At the Dubai Airshow 2021 Emirates announced that it will retrofit 105 of its modern wide-body aircraft with its Premium Economy product, in addition to other cabin enhancements. The 18-month retrofit programme, scheduled to begin at the end of 2022, will be entirely conducted at Emirates’ state-of-the-art Engineering Centre in Dubai. It will see 52 Emirates A380s and 53 Boeing 777s fitted with a new cabin class – the airline’s highly lauded Premium Economy. The airline is also considering installing a brand new Business Class product on its Boeing 777 aircraft, with customised seats in a 1-2-1 layout. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “Emirates is investing in this retrofit programme to ensure that we continue to serve our customers’ needs, and provide the best experiences in the sky. Since we introduced our Premium Economy seats a year back, we’ve received a hugely positive response. Customers have been amazed by the quality and comfort. As Emirates has done with our signature First, Business and full-service Economy travel experiences, we intend to further develop our Premium Economy into a distinctive Emirates experience that is unmatched in the industry. We are also considering a brand new Business Class product. More details will be revealed in due course.” Sir Tim added: “It is also a source of pride that the entire retrofit project will be conducted at our home base in Dubai. It demonstrates the strong aviation capabilities that has been built up within Emirates airline and the broader UAE ecosystem to support such a highly specialised and technical programme.” At the end of the retrofit programme, Emirates will have a total of 111 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft offering Premium …

Kech Mahal, the new entertainment and fine dining restaurant club in Dubai, opens its doors to welcome guests this week. Aiming to be among the finest up-scale dining destination, Kech Mahal serves to its guests a wide variety of international palates with Moroccan touches. Located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, the most vibrant neighbourhood in Dubai, in Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Kech Mahal boasts one of the most glamorous shows in town. From the impressive waist movements of its belly dancers, the dramatic acrobatic play to the up beating live music, Kech Mahal’s show delivers a unique mix of entertainment and raise the bar for extravagant nightlife standards. While the entertainment show captivates the eyes of Kech Mahal’s guests, the restaurant provides food gourmet with an exceptional chance to experience authentic Moroccan delicacies such Couscous (Chicken, Veal, Vegetables), Tagine (Chicken, Seafood, Veal), Pastilla (Seafood, Chicken) and Harira Soup. Likewise, seafood lovers can enjoy their favourite international dishes such as Sushi Platter, Burrata Cheese, Lobster Pasta, and Mix Grill Platter. Hailing from Morocco, Amine El Mesbahi, has been appointed the restaurant manager of Kech Mahal. El Mesbahi graduated from the hospitality management school – Institut Superieur International de Tourisme de Tanger ISITT in 2007. He has 10 years of experience in hospitality and worked with local international brands such as Bab Al Mansour, Aubaine, Guylian, Sheraton- Morocco. Commenting on his appointment, El Mesbahi, highlighted, “We are extremely excited to welcome our guests for the first time at Kech Mahal, and we aim to be the number one choice for those seeking the next level hospitality and entertainment.” He also added, “Hospitality and tourism sectors in Dubai are witnessing a phenomenal growth with …

Mohamed Khater has committed his career to the tourism industry for over two decades. He has become one of the greatest proponents for tourist development in the Middle East, having worked with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for over seven years. Mohamed’s unwavering enthusiasm for tourism has made him an expert in his trade, and he is well-known in the business for his professionalism and pleasant demeanour. Mohamed has honed his skills in destination promotion and marketing, negotiating, budgeting, and leisure sales during his years working with government administrations and international organisations to promote tourism in the Middle East. He has also had the honour of being a member of the team that opened and promoted the world’s longest zipline. He will oversee all UAE business in his new role as Regional General Manager and Managing Partner for Flash Horizon under the ageist of Flash Group. He will also be responsible for commercial and business development within the group. One of the key areas he will focus on will be to expand the business operations to Bahrain, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Africa.

Sanad by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), has partnered with the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) to provide the association’s 27 carrier members with access to Sanad’s world-class industrial service capabilities. The affiliation, which sees Sanad appointed as AACO’s Industry Partner, provides a strategic platform for extensive knowledge exchange and access for the AACO members, with Sanad expecting to leverage the tie-up to expand regional service partnerships and build on its industry-leading expertise in servicing global OEMs and airlines. “Our partnership with AACO provides its members and Sanad with a mutually beneficial platform to explore greater collaborative opportunities and share knowledge and experience to drive excellence across the aviation sector,” said Mansoor Janahi, Deputy Group CEO, Sanad. “With more than three decades’ experience across MRO and leasing, we look forward to working with AACO and its members to further our collective ambitions.” Since its inception 25 years ago, AACO’s Industry Partnership Program has fostered a mutually beneficial environment where partners benefit from AACO events and activities designed to strengthen their relations with member airlines, while AACO members benefit from the partners’ diverse product offerings, and numerous other benefits. Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, AACO Secretary General, said: “We are pleased to welcome Sanad to the extended AACO family of industry partners, and we are confident that the framework we provide for our members and industry partners will create synergies and opportunities for all parties. Sanad’s innovative solutions and services offer specialist choices to our member airlines, and we look forward to a fruitful and successful collaboration and partnership”.    

Emirates and GE Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a programme that will see an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, powered by GE90 engines, conduct a test flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by the end of 2022. Currently, SAF approved for use is a blend of petroleum-based Jet A or Jet A-1 fuel and a SAF component with a maximum blend limit of 50%. One of GE’s fuel experts chairs an international task force to develop standardized industry specifications supporting adoption of 100% SAF, which does not require blending with conventional jet fuel. A milestone collaboration for both Emirates and GE Aviation, the 100% SAF test flight is expected to demonstrate how widebody commercial aircraft using jet fuel made from alternative sources can lower lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels with no operational issues. The demonstration flight also supports both companies’ broader efforts to reduce CO2 emissions as the industry looks to scale up its use of SAF. Emirates will work closely with regulators to secure approvals for experimental type certification, and will also coordinate with airframe, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on pre- and post-flight requirements, in addition to closely working with SAF suppliers on procurement and delivery logistics. Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer, Emirates Airline, said: “Emirates is committed to supporting initiatives that help minimise its CO2 emissions, and we’ve already made great strides in fuel efficiency and conservation as well as operational advancements across different areas of our business. Our agreement with GE Aviation will support progress on the industry’s collective commitment to net zero emissions, and we look forward to continuing this close collaboration. Our partnership …

Gulf Air has recently boosted frequencies to popular destinations in line with the increasing demand and the relaxed travel restrictions in many countries around the globe. Gulf Air destinations have seen an increase in frequency with the growth of passenger number in the current quarter ahead of the holiday season. The airline has increased frequencies to: Amman, double daily – Frankfurt, daily – Paris, daily – Casablanca, 3 weekly – Singapore, 3 weekly – Bangkok, 5 weekly – Istanbul, 10 weekly – Dubai, 49 weekly – Pakistan, 35 weekly and Manila, 9 weekly. Commenting on these developments, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Captain Waleed AlAlawi said: “We’re getting closer to full restoration of our network. Although frequencies are lower than pre-pandemic levels, however it is important for us to bring back our network and offer our passengers more choices of more destinations. Frequencies are regularly reviewed and increased based on network optimization, forecast, demand and entry restrictions”. The airline is also participating at the Dubai Airshow 2021 which is taking place currently (from 14 to 18 November) at Dubai World Central (DWC) in the United Arab Emirates. During the airshow, Gulf Air is showcasing its flagship aircraft the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and its state-of-the-art cabins in its iconic 70th anniversary livery. An executive delegation from Gulf Air will be representing the airline during the event and lead a number of networking initiatives and meeting opportunities with partnerships and potential customers and suppliers. The only live and in-person aerospace event taking place in 2021, the Dubai Airshow 2021 will feature more than 1,200 exhibitors, representatives from 148 countries, more than 80 start-ups, decision makers in attendance and over 20 country …

Lisa Michel, Head of Incoming at railtour suisse, is convinced that, together with Al Rostamani Travels, individual tours to Switzerland and European cities by rail in the GCC markets are well on track. Railtour Suisse is an experienced tour operator with a specialised portfolio in the areas of individual city breaks in Europe, Switzerland and special rail tours. As the European metropolises are connected by an excellent high-speed rail network, round trips by train to discover them are super-easy and convenient. In this context, Railtour offers either Eurail passes for the train journey only or entire packages including hotels and excursions. These can be booked online or tailor-made by the specialists at Al Rostamani Travels according to the customer’s wishes. Switzerland trips are extremely popular. To crown the experience, a trip on one of the famous panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass Line or a combination as the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a must. The Swiss mountain and lake landscapes are magnificent and can be enjoyed to the full on a train journey. railtour offers a wide variety of short or multi-day packages. The Swiss mountain and lake landscapes are magnificent and can be enjoyed to the full on a train journey. Railtour offers a wide variety of short or multi-day packages. Swiss Travel Passes or hotel and extra services are also part of the offer. “We are delighted to add railtour to our growing product portfolio. railtour is the largest rail tours operator, who have placed their 45 years’ experience at the service of the leisure traveler. This creates a strategic partnership, helping us in making our customer’s journey more scenic, more …

Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the second day of Dubai Airshow 2021. The two parties will collaborate to further position Dubai Airshow as a key platform for companies and investors in the space sector. The partnership will support organizations looking to establish a presence at future editions of the event and will enable space companies to benefit from the participation, engagements, networking and agreements created at Dubai Airshow. The MoU was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed commented: “The space sector continues to be a vital industry for the UAE, one that has already inspired a generation of future astronauts and space scientists. Globally there are an increasing number of space organizations and new players investing in the space sector. Dubai Airshow will accelerate its focus on space by creating exciting new prospects for regional and global space players from both public and private sectors. This agreement will help strengthen the Airshow’s space offering and lead to even more partnerships, collaborations and projects in the future.” Her Excellency Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Enhancing cooperation locally and globally is a key part of our ongoing efforts to stimulate the space industry and increase its economic contribution. Partnerships play an important role in building a knowledge and innovation-driven economy …

To mark the UAE Golden Jubilee, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s leading entertainment and leisure destination, is offering visitors free tickets to Qasr Al Watan as well as access to a Yas Theme Park per day with its superlative Stay and Play package for the ultimate family staycation. In addition, visitors can look forward to spectacular firework displays, live entertainment and so much more as part of the destination’s celebrations. Starting from only AED402 per person exclusively on yasisland.ae, the special ‘Stay and Play’ package allows guests to enjoy a luxury stay at one of Yas Island’s leading hotels, including the recently opened The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, and also gain access to one of the three award-winning theme parks for every day booked – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. In addition, the package includes complimentary tickets to Qasr Al Watan, inviting guests to take an interactive journey throughout the Palace to learn more about Emirati culture and rich heritage. As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, guests can also enjoy the festivities at the Island’s latest lifestyle destination, Yas Bay Waterfront, with spectacular firework displays at 9pm, live entertainment and more on December 2 – 4 between 5PM – 10PM. The celebrations will mark the first in-person display since the start of the pandemic, with precautionary measures in place to ensure the health and safety of those in attendance. Further to the three globally-renowned theme parks, Yas Island invites guests to take their holiday experience to new heights at CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, skydive in the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber,  as well as enjoy outstanding …

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence visited Dubai Airshow 2021 on its official opening day. The event was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai who led the Royal Tour in the morning. This marked the start of the much-anticipated Airshow, which runs from 14-18 November at Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum airport. Industry specialists and leaders from across the aviation, aerospace, space and defence sectors arrived at the Airshow from every part of the globe. Almost 150 countries are represented at this year’s Airshow which includes 20 country pavilions and new additions from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Brazil, Israel, and Slovakia. There are also civil and military delegations from more than 140 countries with more than 370 new exhibitors at the event. This year’s Dubai Airshow is expected to be the biggest edition of the event since it began in 1989, with around 85,000 visitors expected to attend across the week. His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group attended day one of the Airshow and was part of the Royal Tour. Timothy Hawes, Managing Director at Tarsus Middle East, organisers of Dubai Airshow 2021 said: “It is fantastic to see Dubai Airshow back again in the most advanced and futuristic form it’s ever been in. We are displaying world-class products, solutions and services from market leaders and disruptors. A number of aircraft are making international debuts at this …