Qatar Airways’ first flight to Hamburg Airport (HAM) in Germany has landed marking the launch of daily non-stop flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar. Hamburg becomes Qatar Airways’ fifth destination in Germany, in addition to Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich, helping to meet strong demand in the market. The airline saw a 62 per cent growth in outbound passengers from Germany in 2023 compared with the previous year. The new connection further adds to the airline’s route network of more than 170 destinations worldwide, seamlessly connecting travellers from northern Germany to Doha and beyond, while also making the metropolis of Hamburg even more accessible for people from around the world. The route also supports economic and trade relations between northern Germany, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The flights are expected to offer up to 11 per cent growth in Hamburg’s cargo sector compared to last year. The first flight was welcomed on the ground by Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of Hamburg, Mr. Ali Al-Boainian, Charge de Affair of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Berlin, Mr. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer Qatar Airways, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO Visit Qatar, H.E. Lothar Freischlader, German Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Christian Kunsch, Hamburg Airport CEO, and Dr. Malte Heyne, CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. Hamburg Airport is the oldest commercial airport in the world and the city is a key hub for global trade and business travel. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways extends a warm welcome to the beautiful city of Hamburg as the latest destination to join its expansive route network, and its fifth …

In a move to increase domestic tourism SAUDIA has launched special promotional offer in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. This offer covers round-trip flights in guest class, with prices ranging from SAR 224 to SAR 400. This initiative builds on Saudia’s commitment to providing competitive prices to its guests throughout the year. Guests can book their tickets through Saudia’s digital channels, including the website and smartphone application. The offer is valid for bookings made between July 1 and July 4, 2024, for the travel period of July 10 to August 10, 2024. In the coming years, Saudia has ambitious plans to double its network that consists of 144 aircraft connecting 26 domestic destinations. Additionally, the national flag carrier offers distinguished air services that enhance the travel experience for guests, including warm Saudi hospitality and a variety of in-flight entertainment options on multilingual screens, catering to diverse guests’ preferences.

As millions of people around the world pack their bags for Europe, Uber unveiled its summer travel products designed to help tourists go anywhere by boat in some of the most popular destinations across the continent. The series of magical nautical experiences setting sail with Uber this summer will include the most luxurious mode of transport ever to launch on its app. Following Uber’s launch in Europe’s party capital last year, Uber Yacht will arrive on the shores of Ibiza in August, giving customers an affordable way to travel in ultimate style. In a world first, this once-in-a-lifetime product will allow holidaymakers to pre-book a private yacht for the day directly via the Uber app. Departing from Ibiza Town Marina every day at 12pm, Uber Yacht will offer groups of up to 8 people the opportunity to sail around the white isle in a luxurious Sunseeker Yacht for just €200 per head*. Each 8-hour trip comes with its own personal skipper, a complimentary bottle of champagne and locally sourced artisan snacks. In Uber style, transfers to and from the yacht are included – from anywhere on the island. From exploring the crystal waters of Formentera to sunsets at the legendary rock of Es Vedra, Uber Yacht will be available to pre-book via Uber Reserve in Ibiza starting on 26 July and a minimum of 24 hours in advance, with the product available during August. Uber Yacht leads a boat-load of new travel products launching across Europe just in time for the summer holidays. Starting in July, Uber will launch a first-of-its-kind water transport service in Italy’s most popular aquatic city, Venice. Customers can use the Uber app to summon a ‘Limo …

Safarak Travel and Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has recorded remarkable growth in its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) division, contributing significantly to the emirate’s economic development. Safarak has experienced a 76% increase in MICE enquiries year-on-year, with a conversion rate of 28% in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing the industry average of 20%. This surge in activity has resulted in AED 25.5 million being injected into the emirate’s economy, aligning Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) vision to establish the emirate as a premier MICE destination. Ras Al Khaimah has established itself as an easily accessible destination in the Middle East, serving as an ideal hub between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition, new direct flights from Qatar Airways and IndiGo have been pivotal in increased international air connectivity, making Ras Al Khaimah even more accessible, further adding to the emirate’s MICE appeal. Its draw as a MICE destination is enhanced by unique venues and stunning natural landscapes, from the UAE’s highest mountain range to its vast desert and 5-star beachside hotels on the Persian Gulf. Safarak has been continuously exploring new venues to expand its portfolio, guaranteeing a robust and diverse selection for event planners. Recent additions include the highest boardroom in the UAE, Jais Sky Room, offering breathtaking views of the Hajjar mountain range, and the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, providing an authentic local cultural setting for events. The Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Centre continues offers a space for large groups, whilst the Design Gallery has increased in popularity for intimate bookings. The first quarter of 2024 has seen Safarak handling a diverse range of events across various …

The long-established national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air will run flights from Bahrain to Munich four times a week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – on a modern Airbus A321neo. Landing in Munich is at 6:35 a.m., while the take-off time for Bahrain is 12:20 p.m. As a vacation destination or as a stopover on a long-distance trip, the island state of Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf offers a mixture of tradition and modernity. The island state also has a direct road link via the King Fahd Causeway, a 25-km long bridge that connects Bahrain with Saudi Arabia. For onward travelers, the international hub boasts a variety of connections to fascinating destinations, including India, Singapore, Thailand, the Maldives, and China. The new connection to Bahrain expands the wide range of flights between Munich and the Gulf States, which is also hugely important to tourism in Bavaria. In 2023, the state capital alone recorded around 400,000 overnight stays by guests from this region, up five percent on the previous year. With a water baptism, a traditional ribbon-cutting, and gingerbread hearts, Munich Airport welcomed the Bahrain-based airline Gulf Air, which will be flying regularly to the Bavarian aviation hub from now on.

Summer is here, and so is the much-awaited sale season at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, where luxury meets affordability. Spanning across 23 designer outlets in Europe, the centers Summer Sale is set to kick off in mid-June in Northern Europe and conclude at the end of August in Southern Europe. Shoppers are in for an exciting treat with discounts soaring up to 70% off European retail prices. For the valued customers from the Middle East , this is a golden opportunity to capitalize on Tax Free Shopping for even greater savings. This sale period coincides with the peak travel season for Middle Eastern residents heading to Europe. It’s the perfect moment to pack light and return with suitcases filled with treasures from the favorite brands, including Gucci, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Brioni, Tumi, Bally and Polo Ralph Lauren. Sale Periods by Country To help planning the shopping adventure, here are the sale periods by country: Italy: Designer Outlet Serravalle (Milan), Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave (Venice), Designer Outlet Castel Romano (Rome): From 6th July to the end of August* Austria: Designer Outlet Parndorf (Vienna), Designer Outlet Salzburg. June and July*. France: Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny; from 26th June to 23rd July* Spain: Designer Outlet Malaga: July and August* Netherlands: Designer Outlet Roermond (near city is Dusseldorf/Cologne) from 13th June to end of July*. UK: Designer Outlet Ashford (London), Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks (Manchester) from 17 June to 14 July*. Germany: Designer Outlet Berlin, Designer Outlet Neumunster (Hannover) from 6th June to 10th August*. *Sale periods mentioned are indicative; periods may vary according to local / regional laws. The McArthurGlen Designer Outlets boast an impressive lineup of world-renowned brands, making it the perfect …

Sabre Hospitality announced the next evolution of its retailing solution: SynXis Retailing. With the addition of standalone offers, not bound to a room reservation, and automated fulfillment powered by Nuvola, SynXis Retailing is the most comprehensive retailing solution in the market. In addition to selling ancillaries with room bookings, the platform now enables the sale of standalone offers beyond the room, allowing hoteliers to set up virtual storefronts, broaden their catalog, and reach a wider audience. “Launching standalone offers represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to innovation in the hospitality industry,” said Scott Wilson, President, Sabre Hospitality. “Our evolved solution empowers hoteliers to unlock additional revenue by selling experiences, services, goods, and more without a room reservation. Enhancing traveler experiences through personalized and relevant offers, ultimately driving higher satisfaction and revenue. We are excited to see how SynXis Retailing will enable our customers to stay ahead in a competitive market.” Furthermore, Sabre Hospitality announced the upcoming integration of automated fulfillment powered by Nuvola, their task management solution. The integration between SynXis Retailing and Nuvola’s ticketing functionality enables hoteliers to automate the fulfillment of ancillary offers. This integration provides automated ticket creation, scheduling, and notifications to facilitate the fulfillment of orders. By eliminating the need for manual management, it reduces the risk of errors and ensures guest satisfaction. “With retailing transforming the hospitality industry, Sabre continues to amplify our Retail Studio portfolio with SynXis Retailing.” said Mykola Sheludko, product vice president, Sabre Hospitality. “Coming later this summer, our customers can tap into our integration of Nuvola features to optimize fulfillment. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to expand the retailing tools for our customers by enabling a marketplace for …

Riyadh Air in collaboration with the Saudi fashion designer Ashi, founder of Parisian couture house ASHI Studio, has unveiled its first-ever fashion collection, during Haute Couture Week in Paris. The airline took to the runway in style showcasing its stunning new lifestyle collection for its frontline team members in the fashion capital of the world. The exclusive fashion line is made up of dozens of male and female looks, of which 15 were revealed during the most prestigious fashion week of the year. The luxury Riyadh Air concepts unveiled in Paris comprised of timeless cashmere outerwear, dresses and trousers made of fine wools, custom leather footwear, amethyst earrings, and iconic pillbox hats, all of which are inspired by 1950s airline fashion, widely considered as the ‘golden age’ in aviation, but with bold, modern styling for a future-forward brand. The reveal evening was attended by distinguished guests from near and far which included senior stakeholders, diplomats and celebrities that all attended to be a part of the historic moment in Paris. Riyadh Air and Lucid, maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, also took the opportunity during Haute Couture Week in Paris to reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable transport and eco-friendly practices. Lucid and Riyadh Air have an innovative partnership with a shared vision for the future of sustainable transportation exploring the collaboration across co-marketing, commercial, and operational streams for guests. For the new fashion line, Ashi has cultivated completely new color tones for the looks, including the chic and elegant Electric Amethyst for womenswear, and Dark Amethyst for menswear, of which the full collection is scheduled for launch early next year. The unique amethyst shades pay homage to …

In line with the summer season, Visit Qatar has launched its Qatar calendar of events and ‘Your Summer Starts Here’ campaign, including a host of offers, events and fun activations targetting the GCC visitors. Curated for people of all ages, the ‘Your Summer Starts Here’ campaign showcases what the country has to offer from outdoor acitivities to exclusive offers in iconic locations. The campaign video shows Bahraini influencer and film-maker Omar Farooq head to Doha for a 24-hour visit where his friend, renowned Qatari athlete, Mutaz Barshim meets him. Together, both Barshim and Farooq experience Qatar’s curated summer offerings. Following its success last year, the Qatar Toy Festival returns to Qatar this summer in its second edition from July 15 to August 14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The Qatar Toy Festival will be an unforgettable experience for families of all ages. Qatar is also home to several indoor parks including Doha Quest, Virtuocity, Angry Birds World and Trocadero. With world-class private beaches, Qatar is set to welcome GCC visitors to its shores. West Bay Beach, 974 Beach, Doha Sands Beach, Banana Island Resort, Doha Beach Club, Katara Beach and many others will be operating throughout the summer with special events and offers. GCC visitors can benefit from Visit Qatar’s promotions, including up to 40% in multiple locations by Katara Hospitality. Some of these promotions include a festive brunch, lunch or dinner, hotel stays among other exciting offers. Additionally, families with children can visit Inflata City at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) until July 13 for fun activities on inflatables. Msheireb Downtown Doha is hosting ‘Summer Nights’ until August 31 with immersive festivities catered to all …

Sobha Realty has commenced the construction of first of its kind Mall for its flagship community Sobha Hartland in the heart of Dubai. With an estimated cost of AED 210 million, the project blends the vibrancy of retail space with the serenity of an urban park, while ensuring exceptional experiences for residents and visitors. The mall is scheduled to be completed in second half of 2026. The new mall is being meticulously designed to set new standards for a luxury mall, which perfectly combines nature, culture, gastronomy and recreation. The mall’s exquisite features will provide an inspiring and memorable experience, promoting a sense of community and elevating the quality of life for residents of Sobha Hartland. Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman of Sobha Group, said: “We are delighted to unveil our new mall, which is a testament to our long-standing commitment towards elevating living experiences for our residents. The project underscores our vision to create integrated and community-focused spaces that seamlessly combine convenience while offering multi-tier retail stores, gourmet dining and diverse entertainment options. Beyond a retail space, the mall is designed to be a pivotal hub for community engagement that offers an ideal blend of nature, culture and recreation that will elevate the living quotient of community members and visitors.” With a built-up area of approximately 339,000 square feet and a gross leasable area of around 115,000 square feet, the project will house a variety of amenities, including a supermarket, gym, play courts, a soft play/entertainment zone and diverse restaurants offering a wide range of food choices. It will feature 35 retail shops and F&B outlets, along with over 10 unique dining options, establishing a new gastronomic destination for the community. …