Adyen the global payments platform of choice for many of the world’s leading companies, today announced the launch of its integration with Shiji Payments, providing hospitality businesses the ability to utilize the Adyen platform together with Shiji, a leader in the provision of technological solutions for the hospitality, food service, retail, and entertainment industries. This new integration simplifies the payment process for hospitality businesses by removing the need for a list of platforms and suppliers which usually includes separate processes for property management systems, food and beverage point of sale, and guest experience platforms not to mention the different payments service providers for each. “Our partnership with Adyen allows us to further improve the operational efficiency of our customers by providing a platform that guarantees a truly seamless and personalized experience for their hotel guests,” said Michael Balzer, VP Shiji Payments, Shiji. With only two companies, Adyen and Shiji, hotels can consolidate all of these front-end business systems and payment needs, including having the same point of sale setups across regions and easier reconciliation across all channels. This, in the end, provides the best possible customer service. These integrated features power the seamless journey that customers expect nowadays. Commenting on the partnership, Sander Maertens, Head of Middle East at Adyen, said: “Adyen is excited to partner with Shiji Payments. This is a long term strategic collaboration for us in the region. With Shiji’s leadership in hospitality sector, covering over 91,000 hotels and 200,000 restaurants, and a strong footprint in the Middle East, we aim to leverage this partnership to implement new digital innovations in the payment space. The hospitality sector will benefit from our combined, seamless payment integrations with specialist …

The unique landscape of AlUla showcases three distinct geological periods going back up to a thousand million years. While archaeologists and geologists have the opportunity to fly over AlUla as part of their work to understand and document this history, visitors to AlUla can also now appreciate the diversity, monumentality and global significance of the landscape by taking the Kingdom’s first helicopter tours. Don Boyer, a geologist who was among the first to undertake research-based flights says visitors should expect to be ‘blown-away’ as he was the first time he took to the air. ‘While the rocks are mostly common rock types, the fact that you have these three completely different landscapes – the Precambrian Arabian shield rocks, the sandstone that was laid down over it and then the black basalt formed by volcanic eruptions – all in the one area, is what makes AlUla so special,’ said Boyer. ‘The weathering, the agencies of wind and water, have created drainages, such as the wadi that cuts through AlUla and the steep walled canyons nearby. These elements have sculpted the ridge-tops and created dramatic rough edges of basalt and interesting rock formations. Then you have the variety of colours and textures from the black basalt to the multi-layered sandstone. It’s an extraordinary geological journey that takes your breath away; it almost brings you to tears at times.’ Tens of thousands of archaeological sites have been identified in AlUla and very few of them have been closely investigated to date. The span of time that the archaeology covers is at least 7,000 years –including the Dadan period and the Nabataean period. Boyer says it is clear that there was a lot going …

As a milestone step on its journey to becoming a fully-fledged omni-channel car rental brand, Lumi, Seera Group’s car rental business announced the launch of a new App and mobile web platform, further accelerating the development of sophisticated travel booking solutions in Saudi Arabia. In the evolving new world of travel, changing customer circumstances and requirements is important and having the ability to advise and service customers efficiency via all communication channels is a must for all travel providers. Seera Group’s travel brands offer travellers consistent information, in real-time, at their fingertips regardless of the channel they use during their booking journey. Further driving the brand’s promise of delivering an omni-channel travel solution across all touchpoints for the customer, the new Lumi platforms are aimed at ensuring a seamless car rental experience, whilst significantly shortening the amount of time needed to rent a vehicle. Customers can now benefit from seamless rental with dedicated counters at select Lumi airport or inner-city branches to enjoy an overall faster, easier, and personalised experience when booking via App or mobile web. Easing the entire customer journey, the new digital platforms also showcase Lumi’s wide car option variety with guaranteed availability. Customers can view competitive pricing for their rental on the digital platforms themselves which serve as a single point through which information such as details of the vehicle, convenient and secure payment methods, and booking confirmation can be accessed. Backed by superior service, Lumi also offers 24/7 roadside assistance and an option to add insurance and extras such as GCC permits with ease. Azfar Shakeel, Vice President of Lumi, said: “Recognising the variety of customer communication needs, and the emerging significance of offering several …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has backed ambitious plans to make the UAE capital the global centre of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). At a ceremony this week, DCT Abu Dhabi announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UAEMMAF) and Palms Sports, the UAE-based sports management and training company. The MoU outlines a formal collaboration between the three entities to develop MMA in the country as a step towards cementing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the global capital for the sport. At the signing ceremony, it was also announced that DCT Abu Dhabi had signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with UAE Warriors, the popular MMA fight events organised by Palms Sports. The event was attended by HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi; Mohammed bin Dalmouk Al Dhahiri, Chairman of UAEMMAF; and Fouad Darwish, CEO of Palms Sports and UAE Warriors. “Today marks another milestone for DCT Abu Dhabi. Working closely with our partners at UAEMMAF and Palms Sports, we are excited to announce our collaboration to promote and develop the MMA ecosystem in the UAE,” said HE Al Shaiba. “This strategic agreement will play a key role in enabling the emirate’s development as an MMA world capital, as well as boosting Abu Dhabi’s position as the preferred destination for sports tourism.” Al Dhahiri expressed his appreciation for the critical role DCT Abu Dhabi performs in promoting the emirate as a tourist destination of distinction. He said that Abu Dhabi had successfully asserted this status by hosting major international sports events, which were made possible by Abu Dhabi’s …

Emirates is offering UAE nationals and residents a chance to plan the perfect escape to the Seychelles. They could book now and unwind at some of the world’s most beautiful resorts with spectacular white beaches or enjoy its diverse marine life and everything in between. The Seychelles has been open for tourism since August 2020, and Emirates was the first international airline to return to the island. Emirates currently operates more than 7 weekly flights to the Seychelles from Dubai. Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 2,995, and Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 7,995, The offer is valid for bookings made starting today until 31 August 2021, for travel until 15 June 2022.* UAE Travellers can also plan their Seychelles getaway with Emirates Holidays, with a range of packages available, starting from AED 4,699 per person for three night stays, with curated experiences and peace of mind for a picture-perfect experience on the islands. To visit the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination, UAE travelers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. For more information on travel entry requirements to Seychelles, click here. Emirates customers can rest assured this summer while travelling that their health and safety continued to be a top priority with the latest health and safety measures in place. Emirates leads the industry with customer centric solutions that make travel planning stress free with even more generous and flexible booking policies, an extension of its multi-risk insurance cover, and helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status. For more information on Emirates, including how to book flights and a complete …

With the successful vaccination rollout, travel protocols for vaccinated travellers from GCC and other regions are being further relaxed. As from 1st September, vaccinated guests would spend only 7 days in a special ‘resort bubble’ hotel before going out to discover more of the Indian Ocean paradise. The approved Covid-19 safe resorts are available at: www.mauritiusnow.com The percentage of vaccinated people are as follows: first dose/total population: 63% and fully vaccinated/total population: 56% Arvind Bundhun, Director of MTPA, said: “This is a major leap towards the full reopening of its borders on 1st October, when vaccinated international travellers will be welcomed in without restrictions. Visitors who present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to embarkation will be able to explore the island freely from the moment they arrive”. The Mauritian government took the decision in January to prioritise tourism workers and hotel staff in the vaccine rollout to ensure visitors will be welcomed into a safe and secure environment in Mauritius. Airline capacity from Europe and the Middle East is currently provided by Air Mauritius, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Kenya Airways and British Airways. International visitors can currently book their ‘resort bubble’ holidays either via tour operators or directly with the hotels. Unvaccinated travellers are required to complete a 14-day quarantine period in a designated quarantine hotel. For full details of entry requirements and safety protocols, visit www.mauritiusnow.com which is currently being updated following this major decision.

Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island is delighted to welcome John Riad as General Manager. No stranger to Hilton, Riad brings over 19 years of extensive industry experience, making him the perfect fit for this exciting new role. With the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton property launching under his leadership, Riad looks forward to welcoming guests to the hotel. Riad began his journey with Hilton in 2002 at the breathtaking Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort in Egypt where he resided as the Revenue Manager. Soon after, he joined the group of Hilton hotels in Egypt, as Cluster Revenue Manager to be promoted after just few months to Cluster Director of Business Development. Riad continued to grow within the company and in 2013 he joined Hilton Kuwait Resort as Director of Business Development. This was followed by a move to Conrad Dubai as Director of Business Development, where he was responsible for developing commercial strategy covering all revenue enhancing segments and channels. Following this, Riad headed up the neighboring DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah as Hotel Manager for almost four years. During his role at the popular city hotel, he oversaw the day to day operations and strategic direction of the hotel, the management, and the team. John was also in charge of opening the new DoubleTree Ras Al Khaimah Corniche Hotel & Residences during this period. As General Manager, John will now be responsible for the hotel’s development, financial sourcing, sales and marketing, planning and collaborating with the team to ensure the success of the hotel which opened in July 2021. John Riad, General Manager, comments, “I’m delighted to be leading such an exceptional property. Following a successful opening, we look …

flydubai announced the launch of its new online eShop which provides passengers with the option to pre-purchase a selection of duty-free products before they fly and have them delivered to their seat when they travel. The eShop is designed to replace the traditional onboard duty-free experience and offers passengers a wider variety of shopping choices and convenience when flying.   Commenting on the launch, Daniel Kerrison, Vice President Inflight Product at flydubai, said: “we have always been dedicated to adding new features to enhance our onboard experience and the launch of our eShop by flydubai reflects this commitment. With our eShop passengers travelling with flydubai can now purchase a variety of products before their flight and have the items delivered to their seats, providing an incredibly convenient way to shop. We are excited at the possibilities that eShop by flydubai can offer and with our increased range of products and offers there is something for everyone.”   Passengers who have made a booking with flydubai can visit the flydubai eShop, enter their flight details and begin shopping from a wide range of duty-free items including beauty products, beverages, electronics, gadgets, jewellery, perfumes and watches. Once a purchase has been made the items will be delivered to the passengers during their flight.   flydubai has continued to add new services to enhance its onboard experience including an inflight entertainment streaming service on its fleet of Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Passengers can enjoy complimentary inflight entertainment streamed wirelessly to their personal mobile devices, laptops and tablets. Passengers travelling in Business Class continue to enjoy complimentary access to flydubai’s Inflight Entertainment (IFE) on their dedicated HD touchscreens.   flydubai’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft …

Radisson Hotel Group aims to support womens’ growth within the tourism industry by empowering the younger generation and supporting them with their dreams. A key objective for Radisson Hotel Group is to achieve balanced leadership by increasing the representation of women in senior positions, breaking down the barriers that prevent women from speaking openly about their careers and harnessing the individual strengths of their female leaders. The group’s Balanced Leadership initiative aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The program takes a three-pronged strategy to tackle the continuing problem of diversity at the top of organizations: leadership programs, inclusive policies and awareness of the issue from top to bottom, including how to tackle barriers to women succeeding in business. At the forefront of this initiative, is Stephanie Aboujaoude, Senior Area Director of Marketing and Communications, Middle East and Africa for Radisson Hotel Group. She has been one of the ambassadors for the Group’s Balanced Leadership programme since its launch in 2014 and is the force championing Woman in Leadership across Middle East and Africa. As men and women grow and continue their education, they have equal ambitions to pursue a successful professional career, with roughly equal levels of achievement — though some studies suggest that women do slightly better. Women in hospitality in the Middle East are not a rare occurrence, but in senior management roles, from general manager to board of director level, the numbers start dwindling. Many women who start out in the hospitality industry reach a certain level and remain there, or leave to join another industry or start a family. A common reason attributed to this is the ‘beyond-9-to-5’ lifestyle of the industry, making …

Emirates is scaling up services with additional route resumptions and more flights across its European network, responding to the easing of international entry protocols and an upsurge in passenger demand. With clear signals that passenger confidence for international travel is returning, the airline is advancing its plans to increase services and capacity to make it easier for its customers to connect to and from its extensive European network via Dubai. In the UK, Emirates continues to boost its operations and will reinstate flights to Newcastle Airport (NCL) from 15 October, offering four weekly flights to the northeast of England, all operated by the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two class configuration. The first flight, EK033, will depart Dubai International (DXB) at 1430hrs and arrive in Newcastle (NCL) at 1910hrs, while flight EK034 will depart Newcastle at 2110hrs and arrive in Dubai the following day at 0725hrs. By the end of October, the airline will offer 77 weekly flights to the UK as it gradually recovers operations in one of its most important global markets. UK weekly operations include a six times daily London Heathrow operation with five A380 services; double daily A380 flights to Manchester, 10 weekly services to Birmingham, daily services to Glasgow and four weekly services to Newcastle. Earlier this month, UAE moved onto the UK’s ‘amber’ list for travel, and travellers arriving in the UK from Dubai no longer need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel. Responding to a rise in customer demand, Emirates has also brought forward its plans to introduce extra flights and capacity to over 10 European cities, including Birmingham, Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin, Hamburg, London, Lisbon, Madrid, Munich, Rome and Zurich. Many of these …