Marriott International Inc. and Eagle Hills announced the signing of an agreement to open the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi. It is an exclusive waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi, the property will offer a secluded escape complete with expansive views across the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Slated to open in 2029, the Reserve will be situated on a secluded island within the Ramhan Island master development and will feature 50 private one-to-four-bedroom luxury villas including the region’s first anticipated floating villas with unobstructed waterfront views. Plans also include a range of lavish leisure amenities and multiple culinary venues. Ramhan Island is being developed to become the next must-visit destination for travellers seeking unparalleled luxury and natural beauty in the UAE. Covering over 4mn square metres of development area, the ultra-luxury destination features a natural island connected through a network of waterways. The fully integrated waterfront community will be home to charming residential villas, marina residences and luxury hotels, offering state-of-art amenities for residents and tourists alike. “This collaboration with Marriott International on Ramhan Island marks a milestone in our commitment to shaping extraordinary experiences and redefining luxury hospitality. As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the UAE, it will set new standards of excellence in the world of luxury experiences.” says Chairman of Eagle Hills, Mohammad Alabbar. “Together with Eagle Hills, we look forward to bringing Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the UAE and offering intimate and transformative experiences in an ultra-luxury setting,” added Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This monumental signing marks an important addition to our portfolio in the country where we continue to see a strong demand for luxury experiences.” Ritz-Carlton Reserve …

Kleindienst Group announced the launch of Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts, on the World Islands, Dubai. The AED 1 billion five-star hotel draws inspiration from the architectural marvels of the Spanish resort town of Marbella, and is poised to bring the complete Costa Del Sol experience to the UAE with its distinct Andalusian-inspired design. The hotel is surrounded by half a million square metres of 9 different types of coral reefs that house over 30 types of fish. The kilometre long raining street winds around the hotel, bringing a cooling downpour on the streets every few minutes. Guests can experience authentic European cuisines at one its 6 restaurants: Descanso, its signature restaurant that offers Live cooking stations, Live entertainment and signature sangrias; Casa Bougainville, that offers small, somewhat delicate appearing tapas that burst with flavours and texture; The Citrus Gem with its unique café experience, offers its guests a selection of light bites, pastries, and authentic Spanish coffee; Arenda Dorada, meaning ‘beautiful sand’ is the hotel’s beach and pool restaurant that transports guests back to the idyllic beach clubs of Marbella; the Challet Sierra, hotel’s Après ski bar is further enhanced by the Snow Plaza experience, adding an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the après-ski ambiance. Crowning the gastronomic possibilities, is the Carmen Amaya Bodega bar, named after the famous Spanish Flamenco dancer. This venue is intended to be a hidden gem offering a unique experience as a destination for wine, cheese, and bites, in which the passion behind the Flamenco comes to life and immerses the guests into a true and authentic Spanish Bodega Bar experience. For its guests seeking wellness time …

flynas celebrated its first direct flight between Riyadh and El-Alamein International Airport on the north coast of Egypt recently adding the Mediterranean city to its list of summer destinations with scheueled flights for the first time in the region, further expanding tourist destinations options for flynas guests through its ever-growing international network. The outbound flight departed King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh after an inaugural ceremony attended by representatives from flynas and KKIA. It arrived at El-Alamein International Airport (DBB) at 5:30 PM to a welcoming ceremony attended by representatives from flynas, DBB, and other stakeholders in Egypt. flynas already connects the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with more than 120 weekly direct flights, and the operation of direct flights to DBB will make El-Alamein the fifth destination in Egypt, served by direct flights from flynas. The leading LCC operates direct flights from 5 Saudi cities, namely Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al-Ula, to Cairo, Sohag, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada. The Egyptian capital of Cairo is connected to the Kingdom with direct flights to Cairo International Airport and Sphinx International Airport. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents. flynas connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 78 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a 22.9% increase in visitor spending in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, with total expenditures surpassing SAR 45 billion. Additionally, the “travel” item reports that the Kingdom earned SAR 24 billion, reflecting a growth of over 46% compared to the same period in 2023. Preliminary data from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) on the balance of payments’ “travel” item indicates that travelers from the Kingdom spent approximately SAR 21 billion during the same timeframe. The increase in inbound visitors’ spending in the Kingdom marks another milestone in the ongoing success of its tourism sector. In 2023, the Kingdom topped the UN Tourism list for the highest growth rate in both international tourist numbers and tourism receipts among the world’s leading destinations, compared to 2019. This achievement highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and other components of the Saudi Tourism Ecosystem in promoting the tourism sector and contributing to the national economy’s growth. It is a key aspect of the National Tourism Development Strategy. The released documents have confirmed the effectiveness of the efforts by the Tourism Ecosystem to position the sector as a global leader. This has been achieved through the implementation of best practices in tourism development, the enhancement of tourism services and products, and ongoing collaboration with all government entities to support the development of the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) launched the “Oman Downwinder” initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve tourism diversification and its commitment to enhancing the adventure and experiences sector. This year’s races will start from the beaches of Duqm in Al Wusta Governorate, pass along the Omani coasts to the north, and conclude at Ras Al Jinz Reserve in South Sharqiyah Governorate. The races featured the participation of twelve professional athletes from both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The launch ceremony was held at the W Muscat Hotel, and attended by Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr. Khamis Salem Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, and several officials from various entities. In this context, Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated: “The Sultanate of Oman is endowed with abundant and diverse natural assets, making it a leading destination for offering unique tourism products and experiences. Organizing these races reflects our belief in the pivotal role that various sports events play in promoting and highlighting our tourism potential to the world, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector and establishing Oman’s position on the international tourism map.” Dr. Hashil highlighted that organizing these races aligns with the Group’s strategic directions aimed at achieving tourism diversification and enhancing the adventure and experiences sector by leveraging unique and diverse natural potentials. It also embodies the Group’s commitment to creating sustainable and eco-friendly experiences for adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, this event represents a significant opportunity to enhance Oman’s position as a prominent global destination for hosting sports events and adventure activities. Marcelo Antunes Ferreira, CEO of Sea and Beach …

The China Visitors Summit (CVS) with TravTalkME as media partner, scheduled for September 5-6 in Dubai, is set to provide a pivotal platform for hotel properties across the UAE. This unique event will welcome over 120 Chinese travel agents, tour operators, MICE managers, corporate travel planners, wholesalers, luxury agents, and media representatives. This year, the summit has expanded its program to include an extensive schedule of hotel site inspections. These sessions are designed to give Chinese buyers a comprehensive, firsthand look at the participating hotel properties’ amenities and services. Groups of buyers, typically ranging from 20 to 25 individuals per session, will have the exclusive opportunity to be hosted by hotels, offering them an in-depth onsite experience. Since its inception in 2008, CVS has successfully attracted highly qualified Chinese travel buyers from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. These paying delegates actively seek to establish connections with local travel suppliers including hotels, attractions, museums, shopping centers, and other destinations. Unlike traditional conferences and exhibitions, CVS facilitates direct, experiential interactions between travel buyers and suppliers at the actual hotel properties. This immersive approach is unparalleled in its effectiveness for showcasing hotel offerings directly to decision-makers in the travel industry. There is no better way to market and promote your hotel property than to demonstrate its value firsthand to this select group of influential buyers.

Rove Hotels announced the opening of its newest property, Rove JBR. Situated in the heart of one of Dubai’s most vibrant beachfront communities, this newest addition to the hotel brand will retain all of the classic Rove ingredients with an extra sprinkle of excitement. Rove JBR welcomes Rovers (guests) with its signature sunny spirit, offering an unforgettable stay in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). At the forefront of Dubai’s lively beachfront scene, Rove JBR brings all the beloved elements of the Rove brand to one of the city’s most appealing locations. The boutique hotel offers an intimate getaway for travellers seeking a unique experience in this bustling metropolis. Guests can choose between Rover Rooms or Family Rooms in various sizes, with ground-floor rooms featuring your own private terrace on the bustling promenade. Rove JBR is perfectly located right at the start of The Walk JBR, a vibrant 1.7km long promenade with a great variety of outdoor pop-up markets with stalls offering food treats, fashion and handicraft shops and take in performances by street artists – making it an ideal destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests can easily explore the area on foot or hop onto the Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro for further adventures to explore the expanses of the city. Conveniently, the hotel is just a short drive away from Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Media City, and more, making Rove JBR the perfect base for exploring all that Dubai has to offer. The interiors of Rove JBR are inspired by the hotel’s beachy surroundings, offering a bright and welcoming atmosphere and a myriad of eye-catching works from locally based artists. The hotel features inspiring co-working spaces for travellers …

Etihad Airways announced beginning 27 October, will increase its nonstop flight service between Boston and Abu Dhabi from four flights per week to once daily, offering North American corporate and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent. The decision to increase Boston flights to daily is based on the route’s strong performance and comes just three months after Etihad Airways introduced Boston as its fourth destination in the United States. Boston joined Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., as well as Toronto, Canada, further expanding Etihad’s North American footprint. “Our Boston service continues to perform strongly, with our flights near capacity since our inaugural flight in Boston this March,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad. “Having already experienced record passenger demand, we’re excited to invest further in the North American market by expanding our flight frequency out of Boston ahead of the peak winter travel season.” Etihad’s daily flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Abu Dhabi operate with a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats. With 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy, the aircraft is equipped with entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, providing passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, complemented by world-class service and hospitality. The Boston service is timed to offer convenient links to Etihad’s growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the UAE, the Gulf region and the airline’s 11 nonstop routes into India. Etihad’s partnership with JetBlue ensures convenient connections to numerous cities throughout North America, …

Qatar Airways Holidays unveiled its latest offering – a curated collection of Qatar Stopover packages for travellers across the GCC region. Travellers booking their flights on Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations now have the option to transform one holiday into two by stopping over in Qatar for up to four nights. Designed to effortlessly bridge the journey and the destination, these packages will allow GCC travellers to explore the vibrant city of Doha, all while enjoying Qatar Airways’ signature hospitality and personalised world-class service, even on short stays. The new Stopover packages will remove the need for separate reservations and enable travellers in the region to streamline their travel plans through a new and improved booking process that incorporates flight and hotel bookings in one comprehensive itinerary. Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays’ Senior Vice President, Steve Reynolds, said: “We are delighted to introduce Stopover packages to our valued GCC travellers. As a world-class destination, Qatar’s offerings range from its rich cultural heritage to its modern attractions and through our new Stopover packages, we want to make it as accessible and convenient as possible for our customers to experience the beauty of this stunning country.” Enabled by Qatar Airways Holidays’ innovative booking tools, travellers can now book their flights and hotel accommodation through the Qatar Airways Holidays website, qatarairwaysholidays.com, with packages starting at just $14* per person for up to four nights. With four types of Stopover hotel categories, starting from 4-star hotels in the standard category, Qatar Airways Holidays offers options to suit every traveller’s needs. Travellers can further customise their packages by combining their hotel of choice with any flight class for a more personalised …

Dubai offers a new eco-tourism experience to visitors as the new Jebel Ali Beach Development Project receives approval which extends 6.6 km, the beach is poised to become a distinctive recreational destination that places a high priority on environmental preservation and the protection of local ecosystems and wildlife. The project features exceptional services, facilities, and public amenities. Offering a new eco-tourism experience, visitors to the beach can enjoy watching turtles in their natural habitat. Various measures and regulations will be put in place to protect them and provide them a safe nesting environment. These efforts align with the efforts of relevant bodies in the UAE to rescue, rehabilitate, and return turtles to their natural habitat and preserve the UAE’s rich marine environment. In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create the world’s best public beaches in the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the Master Plan for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project. Dubai currently has a total of eight public beaches: Al Mamzar Beach, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2, and Jebel Ali Beach. All of them have obtained the globally prestigious Blue Flag accreditation awarded to public beaches that meet its criteria including compliance with the programme’s standards such as marine water quality, environmental education, environmental management, public safety, and services for five consecutive years. The two beaches will be equipped with advanced technology services and systems, such as advanced lockers, Wi-Fi …