Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has launched its latest global campaign, featuring superstars Jessica Alba and Zac Efron, as it continues to drive global travel recovery and growth. Dubai Presents – filmed by Director’s Guild award-winning director Craig Gillespie of recent Cruella movie fame – takes a unique perspective to global destination advertising, using a highly stylised movie trailer approach to create engaging content, backdropped by some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks and unique hidden locations. Kicking off with the high adrenaline Spy Action genre, the campaign will see a series of exciting new content launching in sequence to keep audiences guessing and anticipating. Building on the hugely successful campaign film, ‘A Story Takes Flight’ released by Dubai Tourism in 2019 and featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Zoe Saldana; this new campaign will see more than 2,000 assets released in 27 countries across 16 languages via cinema, print, broadcast, out of home, digital and social media channels. Dubai recently marked a year since it reopened its doors to international travellers. Data from Dubai Tourism shows that the city welcomed 4.1 million overnight visitors in a 12-month period from July 2020 to June 2021. This figure underscores the leading role that Dubai continues to play in global tourism recovery offering a safe, appealing, and memorable experience for travellers. Dubai’s approach since the start of the global pandemic has been one of preparedness, agility and consistency. It was one of the first cities globally to reopen its markets and businesses, and continues to stay open. This was achieved through a prudent and staggered approach to the reopening of sectors while ensuring strict compliance with globally benchmarked health …

Emirates and Aeromar have announced that they have entered into an interline partnership which will provide seamless connectivity for customers between destinations in Mexico and United States via Mexico City to Emirates’ global network. Through this interline partnership, customers will now be able to book tickets to fly to and from 12 destinations in Mexico and the United States covered by the interline agreement via Mexico City, connecting to Emirates’ flights EK 256/255 between Mexico City, Barcelona and Dubai. Customers can then journey to Emirates’ network of more than 120 cities across the world. The interline agreement allows customers the convenience of booking their entire journey on a single ticket with uniform baggage policy and fare conditions. Tickets can be booked online on emirates.com or through travel agents. “Emirates is delighted to enter into this interline partnership with Aeromar. The strength of Aeromar’s regional flight network will allow us to connect a large number of travellers from cities in Mexico and Texas, United States to our global network via Mexico City, Barcelona and Dubai. Customers will not only have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ signature hospitality and flight experience but will also have the convenience of booking their journey from Mexico on a single ticket available online on Emirates’ website or through their travel agents,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer. “Aeromar is very proud to partner with Emirates, globally recognized for its excellence of service and unrivaled Dubai hub. The agreement is a testament to Aeromar´s high quality standars and further enhances our strong interline cooperation portfolio, which includes several industry leading international airlines serving Mexico,” added Fabricio Cojuc, Aeromar’s Executive Director, Network Strategy and Alliances. The destinations …

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, will resume flights to Jeddah on 11 August, 2021. The twice-weekly flights will operate on Wednesday and Saturday as WY 1675 from Muscat (MCT) and WY 1676 from Jeddah (JED). Flights from Muscat will depart at 15:25 and arrive in Jeddah at 17:40. Flights from Jeddah will depart at 19:40 and arrive in Muscat at 23:45. No quarantine required for fully vaccinated travellers, with proof of second dose administered 14 days prior to arrival. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety, and a number of other measures have been implemented to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, caa.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate. Guests travelling to Jeddah should ensure they are aware of official requirements to enter or transit through the country. Guests travelling for Umrah should be aware of the latest conditions for travel, as well as other relevant Umrah measures and restrictions, available on omanair.com Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are …

Ishraq Hospitality, part of Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla group has announced the appointment of Joseph Karam as Cluster General Manager for Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah and Crowne Plaza Dubai-Deira. Joseph’s role will see him utilize his wealth of hospitality experience to spearhead the direction for both hotels.   Hailing from Lebanon, Joseph has a lifelong love for hospitality, ignited by playing as a child in the historic Belmont Hotel. With over two decades of hospitality experience, Joseph trained as a waiter and quickly found he loved talking to different types of people. He has strong commercial acumen, with vast experience of implementing creative and effective change initiatives. Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Tourism with an MBA major in Human Resources Management.   Prior to his current position, Joseph has extensive global experience working in multi-branded hospitality companies across the world, including Lebanon, Thailand, Qatar and of course, the UAE. His diverse experience in all areas of hospitality – including a stint working as a HR Director for the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – means Joseph has a hands-on, personable attitude. His hospitality journey has come full circle, having worked initially as a waiter at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, at the beginning of his career.   Joseph will be responsible for leading Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah & Crowne Plaza Dubai-Deira as prime destinations in the UAE. “With the hospitality industry finally getting back on its feet, it is a pleasure to be opening the Crowne Plaza brand in the Jumeirah 1 area. Globally we are completely transforming the brand as we build hotels of the future with flexible design and innovation that modern travellers crave. The location …

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has welcomed two new weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The inaugural flight, operated by Iraqi Airways using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on Saturday 7 August at 17:00 Local Time (LT). Iraqi Airways will start by operating one flight per week and will then increase its number flights to two per week. Flights will be operating on both Saturdays and Tuesdays, upon the recovery of the travel demand. Francois Bourienne, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “The introduction of the new flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Baghdad will support the Iraqi community in the UAE, facilitating a smoother travel experience for them. We consistently expand our network at Abu Dhabi International Airport, meeting the travel requirements of all who live in the UAE as well as international tourists looking to visit our leading destinations. “Abu Dhabi Airports continues to identify and leverage areas of demand for both passengers and airlines. At Abu Dhabi Airports, we remain committed to providing our customers with the best travel experience, while ensuring their health and wellbeing, which is our main priority,” Bourienne added. Captain Kifah Jabar, Chief Executive Officer of Iraqi Airways said: “Iraqi Airways is proud to commence operations between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad. We believe that connecting the two capitals will strengthen the relations between our countries, delivering greater corporation to enable successful operations in this sector.” Outbound flights will depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturdays and Tuesdays at 18:00 Local Time (LT), landing in Baghdad at 19:15 LT. Return flights will depart from Baghdad International Airport on Saturdays and Tuesdays at …

The first hotel to open outside of Europe 25hours Hotel One Central is set to debut by Q4 2021 in Dubai. The very first 25hours hotel to launch in the Middle East, the highly anticipated Dubai outpost will celebrate and champion individuality, reverberating the mantra that 24 hours is simply not enough! It is a fun and vibrant property with a wonderfully welcoming aura- a real place, intended for real people to come as they are! 25hours will make your stay one to remember, transporting you to an exhilarating playground that feels like it’s almost home. Overlooking the Museum of the Future and boasting 434 rooms and suites, 25hours Hotel One Central tells the region’s story through its interiors, combining the ancient traditions of the Bedouins with a progressive, forward-thinking design and a nod to the future. Impactful, breath-taking and phenomenal design awaits at the UAE outpost.   Masterminded by interior design firm, Woods Baggot, elements of tales where the traditional meets the modern are intricately woven and exhibited floor-by-floor, creating an entirely contemporary narrative, promising a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Prepare to be electrified!   Offering a unique take on co-working spaces, 25hours Hotel One Central provides an inviting space fully equipped with a modern ‘open’ pantry concept to encourage a community feel, allowing local heroes to connect with the well-travelled. A paint and pottery studio, podcast recording room and record decks also add another stellar dimension to the offering in true 25hours style.   Additionally, 25hours Hotel One Central has partnered with MINI to allow guests with a sense of adventure the opportunity to get out and explore the city on their own terms.   If an epic culinary …

The First Collection, a new lifestyle brand from integrated property developer The First Group, has revealed that it will open its first hotel under the brand – The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle. The hotel, which is scheduled to open in September 2021, reflects the market-leading ambitions of The First Collection brand. The stunning 40-storey high-rise tower will house an array of sophisticated guest, dining and leisure facilities that will establish the hotel as a unique lifestyle destination located in the heart of New Dubai. The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle, which has been designed by acclaimed architectural firm NORR, will boast 491 guestrooms and suites, as well as a range of ultra-modern guest amenities designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike. Highlights of the four-star property include an expansive swimming pool, gymnasium and sundeck, alongside separate male and female spa facilities. True to the broader scope of the brand, The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle will become one of the precinct’s most sought-after dining destinations, thanks to its collection of bespoke signature restaurants.   Headlining the hotel’s outstanding dining facilities is Santè Ria, an ultra-hip, Latino-inspired venue that will serve up fresh flavours embodying the heart and soul of South America. Also included within the complex is Village Bistro – a vibrant, family-friendly venue that will offer an extensive à la carte menu and international buffets. Guests can also chill out by the hotel Terrace Pool with a drink or snack, or enjoy a BBQ as part of the hotel’s regular themed nights.   The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle’s prime location places it close to the city’s top business precincts and leisure attractions. The hotel is …

Emirates has announced it is restarting services to Glasgow in the United Kingdom, with 4 weekly flights from 11 August 2021. From 11 August to 30 October, flights between Dubai and Glasgow will operate four times a week on Emirates’ Boeing 777-200LR, in a two-class configuration, offering premium services in Business Class and Economy Class. Emirates flight EK 27 will depart Dubai on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 07:50hrs, arriving at Glasgow International Airport at 12:45hrs the same day. The return flight, EK 28, will depart Glasgow at 14:35 hrs, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Dubai at 01:05hrs the following day (all times are local). From September, Emirates will increase its flight frequency to a daily service.   With the UAE moving onto the UK’s ‘amber’ list for travel on Sunday 8 August, travellers arriving in the UK from Dubai no longer need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel, provided they are fully vaccinated. The latest travel requirements to the UK are available here.   Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer said: “Emirates welcomes the decision to add the UAE to the UK’s ‘amber list’ for international travel, reflecting the extensive steps that have been taken to mitigate the spread of the virus in the UK and UAE.   Since the UK’s announcement, we’ve seen a huge surge in queries from customers desperate to travel to see their families, planning their kids’ return for the new school term, as well as their postponed business or holiday travel. Emirates is reviewing our operations to various points in the UK and any service restart will be announced in the usual fashion.”   Emirates has been gradually rebuilding its …

Following the United Arab Emirates being added to the UK Amber List, Etihad Airways will resume passenger flights to London and Manchester from 8 August. Unvaccinated guests travelling from the UAE will be required to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before departure and to undergo 10 days home quarantine, as well as follow up Covid-19 tests on day two and day eight. Fully vaccinated guests who had their vaccine administered in the UK, US or Europe are exempt from quarantine and the day eight test. The airline’s three daily flights to London Heathrow have been scheduled to provide guests with a choice of conveniently timed departures and arrivals, and all 28 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and the UK will be operated using state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Those wishing to book are advised to visit www.etihad.com to view their options, and to remain informed of the appropriate entry regulations at their end destination. Flights are also available for booking through the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE), or through a local or online travel agency. A list of other local Etihad contact centres is available at etihad.com/contacts. Etihad continues to follow UAE and international government, regulatory and health authority directives, and is playing its part in helping to limit the spread of Covid-19. The airline has implemented an extensive sanitisation and wellness programme and is practicing the highest standards of hygiene at every part of the customer journey. This includes catering, aircraft and cabin deep-cleaning, check-in, health screening, boarding, inflight, crew interaction, meal service, disembarkation and ground transportation, among others. More information on the stringent measures being taken …

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, confirms special commercial flights from Dubai to Manila this August, as well as additional flights to other key Asian destinations as it rebuilds international operations. The Bayanihan (a Filipino word that best describes uniting as a community) flights or special commercial flights from Dubai to Manila are scheduled on August 11 and 18, or two consecutive Wednesdays of the month in response to the government’s call for assistance to repatriate overseas Filipinos in the Middle East while the travel ban remains in effect. Other reinstated flights include flights to Singapore, Seoul, South Korea, Tokyo (Narita), Hongkong, Nagoya, Osaka (Kansai) and Taipei. “We remain cautiously optimistic as we gradually rebuild our international network,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience of Cebu Pacific.  “We recognize the need for non-leisure travel to these routes and we assure everyone that we are committed to keep prioritizing safety as we restore trust and confidence in air travel.” Flight schedules may be viewed, and bookings made on the website www.cebupacificair.com. Travel regulations issued by the governments of the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan will be implemented. Passengers may refer to the list of travel requirements here: https://bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders. CEB has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, antigen testing before duty for all frontliners and crew members, and contactless flight procedures. These are all in accordance with global best practices and the highest safety standards. Aircraft are …