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 …

Accommodation and food services activities sector posted a growth of 3.8%, with a value of AED 4.7 billion. Its contribution to the GDP reached 4.1%, driving economic growth by 0.2 percentage points. According to data from the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai’s hotels maintained high occupancy levels, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 83%. Dubai welcomed 5.2 million international visitors during the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2023. 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, reiterated that the emirate’s economy continues to grow steadily and showcase robust economic indicators that exemplify the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The strength of Dubai’s economy is amply demonstrated in the 3.2% economic growth it achieved in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, by adding more than AED 115 billion in GDP terms, Sheikh Hamdan said. His Highness said it is especially commendable that the emirate’s successes in this regard highlight the combined efforts and teamwork of various stakeholders to realise the objectives of the emirate’s comprehensive development plans for 2033, specially the Dubai economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai Social Agenda 2033, which serve to enhance overall standards of wellbeing and quality of life while consolidating Dubai’s standing as a global economic capital and its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investments. Sheikh Hamdan said: “Dubai is progressing in accordance with a clear vision whose …

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok announced it has been awarded the exclusive and prestigious title of Best Culinary Experience in Thailand at the 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards.This recognition, reserved for the finest in the industry, celebrates the hotel’s exceptional dedication to providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience. The Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, known for their stringent evaluation process, recognize the finest establishments within the hospitality industry. They focus on establishments that excel in guest service, high standards, and creating unparalleled experiences. Winners are chosen based on rigorous evaluations and firsthand guest experiences. “The hotels, spas, and restaurants revealed in 2024 truly represent the best in the industry,” said Marinique de Wet, President & Founder of Haute Grandeur Global Awards. “Their outstanding commitment to excellence sets them apart, making them the ultimate choice for travellers seeking quality experiences.” Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, a luxurious oasis, boasts various award-winning restaurants, each helmed by talented chefs who create innovative and delectable dishes. Embark on a journey through the vibrant flavours of Thailand and the Eastern Mediterranean at Flourish, savour the freshest seafood at Bistrot De La Mer, or unwind with delectable bites and Japanese-inspired small plates at Ki Izakaya. For those seeking a taste of Europe, Berthold Delikatessen offers a delightful selection of gourmet European fare and pastries. No night is complete without a visit to the intimate setting of Firefly Bar, where expert bartenders craft exceptional cocktails using only the finest selections of spirits. “We are incredibly delighted to receive this award from Haute Grandeur,” said Christian Ruge, General Manager, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, …

Air Arabia announced the launch of its non-stop flights between Sharjah and the Maldives. The new flights between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport in Male will operate daily, starting 27 October 2024, providing travelers with even more convenient and affordable options to explore one of the most famous destinations in South Asia, the Maldives. Schedule from and to the Maldives, effective 27 October 2024 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 091 Sharjah 08:00 Maldives 13:20 Airbus A320 Daily G9 092 Maldives 14:20 Sharjah 17:55 Airbus A320 Daily   Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, stated, “We are delighted to add this enchanting holiday destination to our expanding network. The launch of our non-stop flights to the Maldives highlights our commitment to offering our customers more travel options and connecting them to some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.” He added, “This addition to our route network from Sharjah reaffirms our commitment to providing seamless connectivity and value driven air travel to our passengers.” The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs or relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, the Maldives provides an unparalleled escape in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings. Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a …

Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral shared that last year was successful with Yas island receiving 34million visits and the recently opened SeaWorld welcoming over one million at the special collaboration between WB and Etihad Airways. Yas island is one of the key entertainment destinations for the entire family hence even during summer, they experience a good footfall of visitors from across the globe. One of the key reasons for the destination to receive visitors all year around is that all their parks are indoor which is an advantage making it one of the most visited places in Abu Dhabi.

Diriyah Company announced the awarding of a $2.13 billion (SAR 8 billion) joint venture construction contract to build four luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club as part of the Wadi Safar masterplan being developed by Diriyah Company. The joint venture contractors are Urbacon Saudi Co. and Al Bawani Co. Ltd with construction work set to commence shortly on what will be another major development milestone for Diriyah Company. Contracts were officially signed today at a ceremony held in Diriyah between Ramez Al Khayyat, President of Urbacon Saudi Co., Fakher Al-Shawaf, CEO of Al Bawani Co. Ltd and Group CEO of Diriyah Company, Jerry Inzerillo. The contract is the biggest single contract awarded to date by the Diriyah Company and follows the announcement of a more than $2.07 billion (SAR 7.8 billion) contract to build the Northern District earlier in July. Diriyah Company Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo said: “This contract marks another major step in accelerating our exciting development plans for the Wadi Safar masterplan and includes four world-class hotels – Aman, Six Senses, The Chedi, and Faena – and our prestigious Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club. As a developer we are extremely proud of the momentum across all aspects of our project and are delighted to have two of Saudi Arabia’s leading construction firms on board to deliver this major part of the Wadi Safar masterplan.” “The hotels are among the 40 plus across our two masterplans, Diriyah and Wadi Safar as we gear up to deliver world-class luxury experiences to visitors from across the Kingdom, the region and the world. The Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club will create a true center of regional …