Sabre Corporation is sponsoring the Travel Technology Theatre at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2019), from April 28 to May 1, 2019. Executive speakers from Sabre and guest customers will participate in the seminar programme and showcase latest technology in the travel and hospitality sector including NDC, emerging technology, retailing and digitalisation and discuss industry challenges and opportunities. Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network Middle East will be present at the event seminar and speak about the evolution of the travel industry in the Middle East and how can companies leverage new trends and technology to respond to customers’ expectations. “This is such an exciting time for the travel sector. The industry is evolving, constantly adapting to the increasing expectations of tech-travelers, which are higher and more diverse than ever before,” said Iyer. “The rise of new technologies and trends are creating more opportunities for all players in the travel industry and we are here to support our customers and the market to learn about everything new in travel and how to leverage these opportunities.” Sabre is also highlighting through its seminar programme the evolution of travel distribution and how NDC is changing the landscape of the industry. “Due to growing pressure from the industry, travel suppliers are increasingly differentiating their offerings – looking to retail and merchandise to travellers in new ways – to maximize their revenues. Sabre isn’t waiting for NDC adoption – we believe it is just one component of a wider shift in retailing and distribution in the travel industry, and we are this year developing exciting new technology that will help suppliers to tell their stories effectively through the indirect channel.” Iyer added.

BlueBay Hotels, the eleventh Spanish hotel company regarding international presence and the twelfth largest group in terms of hotel rooms, is consolidating its growth in the Middle East with the opening of the Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort (5*GL) in Fujairah (United Arab Emirates). “With this new opening we’re confirming our commitment to high-end tourism in the Middle East, and we’re also strengthening our presence in MENA, where we already have nine hotels in strategic areas such as Dubai, Mecca and Medina. This area is showing strong potential for tourism and is a central element in our current and future growth,”  says Jamal Satli Iglesias, Chairman of BlueBay Hotels. The design of the hotel recovers traditional and luxurious oriental craftsmanship in its details and spaces, along with functionality provided by the western concept, which is something that’s highly demanded by travellers. “The hotel boasts the very latest advanced technology while also maintaining the essence of luxury hotels in the area. Guests may expect to experience an authentic Arab tradition with contemporary touches and spend enjoyable time in an exceptional environment,” explains Ramón Hernández, BlueBay Hotels’ CEO. The resort is one hour drive from the Dubai International Airport and close to major tourist attractions in the emirate. Located on the beachfront, the hotel’s rooms offer tourists the ultimate in luxury and wellness through a harmonious fusion with nature. It has 377 grand luxury rooms and suites, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering spectacular views. BlueBay Gourmet offers unforgettable and exotic dining experience featuring a wide variety of international cuisines, prepared by an elite group of global award-winning chefs. The resort boasts several world-class restaurants and cafes specializing …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation officially opened Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District, marking the third property under Hyatt’s select service brand portoflio in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel joins Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga and Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square in increasing the number of contemporary yet affordable hospitality offerings in the city. The opening of the property brings Hyatt hotels in the UAE to 10 properties. Located in the heart of Deira in Old Dubai, the property places guests in close proximity to key landmarks such as the heritage and diving village, the Creek, the famed spice and gold souks as well as numerous retail, dining and entertainment outlets. Furthermore, connectivity is yet another strong suit offered by the location, as Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District is close to key metro, dhow cruise and taxi stations. “We look forward to hosting guests both local and international alike as we introduce them to the modern comforts of a Hyatt Place property,” shares Fathi Khogaly, cluster general manager. “The hotel will provide travellers with a unique stay through the design, amenities and warm hospitality offered by the entire team. The decision to introduce a third Hyatt Place property stems from its seamless integration into the city’s contemporary appeal, prioritising consistent development,” said Kurt Straub, vice president of operations, Middle East, Africa and South West Asia. “We’re seeing an increased guest demand for our select service portfolio and as such are meeting these demands across the UAE and KSA. We plan to continue to expand our brand presence across the Middle East, as part of our pipeline of development for the region.” The property offers 202 stylish guestrooms, including 10 suites, with separate spaces to sleep, work …

Dubai-based flydubai announced the start of flights to Sochi, Russia. Flights between Dubai and Sochi will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, starting from  June 7, 2019. flydubai will be the first carrier to offer direct flights on this route from the UAE and the GCC. Commenting on the occasion, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said, “Russia is an important market for flydubai and we are pleased to announce the new direct flights to Sochi which will support the growing flow of travel, trade and tourism between the two countries.” flydubai has been operating in the Russian market since 2010 and offers passengers from the UAE and the combined flydubai and Emirates network, easier access to Moscow and other major Russian cities like Yekaterinburg. Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, added, “We are confident that our high quality and reliable service and the convenience of these direct flights, together with the recent changes in visa requirements for Russians and UAE nationals visiting both countries, will make this resort city located on Russia’s Black Sea Coast a popular choice for passengers.” Sochi is one of the major touristic hubs in Russia located on the Black Sea, popular for its beaches, forests and Caucasus Mountains, as well as for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics and being home to some of the best facilities for winter sports. Asiet Zhukova, Vice President of Tour Operator Group WOWSOCHI, said, “The new flydubai service offers travellers from the UAE and around the world a more convenient option to reach Sochi and get a chance to explore this year long popular destination in Russia.” flydubai will operate …

The inaugural Big C Forum witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai-based holding company Meraas and Singapore-based Chinese company Samanea Group that will see the launch of an AED1 billion mall by Q2 2021 near Dubai International City. Six key Chinese manufacturers and businesses also signed the letter of intent. Samanea Group is to develop the 570,000 sq. ft. retail outlet, which will focus on home appliances and furniture from small, medium and big Chinese businesses seeking a foothold in the GCC market. The mall will also hold space for 1,800 parking spaces. The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Information Department – the special Guest of Honour, who witnessed the hive of bilateral business activity initiated by Hala China. At the event, Her Excellency Tan Li, Acting Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, said, “In recent years, both China-UAE and China-Dubai relations have developed very fast. Among the Middle East countries, the UAE has conducted the most in-depth and fruitful cooperation with China.  In 2018, China was Dubai’s largest trade partner for the fifth consecutive year, with bilateral trade reaching US$37.9 billion. The ‘Hala China’ programme launched last year, built a platform for the cooperation between China and Dubai in economy, trade, investment, tourism and culture.” The forum provided Chinese companies with a deeper understanding of Dubai’s forward-looking trade policies and infrastructure. Headquartered in Singapore, Samanea Group supports small businesses through hosting them in professional trade centres in key markets that offer marketing, logistics, financial and networking opportunities. The forum gathered more than 600 Chinese investors and entrepreneurs in Dubai, …

HotelTonight and Airbnb announced that the acquisition bringing the two companies together has closed. In the first quarter of 2019, the number of room nights booked via HotelTonight increased more than 41 per cent, year-over-year. Airbnb is working to reimagine travel by building an end-to-end travel platform that combines where you stay, what you do, and how you get there, all in one place. HotelTonight is a hotel-booking service focused on making last-minute trips easy and fun, offering travelers seamless, on-demand booking for boutique and independent hotels. Together, HotelTonight and Airbnb will offer guests more choices and make it easier for the world’s best boutique and independent hotels to connect with Airbnb’s global network of guests. The HotelTonight app and website will continue to operate as they do today. Sam Shank, co-founder and CEO, HotelTonight, will lead the boutique hotel category at Airbnb. “When we founded HotelTonight, we sought to reimagine the hotel booking experience to be more simple, fast and fun, and to better connect travellers with the world’s best boutique and independent hotels,” said Shank. “We are delighted to take this vision to new heights as part of Airbnb.” “We want Airbnb to be the place where travellers plan all of their trips, whether they are booking one year or one day in advance,” said Greg Greeley, President of Homes, Airbnb. “The HotelTonight team has a tremendous passion for helping guests and rich industry expertise. We are more than thrilled to have them on board.” The HotelTonight app was designed to delight customers with a truly unique booking experience. The app recently added Daily Drop, a personalised daily deal offering that has been loved by guests and will …

IHG announced the signing of Staybridge Suites Manama Al Seef, marking the debut of the brand in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Expected to open in January 2020, the 128-room extended stay hotel will operate under a management agreement with major developer, Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company S.P.C. The signing was held with the attendance of H.E. Sheikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in the headquarters of the Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company S.P.C. Located in the heart of the capital, Staybridge Suites Manama Al Seef will benefit from proximity to the popular shopping and commercial destination, the Seef District. Guests can also enjoy home-like surroundings and amenities throughout the hotel with a feeling of community including a fully equipped kitchen, spacious suites, large workspaces, complimentary WiFi, a business centre and a fitness centre. Commenting on the signing, H.E. Sheikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, stated, “The development of Staybridge Suites comes in line with BTEA’s strategy which focuses on four pillars, ‘awareness, attraction, access, and accommodation’ in order to attract regional and international visitors, further increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy.” In a statement on the signing, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said, “The tourism industry in Bahrain is gaining momentum with an increase in leisure and business travellers, especially from the GCC countries, that is resulting in a rising demand for long stay accommodation.” Faisal Faqeeh, Chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company S.P.C., added, “The fantastic location combined with the unique offering of Staybridge Suites Manama Al Seef, make it the ideal choice for travellers looking for a home …

In the run up to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, Jannah Hotels & Resorts, the UAE’s leading luxury halal hotel brand, has announced that it is expanding its footprint in the UAE by adding two new properties to its current portfolio. Jannah Dubai Creek, a new four-star upscale hotel in Dubai is scheduled to open its doors to the public in September 2019. The 138-room hotel will feature five food and beverage outlets, a private swimming pool, gym and spa as well as a multitude of innovative features, including a seamless check-in experience, highlighting Jannah’s continued focus on technology. The popular hotel chain is also opening a 57-storey property in Sharjah in 2022.  Located in one of the most exciting areas of the city, world-class amenities at Jannah Ras Al Khor will include a private swimming pool, state-of-the-art health club, children’s play area, cafes and restaurants. These strategic and exciting developments will be showcased at the Jannah stand at ATM 2019, according to Richard Haddad, CEO of Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel. “Strategic locations, coupled with Jannah’s unparalleled Arabian hospitality and some very symbiotic partnerships, have helped the brand register phenomenal growth in the past few years. At ATM 2019, we look forward to the opportunity to network with colleagues near and far to build new relationships whilst showcasing the niche hospitality services that have stood us in good stead,” Haddad said. “Be it Sharjah’s growing reputation as a cultural, tourism and leisure centre or the phenomenal growth we have seen in the Dubai Creek area, we are certain that our new properties will be just as successful in attracting discerning business and leisure travellers looking for five-star services, and …

Emirates and SpiceJet have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into a reciprocal codeshare agreement, which is set to open new routes and destinations for passengers travelling between India and popular destinations across Africa, America, Europe and the Middle East. Subject to necessary government approvals, the partnership will enable Emirates’ passengers to enjoy seamless connectivity on flights to India, leveraging SpiceJet’s strong domestic presence and adding six new destinations: Amritsar, Jaipur, Pune, Mangalore, Madurai and Calicut — to the nine existing cities in India served by Emirates. This will bolster Emirates’ already-extensive network adding a total of 67 weekly connections between Emirates’ hub in Dubai to these six fast growing destinations in India. This includes increased domestic connectivity from Emirates’ nine Indian gateways to points such as Goa, Hubli, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam and Tuticorin which would allow for a greater variety of travel options between both Emirates and SpiceJet flights. “Our journey in India has been defined by progressive investment, partnership and growth. We constantly try to improve and provide our customers with greater flexibility and travel choices,” said Adnan Kazim, Divisional Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, Revenue Optimisation and Aeropolitical Affairs at Emirates. Passengers travelling from India will have more choice to travel seamlessly with minimum connection times, when flying to destinations in Emirates’ Europe network such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Manchester and Amsterdam. The codeshare agreement will also open up flights for Indian travellers to North and South American destinations such as New York, Washington, Toronto, and Sao Paulo as well as Middle Eastern destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait and Amman, operated by Emirates.

Aldar Properties PJSC’s (Aldar’s) latest development, Lea located on the northern shores of Yas Island has sold out during Cityscape Abu Dhabi generating over AED 400 million in sales. Offering land plots starting at AED 990,000 and sizes ranging from 405 sqm – 1,800 sqm, and available for purchase by all nationalities, Lea features 238 residential plots in a prime location adjacent to Aldar’s flagship Yas Acres project. Lea boasts parks, promenades, and waterside walkways. In addition to this, residents benefit from all of the amenities within Yas Acres – parks, swimming pools, play areas,  picnic areas, schools, mosques and the Yas Acres full length nine hole golf course. This most recent sell out follows the successful launch of Alreeman, a land plot masterplan located close to Abu Dhabi Airport, which generated AED 1.6 billion in sales. Commenting, Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive Officer, Aldar Properties, said, “Selling over AED 400 million of real estate is a ringing endorsement of what we do best – understanding what our customers need and then creating the right product to fulfill their requirements. We are off to a flying start this year, and we are seeing really strong demand for land opportunities within well thought out, master planned communities. Generating over AED 2 billion from our two most recent developments – Al Reeman and Lea, shows how market sentiment is moving in a positive direction.” Maan Al Awlaqi, Executive Director – Commercial, Aldar Properties, said, “We are delighted with the response we received for Lea from both investors and homeowners of various nationalities. This is further evidence of the strong demand for land plots, following our launch of Alreeman. This is also our …