Tag Archives: Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has established a hospitality education academy in Abu Dhabi, which will open in September 2024 to be managed and guided under the stewardship of Les Roches. The objective is to provide hospitality skills and academic knowledge to nurture homegrown talent in the UAE, GCC and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Les Roches Global Hospitality’s first campus in the area will welcome its first students in September 2024. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches ranks fourth in the world’s higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). The hospitality education academy will be defined by its objective to attract UAE Nationals and regional talents to the industry. The academy aims to focus on the practices and values of the UAE within its curriculum. The programme and methodology seeks to support the hospitality sector by cultivating local talent with high quality education and skills needed for the industry’s future. The academy will feature a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. The curriculum includes a range of hospitality-related and practical skills certifications, across areas including hotel operations, travel, tourism, transport and entrepreneurship. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “In line with our vision of inspiring journeys of creativity and discovery, the new academy will play a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of the hospitality industry overall, propelling future generations with a keen interest to reach their full potential. Accelerating high potential industries such as hospitality through collaboration and strategic partnerships will continue to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growth as a dynamic and …

“Visit Saint Petersburg!” conducted a special roadshow showcasing its many offerings to the travel trade in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The two days included B2B meetings, presentation, classical music and Anna Pavlova dessert masterclass – all that was in the roadshow organized by the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg and the City Tourist Information Bureau in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing 12 representatives of the travel sector – Pulkovo Airport, DMCs, hotels, Vodokhod river cruise company and Faberge museum – to present their programs and establish direct contacts with the local colleagues. In UAE’s capital city of Abu Dhabi, more than 65 representatives of local travel sector took part in the presentation of the first day of the road show and over 120 participants attended from Dubai from the region’s tourism industry, covering a wide variety of issues from the Russian recent e-visa program to the presentations of St. Petersburg major travel players. The representatives of the tourist business of the region got acquainted with the novelties of St. Petersburg, classic programs, the new tourist geography of the city on the Neva river. Road show visitors learned about the historical sights of St. Petersburg, architectural masterpieces, the event calendar, educational and religious routes, and much more. Particular attention was paid to the organization of direct flights to the northern capital. The presentation attracted the attention of representatives of tour operators and professional associations, airlines, organizers of MICE events and specialized media from the Middle East. The road show has become part of a holistic information campaign of the city’s Tourism authorities, which also included presence at travel exhibitions, running a Visit Petersburg representative office in Dubai and other …

In an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral revealed that this summer, there has been 90% occupancy at the newly opened Warner Bros hotel with a daily rate of AED 1200/-. Al Zaabi reiterated, “We are very proud of the success of those hotels, especially Warner Bros hotel for example in summer only this year we achieved 90% occupancy and the average daily rate of 1200AED and that is unheard of before. We think that this is the vision of Yas island.  In 2021, Miral we opened 3 hotels: Hilton Abu Dhabi, Double Tree as well as in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Warner Bros Abu Dhabi hotel.” On the sidelines at the Future Hospitality Summit Abu Dhabi, Al Zaabi further shared, “over the last 15 years Miral has been creating an unique and unforgettable destination and experiences in Abu Dhabi which helped to vision Abu Dhabi as a global hub for tourism, leisure and entertainment, we are the trusted partner here in the sector and we are very happy that the role that we are playing to transform the sector to attracting the sector in Abu Dhabi as well as the role we are playing to diversify the economy of the emirate and increase the revenue of the tourism sector. Miral looks after a number of attractions in Yas island and we oversee the strategy of Saadiyat destination management through our portfolios and we are very proud of the contribution that we are bringing here to the tourism industry from economic impact as well as revenue of tourism and very importantly the number of jobs that we have created over the past …

Minor Hotels announces the upcoming opening of a new ultra-private luxury resort in the United Arab Emirates. The 22-key Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is set to launch in Q4 2023 and will provide a unique boutique escape from the city, including the option for exclusive use buy-outs. This sophisticated new addition to Anantara’s growing Middle East portfolio is located in Ghantoot, an unspoilt enclave of coast approximately halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, away from the towering skylines of the cities in either direction, Anantara Santorini is a 25-minute drive from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Created to reflect the iconic buildings of its namesake island, the low-lying white buildings of Anantara Santorini blend gently with the surrounding landscape and house a collection of ultra-private accommodation offering spacious interiors with ample sun-drenched terraces and unspoiled sea views. The luxurious spaces have a refined décor with soft, neutral furnishings, which continue throughout the resort. Guests will find relaxing moments on the resort’s private beach, an expansive outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, while the indoor cinema provides private screenings on demand with the option of late-night movies with custom gourmet cuisine. Bespoke spa treatments will be able to be enjoyed in private beachside cabanas and 24-hour butler service will ensure guests’ needs are fulfilled around the clock. The culinary experiences on offer at Anantara Santorini will include an elegant restaurant dedicated to the heritage of the region, where local ingredients and spices are brought to the fore, plus in-keeping with the property, an ocean-side restaurant will serve delicacies from Greece. Evenings can be enjoyed at …

Abu Dhabi has won the bid to host the 63rd International Congress and Convention Association Congress. Taking place from 20-23 October 2024 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event will reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s position as an international hub for major MICE events. Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a preferred destination for global and regional businesses and tourists is evident with the delivery of more than 1,200 MICE events catering to 603,000 visitors throughout 2022 facilitated by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. With Abu Dhabi International Airport serving as a hub for over 23 airlines connecting to more than 114 destinations, the emirate ensures convenient travel options for attendees. The International Congress and Convention Association is a knowledge hub and an advocate for the international association meetings industry. Part of its mission is to offer global entities education, connections, tools and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “It is an honour to be able to host the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, which demonstrates the emirate’s growth as a MICE destination. This win has been possible due to the collective support from key stakeholders such as Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as well as other local and regional partners. Through our commitment to forging strategic partnerships, we have positioned Abu Dhabi as a dynamic hub where businesses prosper and innovation thrives. By offering a wide array of distinct venues, hotels and year-round cultural, leisure and entertainment options, we deliver travel and business …

The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority announced its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which will be held from 02 – 08 September 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club under the theme “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration ” The reserve’s participation in the twentieth edition of the Exhibition reflects its interest and focus on supporting environmental, cultural, and heritage values, as well as promoting traditional sports and sustainable hunting. The CEO of the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, Eng. Mohammad Al-Shaalan said: “Our participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will be an opportunity to showcase the experience of the Northern Reserve for Sustainable Hunting as the first sustainable hunting reserve in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to shed light on the development of the pioneering program for sustainable hunting, which allows hunting in limited numbers to avoid harming wildlife and minimizes illegal hunting through providing sustainable alternatives, reducing the impact on wildlife in nature, reviving the traditional hunting heritage through traditional methods, all under the regulations and organized standards.” Eng. Al-Shaalan explained: “The reserve will highlight its efforts to develop the skills of local communities, support entrepreneurship and the handicraft industry, and the development processes in preserving and sustaining environmental resources.” “The Reserve will dedicate a corner in its booth for participants in the beekeeping season to showcase various types of Saudi natural honey, and a performing folklore band will provide cultural performances, including Saudi traditional “Samri” dances.” He added. Throughout its participation, the reserve will showcase its vision to become a global sanctuary and an …

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has released its 2022 ranking, revealing Abu Dhabi as the number one destination in the Middle East for association meetings. As a globally recognised hub for the meetings industry, this ranking raises international awareness of Abu Dhabi as a leading business events destination and testament to the work that Abu Dhabi MICE sector has done to attract business events. With its diverse portfolio of world-leading infrastructure, hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and cultural offerings, Abu Dhabi is a thriving and dynamic business and events hub. There is something for everyone to experience at their own pace, from its world-class business venues and meeting facilities to attractions such as Al Ain, Saadiyat Cultural District and Yas Island – making it an ideal choice for those looking to host meetings, conferences and incentive trips. This year, Abu Dhabi has hosted a number of association conventions such as the 34th International Nursing Research Congress and is set to host the UNCTAD World Investment Forum, the International Conference on Advanced Robotics, the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13), the 12th World Environment Education Congress in 2024 and the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi topping the ICCA 2022 ranking is an accolade which is the result of collective effort and collaboration amongst the UAE government entities, academia, Al Nukbha Ambassadors, Emirates Medical Association, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the MICE industry. Renowned for a diverse portfolio of unique attractions, world-leading infrastructure, iconic hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and an unrivalled leisure offering, Abu …

The new government fee amendments include reducing a tourism fee issued to guests from six per cent to four per cent, removing a municipality fee of AED15 per room per night, removing a six per cent tourism fee and four per cent municipality fee applied to hotel restaurants. The municipality fee for 4 per cent of the value of the invoice issued to the customer will continue. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) has reduced government fees applied to hotels in the emirate, supporting the continued growth of the hospitality and tourism sector, and enhancing Abu Dhabi as a leading global leisure and tourism destination. The change is set to take effect from 1 September 2023 and follows directives from Abu Dhabi Executive Council to further encourage tourists as well as residents to enjoy hospitality offerings in the emirate. This revision of fees seeks to further grow the emirate as a tourism and cultural destination while bolstering support for its thriving hospitality sector. As part of its mandate, DCT – Abu Dhabi continuously elevates the standards of the emirate’s tourism, culture, and hospitality offerings in the emirate. By curating a diverse range of experiences that cater to the preferences and interests of a wide spectrum of travellers, DCT – Abu Dhabi aims to enable sustainable growth and long-term success.

Etihad Airways celebrated the return to service of its Airbus A380 on a special inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow. The first of Etihad’s four Airbus A380s returns to the sky on the popular Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow route. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, says: “We’re excited to once again welcome guests onboard Etihad’s A380s and step into a truly remarkable experience. Whether our guests are choosing to fly in Economy, Business, First or our three-room suite in the sky The Residence, this aircraft provides an elevated flying experience which we take extreme pride in. The aircraft adds much needed capacity connecting Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and allows us to build our network and increase frequencies across the network. With a surge in demand for travel over the summer, the return of our much-loved A380 comes at the perfect time.” Guests flying with in Economy are greeted on board in a dedicated welcome area. The Economy cabin features 68 Economy Space seats offering an additional 4 inches in leg room, and 337 Economy Smart seats that come with Etihad’s signature fixed-wing headrest and large pillows for added comfort. 70 Business Studios® are available on Etihad’s A380 upper deck, granting privacy to customers and creating a serene atmosphere. On the upper deck, guests can enjoy access to The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins. In addition, guests will benefit from Etihad’s unique partnership with Armani/Casa, delivering an elevated Business experience. The dining service features ceramics, glassware, cutlery and serving ware, as well as premium textiles and a memory foam mattress for a completely luxurious inflight experience. Guests can …

Tom Cruise returned in style to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal, where key parts of the movie were shot, ahead of the film’s Middle East premiere at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental tomorrow night. The star of the highly anticipated seventh instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise arrived on the first flight into the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. In celebration of the film, Tom Cruise unveiled custom Mission: Impossible livery on an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As the official airline of the movie, Etihad will now carry the movie branding on this aircraft as it flies to destinations worldwide. Midfield Terminal’s iconic structure was also decorated with a similar theme to recognise its role in the movie, with one of the film’s most thrilling and technically complex action scenes having been shot on the building’s 315 metre roof. The movie marks the first time that the terminal’s interior will be seen by the public when it releases in cinemas on July 13, 2023. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One also features purpose-built sets at the airport, including an Etihad First Class Lounge, as well as scenes set in the stunning Liwa Desert. Elena Sorlini, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said:“We are delighted to welcome Tom Cruise, the cast and crew of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One back to Abu Dhabi. We’re proud of our role in the film and our contribution to Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts global talent. The scenes showcased in the movie are a testament to the architecture, scale and design of the iconic Midfield Terminal, which is inspired by the cultural elements …