Jordan is proud to announce that it will be hosting the first-ever UCI GRAN FONDO cycling race in the Dead Sea region. This historic event is part of the UCI GRAN FONDO world series and offers riders the opportunity to qualify for the Gran Fondo World Championship in Glasgow, Scotland in 2023. The race will feature three qualifying stages, where 20% of each age group will have the chance to qualify for the world championship. The race includes an individual time trial and two road stages, with opportunities to compete in the general classification, king/queen of the mountain, and team classifications. The first ITT stage will start north of the Dead Sea from Prince Hussien Park on the service road, covering 20km out and back. The second road stage will begin at the Mövenpick Dead Sea hotel, taking riders through beautiful local climbs to Madaba before heading down the breathtaking Panorama Dead Sea road back to the hotel. The third stage will take riders up the Panorama Dead Sea Road to the historical Mount Nebo and then riders will be served with a stunning downhill road to the Dead Sea. This race is organized by the Jordan Tourism Board, Discovery Circle Tours, Stage2 Bike Shop, and Tareef Cycling Club. Riders from all over the world are expected to participate, making this an exciting and competitive event for both participants and spectators alike. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making as Jordan hosts this world-class cycling race for the first time.
Read More »AD Ports Group announces inauguration of Aqaba Cruise Terminal
Under the patronage of Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Bisher Khasawneh, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Jordan, and H.E. Tawfiq Kreishan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration in Jordan, inaugurated the first and only cruise terminal in Aqaba, coinciding with the arrival of the cruise vessel MSC Splendida carrying more than 2,000 visitors to Jordan. The new Aqaba Cruise Terminal marks the launch of the first of five strategic mega-projects planned between AD Ports Group – the global facilitator of logistics, industry and trade – and Aqaba Development Corporation to advance the coastal city’s tourism, logistics and transport sectors. H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan and H.E. Kreishan took a tour and were briefed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, on the facility’s wide array of amenities and services that cater to the needs and expectations of international tourists visiting the Kingdom. The inauguration was attended by H.E. Eng. Nayef Fayez, Chief Commissioner of ASEZA; H.E. Hussein Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and several senior officials from both sides. Under the agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation, AD Ports Group will develop, manage and operate the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, a world-class facility for international cruise passengers looking to visit Jordan, specifically Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum. Over 50 vessels are scheduled to dock at the Aqaba Cruise Terminal over the next four months, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the popular winter-sun destination. H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Jordan, said: “The Aqaba Cruise Terminal is the result of the active cooperation and …
Read More »Radisson Hotel Group expands its presence in the Middle East with the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall
Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall, bringing its Middle East portfolio to 74 hotels in operation and under development. With construction already under way, the hotel is scheduled to open by the summer of 2023. Amman is Jordan’s capital and largest city as well as the country’s economic, political, and cultural center. The newly built hotel will be located inside the Galleria Mall, which is one of the biggest shopping malls in Jordan, located in the heart of Amman, and only a 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. “We thank the partners of Al Yaqout Real Estate for their trust in Radisson Hotel Group in Jordan, an important destination in our expansion strategy. The presence of the Radisson Blu brand in the country’s capital will be a steppingstone for further development in key cities and locations in Jordan, says Elie Milky, Vice President Development for the Middle East, Pakistan, Cyprus and Greece. “The signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall showcases our faith in the Radisson Hotel Group and Jordan’s bright future. It is an important partnership with countless benefits to all stakeholders in the most strategic commercial district of Amman. The hotel will be a state-of-the-art hotel concept that is perfectly designed to complement our corner stone property “The Galleria Mall””, said H.E. Samer Al-Tawil, Chairman and CEO of Amwaj Properties, the holding company of Al-Yaqout Real Estate Company. Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall will perfectly complement Radisson Hotel Group’s growing portfolio by introducing the core, upper-upscale brand to the country. The hotel will consist of 178 keys across various room types, including one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom apartments offering …
Read More »The Ritz Carlton debuts in Amman, Jordan
The Ritz-Carlton announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, ushering in a new standard of refined hospitality in the heart of Jordan’s vibrant capital. Rising elegantly above the West Amman skyline, and centrally situated on the prestigious Fifth Circle, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman welcomes guests to enjoy thoughtfully tailored experiences that capture the spirit of Jordan’s beauty and hospitality. “We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Amman, embodying our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in the world’s most exciting markets,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “From exquisite culinary craftmanship to treasured family moments, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman will embrace guests with its legendary service, and offer a unique lens on this charming capital city.” Soaring 20-stories high, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman features 228 guest rooms – the most spacious of any hotel accommodations in Jordan – including 34 opulent suites, spread across seven different categories. All guestrooms and suites have been intricately designed and elegantly furnished, with a sophisticated ambiance felt throughout the property. Led by Wimberly Interiors London, the hotel’s design is inspired by the culture and history of Jordan, which is reflected in the hotel’s bold interior architecture, tailored lighting, Art Deco touches and contemporary artistry. Artistic elements within the hotel draw inspiration from the landscape of the Kingdom, from natural rifts of the sea and saturated colors of the earth to the deep crevices of caves and mountains. The breathtaking structures of Petra are reflected in a series of vignettes, while Roman and Nabatean architectural features are given modern reinterpretations throughout the hotel. The floor finishes in the guest corridors pay homage to Jordan’s desert landscape, and the guestrooms …
Read More »flyadeal lists five new seasonal destinations next summer and adds Dammam to its departure stations from Cairo
flyadeal has listed five international destinations for its flight network in the summer of 2022. The company is expanding the number of flights to meet consumer demand for destinations, including Amman in Jordan, Tbilisi and Batumi in Georgia, Baku in Azerbaijan, and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Flyadeal has also added the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The company will also launch a new flight to Cairo from Riyadh and Jeddah. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer at flyadeal, explained that the new seasonal flights are in line with flyadeal’s ambitious plan to grow and expand domestically and internationally and to provide the opportunity for more of its customers to enjoy a unique travel experience, as well as being able to serve more customers. flyadeal’s seasonal flights will operate to the five destinations from mid-June until late July, with seven weekly flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Amman. The company will also operate four flights to Tbilisi from Riyadh, three from Jeddah and two flights from Dammam, and Batumi, Georgia’s second destination, with an average of three flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. Initially, there will be an average of four flights to Baku from Riyadh and three flights from Jeddah and Dammam. There will be an average of three flights to Sharm El-Sheikh from Riyadh and Jeddah and two flights from Dammam. flyadeal will also add Dammam as a new starting destination to operate flights to Cairo. It will operate seven weekly flights, in line with the demand for Cairo flights witnessed through both Riyadh and Jeddah. During the summer season, flyadeal flies to 21 destinations, including 14 domestically and seven internationally, supported by a modern fleet of 21 aircraft. …
Read More »Future leaders of tourism workshops ME to be held in Jordan
It has been announced by UNWTO and Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan (MoTA) that they are organizing two in-person workshops that will take place in Amman and Petra addressing the challenges and opportunities for women in tourism scheduled to take place in Amman (9 May 2022) and Petra (11 May 2022). According to the UNWTO, the workshops will be focused on the empowerment of women working in tourism in Jordan, addressing a total of approximately 150 women in both locations with the same agenda, speakers and key topics. During the pandemic, women working in tourism were more affected than men although women account for more roles and contribution in the sector.
Read More »Turkish Airlines launches direct flights to Aqaba
The latest destination aboard Turkish Airlines is the direct flight to Aqaba in Jordan, with existing services to Amman. The Aqaba flights will be operated thrice a week. Round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Aqaba starting at 404 USD including taxes and fees. Additionally, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members to be used for their trips departing from Turkey which should be completed by June 11, 2018, and the trips departing from Aqaba are to be completed by June 12, 2018, with a 25 per cent reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades. Aqaba flight times as scheduled from March 19 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays depart Istanbul at 22:00 hours with arrival to Aqaba by 23:50 hours. The flight will depart Aqaba on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 00:45 hours and arrive to Istanbul at 04:20 hours.
Read More »flydubai adds Aqaba and Thessaloniki to its network
The latest destinations added to flydubai’s network are Thessaloniki in Greece and Aqaba in Jordan, starting June 2018. Flights to Thessaloniki will operate thrice a week starting from June 15, while flights to Aqaba will operate four times a week from June 16. Commenting on the launch, Ghaith Al Ghaith Chief Executive Officer, flydubai, said, “With the addition of Aqaba and Thessaloniki to our network, we increase the number of underserved markets served by flydubai with direct flights from the UAE to 71 destinations. We are committed to create free flows of trade and tourism, and strengthen direct air links with the UAE.” flydubai earlier announced the launch of several new routes for 2018 including Tivat, Krakow, Dubrovnik, Catania, Kutaisi, Qabala and Batumi from March onwards. This brings the number of destinations served by the carrier in Eastern and Southern Europe to 27, Caucasus and Central Asia to 11 and GCC and Middle East to 30.
Read More »Emirates to operate special A380 to Amman
Emirates will operate a special one-off A380 service to Amman on September 25, marking 30 years of commitment to Jordan. The airline’s flagship double-decker, with the ability to carry over 500 passengers at a time, will make history when it becomes the first-ever scheduled A380 service to Queen Alia International Airport, and it will also be the first time the A380 commercially operates to the Levant. On September 25, the Emirates A380 service will operate EK 901 and EK 902, departing Dubai at 0725hrs and arriving in Amman at 0930hrs. The flight will then depart Amman at 1300hrs arriving in Dubai at 1700hrs on the same day. This year is a milestone for Emirates as it celebrates 30 successful years of operations to Jordan. With the support of the Jordanian Authorities and Airport International Group, the deployment of the one-off Emirates A380 operation has been made possible through significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the aircraft. Since its introduction to the Emirates fleet in 2008, the A380 has proved tremendously popular with customers, and the upcoming service next month will give travellers the chance to experience this revolutionary aircraft and the best service in the sky.
Read More »Italy visa center in Amman
Residents of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan can now apply for Italy visas and enrol for biometrics at a new visa application centre opened in the capital city of Amman. The new centre has been set up in the high-end Al Barakeh Mall on Said Al Mufti Street 30, P2 Floor, Amman, which is in close proximity to the main business district. Services at the centre commenced from 01 August 2016. With Italy being a world-renowned travel destination and a popular holidaying choice with Jordanians, as well as one of the most important trade partners of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the added conveniences of the relocated centre will make applying for their visas even more straightforward and easy. The ample mall parking space and enhanced accessibility allows for a more hassle-free experience. Speaking at the launch, the Italian Ambassador Giovanni Brauzzi said that his staff and himself are personally committed to ensure the most efficient handling of visa applications. With around six thousand applications per year, they are conscious of their positive impact on the development of trade and investments between Jordan and Italy and more generally on the development of people-to-people friendly relations. Now, with this new center, they have an important step towards a further improvement of their visa services and he was confident that their efforts will increase the efficiency and the satisfaction of the Jordanian travelers and of the business community.
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