The Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deira Hotel, situated in the heart of the Dubai’s historical and cultural district of Deira was opened on December 23, 2019. Perfect for visitors looking to fill their suitcases with the latest fashion and trends. The hotel is now taking bookings and boasts 173 impressive bedrooms and suites, one restaurant to cater to all your dining needs and a fabulous roof top pool with a view of old Dubai and beyond. The hotel restaurant, Tokyo Tokyo Central, is a stylish Japanese eatery offering guests the chance to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Tokyo Tokyo Central offers an international buffet breakfast and a traditional Japanese Izakaya for lunch and dinner and signature Japanese dishes including prawn tempura, beef misono, tonkatsu bento and ramen, all while surrounded by beautiful decor of Ukiyo-e paintings, hanging wooden umbrellas, and Japanese cartoon and comic posters. Only 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and a few steps away from the Salah Al Din metro station, the Ramada by Wyndham is the ideal spot for tourists looking to enjoy a fun filled vacation or business travellers looking for a comfy place to lay their head between meetings. So, whether it’s a night away with friends, a trip of a lifetime or being away from family for work, the Ramada by Wyndham will become your home away from home!

Hilton announced the opening of three hotels at Al Seef in Dubai under three of its industry-leading brands. In partnership with Dubai-based holding company Meraas and under the terms of the agreement, Hilton will operate Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef and Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Owned by Meraas, the three hotels, which originally opened in 2018, are located at Al Seef, the bustling waterfront destination by Meraas, along the shore of Dubai Creek, and are now open under these Hilton brands. Commenting on the opening of these hotels, Rudi Jagersbacher, Hilton’s President for Middle East, Africa and Turkey said, “We are delighted to be adding these three spectacular hotels to our portfolio here in Dubai. Reflecting the best of both old and new Dubai, they are perfectly suited to our brand portfolio and are great additions to our existing properties in the city.” Mukesh Sodani, Deputy CEO of Meraas, said, “To be collaborating with three Hilton brands is a testament to the diversity of the hospitality portfolio that we have developed and delivered over the past decade in Dubai. It’s also another example of how we continue to enhance the hospitality sector in Dubai and contribute to achieving the Emirate’s Tourism Vision 2020. We are delighted to have Hilton as the new operator of our hotels and have confidence that the contribution will strengthen not only the services that we offer, but also the overall performance of the business.”

Expo 2020 Dubai has signed AS World Group Ltd (DIFC) as an authorised ticket reseller taking place from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Sajid Barkat, Chief Executive Officer, AS World Group, signed an agreement to this effect at the Expo 2020 Dubai head office. AS World Group is a diversified conglomerate- spanning from event management to strategic consulting and investments – acting as a gateway to Africa and is perfectly equipped to connect Expo 2020 Dubai with key audiences in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Sajid Barkat, Chief Executive Officer, AS World Group, said, “We are very proud and honoured to work with Expo 2020 Dubai as an Authorised Ticket Reseller because we believe that by ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ we can propagate the vision and message of Expo 2020 Dubai globally, with special focus on Africa and the Middle East. We will promote Expo 2020 Dubai with the most flexible packages adapted for all needs of African (and other) delegates. As a true facilitator in Africa, AS World Group is on track to play a crucial role in bringing various countries together at Expo 2020 Dubai through mutual opportunities involving financial investment, technology, culture, arts, science, education and other fields of human endeavour.” Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “We are proud that every country will have its own pavilion for the first time in World Expo history, ensuring all nations, including those from Africa, have a platform to showcase their achievements, ambitions and cultures. Given Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads between Africa and the rest of the world, we expect many …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) has been awarded with the Guiness World Records (GWR) title for the ‘Largest Augmented Reality (AR) Screen’, as part of a pioneering augmented-reality advertising campaign to promote the UAE capital as a world-leading holiday destination. The latest marketing campaign utilised the famous 40-foot digital billboard known as Piccadilly Lights in the heart of London, transforming the screen into an interactive augmented-reality (AR) experience, showcasing some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks. Ali Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT – Abu Dhabi, said, “The world-record-breaking augmented-reality experience took over Piccadilly Lights for two weeks, showcasing the UAE capital’s most famous landmarks in a pioneering way. When conceptualising the campaign, we knew we wanted to do more than just bring Abu Dhabi’s famous sights to life at one of London’s most iconic landmarks. We also wanted to capitalise on the scale of the experience by breaking a GWR title for the ‘World’s Largest Augmented Reality (AR) Screen.” Aside from breaking a GWR title, the augmented reality screen has also been designed to allow passers-by to play a starring role in the experience. Al Shaiba added, “By standing near the fountain in the square, people are captured by the hi-tech, on-site audience camera – used specifically for advertising for the first time for this campaign – transporting them to some of Abu Dhabi’s most famous attractions – think family-friendly indoor theme park Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, wildlife haven Sir Bani Yas Island, and the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – on the screen. Each one of the capital’s landmarks has been brought vividly to life …

Tourism ministers and diplomatic representatives from 20 Arab League nations gathered at the historic Al Ahsa, 2019 Arab City of Tourism, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosted the 22nd Annual Arab Tourism Ministers Meeting. The ministers and representatives discussed issues ranging from delivering a more unified approach to promoting tourism in the Arab world through to building sustainable tourism industries in the region. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, commented, “Tourism has a critical role to play across our region, not only in driving economic growth and in creating enriching career opportunities for local communities, but also in fostering new opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding. We look forward to exploring how the Arab League can work together to embrace the opportunities tourism presents for the benefit of our region.” During the meeting, ministers discussed the important role of tourism in driving economic growth and creating inclusive job opportunities as a significant employer of women and young people. Also on the agenda was the importance of regional collaboration to harness the growing global trend of multi-destination tourism. Ministers discussed opportunities for countries to work together to build strong regional tourism identities that celebrate rich and diverse tourism offerings and highlight intra-regional air, land and sea connectivity. His Excellency, Ahmed Al Khateeb shared the Kingdom’s ambitious strategy, which aims to attract travellers from around the world to meet its targets of 100 million trips by 2030 and plans to triple its current GDP level from 3 per cent to 10 per cent, creating one million new jobs.

Etihad Airways and Kuwait Airways have signed a codeshare partnership on selected services on bookings effective December 22, 2019, for travel from January 5, 2020. Subject to regulatory approvals, Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on Kuwait Airways operated flights from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, Najaf and Dhaka. In turn, Kuwait Airways will place its ‘KU’ code on Etihad flights from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi, Belgrade, Casablanca, Rabat, Khartoum, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Male in the Maldives, and Mahe in the Seychelles. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “The joint network and product advantages of our codeshare collaboration with Kuwait Airways will create tangible benefits for our customers, building on the strong relationship between our two nations, while providing greater convenience and superior in-flight service and hospitality. Additionally, it gives Etihad unprecedented access to important markets not served by Etihad, particularly to Iraq and Bangladesh, where we have significant point-to-point and transfer traffic, and complements our existing services to cities such as Istanbul, enabling us to now offer flights to the city’s secondary gateway.” Kamel Al-Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways, said, “This new partnership will bring enhanced connectivity and increased convenience to our customers, who can expect the same level of impeccable service that they receive from our airline when they travel on codeshare flights to and from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi and beyond. The agreement will support Kuwait Airways and Etihad operations between our two capital cities and provide more travel options beyond both gateways. The codeshare partnership will give customers the simplicity of purchasing connecting flights on both airlines using one reservation, guaranteeing a seamless experience throughout their entire journey. Passengers and travel …

Reed Exhibitions Middle East will be organising 20th edition of Airport Show 2020 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Titans of the aviation industry from across the world will assemble in Dubai in mid-June next year to debate topics related to the future passenger experience as the widest range of newest technologies and innovations are showcased at the world’s largest annual airport industry gathering. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum remarked, “The aviation industry is constantly striving to meet the expectations and demands of passengers for seamless journeys right from the moment they enter the airport. Technology is helping enormously, especially in airport operations, security and air traffic control. The future looks bright as we incorporate cutting-edge technologies to deliver smoother, more efficient and more sustainable operations.” Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibitions Director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said, “Airport Show offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest aviation trends, advanced technologies and cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of modern airports. The aviation community will debate about the ultimate seamless experience of the future at the Airport Passengers’ Experience.”

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, will be welcoming 80 new Arabian Sand Gazelles, to the stunning nature reserve until the end of 2019, increasing the resort’s population of gazelles to more than 135 gazelles. Relocated from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert resort was selected as the new home for these beautiful creatures due to its ideal habitat for flora and fauna, as well as its current thriving gazelle and oryx population. The extensive natural underground water reserve helps to sustain a vast bio-diversity of wildlife, whilst the cooler climate enables this indigenous species to flourish. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, is a protected nature reserve spanning 500 hectares (1,235 acres) and is home to a range of diverse wildlife living freely around the resort. From more than 50 different species of birds, falcons, and owls, to camels, Arabian oryx, and beautiful sand gazelles, guests can experience the breath-taking scenery of the secluded nature reserve whilst taking part in exceptional experiences with nature. “We are proud to drive and develop a sustainable eco-system that grows day-by-day integrating Al Wadi Desert with its surroundings. Guests are looking more and more for transformational experiences that have a positive impact on the world and by staying at our property, they are contributing to a rich conservation and sustainable development effort that spans the emirate and confirms Ras al Khaimah as the Gulf Tourism Capital. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, has become a true destination in itself “where nature and luxury unite,” said Ross Park, Director of Sales and Marketing The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Wadi …

Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADDH) and FTI Group, formalised their intent to partner and boost visitor numbers to the emirate and cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism destination. Under the terms of the intent agreement, collaboration will focus on increasing the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi from key European markets, including the UK, France and Germany. ADDH is set to inject 100 million euros in FTI Group which will also help expand the firm’s worldwide business outreach and enhance its vertical integration strategy across key tourism segments including tour operation, destinations management, own content and distribution. In 2010, the firm established its flagship destination management company Meeting Point Tourism LLC in the UAE. Mohamed Al Suwaidi, CEO of ADDH, commented, “Our strategic partnership with FTI Group reflects our wider commitment, in alignment with the Abu Dhabi Government, to support the emirate’s ambition in the tourism sector. The collaboration will not only create more opportunities to enhance Abu Dhabi’s sustainable tourism sector, but it also aligns with our mandate to further develop sectors of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy.” Dietmar Gunz, CEO of FTI Group, said, “ADDH is an exciting partner for FTI group given its portfolio of hotels and presence in the exhibition, aviation, culture and media sectors, which will enable us to design a new class of exclusive holiday packages for the ultimate customer experience.” “Abu Dhabi is an increasingly growing tourism market and has been part of our company’s long-term expansion and consolidation strategy in the region. In the coming months, we will open our first fully serviced offices in Abu Dhabi – a clear indication of our commitment to the UAE capital,” Roula Jouny, …

Jannah Hotels & Resorts revealed its latest openings and developments on a press conference recently. The conference was headed by the CEO of Jannah Hotels & Resorts, Richard Haddad along with media attendees. He addressed the expansion of the Jannah brand with the opening of the new and upscale 4-star property in Dubai, Jannah Dubai Creekside, this February 2020 and the upcoming launch of Jannah Ras Al Khor in 2022. These openings have established the presence of Jannah Hotels & Resorts in the World Travel Market in London to reach the international market as they participate in an international exhibition. As they vouched to continue the success from UAE, Jannah Hotels & Resorts have started the ongoing expansion talk with Tajakistan to stretch the scope of the luxurious brand to the Central Asia. Following the market trend of training hospitality professionals, Jannah Hotels & Resorts also announced development in hospitality practice with partnership to Typsy. The alliance is set to provide a convenient way of training staff in an advanced approach as they offer Applications available on desktops, tablets, and mobile phones for easy access whenever and wherever they want. With these latest additions and advancements, Jannah Hotels & Resorts is confident to maintain being the best leisure destination for a perfect staycation of travellers, long-term visitors, and corporate business travellers in the UAE and soon around the world.