Tag Archives: Dubai

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the #DubaiDestinations initiative is continuing its campaign with a focus on highlighting the city’s exceptional experiences, and exciting events and activities during the summer. The campaign encourages Dubai’s diverse community to discover the city’s unique destinations in the summer and enjoy its distinctive offerings ranging from beach activities, dining and family-friendly activities at hotels, to waterparks, water sports adventures and indoor entertainment that capture the essence of Dubai’s summer experience. The initiative aims to create and disseminate to local, regional and global audiences engaging content that highlights Dubai’s unique character and identity as well as its emergence as the world’s best place to live and visit. The current season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, running until the end of August, brings together a wide range of public and private sector stakeholders to showcase the emirate’s various exciting experiences. Key partners in the campaign include: the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; Dubai Municipality; the Roads and Transport Authority; the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Dubai Sports Council; Dubai Ladies Club; Emaar; Dubai Holding; Nakheel Properties; Majid Al Futtaim Group; and Merex Investment Office. Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), said: “Since its launch, the #DubaiDestinations campaign has focused on highlighting the quintessential Dubai experience and its uniqueness as a destination that offers a range of experiences that meet the tastes and interests of people across ages and nationalities. With the focus now on Dubai’s various summer destinations, the campaign will …

Tomorrowland is set to open Terra Solis, a brand-new unique desert destination in Dubai. Nestled between the Arabian dunes and inspired by the most beautiful star constellations, Terra Solis will open in September in Dubailand, Al Yufra, welcoming people from around the globe to a magical oasis of relaxation in the Arabian desert. Guests will be encouraged to celebrate life by the pool during the day and stargaze into their dreams at night. Bookings are now open on terrasolisdubai.com. Featuring a collection of three stunning accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations, the stunning Polaris bell tents, the marvelous Perseid lodges, and the spectacular Orion pool lodges will provide a unique stay in the Arabian dunes. Guests will also have access to a picturesque swimming pool at the heart of the destination, some of the most iconic Tomorrowland elements, a restaurant, a bar and a shisha lounge. Nicolas Vandenabeele, Founder and CEO, Terra Solis: “Terra Solis is a one-of-a-kind desert destination away from all the noise. It is inspired by the magic of Tomorrowland and the most beautiful star constellations, where you can wake up from a night under the stars and live to the rhythm of the sun. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a memorable world of wonder with the finest music, a vibrant yet relaxing pool scene, incredible tastes and aromas and a unique glamping experience in the Arabian dunes while relaxing in style under the Dubai sun.” The oriental-chic desert oasis is spread over 371,000 square meters. Terra Solis will combine outstanding music and entertainment, a fun party atmosphere, and an exceptional food and beverage offering in one refreshing and …

Dubai is to host the next edition of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (IFOS) World Congress, providing its members with the opportunity to finally meet face-to-face at the first in-person edition of their flagship global gathering since 2017. The 22nd edition of the congress will be the first to take place in the Gulf region in cooperation with the GCC ORL Head and Neck Society, Emirates ORL Head and Neck Society, and will be held 17-21 January 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arrangements are being made after the Emirates ORL Society, offered to relocate the event to Dubai from its originally planned host city.   Led by the UAE ORL Society and with support from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Health Authority, the city has shown a strong commitment to providing the IFOS with a platform for the hosting of its flagship congress, maintaining fruitful dialogue with the international organisation in recent years.   As a member of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which brings together sector leaders and members of global organisations to position Dubai as a hub for international business events, the UAE ORL Society has been able to leverage support from Dubai Business Events, part of DET and the city’s official convention bureau, to ensure it can present optimised propositions to IFOS.   His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said: “The decision by IFOS to bring its next congress to Dubai is a testament to the city’s positioning as a world-class business events destination and knowledge hub. It is also a demonstration of the confidence that continues to be shown in Dubai’s handling of …

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Marmoom Reserve project, the first unfenced desert conservation reserve in the country. The Marmoom Reserve is an environmental, touristic and sporting addition to the UAE. It aims to provide a fertile and robust environment for plants, a natural reserve for animals, and an important destination for tourists and families. Al Marmoom is located 40 kilometres from the heart of Dubai, and is regarded as one of the promising areas, as it is an environmental centre and a tourist attraction in a unique natural setting. The activities in Al Marmoom include driving cars on the desert sand, cycling, falconry, camel riding, relaxing in a Bedouin environment, traditional camel races in the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track and others. Al Qudra lakes, a network of man-made lakes in the desert, is popular among visitors and residents. The area is home to over 170 species of birds, some of which are endangered, such as the steppe eagle and the Asian Houbara. Bird watching is a popular activity in this area. Based at the Dubai Camel Race Club, which hosts traditional camel races, the Dubai Camel Racetrack is located right next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village. There is also the cycling track on Al Qudra road that attracts professional and amateur cyclists. Work is constantly being undertaken to drive a sustainable planning approach to create human-friendly urban environments, focusing on improving the economy, energy, housing, health, quality of life, entertainment and digital technology that suit the needs and aspirations of individuals and families. A report issued by the Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) sector …

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) in collaboration with New Dimension Productions (NDP), a leading motion picture and hologram entertainment production agency, will launch the world’s first ‘Dubai Hologram Universe’ at Al Habtoor City Theatre, home to its resident production, the famous long-running ‘La Perle’. The joint initiative by DFRE and NDP will feature state-of-the-art hologram concerts for legendary singers and musicians twice a week, complemented by spectacular live entertainment performances brought to life by Al Habtoor City Theatre awe-inspiring special effects, and will cater to various music genres of all ages throughout the year. Produced by NDP, the first show will kick off during the last week of Dubai Shopping Festival on 30 January with an exquisite ‘Sawwah’ dubbed evening, in which hologram technology will bring Abdel Halim Hafez back to perform on stage accompanied by performers and musicians, with some of his most famous romantic songs, all set to dazzle the audience for 90 minutes. Commenting on the launch, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE) said: “We are delighted to partner with NDP in launching such an innovative initiative as the ‘Dubai Hologram Universe’ that will turn the spotlight on legendary music icons through hologram technology. Across our annual line-up of festivals and events, we have always created stimulating activations and experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy, and we are excited that the launch of the first ever ‘Dubai Hologram Universe’ series, is taking place just as the latest edition of Dubai Shopping Festival draws to a close, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a year-round international entertainment hub”. Hasan M. Hina, Founder and Executive Producer & Director of NDP, said: “We are proud …

In alignment with the UAE Government’s decision to adopt a new working week schedule, and in accordance with the directives received from the client governments, VFS Global’s Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have announced new operational hours for customers. The VACs operate from Monday to Thursday, 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM, except for public holidays and on Friday, 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM, with a prayer break between 01.00 PM and 02.30 PM. The centres will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday. VFS Global helpline for customers will also transition to the new working week schedule. The announcement reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting its people and responding to changing working patterns. Atul Marwah, Head–Middle East & North Africa, VFS Global said, “Operational hours of our VACs in the UAE are revised as per the instructions received from the concerned Embassy/Consulate. We look forward to colleagues reaping the personal and professional rewards from the UAE government’s visionary and historical course of action. The future of work is changing at such a pace we have to evolve continually how we do things to meet the needs of our people and our customers.” Customers wanting to save travel time and seek greater convenience can opt for Visa At Your Doorstep service. This service gives customers the flexibility of submitting visa applications and enrolling biometrics from a location of choice, be it home, office or school campus. VFS Global staff ensures all applications are complete and ready for processing. The service is ideal for large groups travelling together, as all applications can be submitted on the same date and location. In addition to the VACs, VFS Global Philippine ePassport …

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, headed by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced updates to Dubai’s travel protocols for inbound passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India, effective from Wednesday 23 June 2021. The updates are part of the Committee’s keenness to protect passengers and ease hassles for them without compromising on COVID-19 precautionary measures put in place to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing. The new protocols allow travellers from South Africa, who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine to enter Dubai. Passengers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure to Dubai; UAE nationals are exempted from this PCR test requirement. Passengers must also undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers should comply with entry protocols of final destinations. For travelers from Nigeria, passengers must present a negative test result for a PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure; UAE citizens are exempted from this requirement. The negative PCR test certificate should carry a QR Code and the test must have been conducted by labs approved by the Nigerian Government. Passengers must also undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers should comply with entry protocols of final destinations. With regard to travel from India, only passengers with a valid residence visa who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, are allowed to travel to Dubai. They should also present a negative test certificate from a PCR test taken 48 hours before departure; UAE nationals are exempted from this requirement. Only QR-coded negative PCR test certificates are accepted. Furthermore, passengers from India are required …

Turkish Airlines increased the frequency of its Dubai to Turkey route to three daily flights to its Istanbul hub which connects travelers to over 300 destinations worldwide while maintaining the utmost care for a safe and healthy travel experience.  The new flight will start to operate from the 17th of June and is now available for purchase for holiday planners looking to escape the summer heat. It will depart from Dubai daily at 10:20 and arrive in Istanbul at 14:00 with return flights leaving Istanbul at 20:40 and arriving in Dubai the next morning at 2:00. All times are local times of their departure points. Turkish Airlines launched a promotional campaign that will be available until June 18, 2021 to announce the new flights. Tickets for Economy Class are starting at AED 1595 while Business Class tickets are starting from AED 10775 for the campaign period. The tickets purchased during the campaign are valid for the travel period until February 28, 2022. The flight will be operated with wide body aircrafts. The passengers travelling from UAE will not be required to submit a negative PCR test result if they submit a document issued by the relevant country’s official authorities stating that they have been vaccinated at least 14 days before entry to Turkey and /or have contracted the Covid-19 and were cured within the last 6 months. Passengers may visit Turkish Airlines website to have more details. The airline also launched its Newark route, starting its flights on 22nd May 2021. Newark is the 10th USA destination in the extensive network of the flag carrier. Other new destinations launched include Vancouver, Canada and Turkistan, Kazakhstan.  

Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Residency & Foreign Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-D), said the department was able to continue its work to translate the visions of the wise leadership in developing government services and their service channels in a way that contributes to enhancing the quality of life and achieving happiness for the customer. In his welcome address at the Airport Security Forum at the Dubai Airport Show 2021, Gen Al Marri said, “Recently, we launched a new fast-track passport control service that uses face and iris-recognition technologies.  The new biometric systems deployed at 122 smart gates at arrival and departure terminals in Dubai airports enable passengers to complete passport control procedures between 5 and 9 seconds depending on the movement and steps of the passenger. This system contributed to enhancing travellers’ confidence in the emirate, as such precautionary measures in light of the pandemic formed a safety umbrella for them.” He highlighted the UAE’s efforts in protecting and security of its ports and providing an exceptional experience for the travellers. The UAE has provided a unique model to be emulated in various fields until it becomes the most wanted living, residency, and work destination, in addition to the list of competitive indicators including safety and security index. “Without the determination of the UAE’s wise leadership and its continuous endeavor to establish the country’s leadership in providing happiness and security for all, it would not have been possible. Today’s aviation sector is considered one of the most critical sectors that achieved a quantum leap over the past years, as it is considered a major engine for economic growth in the world. The country’s efforts …

Air Canada announced that it will once again resume its non-stop operations from Dubai to Toronto starting 1st June 2021. There will be three flights weekly connecting the two destinations on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Speaking to TTME, Deepu Cyriac – Country Manager for Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman stated that they will be operating Dreamliner 787-900 to Canadian cities and US cities. “At present Canada has restrictions, therefore Canadian citizens, PR holders, students and immigrants from Dubai and a small category of visit visa holders will be allowed to enter, also if there are any visit visa holders with an immediate relative who is a citizen or PR holder is also able to visit. There is a mandatory three day hotel stay to be complied where the traveller needs to stay in a government approved hotel for three days and 11 days in home quarantine for everyone entering Canada. Students were the most affected during the pandemic and Canada has taken the initiative to open it to them, hence we expect a huge student movement to Canada.” Sharing about the necessity of PCR test to board the aircraft Cyriac reiterated, “it is mandatory to carry a negative PCR taken 72 hours prior to departure and upon arrival in Toronto there will be another PCR test conducted. Air Canada clean care plus programme where “safety first always” slogan;  customers can travel with piece of mind as it provides ease of cancellations etc, however, customers are advise to have their own insurance policy to arrive in Canada.” Ending the conversation Cyriac appreciated all the efforts taken by the travel trade and thanked all travel industry partners for all the support extended …