The world’s leading multicultural Festival Park and the region’s first family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment, Global Village, announced the launch of its highly anticipated VIP packs sales that will start from September 28, 2019. Global Village has invited its guests from across the UAE to take advantage of the new and added benefits of VIP packages – which will be available exclusively through select Virgin Megastore outlets and Virgin Megastore Tickets’ e-store. Global Village’s strategic partnership with Virgin Megastore has made it possible to offer exclusive sales points across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Outlets have been selected for providing most convenience to guests, which include Mirdif City Center, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mercato Mall, and Arabian Ranches 2 in Dubai, as well as Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Packages will also be launched via the online store at tickets.virginmegastore.me with option for delivery. A big drawcard for guests this year is that Global Village has doubled the number of packages offered compared to last season. Commenting on the launch of the sales campaign, Bader Anwahi, CEO of Global Village, said, “We have made huge efforts for this season, focusing on infrastructure development, which includes the expansion of the VIP parking zones and the adoption of smart systems, to be able to cater for more guests and enhance their experience. ” VIP packs include VIP parking car pass as well as VIP entry tickets, Carnaval cards, and Circus cards. Exclusive new features this season include cards to enter the region’s first Ripley’s Believe it or Not! attraction museum, in addition to cards for the most exciting “Stunt Show: Survivor”.

The Oberoi, Marrakech, which will open in December, has 84 spacious and luxurious rooms, suites and villas; 76 of which have large private pools and gardens. The resort is located on 28 acres of landscaped gardens, citrus orchards and olive groves with spectacular views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The resort is just 25 minutes from the Djema el-Fna square and the ancient walled city. Announcing the opening of the resort, P.R.S. Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, said, “We look forward to extending the Oberoi Group’s presence in one of the world’s most exotic destinations. I am confident that The Oberoi, Marrakech, with its exceptional location, aesthetic design and committed team will offer the distinctive Oberoi service to travellers from around the world.” Adding to this, Fabien Gastinel, General Manager of the resort, said, “Every facility at The Oberoi, Marrakech is being planned to create a flawless experience for our guests. From the luxurious rooms to the dining options; all aspects of the resort will offer our guests unparalleled luxury with exceptional service which is warm, personalised and heartfelt.” The Oberoi, Marrakech has three restaurants featuring diverse international and Moroccan culinary experiences. The bar and the terrace overlook the extensive gardens and the Atlas Mountains. The Spa with an indoor pool is an oasis of peace and tranquility. A children’s activity centre is available for families. The resort has a 300 square metre function room and smaller meeting rooms for social and corporate events.

Etihad Airways announced a new partnership with Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling. With a passion for aviation, quality, and precision, Etihad offers a perfect platform for Breitling, who will serve as the airline’s official timekeeper. The announcement was made by the airline during New York Fashion Week, where it hosted two exclusive VIP events celebrating three years as an official sponsor.  To celebrate the partnership, Breitling has introduced the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition timepiece in black steel. The model, which has been co-designed by Etihad Airways and Breitling, is limited to 500 pieces and is the watchmaker’s first featuring the Arabic language. Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “As one of the world’s most innovative and punctual airlines, we are proud to mark the launch of this great partnership between two leading brands who are world renowned for style, quality and precision. To mark our collaboration with Breitling as Etihad’s official timekeeper, we have introduced the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition, reflecting our Arabian heritage, age-old traditions and focus on the future.”  Speaking at the launch event in New York, Tim Sayler, Breitling’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Etihad Airways and Breitling are united by a passion for aviation, as well as by their steadfast commitment to quality and precision.”

Turkish Airlines is helping more customers to capitalise on its global network with special discounted fares to destinations across Europe, the United States and Canada. UAE passengers flying out of Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah with the carrier can avail discounts on flights to selected cities across the airline’s North American and European network.  Passengers can benefit from generous discounts on flights to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington as well as Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Malaga, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Sarajevo, Stockholm, Venice, Vienna and Zurich. Discounts also apply to the airlines’ base city, Istanbul, as well as North African destinations Casablanca and Tunis. The offer is valid for passengers booking a flight between September 5 and October 10, 2019 and is valid for a travel period of September 6, 2019 to May 15, 2020. You can book your Economy ticket and fly from the UAE at incredibly low fares — Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Europe at AED 1,600, Sharjah to Europe at AED 1,510, Dubai or Abu Dhabi to the United States or Canada at AED 3,200, Sharjah to the United States of Canada at AED 3,000 and Sharjah to Istanbul Airport at AED 1,899.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts announced the promotion of Kevork Deldelian to Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region effective immediately. Deldelian has been operating as the Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Hotels & Resorts for the MEA region since March 2017, and under his strategic leadership, the company witnessed rapid growth and came closer to doubling its portfolio since he took over. He also played a pivotal role in implementing several strategies to enhance productivity throughout all its divisions to maximise the revenues. He has introduced three new brands to the Middle East region, namely Millennium Place, a modern hotel concept that caters to the new generation of business and leisure travellers; Studio M, a chic urban hotel brand; and Millennium Central, which caters  to the corporate and business requirements of travellers. Deldelian has been recognised amongst the top 10 most influential hotel professionals and ranked eighth in the 2019 edition of the Hotelier Middle East Power 50, the only list that recognises and celebrates the top 50 most influential hotel professionals in the Middle East hospitality industry. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President of Millennium Hotels & Resorts, MEA, said, “Deldelian has efficiently managed the company’s operations since 2017 and has ensured ongoing success to the business. It is my pleasure to announce his promotion where he will be stepping into a greater role, and I look forward to working with him to continuously evolve Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and Africa.”

R Hotels announced the opening of Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR located along The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai. The hotel features 188 spacious family-friendly rooms and apartments and amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, a spa, and temperature-controlled outdoor pool. It also offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting facilities, a coffee shop, and a restaurant – Flavours – serving a wide range of international cuisines. The hotel’s easy access to the popular Jumeirah Beach and its many water sports activities lets guests enjoy a perfect beach holiday. Several leisure, dining, shopping, and entertainment options within the vicinity, as well as convenient connectivity, provide travellers many opportunities to explore Dubai. Commenting on the launch of the property, Sumair Tariq, Managing Director, R Hotels, said, “With the strong performance of our hotels, the addition of another Ramada hotel to our portfolio will help us achieve greater operational efficiencies for all of our properties. The brand is ideal for the hotel’s location and features spacious rooms and well-appointed suites which are suitable for all types of travellers.” Panos Loupasis, Vice President Development, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “R Hotels is an important partner for us, they share the same ambition for growth, have immense local expertise, and operate quality properties which deliver on our high standards for guest experience. We look forward to a continued fruitful relationship as we work to further expand our footprint of upper mid-scale hotels across the region.”

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced that the 14th edition of the hugely popular Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return to Al Marjan Island on February 21, 2020. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, the stunning Al Marjan Island will host the action-packed sporting event where participants will be treated to pristine views of white sandy beaches and the shimmering ocean along the running route. The popular half marathon will host a variety of race categories, including elite runners, club and recreational runners, people of determination and juniors. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is introducing a new relay race category for the first time; allowing two participants to take turns in completing the distance in a timed format. Families can also enjoy this event with a 1 KM Fun Run designed for children, allowing one parent to accompany the child at no extra cost. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has remained a crowd favourite for more than a decade, with an astounding number of returning participants demonstrating the event’s stature and coveted success.” Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan said, “We are delighted to support Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, a world-class event that welcomes participants from across the globe, and further cements the reputation of Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region’s premier sporting, lifestyle, tourist and residential destinations.” Enrico Fili’, CEO of RCS Sports and Events said, “We are proud to support Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for the first time and committed to delivering an unforgettable experience to the running community.”

In celebration of Sharjah being named the “World Book Capital City for the year 2019,” the Sharjah Archeology Authority (SAA) held a meeting to showcase the efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah in the protection and management of archaeological findings. During the meeting the authority also highlighted the achievements and initiatives of SAA in the field of archeology and preservation of the cultural heritage of the emirate. New publications issued by the authority were also revealed on this occasion. The meeting was attended by Eisa Yousif, Director of the Excavation and Archaeological Sites, and a number of SAA directors, officials and specialists, those interested in the field along with media representatives in the country. Eisa Yousif emphasised that Sharjah received this prestigious title due to the many initiatives and projects implemented in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah over the last four decades. Following the presentation of Yousif, the attendees toured another exhibition that included a collection of the latest publications of the authority from books and periodicals, on topics specialising in archeology, heritage, history and architecture.

EGYPTAIR has taken delivery of its first of 12 A220-300 aircraft on order, becoming the first A220 operator based in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, and the sixth operator worldwide. The Cairo-based airline intends to fly the aircraft on routes to and from its main Egyptian hub in Cairo in the coming days. Representatives from the airline, alongside executives from Airbus Canada Limited Partnership celebrated the aircraft handover at the A220 Mirabel final assembly line. “We are proud to welcome our very first A220 aircraft and to be the first airline in the MENA region to take delivery and launch commercial operations of the A220 – the most innovative and technologically advanced aircraft in the world,” said Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman and CEO, EGYPTAIR HOLDING Company. “Airbus’ A220 airliners are integral to the execution of EGYPTAIR business development strategy Horizon 2025 and fleet optimisation plan.” “We are delighted to welcome EGYPTAIR to the growing family of A220 operators and look forward to seeing their passengers enjoy the experience of travelling on board the A220‘s bright, spacious and modern cabin,” said Philippe Balducchi, CEO, Airbus Canada Limited Partnership and Airbus Head of Country Canada. EGYPTAIR’s brand new A220-300 is configured in a two-class cabin with 140-seats including 15 premium economy and 125 economy class seats, offering every passenger a greater level of comfort and space.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced that it is aiming to attract more Russian visitors. According to the 2018 figures released by SCTDA, Russian visitors ranked second on the list of overnight guests in Sharjah at 328,000. The number of guests from Russia, the Commonwealth, and the Baltics region also posted a 41 per cent growth last year compared to the previous year. Moreover, the market share of Russian visitors went up to 23 per cent during the same period. In light of this trend, SCTDA and Air Arabia will organise a B2B event on  September 11, 2019 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Moscow to showcase Sharjah’s growing reputation as a premiere tourist destination, allowing for the opportunity to forge new partnerships with key Russian tourism industry stakeholders. The event represents SCTDA’s continuing efforts to make sure that the emirate is widely promoted across tourism and travel related events in Russia.          This year, SCTDA’s campaigns are focused on eco-tourism products, outdoor activities, and branded hotels to firmly establish Sharjah’s status as an ideal global family-friendly destination. All these initiatives are in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to position Sharjah as the ideal global tourist destination. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “With the influx of Russian tourists visiting the emirate, we at SCTDA are working hard to sustain this trend. Expanding our presence in Russia through our partnerships with key local tourism and travel players is of extreme significance to us.”