According to the Oman Observer, Dr. Saif al Abri, Director-General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, during the press conference of the Supreme Committee has said Oman will open the land borders from the first of September, while adhering to the controls announced by the Supreme Committee, including conducting a Covid-19 examination before arrival. “The land borders will be opened from September according to the conditions set by the Supreme Committee… As for the land ports, the vaccination will be required as well as the examination before coming and not upon arrival.” Al Abri said. The officials from the Sultanate and UAE recently inspected the land border between the two countries and discussed a number of issues to facilitate the smooth flow of commercial traffic and the transit of travellers. The meeting reviewed the joint coordination mechanism between the Omani and Emirati sides, the process of facilitating the transit of travelers, especially in light of exceptional circumstances and precautionary measures to curb the emerging Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, in addition to discussing the direct coordination mechanism for the stage of recovery from the pandemic. Lt Colonel Saeed bin Saleh al Siyabi, Director of Customs of the Buraimi Police, and Khalifa bin Hamad al Shamsi, Director of the Land Ports Department at the General Authority for Ports, Borders and Free Zones Security in the Emirates led the meeting from both sides. The Sultanate reopened land borders with neighboring countries in June allowing Omanis and residents to cross the borders for work purposes. However, it was mandatory for residents to provide proof of work from the employer at the border checkpoints. According to sources, the issuance of visas for expatriates will …

Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar, will soon be launching unique FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ travel packages for Privilege Club members. This exclusive offer will be accessible to all Privilege Club members, giving fans the best possible fusion of football and travel for an unforgettable experience. As the Official Frequent Flyer Programme of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Privilege Club members will bring a range of exclusive offers and benefits unique to the championship, and will be given priority access to the unique travel packages 14 days before going on sale to future joining members who sign up to the airline’s loyalty programme after the launch.  To ensure fans are the first to access the tickets for this once-in-a-life-time experience of witnessing the much-awaited FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, travellers can join the programme for free by visiting qatarairways.com/fifaearlyaccess. The highly-anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ travel packages will be allotted match tickets based on the type of package they choose, pairing it with a selection of accommodation options and round-trip international flights on board the award-winning airline. With seven different packages to choose from, fans can combine more than one package and can watch up to seven matches in total. As the FIFA World Cup qualification process takes place around the world, Privilege Club members can purchase a wide range of packages to attend the matches of their favourite national teams. These exclusive packages will give football enthusiasts the chance to purchase packages to follow their favourite team’s matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, prior to the conclusion of the qualifiers. In the event that a selected team does not qualify for the …

Marine transport means of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transported 5,734,244 riders during the first half of this year, compared to 4,694,870 riders during the same period last year. The figure reflects a 20.3% increase in ridership of RTA’s water transport means, namely the Ferry, Abra, Water Taxi and Water Bus. “The growth of marine transport ridership posted in the first half of this year is indicative of a recovery in this vital sector in Dubai and the UAE. It is credited to the effective plans charted out by the government, and the strict compliance with the precautionary measures to curb the outbreak of the pandemic,” said Mohammed Abu Bakr Al Hashemi, Director of Marine Transport, Public Transport Agency, RTA. RTA’s marine transit modes offer vital services and form an integral part of Dubai’s tourist attractions as they pass across picturesque landmarks and captivating scenes besides offering congestion-free mobility. The world’s biggest boat manufacturers at the highest standards of the industry design these modes. They are safe, comfortable and have areas designated for people of determination as well as a bay for bikes in ferries to encourage the use of flexible mobility.  As part of endeavours to achieve more and offer a better marine transport experience for residents of Dubai, RTA is keen to deploy the best and latest marine public transport means that cover most of the coastal areas of Dubai.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines is celebrating Siargao’s entry into Time magazine’s list of ‘The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021.’ Siargao earned its spot on the list not only because of its consistent waves but also because of its ongoing development to strengthen tourism infrastructure on the island. “While destinations such as Boracay, Cebu and Palawan nailed the mass market, the teardrop-¬shaped island off the coast of Mindanao until recently had been best known to a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent waves. But the secret is out, and new spots are popping up on the island, including the beachfront Inara Siargao Resort, an intimate five-suite property that can be booked on Instagram. Just before COVID-19 shutdowns, Siargao got additional cell towers to improve data connectivity, which will be a boon to tourism when it reopens to vaccinated international travellers,” wrote Time Magazine writer Duncan Forgan. According to the publication, the list is a tribute to individuals and businesses who were able to “adapt, build, and innovate” amid the challenges of the pandemic. It also highlights “ingenuity, creativity, revitalization and re-openings in destinations across the world.” The list was compiled through nominations from the magazine’s international network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on those that provide unique and interesting experiences. “I am pleased that the country’s innate beauty continues to draw attention from travellers all over the world despite the pandemic. We are doubling our efforts to create a future of Philippine travel that is safe, more fun, and provides travellers with an authentic and meaningful experience throughout their journey,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. Siargao is presently open to domestic tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ …

Saudi Netball, in collaboration with Sports for All and the Saudi Tourism Authority, have announced the first netball tournament in Saudi Arabia’s history. The tournament was held onboard the MSC Bellissima, a 4,500 passenger cruise ship that is currently touring the Red Sea for the first time. Netball is a fast-growing global game played by more than 20 million people in more than 80 countries. The promotion of netball, which is a women-dominated sport, is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiative as part of Vision 2030 to increase women’s involvement in sport as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. “Netball is an ideal sport to introduce across schools in the Kingdom,” said HH Princess Ghada bint Abdullah Al-Saud, Chairwoman of Netball Saudi. “As a game, netball is inviting, accessible, encouraging, fun, and inclusive. Its game rules ensure the equal participation of all players on the court. In netball, everyone contributes equally to the success of the team, regardless of the individual role they play. It is the perfect expression of an inclusive society.” Netball Saudi is one of sixteen sports federations and committees announced by the Saudi Olympic Committee in May 2021, as part of the Committee’s effort to widen the range of sports offered and the number of sporting communities in Saudi. The three-round tournament was played by two teams with a total number of sixteen players ranging from thirteen to twenty-three years old, and been practicing Netball in the Riyadh-based Golden Sports Academy. The tournament is a joint sports-tourism initiative showcasing Saudi’s continued progress toward building a vibrant society, a core pillar of the Vision 2030 plan led by the Crown Prince. Sports tourism, which includes traveling …

In a bid to ease the ePassport renewal process for Philippines nationals living overseas, The Republic of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and VFS Global has signed a contract recently to provide ePassport Renewal services in Cyprus, Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Kuwait, Singapore, the UK, the USA and Vietnam.  The launch of the VFS Global ePassport Renewal Centres in Dubai, UAE, in November 2019 marked the first time The Republic of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs had outsourced its ePassport renewal process for its nationals living abroad. Following the success of the operations in this pilot location which operates for 12 hours every day, VFS Global successfully expanded services to one more city in the UAE and three cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020, amidst the pandemic.   Mr Chris Dix, Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “We would like to thank The Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs for their continued faith in us as a leading passport and consular service provider. I am happy to share that our Passport and Consular services have been growing from strength to strength as we offer a world-class service experience to ease the ePassport renewal process for Philippine nationals residing in Cyprus, Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Kuwait, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the UAE, the USA and Vietnam. We look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation to ensure Philippine nationals across the world benefit from a first-class ePassport renewal service by expanding this service to more locations.” Key benefits of the Philippine ePassport Renewal Centre: Improved passport and consular services to Philippine nationals living overseas Strict verifiable processes to ensure accuracy of biometric data collection Flexible …

voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel on the iconic Palm Jumeirah announces the appointment of seasoned hotelier Charles Godot as General Manager. Originally from France, Charles joined the voco brand this summer and is responsible to lead the team ahead of the hotel’s opening and drive the performance of the 141-room hotel. The voco brand successfully combines familiar comforts, with the indulgences of an upscale hotel providing a premium experience with a laidback spirit. Charles’ role will be to bring the brand to life in this stunning beach location where guests can blend ‘me-time’ with ‘social-time’ for a perfect stay. voco Dubai the Palm is located in the heart of the “Palm West Beach” with direct access to the beach and with swiping views of Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. Set it this trendy and vibrant spot voco will feature some exceptional dining experiences directly accessed from the promenade. Additionally, the hotel features a pool and bar on the roof top for sundowners afficionados, and everything you would expect from an upscale hotel. Charles started his career journey with IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2003 at InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hôtel working across several departments. He then embarked on an international career in Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and finally UAE working across several departments gaining an all-encompassing understanding of hospitality and how to deliver exceptional service. “Our hotel is placed in an iconic location in Dubai and I am confident it will become an extraordinary and charming place to relax, socialise and enjoy memorable experiences alongside beautiful surroundings. I look forward to building a winning team to create   signature experiences beyond expectations on Palm Jumeirah” …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has successfully concluded its ‘Sharjah Summer 2021 Campaign’ with a huge turnout of visitors who availed the wide range of promotions, amazing experiences, and exclusive offers in Sharjah’s luxury hotels to spend their summer vacation. The campaign, which ran from July 15 to August 28, has achieved its aim of promoting the emirate’s unique attractions and competitive features. It further strengthened Sharjah’s leading position as a family-friendly destination, which provides exceptional, integrated, and high-quality experiences supported by a wide array of world-class hospitality facilities. The ‘Sharjah Summer 2021’ was organized in line with SCTDA’s commitment to introduce leading initiatives and innovative tourism marketing and promotions that exceed the expectations of visitors and tourists alike and boost local tourism development.  The latest campaign featured exclusive offers, including various hotel packages ideal for families. These special offers were designed to increase local tourism activities and highlight the key attraction and latest tourism projects in the emirate.   His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) commented: “We are delighted to witness the positive results of the ‘Sharjah Summer 2021’ campaign which provided visitors and tourists with many different experiences, activities, and a wide range of options on where to stay during their vacation in Sharjah, amidst the current challenges in international travel and tourism. In cooperation with our strategic partners, we are proud that we have maintained our key strengths and provide local tourism products and services that continue to attract visitors and tourists to the emirate. This achievement strongly reflects Sharjah’s appeal as a preferred destination in both the local and global tourism map.   This …

Dubai Holding announced that Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, is set to open on 21 October, 2021. Ticket sales for the city’s most anticipated attraction already open for public. Ain Dubai ticket prices start from AED130 and can be purchased on www.aindubai.com Standing at over 250-metres high, Ain Dubai is the latest landmark to join Dubai’s long list of world record-breaking attractions. The monument represents another addition to Dubai Holding’s extensive entertainment portfolio and supports Dubai’s long-term vision, as set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen its global position as a key tourism hub, continuing to build on the emirate’s reputation as a leader in the global leisure and entertainment landscape. Ronald Drake, General Manager of Ain Dubai, said: “Ain Dubai offers unique experiences catering to all audiences, including luxurious special event cabins; nightlife and party occasions; unique dining and culinary options; family-friendly cabins and customisable romantic experiences for special moments. We are the ultimate celebration destination, so it was only fitting that we celebrate the opening in style. More exciting details of what to expect from our grand opening will be revealed soon. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Ain Dubai.”   Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “Dubai continues to be a leader in the travel and tourism sector, with a reputation for delivering pioneering projects and landmarks. Ain Dubai is a testament to one of the many innovative initiatives developed by Dubai to further enhance its competitiveness as a key international tourism destination in continuation of Dubai’s drive to achieve new …

REHLATY by dnata Travel, the unique travel brand designed by Emiratis for the Emirati traveller, is revealing its upcoming plans to ignite women’s passion for travel across the UAE in the lead up to this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, including new all-women group travel itineraries for 2021, in the wake of increased demand.   REHLATY, part of the dnata Travel Group, launched in 2019 to introduce a home-grown brand dedicated to creating bespoke travel itineraries based on the needs and wants of Emirati travellers, including unique holiday packages and experiences tailor-made for Emirati women. From the team of Emiratis behind the brand, 60% are women, with a mission to support the Emirati traveller community in exploring the world, with ease, safety and unforgettable experiences front-of-mind.   In the build-up to Emirati Women’s Day 2021 on August 28, the brand is revealing its most popular itineraries for Emirati women travellers in 2021 so far, which are continually developed to cater to evolving travel preferences, whilst also announcing new, upcoming group trips designed exclusively for ladies only, to meet a growing demand for group travel.   Rehab Mansoor, General Manager at REHLATY by dnata Travel, commented: “As Emirati women become more travel savvy and curious, we are witnessing ongoing trends towards more women travelling, and more frequently, from the UAE to an enhanced range of destinations worldwide, with particular growth in solo travel itineraries and travel with friends.   “Over the last decade, the needs of Emirati women travelling, as well as the opportunities that exist to make travel safer, more comfortable and inclusive, have evolved significantly whilst research demonstrates that women often serve as key decision makers for family holiday bookings. …