Equinox Hotels announce plans for the opening of Equinox Resort Treyam, one of Magna’s twelve destinations, located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Magna’s destinations, including Treyam, are part of NEOM, the evolving regional development, taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia. Promising an unrivaled hospitality experience in one of the world’s most stunning and undiscovered locations, Equinox Resort Treyam brings Equinox Hotels’ high-performance lifestyle to a majestic destination between the mountains and the sea. Equinox Hotels CEO, Christopher Norton said “As a region, NEOM embodies the future of luxury hospitality, and Equinox Hotels is thrilled to create an unparalleled resort experience within this visionary destination. Our partnership with NEOM highlights a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and redefining the boundaries of hospitality. Located between THE LINE and the southernmost point of the Gulf of Aqaba, our resort will serve as the model for transformative luxury, activating the entire destination with experiences that only Equinox Hotels can offer.” Nestled amidst exquisite landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the resort is an architectural marvel, spanning a 450-meter-long bridge-like structure, gracefully floating 40 meters above a serene lagoon. Jeremy Lester, Magna Executive Director, said, “NEOM has always been about pioneering the extraordinary, and our partnership with Equinox Hotels underscores this commitment. Equinox Resort Treyam embodies the convergence of innovation and luxury, and this partnership will redefine sustainable hospitality with a focus on truly immersive experiences and active lifestyles. I’m proud to champion this collaboration, one that will see us shape the future of luxury hospitality.” Focused on high-performance living, Equinox Resort Treyam will include spacious guest rooms and suites, a 450-meter pool, world-class culinary concepts, a Club House, a highly acclaimed spa, longevity, …

Marriott International Inc. and Reliance Ventures S.A.E, Reliance Egypt’s hospitality investment arm, signed an agreement to open a Moxy Hotel in Downtown Cairo. Expected to open in 2029, Moxy Cairo Downtown will bring the brand’s playful hospitality, stylish design and buzzing social spaces to the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown district. Moxy Cairo Downtown will be part of an adaptive reuse project of the Lazoghly complex of buildings, which were formerly the offices for the country’s Ministry of Interior. The complex is being repurposed to offer hotel, office and co-working spaces, retail outlets and restaurants, as well as edutainment facilities. “There is a growing demand for more lifestyle hotel accommodation options in Downtown Cairo and Moxy Hotels will be a great addition to the city’s hospitality landscape with its playful and stylish experience,” said Shady Hassan, Vice President, Development – North Africa, Marriott International. “We look forward to working with Reliance Ventures to bring the brand’s social spaces and engaging programming to this vibrant area of the city at an attractive price point.” “We are pleased to work with TSFE and Marriott International to bring a Moxy Hotel to our mixed-use Lazoghly project in Downtown Cairo,” said Magdi Kassabgui, Chairman of Reliance Ventures. “This vibrant development embodies our vision of an urban community where business, education, and entertainment converge. This landmark will reflect Reliance’s commitment to revitalising Downtown Cairo as a premier tourist destination.” Amr Elhamy, Chief Executive Officer, TSFE Tourism, Real Estate & Antiquities Subfund added, “We are excited to work with Reliance Ventures and Marriott International on the conversion of the Lazoghly complex, and to introduce a new addition to the hospitality landscape in Downtown Cairo. This …

Jordan takes number one spot on Skyscanner’s latest report on the top family travel destinations to visit this summer. It is complete with recommendations for the most affordable car rentals with savings of up to 14%*. With the travel season in full swing, families can now plan their perfect vacation without breaking the bank. Skyscanner’s latest research, in association with OnePoll, reveals that out of the 48% of UAE residents who have already booked their summer holidays this year, only 53% have hit the book button on their car hire (in contrast to the 97% who have already booked their flights).** UAE travellers’ advanced planning approach to car rentals are reflected in Skyscanner booking behaviours with 84% of residents booking their car rentals less than 4 weeks before departure and 31% booking on the day before or day of travel. Skyscanner has rounded up five of the cheapest destinations for families seeking adventure, cultural exploration and relaxation. From sun-soaked beaches to rich cultural experiences, these destinations promise unforgettable memories and budget-friendly car rental options. 1. Jordan For families seeking a mix of adventure, culture and history, Jordan offers an array of attractions such as the ancient city of Petra, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Explore affordable car hires starting from an average daily rental price of AED 101, and ensure a hassle-free exploration of this Middle Eastern gem, providing flexibility to discover Jordan’s rich cultural and natural wonders. Flights to Jordan starting from AED 850 return 2. Cyprus Rich in history, culture and it’s alluring crystal clear waters, Cyprus offers a perfect blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. …

Minister of Tourism Saudi Arabia HE Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, highlighted that over SAR1 billion has been provided for ten tourism projects related to hospitality facilities, mixed-use projects and micro-projects in Asir Region. He urged small- and medium-sized enterprise owners to submit serious feasibility studies to obtain the necessary support and provide high-efficiency tourism services. (source: SPA). Al-Khateeb underscored the ministry’s keenness to enhance the quality of products and services provided by hospitality facilities and all tourism activities. He pointed out that the Saudi Summer Program contributes to diversifying offers, which helps increase the number of tourists from within the Kingdom and abroad who visit summer tourist destinations. During his visit, he reviewed the ministry’s efforts to encourage investments in the tourism sector in light of the continuous successes achieved by the sector in the Kingdom. The minister highlighted the significant role played by the Tourism Development Fund, stressing that the fund has provided support exceeding SAR1 billion for more than ten tourism projects related to hospitality facilities, mixed-use projects and micro-projects in Asir Region. He urged small- and medium-sized enterprise owners to submit serious feasibility studies to obtain the necessary support and provide high-efficiency tourism services. He reviewed the substantial potential of Asir Region, qualifying it to become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The minister called on investors in the tourism sector to attract more nationals, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to empowering national personnel in the tourism sector.

Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to introduce the biometric Smart Travel project based on biometric standards at Zayed International Airport. In collaboration with Next 50, which specialises in AI-based transportation solutions, the project will be rolled out in three phases to integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operations touchpoints at the airport. The project utilises the databases of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to automatically authenticate travellers using biometric technology, eliminating the need for prior registration for departing passengers. Through the implementation of this project, Abu Dhabi Airports aims to uphold the highest aviation security and safety protocols within the airport, improve traveller experience and streamline the travel process for passengers. As part of the launch of the new terminal at Zayed International Airport in November 2023, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways implemented the biometric systems across multiple touchpoints at the airport. This includes automated traveller registration service, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition verification at e-gates and boarding gates, without the need for travel documents or direct interaction with airport staff. Abu Dhabi Airports has begun implementing a further phase of this project by introducing biometric systems for five additional airlines at check-in, all boarding gates and the installation of new e-gates in designated transit areas to register travellers’ biometric data and facilitate facial recognition. The future expansion also includes the Etihad Airways lounge and duty-free retail outlets. Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to implement this groundbreaking project at our …

A Qatari delegation that includes representatives from the Qatar for Tourism, the Permanent Committee for the Management of Sea Ports and Qatar Ports and the General Authority of Customs, paid an official field visit to the tourist port of Barcelona in the Kingdom of Spain recently, where members of the Qatari delegation met with officials of the administration at the Spanish port and were briefed on the best practices, workflow mechanisms and services provided to visitors arriving on board cruises and the port’s security and safety systems.. The three-day visit is part of efforts to support the cruise tourism sector in Qatar, exchange expertise and experience, and enhance the operations and logistics required by the Qatar’s growing cruise tourism sector. During the visit, the delegation discovered the terminal for ships and cruise ships, where the members of the delegation met with Spanish port officials and were briefed on the regulations in force, the volume of work and the levels of tourism activity witnessed by the port, while part of the visit program was devoted to reviewing the modern security and control measures and systems applied and coordination mechanisms between the various authorities operating in the port such as passports, customs, administration and security, and the procedures followed for ship reservations and how to set priorities. The visit also included a joint workshop held at the port, which brought together members of the Qatari delegation and officials of the Port of Barcelona, during which they were closely acquainted with the entry and exit systems of passengers, as well as the integrated and innovative solutions that are used to overcome the problems that may face tourist flows in the port, which is …

Kuwait Airways participated in the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2024, which was organized at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, Philippines from 12-14 July 2024. The exhibition was launched under the title ‘Revolutionizing Travel to Create Magical Experiences’ with the participation of numerous airlines, tourism, and travel offices around the world, showcasing various offers and promotions related to the travel and tourism sector. The Kuwait Airways pavilion witnessed successful participation and attendance during the exhibition providing a platform for the company to showcase its products and services, highlighting its role as a distinguished national carrier in the region with its legacy of notable achievements since 1954 to the visitors and attendees present. Kuwait Airways stated that its participation in this exhibition comes within the framework of its keenness to participate in prominent events and arises from its objectives to be present in exhibitions such as the Travel Madness Expo (TME) which is an important venue that hosts well-known and leading tourism and aviation companies in the world under its platform. The company added that its participation at the exhibition gives it the opportunity to discuss new partnerships and agreements with companies and to benefit from the latest advancements in the world of aviation and tourism in terms of the latest technology, entertainment systems and advanced services, in addition to examining upcoming projects and future plans related to aviation. Moreover, Kuwait Airways’ participation at this exhibition gives it the opportunity to showcase its services and development which has been achieved in terms of its fleet, including the latest passenger services and customer centric enhancements which are in pace with the latest international standards of the air transport sector and meets their requirements. The …

SAUDIA Group and Lilium signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more. This sales agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region and represents an important industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft. It signals a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a world-leading operator, as well as a clear preference towards the superior performance, economics, and passenger experience expected to be provided by the Lilium Jet. The signature ceremony was held at Lilium’s HQ in Munich. The contract was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing Saudia Group, and Lilium’s CEO Klaus Roewe, in the presence of several distinguished guests including H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders. The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented at the signing event: “Saudia Group is proud to pioneer the MENA region as the first company to acquire all-electric eVTOL jets, which reflects our commitment to continuously reducing our carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation. We recognize the critical role that Lilium is positioned to play in enabling us to deliver a sustainable premium …

It was announced that Dar Global has teamed up with Trump International to launch Trump Tower in Dubai by 2025. This will be the second Trump branded project in the United Arab Emirates. The development will entail a Trump Hotel and branded residences. Dar Global, the global arm of Saudi Arabia’s biggest developer Dar Al Arkan. It did not reveal the cost of the project or completion timeline, but said it plans to unveil the location and design of Trump Tower Dubai towards the end of 2024. The project will also feature The Trump Private, an exclusive members-only club, among other amenities. It is Dar Global’s third collaboration with the Trump Organisation following the announcement of new projects in Oman and Jeddah.

SEVEN  announced its plans for global franchise expansion. Since its inception in 2019, SEVEN has become synonymous with redefining the wellness experience through its integrated approach. Nestled in the heart of Dubai, SEVEN Wellness Club distinguishes itself by seamlessly blending physical fitness, mindfulness, relaxation, lifestyle, beauty, nutrition and recovery into a unified experience. SEVEN transcends traditional gym and spa concepts, offering a comprehensive and personalised approach that fits effortlessly into everyday life. Global Franchise Expansion: In a strategic move to share its unique wellness concept with the world, SEVEN has partnered with Francorp Middle East, a leading franchise development firm renowned for its expertise in expanding brands globally. Established in 1976 in Chicago, Francorp has been instrumental in the success of over 6,000 brands worldwide through its robust franchise development programme. Imad Charaf Eddine, Chairman and CEO of Francorp Middle East, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, saying, “SEVEN Wellness Club presents a distinctive concept in the wellness industry. Their comprehensive and innovative approach to wellness, coupled with their exceptional business model, makes them a standout. We are excited to support SEVEN in their journey to bring their unparalleled wellness experience to a global audience.” Invitation to Prospective Franchisees SEVEN is extending an invitation to potential investors, wellness enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs to join their growing family through this exciting franchise opportunity. With a proven track record and a reputation for excellence, SEVEN offers franchisees the chance to lead a thriving business while making a significant impact on the wellness industry. Prospective franchisees will have the opportunity to be part of an innovative and proven franchise model, enjoying substantial returns on investment while championing a transformative approach to wellness. The …