Tag Archives: Dubai

Eid is around the corner and Dubai is most certainly the best place to celebrate with family and friends as they expect more visitors this year visiting family and friends. TravTalkBreakingnews had a quick chat with Mohamad Feras, AVP Retail & Strategic Alliances, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment about their latest offerings to attract more visitors this Eid. Can you share some of the special programmes for Eid to attract more visitors? We have curated an unforgettable line-up of experiences across Dubai until 6 April, as part of the Eid in Dubai campaign organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in collaboration with government, semi-government, and private sector partners. Our programme spans cultural celebrations, A-list concerts, fireworks, family entertainment, shopping, dining, and much more. Families and friends can look forward to fireworks displays on the first two days of Eid at multiple locations, live concerts by both local and international stars, thrilling sporting events, and must-visit outdoor pop-ups like e& Beach Canteen. In addition, we’re offering world-class dining across Dubai’s top hotels, exclusive Eid stay packages, and a variety of family-friendly activities at iconic attractions. The city will also be buzzing with major retail promotions and grand raffles, giving visitors the chance to win incredible prizes. One of my personal favourite retail highlights this year is The Great Online Sale, which is now live until 30 March. In addition to the biggest-ever bargains of up to 95 per cent off and an extra day of discounts spanning four thrilling days, the citywide sale features the launch of Dubai’s all-new immersive shopping experience this year. This interactive virtual mall enables shoppers to digitally …

EaseMyTrip.ae has announced significant expansions that further solidify its presence in the Middle East. The company has launched Easy Trip Planners Limited in Saudi Arabia, establishing it as a fully owned subsidiary and marking its official entry into this pivotal market. This new venture enhances EaseMyTrip’s global footprint, underscoring its strategic commitment to growth in key international regions. As part of its expansion, EaseMyTrip’s UAE subsidiary is also poised to strengthen its Middle East presence through a strategic investment in two new Dubai-based entities: Ease My Trip Tours L.L.C. (EMT Tours) and Ease My Trip Holiday Homes L.L.C. (EMT Holiday). EMT Tours will focus on both inbound and outbound tour operations, while EMT Holiday will cater to the growing vacation home rental market. These new initiatives not only broaden EaseMyTrip’s service offerings but also enhance its regional diversification, positioning the company for continued success and growth in the Middle East. Mr. Nishant Pitti, Chairman and Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “This is a significant milestone in our growth story as we expand our global presence and diversify our services. Our entry into Saudi Arabia and expansion in the Middle East, reflects our commitment to offering seamless travel experiences across the globe. We are confident that our technological expertise and customer-centric approach will help us grow rapidly in these regions and contribute to the growth of the global travel and aviation sectors.” He further added, “As we continue to scale, our focus remains on leveraging innovation to create unmatched value for our customers and stakeholders. We are determined to strengthen our position in the global travel ecosystem, foster economic growth, and enhance connectivity in both emerging and developed markets.” EaseMyTrip is set …

Emirates will expand the list of cities served by its refurbished Boeing 777 to Seoul, South Korea starting 14 April* and London Stansted in the UK from 7 May*, as aircraft sporting upgraded cabins roll out of Emirates’ retrofit programme and into scheduled service. Emirates’ four-class Boeing 777 will launch on flights EK324/325 between Dubai and Seoul, operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The upcoming deployment makes Seoul the second East Asian destination to receive Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777 retrofitted aircraft, including its award-winning Premium Economy and newly configured Business Class cabin, offering customers more choice and a better experience in the skies. By July 2025, travellers flying eastbound with Emirates will have access to more than 3,150 weekly seats in Premium Economy on a mix of Boeing 777s and A380s across six key destinations in Southeast and East Asia, including Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Osaka, Singapore, Seoul, and Shenzhen. London Stansted joins London Heathrow and Edinburgh as the third UK destination to showcase the airline’s latest generation products and elegantly refreshed cabin interiors. In addition to London Stansted, Emirates’ network of European destinations served by the four-class Boeing 777 includes Brussels, Geneva, Zurich, Vienna, and Athens. The retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft features a four-class configuration, including Emirates’ signature Premium Economy cabins, which combine accessible luxury with comfort. The aircraft also boasts the new Emirates 777 Business Class, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration for maximum privacy ensuring aisle access for every passenger, fully flat beds, and personal mini-bars. On some aircraft, First Class passengers can experience the exclusive Gamechanger suites, offering unparalleled luxury, opulent comfort and signature design touches. Customers across all cabins will enjoy upgraded …

Dubai welcomed 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023. The hospitality sector continues to thrive, recording an average hotel occupancy rate of 78% across 832 hotel establishments, offering a total of 154,000 rooms. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE shared, “This achievement is the result of strong collaboration between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our private sector stakeholders. Their concerted efforts have raised Dubai’s status as a premier global tourism hub and reinforced its position as the world’s best city to live, work, and visit – perfectly aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

Strengthening its position as a global leader in smart technologies and innovation, Dubai and Abu Dhabi announced a high-speed train project between the two emirates. The project will enable seamless connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, significantly reducing travel times. It will also enhance the quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors while strengthening socioeconomic ties between the two emirates. Additionally, the high-speed train will reinforce infrastructure to drive business growth and unlock new investment opportunities across key sectors such as logistics and tourism, contributing to sustainable development for generations to come. The project further strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in smart transportation. By integrating cutting-edge and innovative technologies, the project elevates the nation’s transport infrastructure, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship, while contributing significantly to achieving the objectives of the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, have witnessed the announcement of a new high-speed train project linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in an official ceremony organised by Etihad Rail at Al Faya Depot. H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised that this ambitious project reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to advance national infrastructure and elevate mobility services to the highest standards. He also underscored that the high-speed train aims to bolster the UAE’s global competitiveness, support sustainable …

Valor Hospitality Partners signed a strategic Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Karmastaji Group to oversee a portfolio of 3 hotels in Dubai, 259 keys and 5 outlets. This partnership underscores the trust that Dubai-based Karmastaji Group has placed in Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East to deliver exceptional operational efficiency and maximize investment returns. Valor’s expertise in hospitality management continues to help visionary developers like Karmastaji Group transform their assets into successful business ventures. Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia at Valor Hospitality Partners, commented: “We are proud to partner with Karmastaji Group, a forward-thinking developer with a robust pipeline of projects aimed at elevating hospitality investments and modern living standards in the UAE and GCC region. At Valor, our mission is to contribute to the UAE’s hospitality success story by delivering operational excellence and sustainable growth. Together, we aim to achieve exceptional results aligned with the visionary goals of Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors.” By leveraging its comprehensive range of services—including acquisition advisory, branding, asset management, and innovative food and beverage concepts—Valor Hospitality Partners ensures its partners achieve long-term value creation and success. Rashed Karmastaji, Chairman of Karmastaji Group, added: “Partnering with Valor Hospitality Partners is a strategic step in our journey to expand our portfolio and set new benchmarks in the UAE’s hospitality sector. With Valor’s proven expertise, we are confident in delivering exceptional guest experiences and achieving our current and future business objectives.” As Dubai continues to thrive as a global tourism and hospitality hub, Valor remains committed to supporting the UAE’s and Dubai 2040 vision. By collaborating with developers like Karmastaji Group, Valor solidifies its position as a trusted and preferred …

Dubai consolidated its standing as a top choice for prominent international conferences, congresses, corporate meetings and incentives in 2024, with the city securing the opportunity to host a record 437 events from a range of sectors and professions. Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, this marked a 20% year-on-year increase in the number of successful bids, further elevating Dubai’s status as a globally competitive events hub, powered by innovation, infrastructure development, and rising global economic influence. The events captured in 2024 are set to attract an estimated 210,731 delegates to Dubai over the coming years, making a direct impact on the city’s events, travel and tourism ecosystems, and bringing talent and expertise from around the world to enjoy the platform Dubai provides for knowledge sharing, professional development and networking. The city’s success, driven by collaborative efforts across the public and private sectors, underlines Dubai’s unrelenting draw as a go-to, accessible, safe and welcoming global MICE destination, in turn feeding into Dubai’s wider economic growth by attracting more visitors, positioning Dubai in the global business events arena, and shedding light on its thriving knowledge economy. Furthermore, it cements the important role business events are playing in achieving the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Guided by the vision of our city’s leadership, business events continue to play a vital role in bolstering tourism to Dubai and supporting its wider economic priorities. The healthy increase in successful bids in 2024 is further …

FORM Hotel Dubai is redefining the meaning of boutique hospitality. Located in Al Jaddaf, a rapidly emerging hub celebrated for its proximity to Dubai Creek and Dhow Wharfage, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with the warmth of cultural heritage. As a member of Design Hotels and part of Marriott Bonvoy, FORM Hotel stands out as a testament to modern sophistication and timeless charm. Stepping into FORM Hotel, guests are greeted with a world where thoughtful design meets impeccable attention to detail. Each spacious room is adorned with custom-crafted furniture by contemporary artists, creating a unique environment that feels both personal and inspiring. From the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views and a temperature-controlled pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center, every amenity has been carefully curated to elevate the guest experience. Dining options at FORM Hotel further enhance its appeal, offering culinary experiences that celebrate global flavors while embracing the art of hospitality. Recognized globally for its dedication to excellence, FORM Hotel has earned accolades such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024 for Luxury Boutique Hotel, UAE, and Luxury Urban Hotel, Middle East, among others. These achievements underscore the hotel’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for its guests. Al Jaddaf’s transformation into a thriving urban district mirrors FORM Hotel’s vision of innovation and progress. Just minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the area has become a sought-after destination for its strategic location and burgeoning cultural scene. FORM Hotel’s presence in this dynamic neighborhood speaks to its role as both a pioneer in boutique luxury and a partner in the district’s growth. “As we step into 2025, FORM Hotel continues to champion boutique hospitality in Al Jaddaf, a …

Emirates additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai will start from 2 January 2025, increases the seat capacity on the route by 30 percent and supports Sri Lanka’s plans to considerably increase tourist arrivals in 2025. The additional service will operate six times a week until 31 March 2025. The additional flight can accommodate up to 360 passengers, with 8 suites in First Class, 42 Business Class and 310 Economy Class seats, offering a premium customer experience while enhancing convenience and choice with an expanded flight schedule. Emirates currently operates two direct fights between Colombo and Dubai and a third daily service via Male. EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05hrs (every day except Wednesdays) arriving in Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake at 16:00hrs (all times are local). The return flight, EK655 will depart BIA at 22:05hrs and reach DXB at 01:05hrs (the following day). From 1 April 2025, a seventh weekly flight on Wednesdays will operate with an adjusted departure time of 22:05hrs, arriving in DXB at 00:55hrs while the return flight from will depart Dubai at 13:20hrs and arrives in Colombo at 19:15hrs. Emirates and Sri Lanka Tourism share a long-standing strategic partnership, collaborating on initiatives and programmes designed to boost tourism to Sri Lanka by showcasing the destination to customers across its global network. Sri Lanka Tourism recently announced its vision to appeal to eco-conscious travellers by highlighting the island’s rich natural and cultural resources. Furthermore, with the boost in capacity on the Colombo-Dubai route, Emirates will contribute to achieving the country’s tourism targets of attracting 3 million visitors by 2025. Emirates began operations to Sri Lanka in April 1986 and has consistently supported the country’s …

flydubai announced new seasonal summer flights to Al Alamein International Airport (DBB). The new daily operation will offer flydubai customers more options for travel next summer to one of the most exciting, up-and-coming holiday destinations in the region. Flights to the Mediterranean leisure destination will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) between 21 June and 07 September 2025. The direct flights will offer customers from Dubai, and across the network, easier access to Egypt’s popular Al Sahel North Coast. Commenting on the start of operations, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are excited to add Al Alamein to our seasonal summer schedule. The daily operation will enable more visitors to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean coastlines, beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere of Egypt’s North Coast region. flydubai remains committed to stimulating free flows of trade and tourism in underserved markets and supporting Dubai’s aviation hub.” With the addition of its summer operations to Al Alamein, flydubai grows its network in Egypt to three destination including Alexandria and Cairo (Sphinx), served by 21 weekly flights. The carrier has seen growing demand for its operations to the new airport in Cairo since the launch of its flights last year, giving passengers more options for travel via a new gateway to the capital. Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “we continue to look for new opportunities to grow our network and offer our customers more options for travel, especially during busy travel periods. Al Alamein is a fantastic new edition to our summer offering which includes popular destinations such as Batumi, Bodrum, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Santorini and …