The new event, launched as Saudi Arabia embarks on a multi-billion dollar infrastructure boom, will take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from 6-8 September 2022. “We’re creating an opportunity for the most important suppliers, contractors and government officials involved in the Kingdom’s infrastructure development to connect,” said Matt Denton, President dmg events. “Their networking and the business they conduct will contribute to industry thought leadership and drive projects crucial to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” Vision 2030’s bold plan to boost and diversify the nation’s economic activity is sparking an unprecedented infrastructure drive. In October last year the government established a $53.4bn infrastructure investment fund to catalyse private sector involvement in major infrastructure projects. This follows the announcement in January 2019 of the $425bn National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse and a global logistics hub. “These significant sums are just a portion of the government funding being allocated to infrastructure projects across the Kingdom,” said Denton. “Continued investment will attract more private sector funding, creating even more opportunities for exhibitors at Saudi Infrastructure Expo.” With offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as other centres across the Middle East and Africa, dmg events is ideally placed to deliver Saudi Infrastructure Expo. The company has spent a decade successfully staging events in the Kingdom, including The Big 5 Saudi, the country’s largest construction event. The Saudi Infrastructure Expo event features will draw on this pool of experience and include a strategic conference where leading figures from across the industry will share valuable insights into how new projects will progress and where new opportunities will emerge.  

Oman Air announced that its award-winning First and Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems Standards, which certifies that the Management System has been fully audited and found to be in accordance with the provision of First and Business Class Lounge services for Oman Air customers. Delivering an exceptional customer experience remains a priority for Oman Air, and that priority extends to the airline’s First and Business Class Lounge at its hub in Muscat. Luxuriously appointed and presenting a decisively Omani-themed ambience, the lounge offers Oman Air’s First and Business class passengers welcome respite from airport crowds and features among others our attentive service and care, a diverse buffet offering, elevated à la carte dining, and an exclusive spa with a variety of treatments. Last year, the lounge was awarded Skytrax’s Five-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating for implementing appropriate coronavirus protection measures, both in terms of product and service standards, while ensuring optimal passenger health and safety at all times. “We’re delighted that our First and Business Class Lounge has been granted ISO 9001:2015 certification, said Mr. Saleem Amanulla Abdulhussain, Senior Vice President of Service Delivery at Oman Air. “Our guests travelling from Muscat deserve an exceptional lounge experience in terms of the quality of product and the high level of service they receive. Enhancing the customer experience for our First and Business class passengers in Muscat is a promise we continue to uphold, and one that reflects the excellent management systems and standards throughout the lounge. The ISO certification is an attestation of the well-defined measures in place which guide our operational practices so that we consistently live up to our …

Located in Dubai’s most nostalgic nook, Le Méridien Fairway has reopened its doors to guests with the promise of the most relaxing getaway experience. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, Le Méridien Fairway is situated within a close proximity of the enchanting Dubai Creek providing guests luxury comforts and easy access to Dubai’s main attractions, some of which include The City Centre Mall, The Gold Souk and the infamous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Le Méridien Fairway boasts an array of pristine facilities, for those looking to lounge in lavish settings, the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect destination. The Peak Health Club is the hotels renowned fitness studio ideal for guests looking to stay active during their relaxing retreat. For those who are looking to indulge in delicious offerings, Le Méridien Fairway showcases three spectacular restaurants. Petit Café is the all-day dining restaurant offering mouthwatering international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Patrons looking for a laid-back option can look to the Press Club bar where guests can revel in exclusive promotions. The promotions include a bucket of hops, happy hour and buy one get one free deal. The bar is open to revelers from 3pm to 2.30am. The Lobby Bar is ideal for business lunches, for the price of AED 39 only guests can enjoy a speedy and light business lunch daily, from 11am to 3pm. For the main attraction, Le Méridien Fairway presents a range of beautiful rooms that boast views, comfort, and relaxation. The room categories include: Deluxe Rooms King/Twin – Recently renovated in 2021 the 40 sqm Deluxe Guestrooms offer a great escape for those looking for a relaxing experience. Perfect for …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has outlined its key strategic framework ahead of the return of wholescale international tourism, with various additions and adjustments to meet the needs of global travellers in a post-pandemic world. Addressing the results of recent independent surveys and reports, GNTB intends to focus on three key areas to help grow the national tourism industry: digitalisation, sustainability, and remote work.   Digitalisation “As international travellers continue to grow more confident once more, it is essential to strengthen the competitiveness of Germany as a global destination,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, GCC. “For this reason, we have studied public opinion and identified various way to improve our offerings. We are now in the process of constructing modern, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure for our visitors to feel comfortable when travelling.” According to a 2021 IPK International survey, 75 per cent of travellers prefer digital offers when planning a trip. Online booking not only allows for easier accessibility, but also removes physical contact during the transaction. Similarly, the use of e-guides and tour books has grown in popularity because of pandemic protocols. Germany will look to develop and widen the availability of these options this year. Sustainability Travellers’ values have also shifted towards sustainable tourism. According to Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 61 per cent of international travellers regard the COVID-19 pandemic as the main motivator to travel sustainably. Germany, for its part, starts from a strong position in that regard. GNTB’s Feel Good campaign won the World Travel Market’s ‘World Responsible Tourism Award’ last year, as well as the European Cultural Travel Network’s Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Award for 2021. Likewise, the 2021 Sustainable …

Thynk.Cloud announced its first partnership in the Middle East with Ishraq Hospitality. The partnership will enable the hospitality group’s sales organization to further enhance the way they manage their B2B business relationships and maximize their sales productivity and efficiency. Developed by hoteliers for hoteliers and powered by Salesforce®, the world’s largest Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Thynk.Cloud is designed to simplify and automate sales, operations, and data management for hotels of any size. Dubai-based Ishraq Hospitality, part of the Mohammed & Obaid Almulla Group, currently operates eight hotels in the United Arab Emirates with another eight properties in the pipeline. To support its rapid growth, the Group was looking for a hospitality CRM solution that could be tailored to the company’s needs. “We considered both the option of building our own and buying a CRM solution that would offer the functionality, features and flexibility we were looking for to achieve our vision and enable our growth”, said Alexander Suski, CEO of Ishraq Hospitality. Thynk.Cloud enables hoteliers to build stronger digital relationships with their customers, increase their focus on margins, optimize their cost of sales and operations, and uncover new sources of business. “We have not only been impressed with the product itself, but also with the team at Thynk, who have been instrumental in the seamless deployment across our hotels. As a global company with a local presence, they offer the best of both worlds. The team on the ground here in the UAE checks in with us weekly and guides us, and we keep discovering new options and capabilities of the system. At Ishraq Hospitality we look for partners that speak our language of hospitality sales & marketing and …

Beyond luxury, RAWNAQ Tourism is one of the most ultra-luxurious tourism corporations based in Jeddah Saudi Arabia and opening its doors to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next month. Experience an unforgettable vacation; leave all the usual logistics at the door, RAWNAQ has you covered. Find a variety of services such as flights, private jets, elite hotels, yachts, villas and five-star personal services for luxury destinations all over the world. RAWNAQ is a leading supplier, wholesaler and ground handler for the Indian Ocean, specializing in the Maldives and surrounding islands in the Indian Ocean, since 2010. Operating from its Jeddah offices the team has felt the demand for offices in Riyadh. Expect warm Arabian hospitality, RAWNAQ’s main purpose to bring Saudi Arabia closer to the world, supporting the goal of the Saudi Vision 2030 and opening opportunities for travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia – with a warm welcome. “The Saudi 2030 Vision excites and inspires us, for its immense impact it will have on the tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RAWNAQ is ecstatic in showcasing and welcoming nationals and residents from neighboring countries in the GCC and further afield to be blown away by Saudi Arabia’s beauty and raising awareness of the Saudi 2030 Vision” – Fahad Alsulami, General Manager of RAWNAQ Exuding a world of refinement, RAWNAQ brings friends and families together in magical ways that help you rediscover the most precious gift of all: time together. There are ample opportunities to reconnect with one another and make lifelong memories. Kick off your sandals and allow your toes sink in to the sandy white beaches, be present and allow RAWNAQ to handle every aspect of your vacation. The …

UAE-based ExploreTECH is set to launch on the 2nd of February 2022 with the aim of connecting hospitality and travel professionals and tech providers from the Middle East and Africa. The platform allows technology providers to showcase their products and services to hospitality professionals who are looking for a go-to source to find and compare tech solutions. A feature of this marketplace also enables professionals to gain subject matter expert advice on navigating challenges and creating long-term strategies to facilitate improvements in business processes and profitability. The first-of-its-kind marketplace offers three different subscription modules for commercial technology providers, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes and budgets. Launching in Arabic and English, the marketplace will bring value to an industry looking for a greater return on investment on current digital offerings. Ralph Melis, Co-founder of ExploreTECH said: “Our goal is to drive a new era of digital transformation across the industry by positioning our platform as the go-to marketplace of the future. By creating such a unified platform, we are enabling a new kind of digital strategy development for users and providers alike.” ExploreTECH taps into a major gap in a sector which is increasingly dependent on effective digital strategies. The user-friendly format allows businesses to gain the maximum benefit from the platform with the easiest assimilation possible. “The feedback we hear is that there is a massive need for a single entity that can act as a medium for accessible and credible tech solutions that can form part of a continuous and consistent strategy for businesses to extend their reach and connect more effectively with their target audiences.” says Antoine Medawar, another co-founder of ExploreTECH. ExploreTECH is creating …

In celebration of Abu Dhabi hosting the inaugural Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards on 7 February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of 50 Best Week Abu Dhabi — a culinary festival featuring experiential dining experiences, cooking masterclasses and unique collaboration dinners. Taking place from 4 to 11 February 2022, the eight-day culinary festival will showcase the city’s vibrant gastronomic experiences and some of its finest restaurants. Ideal for food-lovers looking to explore Abu Dhabi’s diverse culinary scene, the event will be filled with mouth-watering moments to enjoy, with renowned international chefs coming to the UAE’s capital city to display their skills, and homegrown Emirati talent showcasing their own stellar abilities. Culinary leaders will provide insights into their food philosophy inspiring food lovers of their dishes, ingredients, stories and experiences. The esteemed restaurant awards and gala dinner will recognise 50 outstanding restaurants from across the region highlighting their culinary excellence and dining experiences. Fatima Saeed Al Baloushi, Acting Director of DCT’s Abu Dhabi Events Bureau, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating culinary excellence across Abu Dhabi, catering to residents and visitors, and both seasoned food lovers and more casual diners offering them a taste of our diverse food, and to experience great dishes by some of the world’s leading chefs who are heading to our multi-cultural capital city next month.” The events include three interactive Masterclasses taking place on Friday 4 February, where acclaimed chefs from around the world will showcase their skills while preparing signature dishes in front of a live audience. The chefs – Tim Raue of Restaurant Tim Raue in Berlin; innovative …

Global Village hosted Les Clefs d’Or, the professional association of hotel concierges with 120 hotel concierges from the most prestigious Concierge association in the world participated in an event. After their meeting, the guests dined at the Nowruz Persian Restaurant, which is one among the several famed world cuisines at Global Village. The group were later free to explore Carnaval, the Pavilions and many other attractions at the renowned open-air park, including Harbour Force – the first water stunt show in the region and then enjoyed the rest of the exciting Global Village offerings. Jaki Ellenby, Executive Director Marketing at Global Village said: “Les Clef d’Or members are the gold standard for hotel concierges. They are important destination advocates who play a key role in driving tourism growth and promoting the UAE as a global destination. We are honoured to have been able to welcome the top hotel concierges in the country to Global Village for the first time in our history. This opportunity is a sign of Global Village’s growing repute amongst tourists and the strengthening of our relationships with hotels across the country.” Abey Sam, UICH Zone Director Arabian & Western Asia and National President of Les Clefs d’Or UAE said, “We are proud to have our first monthly meeting hosted by Global Village where people from all over the globe meet in Dubai to share their cultures.” Les Clefs d’Or (translated as The Golden Keys) is a professional association of hotel concierges with approximately 4,000 members working in over 80 countries and 530 destinations across the world. Easily identified by the golden cross keys on their lapels, the members are an elite fraternity, globally connected, committed to …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to become a world leader in sustainable travel, not only by protecting its beautiful ecosystems but actively regenerating them for future generations to enjoy. Hailed as the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism development, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project will be entirely carbon neutral from its first day of operation, which CEO John Pagano hopes will inspire the wider industry to follow suit in embracing practices that protect the state of our planet. “We are setting the bar very high because our consumers will demand it and forcing others to follow our lead,” said Pagano, who also heads AMAALA, speaking at a World Majlis event panel during Dubai Expo 2020’s Travel and Connectivity Week, which concluded on January 15. The Red Sea Project and AMAALA are sister projects set along the north-western coast of Saudi Arabia. Pagano said factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and outspoken climate activists have served as a wake-up call to re-evaluate the direction our world is taking. For Saudi Arabia, this means stepping up efforts to future-proof giga developments such as those on the Red Sea. “Sustainability is more expensive, at least today, but competition will ultimately drive cost down, making sustainability more available,” he added. Though Pagano conceded that this approach requires larger upfront investments, he noted that it is nonetheless a price worth paying as there is no choice but to change course to secure the future of the planet. He stressed that the Saudi leadership backs this view as illustrated by its support for The Red Sea Project, which he called the largest tourism venture on the planet to be powered solely by renewable energy. As a …