Emirates has announced a number of appointments to its commercial operations team across the Middle East, GCC and Africa with effect from January 6, 2019. The appointments bring Emirati talent into key leadership positions, either being promoted from within the organisation or through portfolio rotations, underpinning the airline’s commitment to career development and progression of its UAE Nationals. Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, “As we continue to develop our operations in the Middle East, GCC and Africa, the unique backgrounds, experience and skills of each newly-appointed member of our commercial team will further strengthen our commercial and business operations and drive our strategic initiatives in a new year of growth. Their experience will also be instrumental as we focus on executing many of our commercial initiatives to pursue revenue opportunities, improve margin performance, as well as capture new consumer segments.” Mohammad Lootah will be taking on the role of Manager Jordan. Lootah joined Emirates in 2016 and has held commercial support management roles in Riyadh and Kuwait. Tariq Al Mutawa has been appointed as Manager Kuwait. Al Mutawa has been with Emirates for eight years, holding roles in India, Bahrain and Qatar. Hamad Al Ali, has been appointed to lead the airline’s commercial activities as Manager Bahrain. Al Ali joined Emirates in 2013 as a Commercial Support Manager and was posted in South Africa and Ethiopia. After that, he was assigned as Manager Zambia where he executed and delivered Emirates’s commercial activities in that market. Omar Al Bushlaibi, will become Manager Oman. He joined Emirates in 2014 as part of the UAE National Commercial Management Programme, training in the UAE Sales Department, Istanbul, as well as …

Set to be held from April 30 to May 1, CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa 2019 is expected to bring together airline specialists, aviation authorities, tourism boards, airports and tour operators, as well as other travel-related industry professionals. Fourteen airlines have already confirmed their participation at CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa – co-located with Arabian Travel Market 2019 and taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre. Senior network planning teams from Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia, Air Asia, EgyptAir, flyadeal, Ethiopian Airlines, Global Airways, Atlas Global, Germania, Mahan Air, Royal Air Maroc and Titan Airways will attend the inaugural route development forum. Throughout 2018, GCC airlines have added 58 new flight routes – focusing on areas of consistent and substantial growth – according to research from Colliers International – based on a sample of 10 airlines including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Salaam Air, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Saudia, flyadeal, Air Arabia and IndiGo airlines. Karin Butot, CEO, The Airport Agency, said, “2018 has been an exciting year for new flight routes both to and from the GCC, underscoring Dubai as the ideal location to bring together professionals from the aviation and tourism industry for the inaugural CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa forum. With up to 400 delegates, CONNECT Middle East, India & Africa 2019 will include unlimited one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments, a conference programme, panel discussions and airline and  industry briefings as well as an exhibition area dedicated to airports and suppliers.” Nick Pilbeam, Divisional Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, said, “It is an ideal base for exploring some of the world’s most interesting and previously inaccessible corners of the world. And the GCC’s airlines are making it even easier with the …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has initiated efforts to release approximately AED250 million in bank guarantees that have been furnished by tourism-related service providers, following the waiver of this pre-requisite regulatory requirement to start a travel and tour business in the emirate. The new deregulatory measure allows for instant liquidity to be injected into Dubai’s economy, lowering the cost of doing business and supporting further investment in the sector ecosystem. Strongly aligned with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, the UAE and Ruler, Dubai, to accelerate Dubai’s economy growth through relative strategic and regulatory initiatives, Dubai Tourism seeks to directly benefit over 2,000 travel and tour operators and agencies in Dubai. Previously, tourism companies including inbound and outbound tour operators were required to furnish a bank guarantee ranging from AED100,000 to AED600,000, depending on the type of business activity, to Dubai Tourism, as a precondition for DED to grant a trade license. Announcing the new measure, HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said, “As we head into 2019 with a commitment to significantly boost tourism arrivals in line with our 2022-2025 tourism strategy and vision to make Dubai the world’s most visited destination, relaxing regulations in support of the business community, especially supporting start-ups and SMEs, is fundamental for sustained sector growth. Tourism is a strong contributor to Dubai’s GDP and we intend to ensure that we sustainably enhance our economic value and aid the diversification agenda for the wider UAE. As such, this deregulatory measure that has been delivered with the support of the Department of Economic Development (DED), complements many of our …

OYO Hotels & Homes welcomed over 100,000 guests from 78 countries across 14 properties and 20 homes in the UAE, since its launch in April last year. With this lease and full inventory control model, OYO currently manages 1,300 rooms within these properties in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah and is set to touch 12,000 rooms by 2020. Since the first 9 months of its launch, the hotel chain has received guests from within the UAE, which accounted for 45.73 per cent of their guests and the remaining from countries such as India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, France, Russia, United States, Australia, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius and United Kingdom, among several other counties. OYO aims to grow its market share through its ‘Manchise’ business model — a unique business model that combines the best of management contract and franchise agreement. Through this model, OYO aims to grow its footprint within the two-, three- and four-star hotels in the UAE.  With nearly 15.8 million overnight visitors in 2017, Dubai retained its ranking as the fourth most visited city in the world for the fourth year in a row, according to Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index. Dubai was ahead of Singapore, followed by New York, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Seoul. Manu Midha, Regional Head — Middle East, OYO Hotels & Homes, said, “OYO has now grown to become a preferred choice for several nationalities across the globe due to its ideal location, quality and also the price point. At the moment, we have touched around 78 countries and we are going to take this number higher due to the upcoming EXPO 2020. With 190 nations already signed up, we are confident that our …

Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector is set to receive an allocation of SAR 33 billion (USD 8.8 billion) for the energy, industry, mining and logistics sectors, according to its recently announced budget for 2019. The 2nd Saudi Maritime Congress, to be held on March 11 and 12 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will examine these budgetary implications on this sector, focus on the growth of intra-regional trade and the booming north-south network, analyse the changing regulatory environment and study existing project opportunities. Held under the patronage of the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) and in partnership with Bahri, the event is expected to set new trends in the shipping and logistics industry, providing extraordinary insights into the country’s ambitious growth agenda and consolidate Saudi Arabia’s position as a global trading hub and a strategic gateway to Asia, Africa and Europe. Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade, said: “We are pleased to organise the Saudi Maritime Congress for the second time, following the great success of the first edition in 2014. Against the background of global change, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan is set to transform the Saudi economy, with massive consequences for its maritime and logistics sectors. This event will provide a unique opportunity to see at first hand the scale and nature of the developments which are now unfolding in the Kingdom, as it consolidates its role as a major industry player and as a global logistics hub.”

The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), an institution established by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) welcomes the first batch of students as part of the ‘City of Gold’ scholarship, awarded to first-year applicants enrolled for the Certificate of Retail course. As part of the programme, 20 Emirati and expatriate students have received fully-funded academic grants to cover their tuition fees throughout the year. Successful completion of the course will open doors to exciting career opportunities within the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG), a partner for this project, for all candidates, allowing them to enter the tourist-facing workforce with practical experience and valuable industry knowledge. The ‘City of Gold’ scholarship is part of DCT’s ongoing industry collaborations and partnerships, providing students with hands-on training and access to industry expertise. Commenting on the success of the scholarships, Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager, Dubai College of Tourism, said, “The ‘City of Gold’ scholarship programme is the first in a series of scholarships that DCT is committed to introduce to help build and nurture young talent. We are delighted with the success of the programme and hope to continue with our endeavour to further train young, eager Emirati nationals and expatriates and help them succeed in Dubai’s rapidly evolving tourism industry.” The ‘City of Gold’ scholarship programme combines classroom learning with real-world experiences, offering students direct industry application in Dubai’s expanding retail landscape. This works in line with DCT’s overarching commitment to attract talented Emiratis and expatriate residents and help them explore rewarding career options in the tourism industry.

Palace Residences has been launched in Dubai Creek Harbour, adjacent to the upcoming 121-room Palace Dubai Creek Harbour hotel featuring a range of dining choices and luxury hotel services. An architectural landmark, Palace Dubai Creek Harbour and Palace Residences are housed in two contemporary 44-storey towers rising above the Creek Canal and Creek Beach. Described as ‘The World of Tomorrow’, these homes offer unobstructed views of the iconic Dubai Creek Tower and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Palace Residences bring a boutique waterfront living experience for residents with branded 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments. The homes will be serviced on demand by Address Hotels + Resorts. Investors will have several benefits including 5-year property management services by Emaar, 50 per cent discount on membership at the Palace Dubai Creek Harbour Spa and pool, as well as 25 per cent discount on food and beverage at the hotel’s outlets. Residents will have access to a host of exclusive amenities in both the residential towers and the hotel. Among the amenities are a rooftop infinity edge swimming pool, signature rooftop lounge and grill, a full-fledged gymnasium, 24×7 concierge service and valet parking, among others. Residents will be able to use the hotel’s services and amenities on demand, including a modern spa, meeting rooms, 5-star deluxe hotel service, and all-day dining outlet, among others.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced a collection of three Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries set to take flight in 2020. Featuring the trip of a lifetime to Rwanda and the Galápagos as part of the fastest selling itinerary to date, World of Adventures, the trio of international expeditions gives travellers the opportunity to discover the rare, wild, and beautiful in the comfort and care of Four Seasons, aboard the brand’s Boeing 757. Peter Nowlan, Chief Marketing Officer, Four Seasons, says, “The feedback we’ve received since launching our fully branded and customised Four Seasons Private Jet Experience in 2015 has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests are beyond thrilled as they can now cross destinations off their bucket lists in the comfort and care of Four Seasons, resulting in record-pace bookings and subsequent wait lists for each of our 2019 itineraries. Travellers are clearly responding to the dedicated team and renowned high-touch service that we offer both on the ground, and when cruising at 40,000 feet.” The itineraries feature air travel aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, ground transportation, planned excursions, all meals and beverages, and luxurious accommodations at Four Seasons hotels and resorts. International Intrigue (February 15 – March 9) Seattle – Kyoto – Hoi An – Maldives – Serengeti – Marrakech – Budapest – St. Petersburg – Paris Adventurers will explore old Japan in Kyoto, discover the Ancient temples of Hoi An in Vietnam, relax on pristine Maldives beaches, and taste the exotic flavours of Morocco. Jetsetters will also be witness to Serengeti sunsets and can enjoy a soak or two when visiting Budapest’s historic baths. A behind the scenes ballet experience awaits travellers in St. Petersburg before a …

Making its show stopping debut at the 24th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Dubai’s biggest citywide shopping extravaganza created by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai Tourism, is Light Art DXB, combining the elements of movement and light, which will be on display from January 7 until February 13, 2019 at the Burj Park Plaza. Creating a dynamic environment from optimally placed giant mirrors, Light Art DXB will bathe Downtown Dubai’s Burj Park Plaza in a mesmerising kaleidoscope of light. The display of six dynamic sculptures, created through rotating mirrors and supported by a strategic placement of light, will complement the Burj Park Plaza and additionally work in harmony as a reflection base for Burj Khalifa. A bespoke artistic installation by Dubai Tourism and masterminded by Dubai-based technical designer, John Jossifakis, in collaboration with Frankfurt and Athens-based lighting designer, George Tellos, Light Art DXB is the first in a series of new installations the city will enjoy in 2019.

Emirates has announced the return of My Emirates Pass, an exclusive seasonal pass that turns an Emirates boarding pass into an exclusive membership package, allowing customers to take advantage of discounts and benefits in over 500 locations across the UAE. Emirates’ customers now have more reasons to start off the New Year and explore Dubai’s many attractions. People travelling to and through Dubai from January 1 until March 31, 2019 can benefit from My Emirates Pass privileges across participating retail and leisure outlets by presenting their boarding pass and a valid form of identification. The offers are valid across retail outlets and various leisure activities, including up to 30 per cent discount on spa treatments; up to 50 per cent off on outdoor activities like water sports and access to night golf courses; up to 50 per cent discount on fine dining; and up to 30 per cent off on popular shopping outlet stores. Customers can explore the many offerings available under My Emirates Pass by visiting emirates.com/myemiratespass. Mohammad Al Hashimi, Vice President — Commercial Products Dubai, Emirates, said, “We are pleased to announce the return of our signature Emirates Pass this winter, encouraging visitors to explore all corners of the UAE. Travellers coming into Dubai, whether for a short visit or a longer stay can now experience what this city has to offer for less, by taking advantage of special privileges across some of the best hotspots. With attractive discounts to over 500 locations – there’s something for everyone to splurge on this New Year.”