Following the latest UAE government directive, from 26 February, guests who are fully vaccinated and travelling with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi will no longer need a PCR test before their flight. Guests who are fully vaccinated and departing or transiting through Abu Dhabi also do not need a PCR test, unless it is a requirement of their end destination. Vaccination certificates must have a QR code. Guests who are not vaccinated and travelling to or from Abu Dhabi must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, or a Covid-19 recovery certificate with a QR code dated within 30 days of departure. Children younger than 16 are exempt from the vaccination and testing requirements to fly, on arrival, or to transit. Passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi as their end destination will continue to receive a free-of-charge PCR test on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. No further tests are required once in Abu Dhabi. 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. Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand and Marketing, Etihad Airways, said: “We warmly welcome this move by the UAE authorities to make travelling to and from Abu Dhabi and the UAE even easier, while maintaining a safe environment. Abu Dhabi has built a reputation for delivering a robust response to the pandemic with high vaccination rates and a comprehensive approach to health and safety measures. Similarly, through the Etihad Wellness programme, we’ve ensured a healthy inflight environment with fully vaccinated crew to look after our guests on board. With this in mind, we look forward …

With momentum continuing to accelerate across Dubai’s tourism industry, the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is ramping up efforts to increase the number of professional tour guides to cater to Dubai’s diverse visitor profile, further enhance the overall tourism experience and maintain the city’ position as one of the world’s most recommended travel destinations. The latest drive by DCT is to encourage talented individuals to pursue a career as a tour guide. The College runs a world-class year-round training programme for tour guides with the aim of helping prospective candidates obtain a valid Dubai tour guide license, which is a pre-requisite for those interested in taking up this occupation. The training programme hosted by DCT is delivered entirely online and designed to make the process of getting the Dubai tour guide license as convenient as possible, while teaching participants how to correctly present Dubai and its culture to international visitors, as well as key hospitality skills. As Dubai continues to lead global tourism recovery with campaigns and initiatives worldwide to further consolidate and sustain its global appeal in both existing and emerging source markets, DCT envisages that the arrival of visitors from a range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds will create high demand for tour guides, especially those with specific language skills including Portuguese, Spanish, Bulgarian, Serbian, Albanian, Slovakian, Czech, Poland, Romanian and Hungarian. Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager, Dubai College of Tourism, commented: “With the steady increase in global travellers making Dubai their destination of choice and with the in-dustry continuing to regain its vibrancy, it is crucial to deliver exceptional visitor experiences across the board in line with …

With the clock ticking towards the March 16th start of Saudi Arabia’s Rally Jameel, the Middle East’s first-ever women-only navigational rally, it has been announced that the historic motorsport event will be held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador to the United States. The addition of the backing of Her Royal Highness is in keeping with the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to empower women across Saudi Arabia in all areas of society, including the field of sport. The rally is sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and  enjoys the support of the FIA Women in Motorsport Committee (WIMC). Her Royal Highness has a background in promoting Saudi Arabian sporting initiatives, having previously worked as Vice President of Women’s Affairs at the Saudi General Sports Authority. In that role she developed policies and programs that benefited women and children throughout the Kingdom. This led to Her Royal Highness being promoted to Deputy of Development and Planning, as well as being appointed as President of the Mass Participation Federation, making her the first woman to lead a multi-sports federation in the Kingdom, a role that she occupied until her appointment as Saudi Ambassador to the United States. Her Royal Highness is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women in Sports Commission and is a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee. Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, commented: “It is an honor to be involved with this first-of-its-kind rally, which will shine a light on the positive steps being taken across Saudi Arabia to empower women …

Kuwait Airways announces the operation of its scheduled commercial flights to Madrid, Spain, starting from 11th June 2022, with three flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In this regard, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan stated, “Madrid is one of the most important new destinations for Kuwait Airways. The selection of Madrid is a result of systematic research, in view of its demand from our valued passengers for this destination which is an excellent touristic location as well as related to historical, and cultural aspects and other attractions featuring new and diverse options to meet the requirements of passengers.” Al-Dukhan added, “Kuwait Airways is keen to assist its passengers and provide them with all means of comfort during their travel on its aircraft; in addition to providing its services in an integrated manner, as well as eliminating any hindrances during their travel, beginning with providing reservations for customers through all available channels and offering them appropriate services, to the check-in at Terminal 4 and completing their travel procedures with ease. Customers can book their tickets through several different methods by visiting the Company’s offices at the Avenues Mall, the Ministries Complex, the Farwaniya Office and Terminal 4, which provide numerous services, including reservations, amending, upgrading and ticket cancelations, as well as assisting with all inquiries, complaints and comments from customers and working to assist them or by contacting the Call Center on 171 or by downloading KAC’s application or by visiting the Kuwait Airways website.” In the same context, Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Maen Razouqi stated, “Kuwait Airways was honored to receive the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Kuwait, His Excellency, …

Akhom Consulting and METT Hotels & Resorts, a 5-star lifestyle collection of Hotels & Resorts, announce their partnership starting from March 2022. Akhom Consulting will lead the Sales representation of METT Brand in the Middle East luxury hospitality market. With a particular focus on the GCC region, Akhom Consulting will expand METT’s brand presence in the luxury hospitality market. METT Hotels & Resorts is a luxury brand by Sunset Hospitality Group. METT lives up to its Bohemian-chic, minimalist style in unique locations. The concept of METT Social Living takes its routes from the way people live in the Mediterranean, with a focus on driving incredible dining experiences. The brand offers an enriching escape to all guests looking for easy living in a mesmerising setting. Since May 2021, METT Hotels & Resorts have welcomed guests in Bodrum, Turkey, by the turquoise Aegean Sea. With a strong pipeline including Dubai, Spain, Greece, and Italy, METT is getting ready to set the new hospitality norms for the elite travellers in multiple destinations. The next resort opening is scheduled for summer 2022 in Marbella. Mouhamed Abdulkhalek, Managing Director of Akhom Consulting said: We are delighted to partner with METT Hotels & Resorts and represent this top-notch luxury brand in the Middle East market. We believe that METT Hotels & Resorts will bring a different perspective in hospitality. METT’s Bohemian-chic Social Living concept will help the brand be the leading name this season. Our triumphant work will allow METT to access the Middle East market, one of the most efficient tourist-generating regions, and to ensure a strong market presence and the desired revenue for the brand.

According to new research commissioned by Arabian Travel Market and conducted at the end of 2021 by hotel market intelligence and global benchmarking company STR, Makkah and Doha are both expanding their hotel room inventory by 76%, followed by Riyadh, Medina and Muscat with 66%, 60% and 59% growth respectively. In Dubai, rooms growth stands at 26%, which is still extraordinary, considering its existing base and following years of continuous hotel development – it is still more than double the global average. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 9-12 May 2022 said, “With the global average sitting at 12% we are witnessing multiple GCC destinations growing at six times those rates.” “These figures coupled with the ongoing relaxation in travel restrictions, will undoubtedly encourage travel professionals throughout the Middle East and further afield. As such we are expecting a substantial increase in the number of participants at our live event this year, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE,” she added. According to the report, there are almost 2.5 million hotel rooms currently under contract around the world, 3.2% or 80,000 rooms of that supply is taking place in Saudi Arabia alone. Furthermore, although Expo 2020 in Dubai, is now drawing to a close (31 March 2022), the mega event has been the catalyst for accelerated hotel room growth in the UAE with almost 50,000 rooms still due to open across the Emirates. Following closely behind is Doha with final preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 now being put in place. Doha is on track to deliver 23,000 hotel rooms pre- and post-World Cup …

Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced the award of a SAR 2.8 billion ($750 million) contract to build Saudi Arabia’s first and the region’s largest water theme park. The contract was awarded to ALEC Saudi Arabia Engineering & Contracting and El Seif Engineering Contracting, in a joint venture between the two companies. The Qiddiya Water Theme Park will be one of the key entertainment attractions at Qiddiya, the future capital of Entertainment, Sports and Culture. The agreement was formally signed between Qiddiya’s Managing Director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, ALEC’s CEO Kez Taylor and El Seif’s CEO Ahmed Al-Bassam at a ceremony held at the Qiddiya Experience Center, followed by a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction. The park will cover 252,000 square meters of land and will be home to 22 rides and attractions – including nine that will be world firsts. Visitors will also be able to enjoy nine innovatively designed zones – the Entry Gate, Camel Rock, Dub Grotto, Wave Wadi, the Den, Viper Canyon, Arabian Peak, the Herding Grounds and Surf Lagoon – inspired by the native animals that inhabit the area around Qiddiya. At the signing ceremony, Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Board Member and Managing Director, QIC, commented: “The Qiddiya Water Theme Park will be a year-round immersive family entertainment destination, the first of its kind and offering experiences that have never before been offered in Saudi. We are pleased to be working with industry leaders like ALEC and El Seif, who will be using the latest in guest experience technologies to create what is certain to be one of the world’s greatest water theme parks. The park will offer our guests a chance to …

Global augmented hospitality group, Accor, through its loyalty program ALL-Accor Live Limitless, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), to announce the launch of the ALL-ADCB Infinite and Signature Credit Cards for consumers in the UAE. The official signing of the partnership took place today at the ADCB Head Office in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Mr. Ala’a Eraiqat, the ADCB Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mehdi Hemici, Chief Loyalty & Partnership Officer at Accor, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa Group Country Manager, and Senior Vice President in GCC, in additions to senior management members from all parties to mark the significant milestone. This formidable agreement brings together ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, and ADCB to create a co-branded Visa credit card that rewards cardholders with elevated experiences to enjoy in the UAE and globally. Drawing on the rich experience and comparative advantages of three leaders in hospitality, banking and payments, the ALL-ADCB Infinite and Signature Credit Cards will provide holders with a gateway to endless privileges and benefits. With an unrivalled portfolio of 28 Accor properties, guests can enjoy a wide range of service options that complement their lifestyle in the UAE. In 2020, Accor announced its global partnership with Visa, to bring new payment experiences to loyalty members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, through the ALL Visa credit card. The introduction of the ALL Visa card enables the Accor Group to engage customers beyond their stay, via an industry leading loyalty program, offering ALL members the ability to earn points, enjoy new experiences and even more hotel nights. The success of Accor’s global partnership with Visa …

City Centre Al Zahia, the newest lifestyle and retail experience in the Northern Emirates by Majid Al Futtaim, has transformed its outdoor carpark into an immersive Winter Garden experience. Running until 15th March from 4pm to 12am, the latest experience has already attracted 165,000 visitors with its various F&B outlets, entertainment, and fun-filled activities to create endless memorable moments with loved ones. Designed to bring the Sharjah and wider UAE community together, City Centre Al Zahia is offering the very best al-fresco entertainment with its very own outdoor cinema complete with lounge-style seating. Screening a selection of family blockbuster hits, movie lovers can look forward to Dumbo, The Incredibles 2, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and more, completely free of charge. To ensure customers experience great moments in the cinema, visitors can indulge in a selection of delicious drinks, popcorn, sweets, and nachos from VOX Cinemas. This season, visitors at City Centre Al Zahia can immerse themselves in a world of fun and excitement enlivened by the latest games, rides and attractions including ice skating, carnival games, cyber jet, arcade Games, a Snow Park Zone, a zipline complete with a bouncy castle and a carousel – guaranteed to keep each member of the family entertained. In addition, the super-regional mall offers a range of F&B options to choose from including authentic Chinese cuisine at Asian Wok, mouth-watering burgers at Burger 28 and Mini BBQ, Mexican dishes at Senor Gonzales, to tantalising Italian flavours at Coppasta, street food at Kris Kros Lebanon and over 20 years of flavour at Wing Stop. Those looking for sweet treats can look forward Churros, Korean desserts at Cake Bloom and Yamanote, inspired by the flavours …

SriLankan Airlines adorns one of its aircraft with customized livery to reaffirm its status as the official airline of the much-awaited ‘Raid Amazones 2022.’ Raid Amazones 2022 is an annual sporting event that features a large number of French female athletes competing their way to victory through multiple sports events and activities against the backdrop of an iconic tourist destination. Every year, the event highlights an attractive tourist destination through inherent features such as its ecological beauty, citizens’ way of life and culture, which are prominently showcased to the world through global media that follow the athletes in their trail. The 20th edition of the event will take place in the areas surrounding the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, rich in ecological beauty, cultural heritage and attributes of authentic village life in Sri Lanka.  The first leg will take place from 13 – 23, March 2022 and the second leg is scheduled from 27 March – 6 April 2022. Over 550 participants are expected to join the event, including athletes and officials. The SriLankan aircraft with the special livery features iconic Sigiriya, the vibrant and unique backdrop of this year’s event. This aircraft will be deployed to bring in athletes and officials from Paris to Sri Lanka for the event and would also continue to fly to many of the airline’s other destinations in its scheduled operations, thus portraying Sri Lanka’s stature as a sports and adventure destination. SriLankan Airlines, a forerunner in the country’s tourism promotion endeavors, expects this to inspire many discerning travellers from France to explore Sri Lanka in the future, supported by the airline’s direct connectivity between the two countries.