Address Jabal Omar Makkah  announced the opening of its Sky Mussallah, world’s highest prayer room that encapsulates sheer opulence. Designed to excel on every metric, the new Sky Mussallah is a perfect embodiment of the hotel’s unparalleled architectural excellence. The mussallah stands as a sensational vantage point for guests to immerse themselves in complete spirituality while gazing out at the magnificent landmarks of Makkah. It has been specially designed to offer a heartfelt connection to its sacred surroundings, providing a bird’s-eye view of Masjid al-Haram with a full sight of the Holy Kaaba, where the whole city comes alive every year during the “Hajj & Umrah” season. The interiors of Sky Mussallah are just as extraordinary, featuring a seamless fusion of ancient Arabian charm and contemporary opulence. The stunning Arabic calligraphy on adds a layer of profound grace to the ambience. Each stroke of the calligraphy tells a different story about the “Names of God in Islam”, such as Al-Muqaddim (The Advancer), and Al-Mani (The Shielder and Protector), infusing the space with a sense of reverence and connection to the rich Islamic heritage. Located in the interconnecting bridge that links the property’s two towers, soaring majestically at 483 meters high above sea level, and standing proud at 179 meters from the hotel’s internal road level, the Sky Mussallah has recently been inducted into the Guinness World Records for “Highest Prayer Room Within a Skybridge”. This remarkable achievement was a result of both architectural brilliance and boundless creativity, employing cutting-edge technologies and using special equipment to design this incredible space. With an impressive weight of 650 tonnes, its steel bridge was first assembled at 312 meters above sea level before being …

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik laid the foundation stone for RO 147.8 million Oman Cultural Complex to promote cultural, literary, theatrical and research activities through the enhancement of relevant programmes aimed to expand the scope of engagement in highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage and exploring the country’s accomplishments. The building will be about 80,200 square metres (sqm) that will be constructed on land plot of 400,000 sqm. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also presided over a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the building of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) at the Airport Heights in Muscat Governorate. When His Majesty the Sultan arrived at the project’s site, he was received by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Chairman of the Founding Committee of Oman Cultural Complex Project, and Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhoyani, NRAA Chairman. Then, His Majesty the Sultan viewed Oman Cultural Complex building’s designs, presented in showcases that highlighted the components of the project. The project is considered an embodiment of the Royal vision of His Majesty to establish a state-of-the-art cultural designation, a civilizational accomplishment and a scholarly and institutional edifice of Oman’s blessed renaissance. Then, His Majesty the Sultan watched a visual presentation about the project and listened to a briefing about the building’s innovative model. The project houses many institutions and facilities, including the National Library, the National Theatre, Children’s Public Library, the House of Arts, the House of Cinema, the Literary Forum and the National Records and Archives Authority. It also comprises restaurants, cafeterias and a public park. His Majesty the Sultan then laid the cornerstone marking the start of construction of …

In a joint effort to promote sustainability in the Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Biosphere have inked a partnership to promote sustainability criteria in the hotel industry under the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative. In the current landscape of globalisation and information saturation, where sustainability holds paramount importance, the proliferation of new standards and eco-labels poses a significant challenge for the sector. Identifying clear and consistent sustainability criteria has become increasingly difficult. Biosphere and WTTC have joined forces and solidified their commitment to fostering a more sustainable hotel industry to establish fundamental steps for global sustainability practices. This marks a significant milestone for global hotel sustainability, benefiting over 2,500 hotels. As partners of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), both organisations are optimistic that standardising their sustainability concepts will undoubtedly catalyse widespread adoption by hotels worldwide. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Hotel Basics is a crucial and inclusive industry initiative, ensuring hotels continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of both travellers and the planet. The collaboration between Biosphere and WTTC is a fundamental step towards international standardisation in sustainability, creating a clear and homogeneous pathway for the industry.” The recent signed agreement between WTTC and Biosphere will lay the groundwork for a network of international criteria homogenisation. This initiative aims to facilitate the industry’s transition from basic criteria to more advanced global standards, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 goals of the United Nations. This connection is made possible through the Guide for Sustainable Tourism of UN-SDSN Spain and Biosphere. Dr. Tomás de Azcárate Bang, President of the Responsible Tourism Institute, said: “Sustainability must be viable, …

Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and Africa announced the opening of Millennium Place Doha, a new lifestyle haven in the heart of Qatar’s capital, dedicated to sustainability and an integral part of guests’ experiences. The hotel features 150 luxurious rooms ranging from Superior to Deluxe categories, as well as 6 Executive Suites equipped with modern amenities. The sleeping bathrooms are carefully designed to provide a relaxing environment that encourages guests to relax and recharge after a busy day. Some rooms also offer private balconies that allow guests to enjoy mesmerizing views of the city, making Millennium Place Doha a tourist retreat that offers luxurious and happy stays in line with the Millennium Place brand logo that promises guests happiness around every corner. Fahad Abdul Rahim Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East and Africa, said: “We are proud to announce the opening of our fifth Millennium Place hotel for the first time in Doha. Millennium Place Doha reflects the concept of living in a distinctive way under the Millennium Place brand, embodying the idea of making every moment an opportunity for happiness. Whether our guests are on a business trip or leisure, our motto ‘Happiness – Every Moment, Happiness is a Choice’ is reflected in every aspect of our services, with sustainability at the forefront of our operations and offering a wide variety of food and beverages that will appeal to guests and visitors alike, and we look forward to the hotel becoming the hub of the city’s distinctive lifestyle.” Eng. Mohammed Abbas, Owner and General Manager of Ishtar Hotel Management added: “It is a great honor for us to open this hotel which will …

Qiddiya sports, entertainment and culture stadium in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to attract 7.6 million annual visits to the stadium, playing a key role in Vision 2030’s targets for a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation – driving tourism and creating jobs. The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced  the launch of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, an iconic multi-use venue set to further enhance Qiddiya’s philosophy of the Power of Play. Upon opening, it is anticipated to host some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest sports, entertainment, and cultural events. Located in Qiddiya City atop the breathtaking 200m-high Tuwaiq cliff and just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this futuristic venue is anticipated to become a must-visit destination. It aims to draw visitors from across the globe and revolutionize the traditional stadium experience with its immersive design and unique technological features, putting spectators at the center of the show. Commenting on the launch, Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company said: “Our ambition is for Qiddiya City to become a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture and this iconic new stadium will be at its very heart. The futuristic venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept and embody the true spirit of Qiddiya’s Power of Play philosophy. It uses state-of-the-art technology and innovative, world-leading design to put the spectator at the centre of the experience”. He added “It will become a bucket-list destination for fans and enthusiasts across the world, hosting major events from across the world of sport and entertainment.” Designed by leading global architectural firm Populous, the stadium is set to be the world’s first fully …

Emirates will introduce an additional Premium Economy service between Melbourne and Dubai, available from the 1 February 2024 on EK408 and EK409. The additional service follows the debut of Emirates’ Premium Economy service from Melbourne in April 2023, when the new cabin was made available on the daily EK406 and EK407 services. This latest development means Emirates now offers close to 800 weekly Premium Economy seats between Melbourne and its Dubai hub. The Premium Economy cabin offers a signature experience unmatched in the industry, offering plush cream leather seats and a wood veneer, a generous baggage allowance and an exceptional dining experience, staffed by a team of Cabin Crew dedicated to Premium Economy passengers. The added Premium Economy service means that the airline will be serving Australia with close to 3200 seats, including two daily services from Sydney and two daily services from Melbourne, maintaining Australia’s position as one of the key markets served with the airline’s best-in-class Premium Economy cabins. Since tickets for the Emirates Premium Economy service went on sale in Sydney in August 2022 and in Melbourne in April 2023, the new cabin class has exceeded expectations and forecasts with more than 90,000 passengers flying to and from Australia opting for the new cabin experience. Premium Economy seats from Sydney and Melbourne have averaged over 80 per cent load factors and the airline continues to anticipate consistently high demand for the new cabin class in Melbourne as consumer confidence and travel demand continue to accelerate in the new year. Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates, says “As one of the most important markets in our global network, we are committed to offering Australians not only greater connectivity but also more …

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, successfully concluded its participation in the Wings India 2024 exhibition conference. This event was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the Republic of India in cooperation with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The conference also witnessed the presence of leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and bodies worldwide and took place from January 18 to 21, 2024, at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. During Saudi Arabia’s participation, a delegation led by the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, highlighted the vital role of the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom’s national economy. He also emphasized the promising investment opportunities offered by this sector, aligning with the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s objectives. Under this strategy, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading player in civil aviation in the Middle East. Their goals include doubling passenger capacity to 330 million annually, serving more than 250 destinations worldwide, and increasing cargo capacity to 5.4 million tons. On the sidelines of the conference, the President of GACA participated in a ministerial session with leaders of civil aviation from around the world. This session focused on reviewing the national aviation strategy’s role in supporting economic development in Saudi Arabia. It also discussed the various opportunities for global investors based on the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The aim is for Saudi Arabia to become a regional aviation hub and a global logistics platform connecting three continents. The Saudi Aviation Strategy aims to emphasize the Kingdom’s pioneering role in the in the field of civil aviation in the …

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued an index to classify air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority during December 2023. The total complaints lodged by passengers to GACA during December amounted to 1,308. Flynas recorded the least complaints at 42 per 100,000 passengers, with a closure rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) ranked second, with 61 complaints and a closure rate of 99%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third with 65 complaints per 100,000 passengers, recording a closure rate of 96%. The most frequent complaints for December were about luggage, flight delays, and tickets, respectively. In December 2023, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded the lowest complaints, with five complaints for every 100,000 passengers, or 1%, among international airports that receive more than six million passengers annually. The airport had a closure rate of 100%. Abha International Airport came with the lowest complaints for every 100,000 passengers with six complaints, or 2%, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually, with a closure rate of 100%. Locally, Najran Domestic Airport recorded the lowest complaints for every 100,000 passengers with two complaints, at a closure rate of 100%.

Saudi Arabia has accomplished an extraordinary achievement in tourism, achieving a full recovery and recording a 156% growth in international arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019(pre-pandemic year). This impressive recovery is highlighted in the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Barometer report released in January 2024. This achievement has not only contributed to the Kingdom’s economic growth but also positioned it as a key driver in the Middle East’s tourism recovery. The region, led by Saudi Arabia, is the only one to exceed pre-pandemic tourism levels, with a 22% growth in 2023 compared to 2019. Globally, the tourism sector is steadily rebounding. By the end of 2023 the global average achieved 12% below pre-pandemic levels in international arrivals, with about 1.3 billion international arrivals. The sector’s international revenues neared $1.3 trillion, reaching 93% of the 2019 figure of $1.5 trillion. The direct contribution of tourism to the global GDP was estimated at 3%, or $3.3 trillion, in 2023, based on the UNWTO’s preliminary indicators. Looking ahead, the UNWTO forecasts a complete recovery of global tourism from the COVID-19 pandemic by 2024, with an expected growth of 2% compared to 2019. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector stands out in the UNWTO reports, leading the G20 nations in the growth rate of international arrivals in 2023 and ranked 2nd as the world’s fastest-growing tourist destination for Q1-Q3 2023. The Kingdom has seen remarkable growth in various tourist destinations, achieving a record in international visitor spending. The first three quarters of 2023 recorded an international visitor spending exceeding 100 billion Saudi riyals, according to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The travel item of the balance of payments showed a surplus of approximately 37.8 billion Saudi riyals …

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), announced that under the Saudi Aviation Strategy, the Kingdom expects 330 million passengers annually by 2030 and it aims only 10 percent of them to be transit passengers. This strategy is a part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading regional hub and a global logistics platform connecting three continents. Al-Duailej shared these insights at a ministerial session on the sidelines of Wings India 2024, an exhibition and conference organized by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), from January 18 to 21, 2024, at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. (Saudi Gazette report) Al-Duailej emphasized the critical role of civil aviation in supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and sustainable development. The Kingdom is redefining the future of its aviation sector, aiming to attract $100 billion in investments and create an unparalleled travel experience. The focus on sustainable and integrated growth is evident in the aim to have only a fraction of passengers as transit passengers. The Saudi Aviation Strategy includes a comprehensive plan to upgrade and develop airports, airlines, aircraft, and facilities, including shipping and logistics services. It aims to expand the Kingdom’s air connectivity to over 250 destinations worldwide through 29 airports. Additionally, the strategy plans to establish a network of airports with unique capabilities, led by two global connectivity centers in Riyadh and Jeddah. Al-Duailej also highlighted the strategy’s ambition to transform air freight and logistics services, increasing air freight capacity from 0.8 million tons to 4.5 million tons by 2030. This initiative is expected to attract global air carriers, logistics service providers, …