Tag Archives: Abu Dhabi

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, has launched a new video entitled #InThisTogether.  In anticipation of a more hopeful future, the video encourages travellers, staycationers, day trippers and holidaymakers to stay positive in an uncertain world, highlighting a tomorrow where the world reopens again and Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, can look forward to welcoming its visitors with open arms. 

Etihad Airways has announced a series of special passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to Brussels, Dublin, London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita and Zurich, in addition to those previously published. The airline has been operating special flights which have allowed passengers stranded in the UAE due to COVID-19 restrictions, the opportunity to return home. The flights also support the ‘UAE Food Security Program’ by utilising belly-hold capacity of passenger aircraft for cargo. The airline continues to repatriate UAE citizens on return sectors, wherever possible, and carry fresh produce as belly-hold cargo back to Abu Dhabi. In addition to these newly announced destinations, Etihad continues to operate special passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to several destinations including Amsterdam, Jakarta, Manila, Melbourne, Seoul Incheon, and Singapore.

Further to the previously announced schedule of special passenger flights, Etihad Airways will add additional flights from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne and Amsterdam. The airline has been operating special flights which have allowed passengers stranded in the UAE due to COVID-19 restrictions, the opportunity to return home. The flights also support the ‘UAE Food Security Program’ by utilising belly-hold capacity of passenger aircraft for cargo. The airline continues to repatriate UAE citizens on return sectors, where possible, and carry fresh produce as belly-hold cargo, on the return segments back to Abu Dhabi. In addition to Melbourne and Amsterdam, Etihad continues to operate special passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to several destinations including Seoul Incheon, Singapore, Manila, and Jakarta.

The programme for the tenth World Urban Forum (WUF10), under the theme ‘Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation’, was unveiled to a selected media under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. WUF10 will take place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, February 8-13, 2020, co-organised by the UN agency focused on sustainable urbanisation, UN-Habitat and the Department of Urban Planning and Transport (DMT). The 92-page programme provided a comprehensive guide to the packed six-day agenda, which will include assemblies, dialogues, roundtables, special sessions, side events, networking events, training events, caucus meetings, urban library, one UN room, voices from cities, SDGs in action, urban cinema, WUF integrated initiatives, sustainable urban development now, press conferences and urban talks. H.E. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DMT and General Coordinator of the World Urban Forum 10, said, “The comprehensive nature of this programme reflects the ambitious nature of WUF10 – we seek not only to drive forward sustainable development but also to shape the nature of urban development for the Arab world as a whole. As the first Arab city to host a WUF, efforts are being made to raise the profile of urban stakeholders from the region.” Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said, “The Forum is bringing together a wide range of compelling speakers including global thought leaders, investors, experts, governments and key influencers to discuss how to shape a better urban future.”

Yas Island has launched a flash sale offering 30 per cent off incredible holiday packages on stays through the end of October 2020. From January 3-10, 2020, UAE holidaymakers and staycationers can plan their 2020 holidays well in advance with ultimate exclusive discounts on stay packages at selected hotels on the island. Booked holiday packages will give guests access to Yas Island’s award-winning experiences, with more than 100 thrilling rides and attractions at the three one-of-a-kind theme parks. From thrilling rollercoasters at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, to coasting waves lazy rivers at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, to hanging out with their favorite characters at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – Yas Island offers a holiday destination like nowhere else. Adventure seekers will also able to experience the great outdoors indoors, at CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Yas Island’s latest record-breaking attraction, home to the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and world’s tallest indoor climbing wall experience. For those looking to bask in the Abu Dhabi sun, holiday packages also include complimentary entry into Yas beach as well, transporting guests to a sweet and serene escape made out of white sands, crystal clear waters and a picturesque view of Yas Island’s mangroves. Shopping and food enthusiasts will also be able to join in the fun, as they explore the capital’s biggest mall. With over 370 stores, a massive entertainment zone and 60 dining options, visitors will be spoilt for choice of activities and experiences. For those seeking to extend their stay in Abu Dhabi, they can also add-on new experiences within the UAE capital, including tickets to some of Abu Dhabi’s latest cultural attractions.

Etihad Airways will operate its popular seasonal routes from Abu Dhabi to Alexandria, Egypt, and Salalah, Oman, between June 25 to September 15, 2020. Due to the success of the routes in 2019, the period of operation has been extended by three weeks and a new fifth weekly service introduced on both routes on Fridays, complementing existing departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Both flights will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft. With the addition of these seasonal destinations, the airline will operate a total of 33 flights per week to Egypt, 28 flights to Cairo and five to Alexandria. The airline will operate a total of 26 flights per week to Oman with 21 weekly flights to Muscat and five to Salalah. The historical city of Alexandria, the second-largest in Egypt, is known for its rich history and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Salalah, known for its natural beauty and culture, is popular during summer months for its unique khareef, or green season. Flight EY 660 will depart from Abu Dhabi at 13:55 pm and arrive in Alexandria at 15:40 pm, the flight will operate five days a week (Tuesday, Thurday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Flights EY 661 will depart Alexandria at 16:35 pm Abu Dhabi at 22:25 pm, the flight will operate five days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

In a partnership expected to drive further business tourism from China to the UAE capital, the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi), has established the first ever dedicated advisory committee in China with the goal of engaging the ever-growing outbound M!CE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market there. Top leaders from the M!CE industry in China were appointed as part of the advisory committee following a strategic partnership agreement, which was signed in Abu Dhabi on December 12, 2019 at an industry forum for knowledge sharing about the Chinese market. The partnership came as part of Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to increase international M!CE arrivals from China and encourage M!CE visitors to extend their stays in the UAE capital, in addition to raising awareness about the capital’s unique offerings. The role of the advisory committee will include providing insight into M!CE trends, business travel, and challenges and behaviours within the Chinese market, enabling ADCB to employ the best channels, which in turn would lead to an increase of M!CE groups to Abu Dhabi. Ali Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing from DCT – Abu Dhabi said, “China is a strategic partner for the UAE, and a key player in the M!CE industry, making this unprecedented agreement one of the most important aspects of our plan to further boost M!CE visitors to Abu Dhabi. The positive impact that business tourism has on an economy is tremendous, and with China’s vast outbound M!CE market, the business and economic opportunities are profound.”

The 12th Annual World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress was held in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the first time outside of the USA. International buyers from various countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), China, Russia, Germany and the USA visited prominent medical and healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi.  The hospital visits prompted discussions about key partnerships in a collective aim to transform the business of healthcare and medical tourism.

VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, relocates its Visa Application Centre in Abu Dhabi to a more accessible and premium location in terms of amenities and infrastructure. Commenting on the key features of the new centre, Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO for Middle East, South Asia & China, VFS Global, said, “The expansive new centre serves 27 client governments and provides outbound travellers from Abu Dhabi a very convenient visa application platform, ensuring enhanced quality of services and seamless procedures in a spacious environment. Visa applicants can enjoy personalised services while submitting their visa applications in the comfort of luxurious Platinum or Premium lounges.” Following the relocation, customers can submit their visa applications in an even more convenient and comfortable environment at the new VFS Global centre situated at Level B2 (Lower Ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed the 1st Street (Airport Road), Abu Dhabi. The newly relocated centre is larger, with a greater applicant accommodating capacity compared to the previous centre, along with high security control and ample parking space.   From this centre, customers can apply for visas to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ukraine. In 2018, VFS Global processed approximately half a million applications from the United Arab Emirates alone, and Abu Dhabi centre accounted for over 80,000 visa applications.

Abu Dhabi Airports announced the commencement of four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Muscat in Oman with SalamAir.  The flights will take-off from Muscat International Airport (MCT) at 9:00 am every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and will arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport at 10:20 am. The return flights will take-off from Abu Dhabi at 11:05 am, arriving in Muscat at 12:05 pm local time. Commenting on the new route to Muscat, Maarten De Groof, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “Muscat is one of the most popular destinations among UAE citizens and residents, and these four new flights will give them new convenient options. This partnership demonstrates Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to continuously developing its network and connectivity, with the aim of providing travellers with ever more choices. We are always keen to attract new airlines to our airport, particularly from popular destinations, such as Oman. The new flights will contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi, a city which is already a global aviation hub, alongside a major destination for tourists and business people alike.”