The Ritz-Carlton announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, debuting a palatial oasis of contemporary majesty in Morocco. Nestled within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens, just steps away from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, this opulent palace promises an unparalleled experience in the heart of Morocco’s capital. “The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam marks a significant milestone for the Ritz-Carlton brand as we expand our footprint on the African continent and celebrate our first property in Morocco,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Our guests can expect the brand’s legendary service, sumptuous interiors, and a stunning natural setting that together create a sanctuary of luxury and serenity in the heart of Rabat.” Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant capital of Morocco, Rabat, reflects the rich tapestry of the country’s influences. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the city is celebrated as the cultural capital of the country and offers a harmonious blend of historical and modern monuments, including architectural wonders and contemporary art galleries, embracing the Hispano-Moorish heritage. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the historic centre, The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam offers an ideal setting to create precious memories in this fascinating place. Upon arrival, guests will be enchanted by the hotel’s grandeur and majestic elegance. The high ceiling showcases meticulous craftsmanship, beautifully embellished with “muqarnas”, an iconic Arab-Andalusian architectural element from the Almoravid era. The richly decorated dome, with geometric and floral patterns, dominates the ceiling with colors of green, gold, and touches of red. At the heart of the lobby, majestic bonsai …

Healthtrip has expanded its presence to the Middle East with fully operational offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to serve the rapidly growing demand of healthcare tourism services in the region. The expansion aligns with the region’s increasing focus on becoming the world’s leading health travel destination, attracting millions of tourists annually. The current health tourism market, generating over $1 Trillion each year, caters to those seeking superior and advanced treatments abroad. With a rapidly aging global population and wealth concentrated in the silver age segment, the sector is experiencing 18% annual growth, fuelled by increased access to information and awareness on improved health spans. Healthtrip is the fastest growing company in the global health tourism space backed by leading UAE based VC funds like Humania Capital, D-One investments and NB Ventures. The company offers a wide-reaching network through partnerships with 1,500 hospitals and sanatoriums in the US, UK, Germany, UAE, Saudia Arabia, Thailand, India, Singapore and Egypt. The company has served over 65,000 customers from 38 countries, through an AI driven platform that provides personalized and intelligent care by connecting individuals with providers based on treatment type, rating, cost, and location. The company also provides extensive destination services, including hotel bookings, airport transfers, concierge services, and interpreters. Danish Ahmed, CEO and Cofounder, Healthtrip, stated, “Our recent expansion into the Middle East aligns with the region’s mission to advance health, wellness, longevity, and anti-aging experiences for global travellers. Treatments such as longevity and aesthetics are rapidly growing in demand in the region’s destinations, complementing its well-established medical offerings. With its accessible travel options, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and streamlined processes, expanding our international network to the Middle East was a strategic …

stc Group signed a strategic partnership agreement with New Murabba  to leverage a wide range of innovative digital solutions provided by stc Group in the future. Through these types of agreements, stc Group aims to drive digital and technical transformation across major projects in the Kingdom more broadly, enhancing infrastructure and digital services within its real estate sector by leveraging the most advanced solutions. stc Group CEO Eng. Olayan Alwetaid said: “This strategic partnership reflects stc Group’s excellent digital ecosystem and its ongoing commitment to driving digital transformation and being a key enabler of national development. New Murabba represents a major national initiative, and we are deeply committed to supporting it by providing the latest digital technologies.” New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke said: “Our strategic partnership with stc Group will position New Murabba as a pioneering urban development that enhances the quality of life and serves as a global example of innovation and sustainability. This collaboration will further establish New Murabba as one of the world’s most transformative, modern downtowns”. The partnership between stc Group and New Murabba will boost innovation and improve the quality of life in alignment with the Kingdom’s objectives. It will also enable New Murabba to benefit from the most advanced technological solutions, offering a unique experience for residents, workers, and visitors. This strategic alliance covers the potential implementation of all communications and information technology infrastructure projects. It also includes utilizing stc Group’s diverse and innovative digital solutions, which are supported by their expertise in smart city development. These solutions will encompass key elements such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and cybersecurity. New Murabba is shaping new standards for urban development in …

Dubai’s popular destination promotes themes of responsible tourism and wildlife conservation while introducing visitors to diverse range of wildlife species across 6 distinct zones as they announce its opening for its sixth season on 1 October 2024. Dubai Safari Park invites Dubai residents and visitors to undertake an immersive journey into the animal world, offering unique encounters with species from across the globe. Having undergone extensive enhancements during the off-season summer months, the new season promises a remarkable new experience amidst exotic wildlife species from across the world right in the heart of Dubai. Guests can explore the park on foot or by using the shuttle train, which connects the six distinct themed zones where visitors can enjoy intimate encounters with a diverse range of wildlife species. Each zone features educational and immersive activities that emphasise the importance of animal welfare and highlight the park’s conservation efforts to protect wildlife. The popular Live presentations conducted by expert zoologists are also back and will vividly showcase the many wonders of the animal world. This season, Dubai Safari Park is committed to providing a premier edutainment experience for guests from Dubai and beyond. Dubai Safari Park is home to over 3,000 animals representing 78 mammal species, 50 varieties of reptiles, and 111 kinds of birds, and continues to build on its reputation as a premier wildlife destination in the UAE. Guests can look forward to exploring the park’s vast landscape and engaging with the diverse range of animals in an environment carefully designed to meet the needs of each its inhabitants. “We pride ourselves on reimagining the way people experience wildlife in Dubai, enabling guests of all ages to connect with animals in …

Yas Island Abu Dhabi launched Yas Island Lounge – a sophisticated space situated at the arrival’s hall of the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport. This latest addition to Zayed International Airport’s impressive array of facilities further enhances the guest experience providing a seamless transition from arrival to their preferred choice of stay in Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a dedicated Yas Concierge team, ready to assist with all their holiday needs. Officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, the lounge aims to provide travellers with a warm and informative welcome to the world-class attractions and experiences Yas Island offers. The lounge offers a relaxing environment where travellers can unwind after their journey, discover Yas Island’s attractions, book experiences while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Additionally, guests will have access to a selection of retail merchandise and the latest Yas Island Magazine, which features exclusive news, offers and upcoming events, serving as a perfect guide to discovering a world of entertainment options on the 25 sq. km island. Yas Island Airport Lounge will also feature the Yas Explorer Passport, designed to enhance every visitor’s Yas’ experience by encouraging exploration and engagement. Upon picking up their Yas Explorer Passport, visitors can register online via a QR code, allowing them to participate in exciting draws. As they explore various locations on Yas Island, guests collect stamps and earn points, which can later be redeemed for exclusive rewards for adults, kids and even the littlest of adventurers. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the Yas Island Airport Lounge to …

SAUDIA announced a new partnership with AlUla Club Company, to provide exclusive travel benefits for the company’s employees and affiliates. SAUDIA has been at the forefront of showcasing Al-Ula’s heritage and tourism through several high-profile initiatives, and this partnership builds on a rich history of collaboration between SAUDIA and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). Signed by Wail Basaffar, Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at SAUDIA, and Waleed Muath, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Club Company, the agreement will offer special discounts and rates on domestic and international flights with SAUDIA, further enhancing AlUla Club Company employees’ travel experiences. Recently, Alula FM became the first radio station to be featured on SAUDIA’s In-flight entertainment system. The airlines has also played a key role in sponsoring AlUla Skies Festival in 2022 and 2023, which included a diverse range of sky activities such as hot air ballooning and drone displays, attracting a wider audience to the region. Additionally, SAUDIA sponsored the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament in 2022, highlighting Al Ula’s cultural vibrancy. Earlier milestones included the 2021 launch of the “Museum in the Sky,” a first of its kind flight experience that showcased Al-Ula’s archaeological treasures. SAUDIA was also the first airline to introduce seasonal flights to AlUla in 2019, solidifying its highlighting its continued dedication to enhancing the region’s growth. Wail Basaffar said: “This partnership not only reflects SAUDIA’s commitment to expanding our network of collaborations but also builds on our long-standing relationship with RCU. As we continue to grow our fleet and enhance our travel services, we are excited to offer exclusive benefits to AlUla Club Company employees and further strengthen our enduring ties with the region.” Waleed …

Wizz Air announced the launch of a new direct route between London Gatwick and Jeddah, starting on 31 March 2025. This new route underscores Wizz Air’s dedication to expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options and affordable fares. Tickets are now available on wizzair.com and the Wizz Air app, with prices starting from just USD 116.99. Wizz Air’s new London Gatwick to Jeddah route will operate daily all year round, connecting two vibrant cities. This strategic addition to Wizz Air’s network highlights the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options while strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, Wizz Air has significantly increased its capacity in Saudi Arabia, introducing numerous new routes and enhancing travel options, while contributing to the country’s connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and following a partnership agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority to increase connectivity to Europe and boost inbound visitors. This route is one of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionizing intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only USD 116.99, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents. We’re excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London, while offering the most sustainable option for flying.”- commented Andras Rado Head of Communications and Government affairs during a press conference …

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a pioneering partnership agreement with noon, the local digital champion, to launch an e-commerce program to further bolster the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dubai. The partnership falls under the wider Dubai Traders initiative, one of the ten transformative initiatives announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to empower Dubai-based SMEs to adopt new digital tools and channels so they can scale domestically and internationally. Dubai Traders will pave the way for Dubai to consolidate its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and SME growth, supporting SMEs to build a branded online presence, digitise supply chain processes, and access e-commerce channels. The initiative is focused on forging close private sector partnerships with leading B2B, B2C, and specialised digital solution providers, to leverage their expertise and strengths to provide a suite of tools, incentives, and support mechanisms for SMEs to engage and transact with online customers. In the presence of H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Noon, the partnership agreement was signed by Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), and Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon. At the outset, the program will focus on the e-commerce vertical to allow SMEs to build a comprehensive e-commerce presence and thrive in the digital marketplace. Through the partnership with noon, Dubai Traders will offer an onboarding incentive package to encourage both first-time and experienced sellers to get online and benefit from enhanced visibility on …

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has reinforced its commitment to becoming a global tourism leader by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA). The agreement, finalized during the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, emphasizes the Kingdom’s focus on leveraging advanced technology to support its Vision 2030 objectives. Tourism, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, has already surpassed expectations. In 2023, the Kingdom reached its target of welcoming 100 million annual tourists—seven years ahead of schedule. Now, Saudi Arabia is setting its sights even higher, aiming to attract 150 million tourists by the end of the decade. This rapid growth underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its tourism infrastructure and embracing innovation, with AI playing a central role in this transformation. At the heart of this next phase of growth is the integration of artificial intelligence. The partnership with SDAIA is designed to embed AI across the tourism sector, enhancing operational efficiency, personalizing visitor experiences, and optimizing resource management. The MoC outlines plans to establish a Center of Excellence for AI in tourism, deploy AI-driven technologies, and create data-driven strategies to continually refine and elevate the sector’s offerings. His Excellency Anas Al-Sulai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on Saudi tourism. “Saudi tourism is growing at an incredible pace, and we are seeing visitors from all over the world choose Saudi Arabia as their destination. As we continue this upward trajectory, we recognize the critical role of technology in enhancing the visitor experience. From the moment travelers land at our airports to every experience they have in our country, AI will be a key …

This year’s Future Hospitality Summit World to be held in Dubai from 30 September to 2 October will focus on industry leaders discussing pathways to net zero and what the industry can do further in order to balance and maintain standards of the industry. TravTalkME as media partners for the event will be looking at conducting interviews with the key leaders of the industry who can share in depth details on how the industry thrives on ESG practices. From decarbonisation to data management and sustainability to staff training, ESG is at the top of the hospitality sector’s agenda, with People, Planet and Profit a key conference track at the upcoming FHS World. With input from Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, Radisson Hotel Group; Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Accor; Richard Williamson, Chief Operating Officer, Considerate Group; Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, and Dr. John Blakey, CEO, Executive Coach and Founder, The Trusted Executive. According to Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, the transition to a net zero and equitable hotel industry is essential. “Hotel groups need to use proven, transparent and verifiable methodologies to collect data and calculate their scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon footprints. The focus here is increasingly on auditability of the data and the decision processes, for example as prescribed in regulations such as CSRD. The next step is setting targets to move towards net zero, and report progress regularly. A widely recognized framework is SBTi – the Science Based Targets Initiative. Part of the data for any company will be a combination of accurate actuals and …