Emirates has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate tourism and trade in Vietnam’s largest and most visited city. The airline will mutually collaborate with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center (HTPC), Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Investment and Trade promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC) to promote Ho Chi Minh City as a tourist destination and trade hub. HE Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman, People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, led a high-level delegation and working visit to the UAE from October 22 to 25, 2018. Further, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Department of Tourism, Department of External Relations and Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC), Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE, in cooperation with partners in Dubai, held a conference on “Trade, Investment and Tourism Promotion into Ho Chi Minh City.” At the conference, the agreements were signed by Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President – Commercial Operations for Far East, Emirates; Haitham Al Battawy, Country Manager – Vietnam, Emirates and Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo in the presence of HE Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman, People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City; HE Trinh Vinh Quang, Vietnam’s Ambassador to the UAE; Le Phuong, Commercial Counsellor – Head, Vietnam Trade Office, Dubai; Omar Khan, Director, International Offices, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Aldulrahman Mohamed Al Hosani, Director, Exporter Services Department, Dubai Export. Commenting on the signing of the MoUs, Badr Abbas, SVP – Commercial Operations for Far East, Emirates said, “Vietnam is an important destination within Emirates’ network and we are pleased to collaborate on joint promotional activities that will leverage the route’s …

The 5th World Green Economy Summit 2018 has begun on October 24 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, UAE; Prime Minister and Ruler, Dubai, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with the theme ‘Driving innovation, leading change.’ His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler, Dubai, also attended the inauguration ceremony’. During the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured delegations and representatives of countries participating in the Preparatory Conference on the Establishment of World Green Economy Organization (WGEO). HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai; Managing Director and CEO, DEWA; and Chairman, WGES, delivered his keynotes at the summit, extending thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for inaugurating the summit. HE Al Tayer reaffirmed that the summit comes in line with the vision of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President, UAE, and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, UAE and Ruler, Dubai and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince, Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander, UAE Armed Forces, for the United Arab Emirates to be the best country in the world, by the UAE Centennial 2071. It also witnessed a speech by HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister, Climate Change and Environment, highlighting the UAE’s transformation progress into green economy. Christina Figueres – Former Secretary General, UNFCCC, also gave a speech, reviewing leading efforts being made by the United Nations and Member States to …

Petra’s popular Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel has officially reopened, comprising 90 rooms decorated in natural tones and featuring modern showers and attractive tile flooring. As part of the renovation, a new Bedouin tent has been built where traditional Jordanian cuisine and Arabic coffee are served, while the revised layout at the Nadeem Bar & Terrace promises impressive views of Mount Aroun, the area’s highest peak. The property is located in the rolling hills of the Rift Valley, close to Jordan’s most visited attraction – the ancient city of Petra, also known as the ‘Red Rose City’.  The property has also introduced new tailor-made experiences such as mountain-view bonfires that really bring Jordan’s magic to life – perfect for special occasions or small family gatherings. Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel is located just 10 minutes from the entrance to Petra – a 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’. Perched at an elevation of 1,400 metres and offering stunning vistas of the valley, it is an ideal – and inspirational – base for travellers discovering the ancient archaeological landscapes nearby.

The 37th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2018 will see more than 200 authors from 19 countries, who will be present at the fair’s book-signing corner to meet and interact with book lovers as well as sign their works personally. Books written by them will also be on display, and include genres of classic and folk poetry, novels, historical studies, literary criticism and translations, cookbooks, children’s literature, arts, legal research, archaeology and others. The signing corner will bring together Sheikha Fatima bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Dr Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, Obaid bin Sandal, Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, Dr Hamad Ben Saray, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Rashid Sharar, Karim Matouq, Dr Talal Al Junaibi, Dr Yousef Al Hassan, Fahad bin Ghorab Al Marri and other acclaimed emirati writers. Many other emirati writers like Salem Obaid Al Alili, Fatat Tihama, Mariam Al Naqbi, Ghaleb Jazilan, Dr Mariam Al Hashemi, Saleha Obaid, Dr Shehab Ghanem, Fathia Al Nimr, Dr Abdel Hakim Al Anis, Mohammed Jowkar, Naema Al Suwaidi, Moza Haji, Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi, Dr Ibrahim Al Naqbi, Aisha Al Ajel, Abdullah Saif Al Shuwahei, Adel Khuzam, Ali Al Abdan, and Dr Issa Al Hammadi will also be signing their works. The signing corner will also see the participation from Dr Salah Fadl, Dr Abeer Sharara, Nabil Suleiman, Karim Al Iraqi, Dr Ali Jaafar Al Alaq, Sharbel Dagher, Sharbel Qattan, Dr Medhat Al Adl, Amer Tahboub, Hamza Qenaoui, Dr Mohammed Jaradat, Darine Shubair, Dr Mania Suwaid, Shaker Nuri, Mohammed Abu Arab, Dr Omar Abdul Aziz, Abdul Fattah Sabri, Dr Farouq Majdalawi, Samiha Al Masri, Raed Aman, Abdul Karim Al Jalasi, Dr Omar Munir Dahab, Dr Mona Bounaama, Dr Abdul Sattar Al …

A show at The Dubai Fountain and a three-minute projection on Burj Khalifa began the countdown for Expo 2020 Dubai that will run from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The event is expected to attract 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.The milestone moment in the countdown to the biggest event ever to be held in the Arab world attracted thousands of people to a free public celebration at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. The community event included five hours of interactive live music performances, illuminations, lessons in dance from around the world, stellar artistic exhibitions and activities, global cuisines and more. Three energetic flash-mob routines, synchronised to music inspired by the international cuisines created during an entertaining cooking show were a surprise feature. Visitors also had the opportunity to sign up as an Expo 2020 volunteer, joining more than 15,000 UAE nationals and expats who have already registered their interest in joining the Expo family.

Etihad Airways and Saudia have announced a new codeshare partnership, providing customers with access to more than 40 leisure and business destinations in the home markets and across the world. The two carriers also announced plans for greater commercial cooperation in other fields, including frequent flyer programme benefits, cargo and engineering, and maintenance. The codeshare agreement was signed at Saudia headquarters in Jeddah by HE Eng Saleh bin Naser Al Jasser, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines; Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. They were joined by Jaan Albercht, Chief Executive Officer, Saudia; Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President – Government & International Affairs, Etihad Aviation Group and Ali Saleh, Vice President Alliances & Partnerships, Etihad Aviation Group. HE Al Jasser said, “The new partnership broadens aviation and transport links with the United Arab Emirates, building on the extensive aviation investment and strong foundation in the sector. The added network coverage enables our guests to benefit from added flexibility and convenience, as well as increase the benefits for members of both airlines’ frequent flyer plans.” The codeshare agreement will see Etihad Airways place its ‘EY’ code on Saudia’s flights to Abha, Al-Baha, Alula, Arar, Bisha, Dammam, Dawadmi, Gassim, Gizan, Gurayat, Hail, Hofuf, Jeddah, Jouf, Madinah, Qaisumah, Rafha, Riyadh, Sharurah, Tabuk, Taif, Turaif, Wadi-Ad-Dawasir, Wedjh, Yanbo and Abu Dhabi. Port Sudan, Tunis, Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, Multan and Peshawar are subject to government approval. At the same time, Saudia will place its ‘SV’ code on Etihad flights to Baku, Chengdu, Ahmedabad, Nagoya, Tokyo-Narita, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, Belgrade, Seychelles,  Chicago-O’Hare and Abu Dhabi.  

The Health Tourism Department at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Emirates Holidays recently held a roadshow in Kuwait as part of its efforts to promote Dubai’s leading hospitality and healthcare services and offer a wholesome new experience to many travellers in the country planning their health rejuvenation and wellness treatments abroad. The roadshow was aimed at raising awareness within the travel sector on Dubai’s wide range of carefully-curated wellness holiday packages which include return flights on Emirates – a three-to-four-day stay at a hotel property renowned for its health and wellness facilities; a selection of spa and wellness treatments, including a health and wellness programme tailored to the client’s specific needs and daily meals. The group showcased during the roadshow the luxurious health and wellness facilities available in Dubai, including the DNA Health Center and the The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel. The DNA Health Center is luxurious health clinic independently located within the Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah which provides a range of lifestyle medicine for wellness, healthy aging, beauty and a serene environment under one roof.

Travelport has announced it has secured seven new agreements in Europe to deploy Trip Assist, its advanced mobile application for travel management companies and travel agencies. The announcement was made during the company’s exclusive Travelport Live Europe event in Rome, Italy, which was attended by over 200 business leaders from across the region. The new agreements are with four Hungary-based travel agencies, Weco-Travel, Air Partner,  utazom.com and OTP Travel, two UK-based agencies, Amber Road Travel and Lycafly, and Italy-based Regent International. Since the mobile solution was launched in May 2018, Travelport has now secured more than 20 Trip Assist customers across the world. By signing up for Trip Assist, the agencies will benefit from a fully branded mobile engagement solution that allows them to support, engage and connect with travellers at every stage of their journey. Incorporating smart itinerary management capabilities and the ability to create agency-defined messages and rich push notifications, the solution will empower the agencies to build stronger relationships with their customers.

Oman Air has introduced a new WhatsApp service which enables its guests to communicate instantly. Clients who opt for this service can now receive their booking confirmations, check-in notifications, boarding passes, flight status updates, in addition to other requested information, directly through the messaging app. The service offers secure, efficient and personalised customer interaction between the airline and the customer, with no third-party interference. Eng Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air, said, “Oman Air is increasingly using technology to boost its operations and make the travel experience more stress-free for its guests. This move once again demonstrates our continued commitment to offer our guests with added value and an enhanced travel experience.” Dr Khalid Abdulwahab Al Balushi, Senior Manager, Call Centers, commented, “This Business solution will enable us to reach out to more passengers as it is one of the most popular messaging applications worldwide. The new service will go a long way towards enhancing the customer experience for today’s always-connected customers. Furthermore, the WhatsApp feature is in line with the Oman Air’s journey to digitalisation.”

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) welcomed the IndiGo’s inaugural flight to and from India, commencing daily flights that connect the UAE capital with Cochin International Airport (COK) and Calicut International Airport (CCJ). With its fleet of 189 Airbus A320 and 12 ATR aircraft, the airline offers over 1200 daily flights and connects 48 domestic destinations and 11 international destinations. The inaugural IndiGo flights from Cochin and Calicut touched down on October 15 and October 16, respectively. A daily non-stop flight from Cochin will depart at 13:30 and arrive at 16:30. The IndiGo service to Cochin will leave Abu Dhabi at 04:30, and will arrive at 10:30. IndiGo will fly out of Calicut at 00:40 and will arrive into Abu Dhabi at 03:30. The return IndiGo flight departs at 17:30 and arrives in Calicut at 23:30. All time slots incorporated above are according to the local time of respective geographies. Bryan Thompson, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, “This new addition expands further the network of the capital’s airport to provide our passengers with enhanced connectivity. It also reflects further on the strong global confidence in the Abu Dhabi market, and we hope to continue to build on such partnerships over the coming months and years.” William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo, said, “We are delighted to receive a heartening welcome from Abu Dhabi International Airport this morning. IndiGo has operated its inaugural flights from Calicut-Abu Dhabi and Cochin-Abu Dhabi. The airline has completed 12 years of successful operations in the India market as a low-cost carrier, and adding Abu Dhabi to its network will further augment the regional connectivity that we aspire to provide to our customers.”