Dubai maintains its position as business event hub winning 175 international events in H1, 2024 as business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth. The city winning an impressive 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond, which is an increase of 24% compared to the same period last year, these bid wins are expected to bring more than 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for business events over the coming years. The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with an event win pipeline stretching into 2028. Spanning a wide range of sectors and professions, this achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in. Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: …

As the allure of the Maldives often leads travelers to its more famous atolls, there remains a treasure trove of lesser-known atolls that promise unique experiences, pristine nature, and a sense of secluded paradise. Among these hidden gems are the Shaviyani, Haa, and Thaa Atolls. Discover why traveling off the beaten path during the off-peak season to these stunning atolls can be a rewarding adventure. Shaviyani Atoll Shaviyani Atoll, located in the northern part of the Maldives, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil environment. It’s a haven for those looking to escape the bustling crowds and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. Top Experiences: Snorkeling and Diving: The atoll boasts vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Popular dive sites include Fushivaru Thila and the Big Wall, where divers can encounter a variety of marine species. Cultural Visits: Travelers can explore local islands to experience traditional Maldivian culture, including visits to local communities and craft shops. Water Sports: The calm lagoons are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.   Where to Stay: JW Mariott Resort & Spa: Find your respite in stylish overwater and beach villas, featuring  plush bedding, private pools, and decks that offer stunning views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort: A luxury resort offering overwater villas and premium amenities, ideal for those seeking a high-end experience. Haa Atoll Haa Atoll, divided into Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu, is the northernmost atoll of the Maldives. It is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a blend of cultural and marine attractions.   Top Experiences: Historical Sites: The atoll is home to ancient Buddhist ruins and local mosques that offer a …

Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT) has launched “Travel with Bova,” a project dedicated to providing guided tours conducted entirely in sign language. This transformative initiative marks a milestone in inclusive tourism and is launched from the UAE, a key destination for AAT. Benefiting both the tourism ecosystem and Deaf travellers while syncing with the UAE government, “Travel with Bova” offers unique guided tours around the world, led by Volodymyr Bozhko, also known as Bova, a senior Deaf tour guide with over 15 years of experience. Bova has guided tourists from various countries using International Sign Language, including the USA, China, and former CIS countries among others, and boasts extensive knowledge of European destinations, exotic islands, and Southeast Asian countries. He has organised long combined tours where travellers can visit multiple countries in one trip. Bova will be joined by another expert guide, Dmytro, who has visited over 50 countries and understands the needs of discerning Deaf tourists. The primary vision behind “Travel with Bova” is to provide accessible travel experiences for the Deaf community, breaking down barriers and allowing travellers to immerse themselves in different cultures through sign language. While the UAE is a favourite destination, the initiative will also introduce tourists to various other destinations. This project meets the rising demand for inclusive tours by leveraging specialists, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences for Deaf tourists, addressing the global loss of US$150 billion due to overlooked accessible tourism. Alex Koltsov, CEO, of Amsaan Accessible Tours, commented: “Catering to over 430 million people who have hearing loss, the launch of ‘Travel with Bova’ will set new standards in accessible tourism and not only meet but exceed the expectations …

The China Visitors Summit announced that Elaine Sun, Regional Director for Trip.com Middle East, will be the Keynote Speaker at the opening session of the CVS, China Visitors Summit – Middle East. Elaine has been managing Middle East destinations and regional chain relationships at Trip.com since 2019. She has previously worked with international hotel chains such as IHG and Hilton. Holding a master’s degree in digital marketing and over ten years of experience in roles related to the China market, Elaine brings a wealth of expertise to the summit.  

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.