Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) signed an agreement to present Ras Al Khaimah as the ‘host destination’ at Vakantiebeurs 2020, the largest travel trade and consumer fair in Utrecht, Netherlands. Vakantiebeurs gathers tourism authorities, travel agencies and cultural associations from around the world for an opportunity to introduce their travel destinations and tourism products to consumers and fellow trade partners. Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “With a unique combination of authentic Arabian hospitality, pristine beaches and outdoor adventure pursuits, Ras Al Khaimah has a great appeal to holidaymakers from all over Europe. We have seen a significant growth in visitor numbers from Europe over the last couple of years, and therefore, the region continues to be a key focus for our tourism promotion strategy in a bid to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021. We look forward to our participation as the host destination at Vakantiebeurs 2020 as it supports our promotional efforts in Europe to ultimately drive further tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah.” Ras Al Khaimah’s attractiveness amongst international tourists continues to be strong – accounting for 62% of overall visitors in 2018 – attributable to its 7,000 years of fascinating history, authentic Arabian culture and heritage, high-profile adventure attractions, magnificent natural landscapes, and exclusive luxury and wellness experiences. In a steadfast commitment to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity in European markets, RAKTDA continues to participate in key European travel trade exhibitions.

A new hotel brand to the region was announced by Deutsche Hospitality, as the group gets set to launch the first Jaz in the City hotel in Deira, Dubai in 2022. Serving as a home away from home for music-aficionados of all genres, Jaz in the City places music in the spotlight through DJ sets and live acts, sweet sound installations, carefully compiled all-day play lists and Jaz Radio Stream, Recording Studio as well as music-minded staff and a dedicated Corporate Curator. Jaz in the City Dubai will be located within the Deira Enrichment Project under development by Ithra Dubai, a fully owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). It will comprise of 253 guest rooms, 234 Intune rooms (standard), 13 Bass rooms (junior suites) and six Offbeat rooms (one-bedroom suites). It will also encompass a range of F&B offerings that include Soul Food Restaurant, Grill Bar & Restaurant, Hotspot Pool Bar and unique Jazz’ Roof Bar as well as an all-day dining outlet and Lobby Café. Meeting rooms and a dedicated well-being area will also be available to guests. Leading German hotel company, Deutsche Hospitality, announced its assertive worldwide expansion plans, aiming to grow its global portfolio from 150 to 250 properties by 2024. The Middle East will play a major part in this growth, with plans to introduce new hotels in UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia within the next year. Renowned for providing international hospitality of the highest professional level and combining the finest of German hotelier passion with international flair, Deutsche Hospitality is currently present in the Middle East with two Steigenberger and five IntercityHotel hotels. In addition, Deutsche Hospitality has also announced a complete relaunch …

Dubai-based AA Al Moosa Enterprises has announced the rebranding of one of its four-star hotel properties located in a strategic area in Sharjah. Previously managed by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts under Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah, the property’s rebranding comes in line with AA Al Moosa Enterprises’ new strategy to strengthen its own local brand Golden Sands, which has been successfully present in the market for 30 years. Entering into force on July 1, 2019, the property’s new contract was signed during the opening of the Arabian Travel Market exhibition by Nayef Al Moosa, Director, ARENCO Real Estate, representing the owning company; and Mohammad Khoori, General Manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments. HE Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, was present at the signing ceremony. He commented, “We are grateful to AA Al MOOSA for believing in Sharjah as an attractive tourism destination, and we are looking forward to support Golden Sands throughout its new venture.” “There is no doubt that the UAE hospitality industry is constantly evolving, therefore we must be flexible and adapt our strategies to meet the ever growing market needs,” Nayef Al Moosa said. “We maintain a friendly relationship with Wyndham, and are confident that Golden Sands management will achieve our aspirations for this property.” For his part, Khoori noted, “The emirate of Sharjah has recently witnessed a vast transformation in its tourism sector, and we are delighted to be here to support the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s vision for the emirate with a renowned local brand that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.” He concluded, “We are extremely pleased to be selected by the owners to manage this fine …

Paramount Hotel Dubai, the first-ever property of Paramount Hotels and Resorts in the Middle East, is set to open in the third quarter of 2019. Developed using the same bold imagination, inspiring talent and creative process that has been perfected over Paramount Pictures’ 105-year history, the Paramount Hotel Dubai, located in Business Bay, is synonymous with entertainment and creativity. Offering timeless Hollywood elegance and an innovative guest experience, the hotel brings to life the contemporary Californian magic with their studio-inspired entertainment, sophisticated design, gourmet dining experiences, luxury shopping options, spa and additional world-class amenities. Following the true spirit of a movie set, the hotel staff are actually called ‘Paramount Cast Members’, for instance – the General Manager for the hotel is known as the Director. Transporting guests to the sets of Paramount Pictures’ timeless classics, Cast Members embody the different characters as they adapt and improvise off the service script to promise an impeccable experience. In true Hollywood spirit, the hotel houses 823 rooms and suites grouped into Studio, Scene and Stage Guest Rooms; Premiere Paramount Suites; one Producer Suite which comes with a private screening room and private hammam; and themed suites taking inspiration from Paramount Pictures. All 69 floors of the hotel have exclusive never seen before, behind-the-scenes photography from their movies. A true production, Paramount Hotel Dubai features exciting elements such as immersive video walls in the lobby, Paramount Screening Room, a Californian Pool Deck, PAUSE – a Wellness and Fitness Center, state of the art meetings and events facilities as well as their signature co-working Work/Play suites.

Emaar Hospitality Group launched a fully-integrated mobile app that covers all the hotel, hospitality and leisure experiences under the Group. With the single app, users will have seamless access to an extensive range of services including booking of hotels, restaurants, spas, golf and entertainment attractions using their mobile devices. The new app, available for download both on App Store and Google Play, replaces all the earlier Apps that were launched for the individual hotel brands and leisure attractions under Emaar Hospitality Group. Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said, “The launch of the new Emaar Hospitality mobile app highlights our digital transformation focus to enhance the convenience of our guests. Replacing all the other Apps that we had launched years ago, the App further simplifies the user experience and serves as a single point source of information and to access various services. Guests from anywhere in the world can make informed decisions and plan every detail of the lifestyle choices they cherish across our hotels and leisure attractions.” With the Mobile App, guests can explore a comprehensive portfolio of hotel, hospitality and leisure services at Emaar Hospitality Group’s premium luxury hotel brand Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle brand Vida Hotels and Resorts, as well as leisure attractions such as the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai Hills Golf Club and Dubai Marina Yacht Club. Guests can also access the services offered by Rove Hotels, developed as a joint venture of Emaar Properties and Meraas via the App. Booking restaurants under the hotels of Emaar Hospitality Group as well as the Spas is also effortless now. The App also enables guests to consider …

Etihad Airways is set to operate a daily scheduled flight between Al Ain in the UAE and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from May 26 to June 4 to meet increased demand during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The flights will be operated by an Airbus A330, and have been conveniently timed to offer customers in Al Ain with afternoon departures in both directions. Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President – Government and International Affairs, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “We are very pleased to offer these special flights from Al Ain to Jeddah during Ramadan. The flights are conveniently scheduled for the people residing in Al Ain wanting to attend Umrah during the last 10 days of the holy month.” Flight EY 335 will depart Al Ain at 1.30pm, arriving in Jeddah at 3.20pm, with return flight EY 336 departing the Saudi city at 4.20pm and arriving in the UAE city at 8.05pm.

Etihad Airways will boost its services from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow during the summer period. The additional flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, supplementing the current three daily all-Airbus A380 services between both capital cities. Four daily flights will be operated on the route between May 26 and June 22, increasing to five from June 23 to September 28, returning to four daily flights from September 29 to October 26. The extra flights are conveniently timed to provide easy connections via Abu Dhabi to and from key destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. Etihad’s two-class version of the 787-9 Dreamliner features 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Citizens and expatriate residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can apply for visas to Ireland at the new visa application centres jointly launched by the Embassy of Ireland in Saudi Arabia and VFS Global. With the launch of three new centres in Riyadh, Al Khobar and Jeddah, applicants can submit their visa applications at the VFS Global centres without having to visit the Embassy of Ireland. The new centres provide outbound travellers from Riyadh, Al Khobar and Jeddah a very convenient visa application platform, ensuring enhanced quality of services and seamless procedures. During the official inauguration event of the Visa Application Centre in Riyadh, Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said, “We are pleased to announce an extended partnership with VFS Global to open new centers to provide seamless visa application services to a greater number of travelers from Saudi Arabia. Ireland is recognised the world over for the hospitality of its people, its beautiful landscape and its cultural richness.With opening of these new centers we welcome travellers from Saudi Arabia to experience the beauty and hospitality of Ireland.” Visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia account for approximately 33% of all visitors from the Middle East to Ireland. In 2018, approximately 6000 visitors travelled to Ireland from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. VFS Global has been associated with the Client Government of Ireland since 2004 and presently serves applicants through a network of 60 Visa Application Centers across 17 countries including Hong Kong, India, Russia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates, amongst others. Commenting on the launch of three new centers for visas to Ireland, Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO for Middle East, South Asia & …

Ahead of the inaugural flight to Porto on July 2, 2019, Emirates is offering discounted fares to passengers. Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 2,795 and Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 14,995. The offer is valid for bookings made today until May 20 for travel until February 28, 2020. Emirates’ new service to Porto will be four times weekly and operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. The three class cabin configuration offers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 seats in Business Class and 310 seats in Economy Class. The Dubai to Porto route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Emirates flight EK 197 will depart Dubai at 9:15 am and arrive in Porto at 14:30 pm local time. The return flight, EK 198, will depart Porto 17:35 pm and arrive in Dubai at 4:15 am the next morning. Travellers can also book with Emirates Holidays and enjoy a five-star holiday experience starting at AED 5,799 per person, including airfare. Emirates passengers across all cabins will enjoy 4,000 channels of movies, TV shows and programmes on ice – the airline’s award winning in-flight entertainment system, regionally inspired meals, and up to 20 MB of complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected with friends and family during the flight. Customers on-board will also enjoy complimentary beverages and the warm hospitality of Emirates’ multinational cabin crew, who come from more than 135 nationalities and speak more than 60 languages. Located along the Douro River, the coastal city is famous for its rich cultural heritage, its historic centre and delicious cuisine. Visitors will enjoy walking through the city’s narrow cobbled streets, discovering iconic bridges, local cafes and …

Dubai International (DXB) welcomed 22.2 million passengers in the first quarter of 2019, down 2.2 per cent from the same period last year due largely to reduced flights and a shift in the timing of the Easter holiday. Cargo volumes increased 4.1 per cent in the same period to reach 641,250 tonnes. A total of 22,230,810 customers were served during the first quarter of 2019 (-2.2 per cent). The average monthly volume of 7.41 million was slightly lower than the average monthly traffic of 7.42 million recorded in 2018. Cargo wise a total of 641,250 tonnes of airfreight was handled at Dubai International (DXB) during the first three months of 2019 up 4.1%. In terms of Flights the total passenger flights during the first three months of 2019 totaled 95,857, down 3% from last year partially due to the grounding of 737 Max aircraft in effect since March 13 in the UAE. In terms of top destinations, India continued to hold to its position as DXB’s top destination country by passenger numbers, with traffic for the quarter reaching 3,121,809 – propelled mainly by top city destinations Mumbai, Delhi and Cochin. Saudi Arabia was number two on the list with 1,745,750 customers, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 1,511,917customers. Other destination countries of note include Pakistan (1,159,722 customers), the U.S. (764,489 customers), Germany (690,062 customers), China (620,013) and Russia (414,445). The top three cities were London (871,180 customers), Mumbai (624,442) and Jeddah (605,628 customers). GCC was the fastest growing region with growth of 3.8%, followed by North America with 2.7% growth. Waiting times were reduced by a whopping 30%* in Q1 2019, thanks to DXB’s advanced operations centre which uses real-time information to …