SAUDIA has topped the list of global airlines for on-time performance, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium for June 2024. The report indicates that Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.22% and an on-time departure rate of 88.73%, operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents. This achievement is particularly notable given that June is a peak travel month due to the Hajj and summer travel seasons. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted, “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management. Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming numerous operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues, and other airport-related factors. I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier’s operational excellence.” Saudia has consistently been among the top ten global airlines for on-time performance since last year, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and air safety. Its operations are managed through the largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) of its kind in the Middle East, which operates within a comprehensive system involving all sectors and group companies. Additionally, the center utilizes the latest technologies for aircraft communications, ensuring smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft takeoff and landing in real time at all domestic and international stations.

Lumi has partnered with CarTrust , a pioneering Auto-Tech company in Saudi Arabia that specialises in car inspection and delivering detailed examination reports for used car sales. The partnership aims to enhance user experience for Lumi’s used car sales customers and increase their confidence in buying cars that have been inspected by a well-known third party provider in the field. As part of the new partnership, CarTrust will inspect Lumi’s used fleet vehicles that are for sale. During Phase 1, CarTrust will inspect a total of 1600 cars and aim to certify 9000 vehicles by the end of 2024. Lumi’s new procedure will ensure that sales activities run smoothly, whether through financing companies or banks. Suliman Alrobish, UCS Director, Lumi, said; “Lumi’s used car sales segment has been an integral part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy and our collaboration with CarTrust will go a long way towards elevating customers’ confidence and trust in our well-maintained fleet of vehicles. We have always placed great premium on ensuring a seamless and quality experience for our customers and by aligning ourselves with a digital platform, we will no doubt be able to add more value to our services.” Ammar Toonsi, Founder and CEO, CarTrust added; “This partnership represents an important step in our CarTrust journey and assures our ongoing commitment to providing the best services to our customers. The combination of CarTrust’s expertise in vehicle services with Lumi in delivering these services aims to enhance the quality of the used car market in the region.” One of the leading service providers in Saudi Arabia, CarTrust specialises in digital vehicle inspections and evaluations tech platforms using artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has demonstrated exceptional growth in the first half of 2024, witnessing a significant increase of 25% in passenger traffic. Additionally, its aircraft movement has grown by 19%, total number of bags handled has grown by 19% and cargo operations has increased by 12%, in comparison to the first half of 2023. Hamad International Airport welcomed 25.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, a 25% increase compared to the first half of 2023. This includes a 22.1% increase in point-to-point passengers compared to the same period last year. Point-to-point refers to the passengers flying directly into and out of Doha, reflecting significant growth in the number of airline partners operating from the airport, and the flourishing tourism sector in Qatar. Hamad International Airport expanded its network this year by welcoming new airlines partners, including Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines, and Akasa Air. This is in addition to Iberia, Xiamen Airlines and Vistara joining the airport’s network late last year. This expansion underscores the airport’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing more travel options for passengers and has significantly boosted tourism, fostered trade relationships and fortified business ties between Qatar and the global community. Hamad International Airport experienced a notable 12% growth in cargo operations, in terms of cargo tonnage, compared to the same period last year. The demand from and to the Middle East experienced a remarkable 45.3% growth, driven by the recovery of airline operations between GCC countries, particularly the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Traffic to and from Europe grew by 32.8%, supported by the launch of new destinations and increased capacity to existing destinations …

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai issues a scam alert to everyone concerned due to the recent activities which were showcased. The Management in a statement shared, “We wish to clarify that Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai is not associated with any scams, and we do not support any such activities. If you encounter any scams, we kindly request that you contact the Dubai Police directly to address your concerns and the restaurants involved. Please be aware that some restaurants within hotels may be leased independently. As such, the hotel itself does not have the authority to question or control their operations. We urge all our guests and patrons to take necessary precautions, remain vigilant, and be observant to ensure their safety and well-being. Your understanding and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated.” The management further reiterated that they are working together with the relevant government authorities to provide a safe environment for all hotel guests and visitor’s alike.

CRISALION Mobility announced a partnership with Dubai-based private aviation operator Air Chateau, to support the development of electric air taxi services in the United Arab Emirates. Air Chateau’s pre-order of ten Integrity eVTOLs, announced during both companies’ debuts at Farnborough International Airshow 2024, expands CRISALION’s conditional pre-orderbook to 125 aircraft. It also represents the company’s first commercial partnership in both the private aviation market and the Middle East. In support of the UAE’s strategic mobility plans, CRISALION and Air Chateau will work closely together on a growth plan for electric air taxi services in major cities, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Eager to embrace advanced air mobility, the demographics of the region represent fertile ground for the proliferation of eVTOLs. The agreement also serves as a promising foundation for potential future joint projects between the two companies in Europe. With the integration of the Integrity aircraft into its services, Air Chateau will be able to offer customers a safe, sustainable, zero emissions regional air mobility alternative. CRISALION Mobility’s Integrity eVTOL, currently under development, is designed to accommodate up to five passengers and a pilot. Its characteristics make it suitable for urban and intercity passenger and cargo transport. Designed with FlyFree technology, the aircraft guarantees the utmost safety at all stages of flight, delivering an optimal travel experience while minimising emissions. CRISALION Mobility General Manager Manuel Heredia said: “Air Chateau has demonstrated a strong commitment to advanced air mobility, innovation, and technology as one of UAE’s leading aviation companies. This partnership opens not only the door to a strategic region for Crisalion, but will also form part of Air Chateau’s approach to providing sustainable air travel services to its customers. We are truly …

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices. One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working in major Red Sea tourism projects such as Red Sea Global, Cruise Saudi, and NEOM. The training, which focused on customer service experiences and safety principles, was conducted as part of the second edition of the Tourism Trailblazers Program. (SPA report) The other initiative entailed increasing the public and private sectors integration through collaboration between the ministry and the authority in selecting elite human resources working in luxury coastal resorts and tourism marine agents organizing luxury cruise trips. These selected individuals participated in a specialized training program on a European cruise liner, accredited by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Dale Carnegie UK and supervised by Umm Al-Qura University. The initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills and expertise needed in hospitality and guest service, and manage various hospitality-related operations on board cruise ships. These initiatives reflect the Ministry of Tourism’s and SRSA’s commitment to training national talent in the coastal tourism sector and their vital role in making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast a leading coastal tourism destination. SRSA aims to provide over 210,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute more than SAR85 billion to the GDP that same year.

Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024, a 9% increase over the 8.55 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Following a landmark 2023, when the city hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors, Dubai has continued to sustain its strong tourism momentum. The growth in the first six months of this year puts the city on track for a record performance in 2024. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and driven by DET’s efforts in collaboration with stakeholders, the rise in international visitation aligns with the ambitious goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s strategic vision, Dubai’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate its robust growth potential and attractive proposition for global travellers. With its sustained growth, Dubai is setting the standard for cities worldwide, in line with the objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish Dubai as one of the world’s top urban economies.” His Highness urged all industry stakeholders to expand partnerships with key markets, explore new opportunities and work to enhance Dubai’s value offering by creating rich and memorable experiences. “The strong tourism growth achieved by Dubai in the first …

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), proudly announces the official handover of its end-of-life linens and uniforms to Dr. Linen’s 360 WeaveTM Textile Recycling Initiative. This collaboration is a big step in our commitment to sustainability and managing textile waste responsibly. Dr. Linen’s 360 WeaveTM Textile Recycling Initiative focuses on transforming old linens and uniforms that can no longer be used. Through advanced recycling techniques, the initiative transforms discarded linens and uniforms into new, useful materials, ensuring that they are repurposed effectively and contributing to a reduction in textile waste. “Our partnership with Dr. Linen’s 360 WeaveTM Textile Recycling Initiative shows our dedication to environmental stewardship,” Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah. “We are excited to support a program that not only addresses textile waste but also transforms it into valuable resources, promotes circular economy and reduces waste for a more sustainable future. I encourage all the hoteliers to join this initiative to support our environment.” This initiative highlights Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s dedication to sustainable practices and responsible waste management.

Etihad Airways unveils its first ever branded aircraft with Warner Bros. World Yas Island. It is a groundbreaking extension to its partnership with Etihad Airways, marking a monumental milestone in the theme park’s history. This exciting collaboration will bring the excitement of Warner Bros. World to the skies with the launch of the world’s first Warner Bros. World branded aircraft, taking guests’ pre-theme park experience to new heights. The first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft was unveiled to the public on July 25 at a spectacular launch event held at Warner Bros. World. This exclusive reveal event was a grand celebration of creativity, fun and innovation, showcasing the unique partnership and setting the stage for an extraordinary journey. The partnership between Warner Bros. World and Etihad Airways represents the largest collaboration for the theme park to date. As part of this captivating initiative, an Etihad Airways aircraft – Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner – has been creatively decorated with iconic Warner Bros. characters. On one side, guests will be greeted by the mischievous antics of iconic Classic Animation characters like the Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, while the other side showcases the heroic feats of beloved DC Super Heroes. What’s more, all young guests aged up to 10 years old, flying on Etihad Airways longer flights will receive brand new Warner Bros. World Kids Packs that are being rolled out across the network this summer. Bursting with creativity, these packs are designed to entertain young travelers with activities that inspire them to draw their favorite superheroes and engage in a variety of fun tasks throughout the flight, ensuring every moment is packed with adventure. Infants will receive a DC Super Hero …

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, unveiled the new, ultra-modern ‘Qsuite Next Gen’. This latest iteration of the award-winning Qatar Airways Qsuite brings the World’s Best Business Class in commercial aviation to new heights. The reveal was held in the presence of His Excellency Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, the Qatari Minister of Transport; and Mr. Mohamed Faleh Alhajri, Acting President of Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. In the Qatar Airways Discover Lounge at the Farnborough International Airshow, Engr. Al-Meer introduced the Qsuite Next Gen with Sama – the World’s First AI Digital Human cabin crew. Sama built up the audience’s excitement through an interactive conversation on how the World’s Best Airline has once again redefined luxury and innovation, elevating the industry’s benchmark in business class experiences. During the reveal, Engr. Al-Meer highlighted the Qsuite Next Gen’s new and enhanced features, including fully customisable Quad Suites; Companion Suites in window aisles; 4K OLED manoeuvrable in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens; along with increased space and privacy in each suite. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are excited to have finally revealed the long-awaited Qsuite Next Gen at the Farnborough International Airshow. Qatar Airways has once again raised the bar for its award-winning product, the Qsuite. We look forward to welcoming media and partners to our stand throughout the week to experience the future of business class travel with the World’s Best Business Class onboard the World’s Best Airline.” Qsuite Next Gen The game-changing Qsuite Next Gen aims to facilitate a mindful work-life balance with its revolutionary attributes for all professionals, friends, and families. The redesigned Quad Suite is now equipped with movable 4K …