Gewan Hotels & Resorts (GHR), a subsidiary of Gewan Holding unveiled its latest accomplishments: managing three luxurious 5-star hotels and two hotel apartment complexes. Marking a significant stride in its strategic expansion across the hospitality industry, Gewan Hotels & Resorts emerges as a symbol of innovation and excellence in the region’s hospitality landscape. With this latest unveiling, GHR extends its reach beyond Abu Dhabi, with its property portfolio now embracing other emirates within the UAE. This announcement highlights the three new opulent five-star hotels, each ready to enchant and delight guests: Royal M Hotel by Gewan Abu Dhabi, Royal M Hotel by Gewan Fujairah, and the splendid Royal M Hotel by Gewan Al Aqah. Additionally, GHR proudly presents two new additions to its portfolio – The Uptown Hotel Apartments by Gewan Abu Dhabi and The Uptown Hotel Apartments by Gewan Fujairah, promising unparalleled comfort and luxury. In a further development on day one of the conference, GHR reveals its ambitious plans for the future teasing the anticipation of new Gewan hotels set to grace the landscapes of North Africa, South Africa, and the wider Middle East. This consolidates its position as a frontrunner in the international hospitality industry. Commenting on the launch of the new properties, Gewan Hotels & Resorts CEO, Ahmed Hassib, said: “I’m thrilled to announce the expansion of Gewan Hotels & Resorts with the introduction of our five newest hotel and hotel apartment properties at ATM 2024, one of the most significant events in the global travel industry. Today’s announcement marks a significant and strategic milestone in Gewan Hotels & Resorts’ pursuit of delivering new levels of excellence to our guests and foreshadows our ambition of continued expansion …

Front End announced that the company enabled a successful demonstration of the first unmanned air taxi trial in Mecca, supported by its partner, EHang, the world’s leading urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company. Front End’s commitment to bringing the latest technology to the Kingdom along with EHang’s guidance in the adoption of urban air mobility, together with the leadership of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Interior, marked a pivotal step towards a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj. This collaboration unlocked a truly innovative solution, showcasing the remarkable potential of government-private partnerships to drive advancements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA said: “The trial marks a major advancement in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape. We are committed to the highest safety standards and seamless integration into existing air traffic systems. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to various AAM roadmap initiatives. We appreciate the instrumental support of Front End and EHang to mark this historic milestone for Saudi Arabia.” The annual Hajj pilgrimage, a monumental gathering of diverse nationalities, presents unique logistical challenges. This innovative demonstration aims to streamline transportation during this sacred event, by efficiently moving pilgrims faster between key locations, ensuring a smoother and safer Hajj experience. Commenting on the demonstration, Mr. Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End Limited Company, said: “Front End is at the forefront of this trailblazing trial, paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionizing Hajj …

Etihad Airways expects to welcome around five million guests to Zayed International Airport across the peak summer period. Shaeb Alnuaimi, Etihad’s Director Airports Operation said: “We are looking forward to hosting guests as they journey on their summer holidays, including those going on our newly launched routes to Malaga, Antalya, Santorini, Nice, Jaipur, Al Qassim, Mykonos and Bali. Thanks to Etihad’s award-winning cabin crew, family-friendly offerings, and cabin choices, guests can expect remarkable travel experiences. And this is our first summer season in our new home at Zayed International Airport which has added a new dimension of seamless travel and world-class customer experience. To ensure guests enjoy a convenient and safe travel experience during this busy summer period, all travellers are encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time at the airport. Etihad Airways has a number of travel tips and reminders to make it easier.” Guests can easily check-in online using etihad.com or the mobile app, and then take their luggage to one of the many automated and easy-to-use self-service bag drops at the terminal. The facility allows you to weigh and tag your bags and collect your boarding pass quickly and easily. For added convenience over the summer, a number of offsite check-in and bag-drop facilities are available. Customers using these will be offered 2,000 Etihad Guest Miles from 10 June to 15 August. • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24-hours) • The Fountains – YAS Mall (open from 10am to 10pm) • Mussafah (open from 10am to 10pm) 38 Al Arzaq Street, Mussafah Shabia-11, Behind Al Madina Hypermarket • Al Ain (open from 10am till 10pm) Lulu Hypermarket Kuwaitat, Shakhboot Bin Sultan St, Central District Guests are advised …

Formula E announced that Liberty Global Ltd. (“Liberty Global”) is to acquire shares held by Warner Bros. Discovery in the all-electric racing series. The acquisition of shares held by Warner Bros. Discovery will, on completion, bring Liberty Global’s total share of ownership in Formula E to 65% and mean that Liberty Global will take a controlling interest in the world’s fastest-growing motorsport. Formula E is the only FIA sanctioned all-electric world motor racing championship, the world’s No.1 rated ESG sport and the first net zero carbon sport from inception. In its 10th season of all-electric city racing, Formula E boasts one of the best and most diverse sporting calendars in the world, with 16 races in some of the world’s most iconic city locations, covering four continents. Now, with almost 400m fans around the world, 11 teams and 22 world-class drivers on the grid, Formula E has become a destination for the best motorsport talent on the planet, including racing teams Jaguar TCS Racing, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. At the recent Monaco E-Prix, Formula E revealed its new car for Season 11, the GEN3 EVO, capable of accelerating to 60mph in an incredible 1.82 seconds, around 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car. Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said: “First of all I’d like to offer my thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery for the support and guidance they’ve provided Formula E over the past nine years. Liberty Global have a proven track record of building and growing businesses and their investment in us comes at the perfect time as we plan for a period of exponential growth. Having personally known and …

Sabre Hospitality and Uplift announced a strategic partnership that leverages Sabre’s SynXis to offer unparalleled payment flexibility to hotels and guests alike. Under this agreement, Sabre Hospitality will integrate the Uplift dynamic pay monthly option into the Sabre SynXis platform, enabling properties across all market tiers to seamlessly adopt a versatile payment model that resonates with guests at every price point. This collaboration underscores Sabre’s commitment to revolutionizing the guest experience by harnessing innovative solutions that enhance payment options and drive customer satisfaction. “At Sabre Hospitality, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of technology trends and meeting the dynamic needs of our partners and their customers in an ever-evolving industry,” said Scott Wilson President, Sabre Hospitality. “Our collaboration with Uplift underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and responsiveness to market demands. By embracing Uplift’s cutting-edge technology, we surpass expectations, providing our clients and their guests with unparalleled convenience and flexibility.” Uplift partners with over 350 of the world’s leading airlines, cruise lines, resorts, and other major travel providers to help more consumers make meaningful purchases and experience the travel they deserve. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Sabre Hospitality, a true leader in the hospitality B2B technology space. The travel landscape is constantly evolving, and consumers increasingly seek flexibility in payment options,” said Tom Botts, Chief Commercial Officer, Uplift.” Our partnership with Sabre Hospitality is a testament to our shared vision of addressing these evolving needs. By integrating Uplift into the SynXis platform, we empower hotels to provide their guests with a seamless and convenient payment experience, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.” This partnership enables Sabre to expand payment flexibility options for their extensive network …

This Hajj season, Emirates is geared up to serve the large volume of pilgrims making their way from the airline’s global network through Dubai, to Jeddah and Medina to perform the once in a lifetime Muslim pilgrimage. Emirates has deployed 10 additional flights between 7 Jun and 10 June, and between 21 June and 26 June to carry pilgrims to Jeddah and Medina. These flights have been carefully timed to meet the flight schedules from key markets for Hajj, including Indonesia, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, South Africa, Senegal and Pakistan. Emirates has been working hard throughout every travel touchpoint of the journey to ensure comfortable experience, both in the air and on the ground for pilgrims heading to Makkah for this significant trip. The additional flights are operated alongside Emirates’ scheduled services to the two Saudi gateways, and provide increased choice and options for thousands of travellers from across the airline’s global network to carry out one of the key pillars of Islam. The airline has further deployed 19 flights to cities including Amman, Dammam, Kuwait Beirut among others to meet high demand during Eid Al-Adha in mid-June. From arriving to Dubai International, to stopping over in the city and connecting onwards to Jeddah and Medina, Emirates has extended its onboard hospitality to the ground through a carefully planned airport experience. Emirates’ dedicated teams will guide pilgrims during their airport journey to ensure a seamless process of connecting to their onwards flights. Airport Service teams have been tasked with meeting, greeting and escorting all pilgrims from arrival to departure. Travellers are welcomed at the arrival gate by dedicated Emirates Airport Service personnel, holding signs with special greetings for pilgrims, where they are escorted …

Capella Hotels and Resorts announces its first coastal destination in Saudi Arabia, set within NEOM at Elanan, one of Magna’s destinations, against the backdrop of stunning desert mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. The resort will open an exclusive wellness retreat as part of the sustainable development unfolding in northwest Saudi Arabia. Emerging from a lush oasis embracing the landscape’s ancient natural springs, the resort features 80 bespoke rooms and suites. Guests are enveloped in a world of tranquillity where contemporary design meets the beauty of the environment. Capella’s craft of hospitality is further enriched by a holistic wellness experience and innovation driven by Capella Wellness, creating a sanctuary for relaxation infused with innovative design. Paying homage to the region, Capella at Elanan incorporates interlocking geometric shapes that evoke a modern aesthetic reminiscent of nature. From the moment visitors set foot into Elanan, they embark on a journey enveloped in the soothing embrace of nature’s beauty. Guests can explore the expansive plazas, unwind amidst the sun-kissed gardens, or marvel at the breathtaking views from the observation tower’s summit. From healing therapies to world-class facilities, Capella is synonymous with enriching wellness — where every experience is meticulously tailored to meet guests’ needs. The resort invites guests to enjoy an extensive menu of wellness offerings based on phases of the moon. Each treatment is crafted with authentic Arabian wellness practices and modern therapies for guests to embark on wellness journeys based on ingredients and rituals passed down through the generations. Cristiano Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel Group, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with NEOM in unveiling our second property in the Middle East: Capella at Elanan, on the Gulf of …

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZSCF), is proud to announce the commencement of groundwork in West Africa for the ‘African Manatee Conservation Project’. This vital initiative was announced during the curtain drop event on the 3rd of April 2024, where two African Manatees were introduced into their new home at the Aquarium. As one of the select locations globally where the African Manatee species can be observed and studied, the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi now plays a pivotal role in advancing conservation efforts for this vulnerable species in West Africa. The National Aquarium commits to an annual contribution of US$25,000 to sustain this project, sourced from proceeds generated by its Manatee Retail Shop. These funds are managed by MBZSCF in collaboration with the African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF), a seasoned NGO with over a decade of expertise in aquatic mammal conservation across 19 countries in West Africa. AACF strategically allocates these resources towards extensive research, conservation, and educational outreach initiatives, with a focused objective of safeguarding vulnerable African manatee populations in their natural habitats in Senegal and Guinea. The African Manatee Conservation Project will focus on several key areas, including in-depth studies on the manatees’ population genetics, acoustics, feeding ecology, and physiology. This research is crucial for understanding the threats these manatees face and developing strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, the project will provide support for at least ten researchers and African graduate students, covering essential expenses such as fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and travel to present their findings at international conferences. The project also prioritizes community involvement and education, actively engaging local communities in Senegal and Guinea through outreach programs …

Air Tanzania has launched its inaugural flights from Dar es Salaam to the United Arab Emirates. Air Tanzania’s latest route to Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1, features four weekly flights, connecting Tanzania with the UAE and Beyond. A testament to the tireless endeavors of the carrier’s Corporate Planning Unit in Dar es Salaam, the new route marks a significant milestone for the company, highlighting its vision to expansion through new operations and markets; both domestically and internationally. AVIAREPS Middle East, renowned as a global leader in international representation, marketing, and communications within the aviation, tourism, and hospitality sectors, has been selected as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air Tanzania in the UAE. With a worldwide presence spanning 68 offices across 65 countries, AVIAREPS, including its Middle East arm, AVIAREPS Middle East, will be supporting Tanzania’s flag carrier airline with a full spectrum of sales and ticketing services in UAE, extending its services and impact to the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries and beyond. Flight Details: DAR-DXB: Flight Number: TC 404 Operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sunday. Departure from DAR at 20:00 (local time) Arrival at DXB at 02:30 am (local time) the following day. DXB-DAR Flight Number: TC 405 Operates on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Departure from DXB at 04:00 (local time) Arrival at DAR at 08:30 (local time) Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, CEO and Managing Director, Air Tanzania, said: “We are delighted to join the ranks of global airlines in launching the Dubai route, fulfilling a longstanding aspiration to enhance connectivity and enrich the travel experience for our passengers. Our direct flights to Dubai, operated four times weekly with our state-of-the-art aircraft B737-9 MAX, promise exceptional comfort …

Virgin Hotels  announced its first London hotel to open on 1st August 2024 in the heart of Shoreditch. Continuing its global expansion, London will be the eighth Virgin Hotels location as it brings the brand home to its birthplace and where it all started for Sir Richard and the Virgin Group. It will become the 17th property for the wider Virgin Hotels Collection, having just announced a new property in Kenya and following the successful launches of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Virgin Hotels New York in 2023. The hotel will form part of a long-term agreement between Virgin Hotels and Reuben Brothers – global leaders in real estate investment and development. It will bring Virgin’s iconic trademark and unrivalled personalised hotel experience to one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, known for its tech, fashion, culture and creative arts scene. The 120-bedroom hotel, located at 45 Curtain Road in the heart of Shoreditch, is one of the most striking buildings in London’s East End landscape, making it the perfect fit with Virgin Hotels’ ethos and philosophy. Its seven other luxury lifestyle hotels are also located in iconic urban locations across key cities in the US and UK. Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, commented: “We’re all absolutely delighted that Virgin Hotels Collection will be opening a Virgin hotel in London. Since the inception of Virgin Hotels, we’ve had our sights set on London; a place that so many of our customers either call home, or name as one of their favourite destinations – and of course where Virgin’s story started. “At Virgin, we’ve been disrupting the travel industry for more than 40 years, from land to air to sea …