based on flight searches behaviour. Given a source market and a period of time, the Share of Searches Index is a percentage that correlates the total flight searches globally with spontaneous searches for specific destinations. For this analysis, Share of Searches Index tracked flight searches in Germany, made at least three months in advance, for trips between September and November 2024, focusing on top performing destinations for the German travel market. “Unlike confirmed bookings, this ratio shows the degree of market interest in certain destinations,” says Carlos Cendra, partner and director of Marketing and Communication at Mabrian. “Whether reservations are confirmed depends on many factors, from available connectivity, flight and accommodation prices, or other phenomena that may influence travellers’ willingness to purchase or spend.” Data also indicates that 2024 fall travel plans from Germans reflect a shifting trend, a slight readjustment of the yet strong demand to Mediterranean destinations, and …

Emirates opened the doors to its new lounge at London Stansted Airport. The airline has invested more than GBP 4 million to design a spacious 900-square-metre lounge that can accommodate up to 125 guests, including First and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards members. The new lounge is Emirates’ sixth dedicated lounge in the UK, complementing the airline’s world-class facilities available in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester. All London airports served by Emirates now provide access to premium on-ground experiences for customers to unwind and enjoy elevated dining experiences ahead of their journeys. Emirates is one of few airlines who have invested in its on-ground experiences including its own network of 40 dedicated lounges around the world and complimentary chauffeur drive services for premium customers. Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates said: “Emirates has been serving London Stansted since 2018, and the airport remains a very important gateway for our customers across the southern region of the UK. The new lounge is a testament to our brand promise of always flying customers better – in the air and on-ground. And it also marks a major milestone for us as we now proudly offer dedicated lounge facilities across six airports in the UK – underscoring our ongoing commitment to one of the most important markets in our network. We look forward to taking the premium travel experience to new heights and to offering customers a chance to unwind and dine with Emirates’ renowned signature hospitality.” Gareth Powell, Managing Director at Stansted Airport, said: “The opening of Emirates’ new world-class lounge is fantastic news for London Stansted and passengers using Emirates services to Dubai …

Oravel Stays has launched its premium hotel brand SUNDAY in Dubai with the opening of SUNDAY Holiday International Hotel Dubai. Spread over 44000 square feet, it is at Bur Dubai next to Burjuman Mall and Metro Station on the western side of Dubai creek. There are over 200 rooms in different categories and multiple food and beverages outlets in the hotel to cater to different requirements of the guests. There are many popular tourist hotspots in proximity such as Dubai Creek, Dubai Dolphinarium and Dubai Frame. The initiative is a part of Oravel’s ongoing program to spread premium hotel footprint across the globe. It has identified popular tourist regions as Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Business Bay, and Al Barsha for the expansion of SUNDAY brand of hotels in Dubai. The brand SUNDAY has been conceptualised to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the new-age travelers and provide them a perfect getaway for a reset. SUNDAY will cater to the growing demand for premium stays, combining sophisticated design, top-notch amenities and services. It breaks away from the mold of traditional hotels and offers a unique proposition of modern-day luxury coupled with mindfully curated experiences that enable guests to unwind at their own pace. SUNDAY Hotels offer an immersive experience, designed to engage the local community, and showcase creativity. Each property has a dedicated team of highly trained hospitality professionals that ensure personalised services for every guest. From the moment of arrival, guests are treated to a seamless check-in process, with staff available around the clock to cater to their needs. One of the hallmarks of the SUNDAY brand is its luxurious amenities, designed …

Hyatt has chosen the Oracle OPERA Cloud hospitality platform as the property management system (PMS) for its global hotel portfolio. With OPERA Cloud, Hyatt properties will be able to standardize its operations and data management across more than 1,000 hotels and all-inclusive properties. With a modern data platform delivering a common user interface and processes across its properties, Hyatt colleagues will have the insights to operate more efficiently and provide an improved, more consistent experience for its guests, members and customers. “As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, Hyatt is committed to caring for people so they can be their best,” said Cameron Hammond, Senior Vice President of Global Field Technology Services at Hyatt. “In today’s evolving environment, technology plays a critical role in empowering our colleagues so they can continue to deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests. By moving to OPERA Cloud and extending our long-standing collaboration with Oracle, we will be able to provide our operators and colleagues with a modern, secure platform to deliver better data insights and elevate their roles with more ease and efficiency.” Built on the high performance and security of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), OPERA Cloud PMS will help centralize data at Hyatt’s global properties for better insights and operational planning, from a holistic perspective down to the individual property level. Hyatt will also benefit from having a better view into the unique preferences of its guests across properties they stay at to deliver more personalized touchpoints over time. With the ability to use OPERA Cloud on mobile devices, colleagues will also have the flexibility to help guests from anywhere and at any time. “With OPERA Cloud as the secure data and …

Rotana announces the opening of Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa, the first Edge by Rotana property in Abu Dhabi. Edge by Rotana is a collection of independent properties that maintain their individuality, while benefiting from Rotana’s extensive network and systems. The new property marks the seventh Edge by Rotana opening since the brand launch, with another six hotels in the pipeline across the MENAT region. The opening of Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa expands Rotana’s presence in Abu Dhabi to 4,768 keys across 17 properties. Located approximately 150 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, Mirfa is a serene coastal town nestled on the picturesque western coast of the Emirate. Complete with a private beach overlooking the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf, the serviced apartment hotel offers a perfect blend of convenience and comfort for business travel, a long-term stay, or a family vacation. The hotel features 76 serviced apartments, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. Each unit is seamlessly designed for modern living, providing stunning sea views and a tranquil escape from city life. Apartments are also fitted with a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: “We are proud to open the doors to Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa, delivering ‘Treasured Time’ to a fantastic new location in the UAE. This hotel marks a key addition to our growing portfolio and a reflection of our strategic expansion of Edge by Rotana brand in key markets across the region.” Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa offers guests two attractive dining options to suit any mood, taste, and occasion. The property features two restaurants of …

Jannah Hotels & Resorts is ready to unveil its newest addition, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments (JEHA), in Q4 2024. Bringing together a blend of traditional Bedouin charm and contemporary chic design, this property is set to become a preferred destination for both travelers and residents in the heart of the capital. Strategically located in the vibrant heart of the city, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments features 230 elegantly designed apartments, including stylish studios, one-bedroom apartments, and spacious family suites. Guests can choose between stunning sea views and lively cityscapes, with each apartment fully equipped with modern kitchens, providing the flexibility of home-cooked meals and intimate gatherings. The property features an array of amenities designed to cater to diverse lifestyles. A rooftop pool provides a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy panoramic city views, while the gym and sauna provide spaces to recharge and maintain wellness routines. Dining options include a cozy café for a quick coffee fix and an all-day dining restaurant serving a variety of international and local flavors. Located just 10 minutes from the Corniche, 20 minutes from Saadiyat Island, and 25 minutes from Yas Island, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments offers easy access to Abu Dhabi’s key attractions and business hubs, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scenes. The launch of this property is part of Jannah Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing expansion across the UAE and to extend its presence in Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned! For more information or to make a reservation, contact Jannah Hotels & Resorts at book@jannah-hotels.com, visit www.jannah-hotels.com, or call 800-JANNAH (526624).

Airnguru announced a multi-year agreement with Royal Brunei Airlines. The new partnership will significantly enhance the airline’s operational efficiency, increase automation, and bolster its competitive stance as it continues to expand its footprint in the global aviation market. Royal Brunei Airlines is now the tenth carrier to leverage Airnguru’s cutting-edge solutions, highlighting the technology provider’s strong market fit and superior customer service. Airnguru’s ability to quickly gain traction across four continents underscores its commitment to delivering value and driving success for its airline partners. Javier Jiménez, COO and Co-Founder of Airnguru, said: “Partnering with Royal Brunei Airlines at this crucial stage of their global expansion means we can directly address the challenges they face in today’s competitive landscape. Our solutions are designed to enhance their operational capabilities and market responsiveness, and so we look forward to seeing the tangible impact this collaboration will have on their growth and efficiency.” Joshua Kok Hwa Law, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Brunei Airlines, added: “In our quest to enhance commercial excellence and stay ahead in the competitive airline industry, partnering with Airnguru was a strategic decision. We believe that Airnguru’s expertise in pricing technology will be pivotal in our ongoing efforts to optimize pricing strategies and deliver even greater value to our guests.” “We are delighted to partner with Airnguru as a strategic partner on our path to digitalize some of our processes to ensure we are working for our customers efficiently and be able to respond quickly to market demands. This partnership will ensure we are taking advantage of technological advancements in the airline business, especially in AI. RB will continue to invest in technology to further increase our efficiency and market competitiveness.” added …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a series of four strategic initiatives during its participation at Seatrade Cruise MED 2024, underscoring its commitment to elevating the emirate’s position as a premier cruise destination. To enhance the visitors experience, DCT Abu Dhabi has introduced a new digital cruise guide, designed to help guests discover Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, hidden gems, and cultural experiences. Accessible via mobile devices, the guide offers curated itineraries and insider tips, ensuring visitors make the most of their time in the UAE capital. As part of its commitment to improving the experience of all visitors, DCT Abu Dhabi will launch the Cruise Crew Pass, an exclusive benefit for crew members of cruise liners operating in the Arabian Gulf. The pass offers significant discounts, including up to 25% off at 500+ restaurants, shopping discounts at 25+ retail stores, a free UAE SIM card, and complimentary entry to 10+ cultural attractions. The Cruise Crew Pass will be available via a unique invitation code and accessible through the Abu Dhabi Pass App. DCT Abu Dhabi also announced the addition of new cruise itineraries in the Arabian Gulf, featuring the MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, and Resorts World One. These cruises will enhance the region’s cruise offerings and attract a new wave of visitors to Abu Dhabi, further establishing the emirate as a key hub for maritime tourism. Additionally, DCT Abu Dhabi has revealed a new visitor information centre at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Zayed Port. The centre will serve as a gateway for cruise visitors, providing essential information, booking assistance, and insights into the emirate’s diverse offerings, enhancing the overall visitor journey from …