What’s new: Dubai’s new remote working option for travellers
Dubai has now unveiled a new annual programme for overseas professionals working remotely due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic
Browsing Tag
Dubai
No entry in Dubai without return tickets
In its latest tourist guidelines, Dubai government has announced that anyone without a confirmed return ticket will not be allowed to enter the city
Beautified JA Beach Hotel reopens
JA Beach Hotel at JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach, Dubai has completed its 2019 makeover and reopened for business from this month. In keeping with the resort facilities at the one…
Tourists can now buy alcohol in Dubai
Dubai is renowned for its strict laws around the purchase of alcohol but now the rules are being relaxed for tourists. Travellers who enjoy a tipple can now purchase their own alcohol in…
IHG’s voco makes its way to the Middle East
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has opened voco Dubai on the famed Sheikh Zayed road, marking the brand’s inaugural property in the Middle East.
Mandarin Oriental makes Arab debut
One of Asia's oldest and most reputed hospitality group just marked its entry into the Middle East market with the launch of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Located in the heart of Dubai,…
MICE: When 12 heads are better than one
BestCities Global Alliance, a community of 12 cities around the world, dedicated to the betterment of international conferences and meetings, believes, naturally, that the right partner is…
Hot hotel openings: Mandarin Oriental debuts on the Arabian Gulf
In this week’s hot hotel openings, we’ve got properties from Mandarin Oriental, Moxy Hotels, Radisson Blu, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and FWD Group.
Swissotel GM: Dubai’s tourism sector at the core of economic growth
At the helm of the five-star Swissôtel Al Ghurair, we asked Emiel Van Djik about Dubai’s economy, its revenue drivers and of course, his secret to success.
How Indian travellers can rescue Middle East’s tourism goals
For decades, the lure of tax-free gold and cheap flights made the Emirates and particularly Dubai a hot favourite with Indians. While the stringent norms in Middle East, safety concerns and…
British Airways: Keep calm and go on holiday
Despite the gloom of frustration that hangs over the British Isles following the divisive nature of Brexit and the associated political and social issues arising because of it, British…
Virtual reality bites: Lufthansa trial VR tech on flight LH630
Lufthansa passengers to the UAE were in for a tech treat when the airline trialled its new In-flight VR prototype aboard flight LH630, from Frankfurt to Dubai last week.
Ring out the bells: Dubai to host world’s biggest wedding trade show
Dubai wins bid for the world’s biggest B2B event for destination weddings undustry
Expedia highlights opportunities as Dubai confirmed as ME’s top destination
Fresh from informing UK hoteliers how best to prepare for influx of visitors during the recent Royal Wedding, Expedia Group has now put together a study which reveals which have been the…
Who leads the procession of the Middle East’s $4.5bn destination wedding industry?
Weddings are big business, you could even call them the big business of big days. No matter which country you are from, the celebration of a couple’s romantic love is a central part of the…
Dubai Tourism Vision 2020: Meraas launches the Hala China initiative
Dubai-based investment company Meraas, along with Dubai Holding and DXB Entertainments, released details of their new collaboration, Hala China this week.
Leading Indian DMC moves to capitalize on growing Dubai MICE
Indian DMC leader Tamarind Global has made its first international MICE move, opening operations in Dubai. They have already have built out a strong Dubai and GCC footprint with their tours…
What’s happening in Dubai in 2018?
This year, Dubai will see the launch of the world’s longest urban zipline, the opening of the Frame, Zaha Hadid’s’ ‘The Opus’ building, and a six-week special of Van Gogh’s Alive exhibition.…
PHOTOS: The world’s first hotel with its own rainforest
ZAS Architects are building the world’s first hotel with its own rainforest, an artificial beach, and an infinity pool 25 floors above the streets of Dubai.
Fairmont searches for perfect Santa
Ho ho… but who? Fairmont The Palm, the luxury resort on Palm Jumeirah has a global mission at hands: to find the best resident Santa for its fast approaching festive season.
The North…
Dubai now among top 10 destinations for international meetings
Dubai has emerged as one of the top 10 destinations for international meetings, according to the latest edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report published last week by Union…
Dubai Tourism unveils training tool for travel agents
‘Dubai Expert’ announced as a destination travel trade training programme that will be rolled out to travel agents from around the world.
Created in collaboration with the Dubai College of…
Sofitel signs milestone project in Dubai
Sofitel has announced the largest Sofitel property in the Middle East with development partner MKM Commercial Holdings LLC.
Sofitel Dubai Wafi will feature 501 guestrooms, including 86…
Where to Stay: New hotels from Ritz-Carlton, Ascott, Sofitel and more…
The Ritz-Carlton Astana
Location: In the Talan Towers, a new luxury complex in the square around the Bayterek Tower, the monument in the centre of Kazakhstan's capital city
Grade:…
Celebrate Eid with a Staycation at Vida Downtown
Book a staycation or reserve a poolside brunch experience, now available on both Friday and Saturday.
The boutique hotel will be offering 10% discount off of the best available rate…
Emirates Adds Second Daily A380 to Birmingham
Emirates has announced that it will be introducing a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Birmingham, beginning 29th October 2017.
Flight EK39/40, currently operated by a…
Emirates adds second daily A380 to Birmingham service
Emirates has announced that it will be introducing a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Birmingham, beginning 29 October 2017.
Flight EK39/40, currently operated by a Boeing…
Travel 2 offers scratch card Dubai incentive
Travel 2 is offering agents the chance to win a scratch card with prizes including cinema vouchers, designer handbags and luxury holidays including spending money.
The operator has…
Jumeirah launches summer package deals
With the summer holidays approaching, Jumeirah has unveiled its ‘Jumeirah flavours’ offers.
With the Jumeirah Flavours offer, guests can choose from a stay at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat…
Mandarin Oriental announces second hotel project in Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a second luxury hotel and branded residence in Dubai, with 2020 as the target for opening.
The hotel, located in…
Japan to exhibit at ATM for first time
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will exhibit at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) for the first time this year, as part of the country's aim to attract more visitors from…
StayWell partners Cristal for Middle East expansion
StayWell Hospitality Group, which operates the Park Regis hotel brand, has formed a new strategic partnership to expand its portfolio in the Middle East.
The Australia-based company…
World’s biggest Mercure to open in May
AccorHotels has revealed that the world's largest Mercure will open its doors next month.
Located on Dubai's main Sheikh Zayed Road, Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites &…
ATM Travel Agents’ Academy schedule revealed
The ATM Travel Agents’ Academy will return to Arabian Travel Market in 2017 with two half-day sessions on Thursday 27 April, at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Beginning at 10am in Hall 1,…
Asian air route updates: new flights from Vietjet, AirAsia and more…
Vietjet creates new connection to Angkor
Where? Hanoi (Vietnam) to Siem Reap (Cambodia)
When? Daily, effective immediately
Who? Vietjet
Why? Serving increasing cross-border traffic…
Bali tourism boosted by Emirates double
Bali's tourism industry will get a significant boost this summer, following the announcement that Emirates will introduce a second daily flight to the island.
Commencing on 2 July 2017,…
Premium PAL goes non-stop on Middle East routes
Philippine Airlines will enhance its Middle Eastern operations this month, with the launch of all-non-stop flights and premium seats on routes to seven destinations in the region.…
Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more…
Bangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link
Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017)
Who? Flydubai
Why? New…
MSC cruises to Japan for the first time
MSC Cruises has unveiled details of its first ever cruise to Japan.
The new 28-night voyage from Dubai to Yokohama will depart on 31 March 2018, aboard the 3,900-passenger MSC…
Asian air route updates: Cathay Pacific, flydubai, China Southern and more
Dubai's LCC adds Bangladeshi route
Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh)
When? Four times a week, effective 15 March 2017
Who? flydubai
Why? Rising trade between two Islamic…
Emirates to launch flights to Cambodia
Emirates will touch down in Cambodia for the first time this summer, with the launch of services to the capital, Phnom Penh.
Commencing on 1 July 2017, the new route will be operated…
Emirates opens airport lounges to economy class passengers
Emirates has taken the significant step of opening its airport lounges at Dubai International Airport to all passengers, regardless of travel class.
Under the new system, economy…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Perth, Cabo San Lucas, Fuzhou and Dubai
Crown Towers Perth
Location: On the banks of the Swan River
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 500
Facilities: Large spa, outdoor pool, theatre, eight F&B outlets including a Nobu restaurant…
Shortest A380 flight takes off… and lands
Emirates has operated the world's shortest Airbus A380 flight, between Dubai and Doha.
But don't get too comfortable, in fact don't even bother unbuckling your seat belt; the route covers…
Dusit opens new hotels in two countries
Thailand's Dusit International has expanded its global portfolio with the opening of new hotels in the UAE and China.
The hotel group has launched the dusitD2 Kenz Dubai and…
Bangkok gets new low-cost link to Dubai
Already served by multiple direct flights from Dubai, Bangkok has now welcomed its first low-cost connection from the UAE city.
Dubai-based flydubai has launched its new Bangkok…
SpiceJet heats up with new routes
SpiceJet has continued to expand its operations with the launch of new domestic and international flights.
Within India, the low-cost carrier has commenced a new daily service between…
Sichuan Airlines to fly direct to Dubai
Sichuan Airlines will launch non-stop flights from Chengdu to Dubai later this year.
Commencing on 14 December 2016, the new service will operate twice a week, departing Sichuan's…
India’s Jet adds more Gulf flights
Jet Airways is expanding its operations between India and the Gulf with the addition of 11 more weekly flights to two destinations.
On 30 October 2016, the Indian carrier will start…
Shangri-La Dubai reveals ambitious refurbishment programme
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai has embarked on a journey of transformation in an exciting AED 70 million renovation across its 302 guest rooms and public areas – including the hotel’s impressive,…
Dubai hotel demand outpaces supply in August: STR
Dubai’s hotel room demand increased 9.2% year on year in August, racing ahead of supply, which grew 5.5% compared to August 2015.
That’s according to STR’s preliminary August 2016 data…
Dubai aims to become top tourism destination for Asian travellers
Dubai plans to become the number one tourist destination for visitors from Asia.
The announcement, made by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of…
Dusit to launch first Middle Eastern Princess
Thailand's Dusit Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to open its first midscale Dusit Princess hotel in the Middle East.
The deal with ACES Property Development will see the…
IndiGo plans first international flight from Chandigarh
IndiGo, the Indian low-cost carrier, has unveiled plans to launch a new international flight linking Chandigarh with Dubai.
Commencing on 26 September 2016, the airline will operate…
Emirates to fly A380 to Johannesburg
tes will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft to Johannesburg next year, as it upgrades one of its four daily flights to the South African city.
Effective 1 February 2017, flights EK761…
U By Emaar’s ‘The Summer of You’ campaign adds value to staycations in Dubai
As staycation season kicks in, Dubai is the favourite leisure destination in the UAE according to a new online survey of more than 1,000 UAE residents commissioned by Emaar Hospitality Group…
Travel 2 launches Dubai & Indian Ocean promotion
UK travel consolidator Travel 2 has reported a 77 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings to the Indian Ocean, as well as a 44 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings to the Middle…
Emirates de-links KL from Melbourne
Emirates will cease operating its Dubai-Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne service later this year, as it opts to cut out the Malaysian capital and fly direct to Australia.
The re-routing, which…
Avani Hotels to debut in Middle East
Thailand's Minor Hotels has unveiled its first ever Avani-branded property in the Middle East.
Effective 1 July 2016, the company will take over the management of the 216-room Mövenpick…
Air India Express adds new Middle East services
Air India Express is expanding its network in the Middle East with the launch of new flights from Kozhikode to Dubai and Doha.
The airline has already doubled its capacity on the…
TGTG 2016 conference hailed a resounding success
The Global Travel Group (TGTG) 2016 conference has been hailed a resounding success by CEO Andy Stark.
The event, which took place from 23 to 25 May at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, not…
TGTG reports short break boom
Brits are booking more short breaks than ever before.
That’s the message from Andy Stark, CEO of The Global Travel Group (TGTG), revealing a 35% year-on-year hike in short-break…
Global Travel Group lands in Dubai
The Global Travel Group Conference 2016 delegation has landed in Dubai and has already embarked on a three-day action-packed itinerary of business and leisure activities.
Delegates,…
Gold Medal treats agents to Dubai sundowner
Gold Medal’s latest Indian Ocean MEGA FAM recently concluded in Dubai where each of the four groups shared their experiences at an Access All Areas conference held at the Burj Al Arab.…
Emirates adds seventh daily flight to Bangkok
Emirates will continue to increase capacity to Thailand this summer, with the launch of its seventh daily flight to Bangkok.
Commencing on 1 July 2016, the new service will depart…
Air India Express links Delhi with UAE
Air India Express is launching new direct flights connecting Delhi with two UAE cities: Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The airline commenced daily direct flights between Delhi and Dubai on…
Lemon Tree plans to expand in UAE
Lemon Tree Hotels is planning to operate eight properties in the UAE within the next three years.
The midscale hotel operator is looking at hotels and serviced apartments in Abu…
Emirates opens up China’s Midwest with new flights
Emirates' Chinese expansion strategy took a significant step forward on Tuesday with the launch of the airline’s first flights to two destinations: Yinchuan and Zhengzhou.
Linking Dubai…
Dusit brings new hotel brand to Dubai
Thailand's Dusit International will continue its Middle Eastern expansion this summer with the opening of its first dusitD2 hotel in the UAE.
Set to welcome its first guests in July…
More Brits holidaying in Dubai
The number of overnight visitors to Dubai from the UK grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Dubai Tourism.…
Emirates’ A380 touches down in Taiwan
Emirates has launched two new routes using its Airbus A380 aircraft, including its first superjumbo service to Taiwan.
The inaugural A380 flight from Dubai to Taipei landed at Taoyuan…
Dubai plans new tallest tower
Plans have been unveiled for a new tower in Dubai that will be taller than the Burj Khalifa.
Developed by Emaar Properties, the new tower will become the centrepiece of the Dubai Creek…
Dubai ‘most expensive’ Easter destination for UK holidaymakers
London is the most popular destination for UK holidaymakers this Easter, while Dubai is the most expensive destination for a hotel stay, at an average of £170 per night, according to hotel…
New York top destination for Brits this Easter: report
With safety concerns surrounding many of the traditional spring holiday hot-spots, British families are opting to “go long-haul” for their sunshine-fix this Easter, according to …
Thomson and First Choice add Dubai to winter programmes
Thomson and First Choice have added Dubai to their mid-haul winter programmes from December 2016.
With demand for mid-haul destinations on the rise, the UK’s leading holiday brands are…
Emirates launches Dubai-Auckland – the world’s longest air route
Emirates has launched its first direct flight between Dubai and Auckland, which becomes the world's longest scheduled air route.
The inaugural 14,203km flight took off for the first…
Emirates promotes new Philippine routes to the trade
Emirates has teamed up with the Philippine Tourism Board to educate the travel trade about its new flights to Clark and Cebu.
Scheduled to commence on 30 March, the new triangular route…
Emirates to fly direct to Myanmar
Emirates will launch its first ever flights to Myanmar this summer.
Commencing on 3 August 2016, the airline will add two new Southeast Asian destinations to its route map, with the…
Luxury travel registers strongest growth of all travel by 48%
The global luxury travel sector has shown the strongest growth amongst all tourism and travel sectors, growing by 48% over a 5-year period according to a special study of the World Travel…
Emirates launches new golf tournament with ATPI
ATPI Group and Emirates have launched a new golf tournament, the ATPI Emirates Global Golf Challenge.
Open by invitation to clients of the ATPI Group, the ATPI Emirates Global Golf…
Air China links Chongqing and Dubai
Air China will launch the first ever direct service between Chongqing and Dubai on 2 April 2016.
The flights will operate three times a week, will departing Chongqing’s Jiangbei…
Royal Brunei adds Turkey to route map
Royal Brunei Airlines will now be able to offer flights to Turkey, following the signing of a new codeshare agreement.
Effective 22 February 2016, the deal with Turkish Airlines will…
Jet Airways adds more Dubai flights
Jet Airways will expand its operations to Dubai next month, with the launch of new flights from Mumbai and Delhi.
Effective 1 March 2016, the Indian carrier will add a sixth daily…
UK tourism arrivals to Dubai up 11 percent in 2015
Annual figures released by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) show that 1.188 million UK visitors travelled to Dubai in 2015, an 11% increase on the…
Dubai Tourism enters partnerships in China
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has entered strategic partnerships with two Chinese companies in Shanghai last week.
CEO of Dubai Corporation for…
Dubai airport retains world’s number one title
Dubai International airport is once again the world’s number one hub for international passengers.
It witnessed more than 78 million passengers in 2015, according to a traffic report…
Travel 2 offers agents chance to win luxury Dubai FAM trip
Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win a place on a luxury FAM trip to Dubai with its new ‘Travel 2’s Dubai Festivals’ campaign.
Agents will get the chance to stay at Atlantis The…
Air India Express boosts Kerala-Middle East flights
Air India Express has unveiled plans to launch a series of new flights connecting the southern state of Kerala with the Middle East.
The low-cost carrier will add a second daily…
AmericInn Hotel and Suites plans Middle East expansion
AmericInn, the largest mid-scale hotel brand in central United States, is expanding internationally with at least 20 new hotels to be opened across the Middle East and the Indian…
Al Maha bags top spot in 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai has bagged multiple honours in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for Hotels for the fourth consecutive year.
Awarded…
Record visitor numbers for Dubai
Annual figures released by Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) show the emirate attracted more than 14.2 million overnight visitors in 2015, a 7.5% increase…
Emirates adds extra daily flight to Colombo
Emirates has announced plans to launch an additional daily service between Dubai and Colombo.
Effective 1 August 2016, the airline will operate five daily flights to the Sri Lankan…
Emirates to fly direct to New Zealand
Emirates has unveiled plans to launch its first ever non-stop flights to New Zealand.
The new direct services between Dubai and Auckland will commence on 1 March 2016, providing…
SpiceJet adds flights to Dubai from Jaipur and Hyderabad
SpiceJet is continuing to expand its operations to Dubai with the launch of new direct flights from Jaipur and extra services from Hyderabad.
The new services will commence on 16…
Emirates to add second A380 flight to Perth
Emirates will commence a second daily Airbus A380 service to Perth on 1 August.
The 519-seat, three-class A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that currently operates flights…
Malaysia Airlines’ Dubai connections to start in February
Malaysia Airlines' new partnership with Emirates, which was first announced last month, will get underway on 15 February 2016, the airlines have confirmed.
From this date, Malaysia…
Emirates adds second daily A380 flight to LAX
Emirates will launch a second daily service to Los Angeles on 1 July 2016, using its 491-seat, three-class Airbus A380 aircraft.
The new service, flight EK217, will depart Dubai every…
Outrigger opens first Middle East office
Outrigger Enterprises Group has opened a new sales and marketing office in Dubai.
The resort company will be represented in the Middle East by Gulf Reps, which will be responsible for…
Dubai adds flavour to Telegraph Travel Show
Dubai Tourism and Emirates Airline have been named as co-headline sponsors of the newly launched Telegraph Travel Show, which will be staged at London’s ExCel this weekend (8-10 January)…
UK Dubai’s ‘third-biggest tourism source market’
The UK is now the third biggest source market for international tourism to Dubai, according to new figures released by Dubai Tourism.
Figures show more than 11.7M international…
Emirates to fly A380 to Taipei
Emirates has revealed that it will launch the first scheduled Airbus A380 flights to Taipei next year.
Commencing on 1 May 2016, the Dubai-based carrier will upgrade its existing…
Emirates to fly high-capacity A380 to Birmingham
Emirates will start flying its new two-class Airbus A380 aircraft to Birmingham next year.
Commencing on 27 March 2016, the double-decker jet will be deployed on the EK39/40 service…
Emirates to launch flights to China’s remote Ningxia region
Emirates has revealed plans to launch flights to the remote Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of northwest China.
On 3 May 2016, the airline will commence four weekly flights between…
Malaysia Airlines routes traffic through Dubai with Emirates deal
Malaysia Airlines has formed a new partnership with Emirates that will see it drive more global traffic through Dubai International Airport.
The comprehensive codeshare agreement,…
Rixos Hotels in UAE to launch Google Virtual Tours
In a recent development, Rixos The Palm, Dubai, and Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah, are the first hotels in UAE to launch virtual tours in partnership with Google.
Otherwise known…
Air China plans more European flights from Shanghai
Air China is planning to expand its long-haul operations from Shanghai with the launch of two new routes to Europe.
The company has applied to the Civil Aviation Administration of…
Dubai named UK’s favourite long-haul city-break destination
A travel and holiday survey conducted by Southall Travel, one of the UK’s largest travel companies, has revealed Dubai as the nation’s favourite long-haul city break destination, gaining 25%…
DED delivers consumer rights message to 2 million air passengers
The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has reached out to more than two million passengers travelling through the city's airports to alert them on the consumer protection…
UAE to increase flights to Australia
The UAE and Australia have signed an agreement that will see a significant boost in flights between the countries.
It is hoped the move will see an increase in tourism between the two…
SpiceJet inaugurates new Amritsar-Dubai route
SpiceJet has launched a new direct service from Amritsar to Dubai.
The inaugural service was flagged off with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Das Jee…
Qantas launches £95 Dubai flights competition
To celebrate its 95th birthday, Qantas is offering the first 95 UK agents to book and ticket a return Qantas flight to Dubai or South West Pacific a ticket to Dubai in Qantas International…
Chinese aviation bites, including a new route to Cuba
China Southern goes long-haul from Shenzhen
China Southern Airlines is planning to launch two new long-haul routes from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
According to a…
Thomson to homeport cruise ship in Dubai
Thomson Cruises has announced that the Thomson Celebration cruise ship will be operating from the port of Dubai for the first time next winter.
On sale from November 2015, two seven…
China Southern connects Wuhan with Rome and Dubai
China Southern Airlines has revealed plans to launch direct services from Wuhan to Rome and Dubai.
Commencing on 17 December 2015, the airline will launch three weekly flights from…
Tauck launches first exotics brochure for UK market
Tauck has launched its first exotics brochure in the UK.
The brochure features a collection of luxury land and small ship cruises to what it says are some of the most beautiful and…
China’s Sichuan Airlines flies to Dubai
Sichuan Airlines will expand its international network next month, with the launch of its first ever flights to the Middle East.
Commencing on 4 September 2015, the airline will…
Emirates to launch world’s longest flight
Emirates has unveiled plans to launch services to Panama City, which will become the longest non-stop commercial flight in the world.
Commencing on 1 February 2016, the new route will…
Emirates adds fourth daily A380 flight to Bangkok
Emirates will launch its fourth daily Airbus A380 service between Dubai and Bangkok on 1 December 2015.
The new two-class A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft Emirates…
UAE and Barbados most expensive destinations for British holidaymakers
The UAE and Barbados have been ranked the most expensive destinations for British tourists in a new survey published by Santander.
According to the report, the two destinations cost…
HolidayMe.com introduces ‘Pay in Cash’ feature
Holiday booking portal HolidayMe.com, has launched the ‘Pay in Cash’ payment facility, the first company to do so in the region.
The option is currently available on all hotel, holiday…
Dubai targets mid-market hotel growth to meet 2020 targets
With a number of additions to the mid-market segment opening during the year, further additions to the portfolio of three and four star hotels are expected to open in the coming years as a…
Emirates’ British founder passes away
Maurice Flanagan, the British aviation exec who is credited with building Emirates into one of the world’s most powerful airlines, has died aged 86.
Flanagan, who had held the…
Jumeirah previews latest Dubai resort
Dubai-based hotelier Jumeirah Group has revealed its latest hotel development in the emirate will be called Jumeirah Al Naseem.
The hotel, which is located in the popular Madinat…
Emirates A380 touches down in Perth
Emirates has upgraded its Perth service with the deployment of its Airbus A380 aircraft to the Australian city.
The double-decker aircraft touched down in Perth on Friday and will now…
Dubai looms as weekend getaway destination
Is Dubai still considered a long-haul destination? Recently launched travel website FlyDubai.co.uk has compiled data that suggests this is no longer the case.
The operator, which…
Dubai makes Top 25 TripAdvisor 2015 Travellers’ Choice Destination
Dubai has been included on the Travellers’ Choice Destinations 2015 list released by TripAdvisor, and was the only UAE destination to make it into the top 25, taking 24th spot.
The…
Dubai lures more Brits in 2014
The Gulf destination of Dubai welcomed 11,629,578 visitors in 2014, registering a 5.6% increase on the number of visitors to the Emirate in 2013.
The UK remains the third biggest source…
flydubai to add third destination in Bangladesh
flydubai has announced plans to launch flights to Sylhet - its third destination in Bangladesh.
Commencing on 1 April 2015, the Dubai-based low-cost carrier will initially serve…
New Eurowings to fly long-haul from October
Lufthansa's new low-cost carrier, Eurowings, will commence long-haul operations in fourth quarter of 2015 with flights to Thailand, the Caribbean and Middle East.
Ticket sales have…
TripAdvisor launches Neighbourhoods feature
TripAdvisor has launched its ‘Neighbourhoods’ feature in an effort to help users discover and explore neighbourhoods within popular tourist destinations.
“TripAdvisor’s new…
Taj prepares to expand in Dubai
India's Taj Hotels will launch its second hotel in Dubai next month.
The new Taj Dubai is located in the centre of the UAE city, close to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa - the world's…
Royal Brunei and RAK Tourism seek UK consumers
Royal Brunei Airlines has forged a long-term agreement with Ras al-Khaimah Tourism (RAK) to develop the UAE destination with UK consumers.
As part of the agreement, Royal Brunei will…
Jumeirah launches new restaurant division
Dubai’s Jumeirah Group has launched a new restaurant division that will manage its global portfolio of F&B brands.
The new Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai (JRG Dubai) will operate…
Jet connects Kerala with the Gulf
Jet Airways is adding three new routes that will boost connectivity between the state of Kerala and the Gulf region.
In the last quarter of the year, the Indian carrier will introduce…
India, Dubai boost seat capacity
India and Dubai have agreed to enhance the bilateral seat entitlements between the two countries.
Close to 11,000 seats per week will be added between Indian cities and Dubai.…
JA eyes international growth
Success in Dubai is turning JA Resorts and Hotels' eyes to international markets as demand for its current properties has soared.
The group has seen reservations go up 82%…
Turkey-UAE bilateral tourism workshop kicks off
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey recently held its first bilateral travel and tourism workshop in Dubai. The event was held at The Palace Hotel and attended…
Dubai commences three-city road show in India
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has commenced its three-city road show in India.
The board completed its first road show in New Delhi (23 September) and…
ITC Hotels to manage R P Group’s five hotels
ITC Hotels has tied up with R P Group Hotels and Resorts to manage its five hotels in India and Dubai.
These hotels will be run under the company’s five-star brand, WelcomHotel and…
Qantas ambassador John Travolta to visit Dubai
Qantas Ambassador-at-large John Travolta will visit Dubai next week to explore Qantas' new international hub for flights to London and Australia. The Star’s visit will mark his first trip to…
Emirates upgrades Bangkok-Dubai aircraft
Middle East carrier Emirates is to replace existing Airbus A330-200s with Boeing 777-300ER on its Dubai to Bangkok route from 1 September.
The airline is also adding a second daily…
Dubai Dolphinarium appoints India rep
Dubai Dolphinarium has appointed Nijhawan Group as its Sales and Marketing representative in India.
The group will focus on designing sales and marketing strategies for positioning…
Hotel Show in Dubai builds momentum
The Hotel Show scheduled to be held on 28-30 September 2013 at Dubai World Trade Centre has some new offerings. The event for the first time will showcase a Vision Conference bringing…
UAE air traffic on the rise
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently disclosed its air traffic movements in the UAE. Statistics stated that air traffic grew at a rate of 2.9% in July 2013 compared to…
Definitely Dubai launches app
Dubai tourism group Definitely Dubai has launched an iPhone and iPad app to help travel agents and consumers learn more about the destination.
The app uses videos, images and maps to…
Qantas, Emirates showcase Dubai’s culinary experience
Qantas and Emirates along with MasterChef Australia will showcase Dubai and its culinary experiences. This will be showcased with the 'World Food Week' MasterChef series that began on 11…
Al Bustan highlights conference facilities
Al Bustan Centre and Residence has recorded a 15% increase in revenue from its conference and banqueting facilities in Q1 2013 as compared to 2012. The property’s Al Nahda Banquet Halls 1…
MAF Ventures, Daud Arabian enter JV
Daud Arabian and Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Ventures announce a joint venture agreement covering their mutual investments in Gourmet Gulf Company in the Middle East.
The partnership…
Ramadan Night Market attracts 50,000 visitors
The ten-day long Ramadan Night Market witnessed a footfall of 50,000 visitors in just five days from the opening.
“We have been able to create a unique and delightful shopping…
Ramadan Night Market to open
The Ramadan Night Market will open this Thursday, 1 August 2013.
The event is scheduled until 10 August will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre, Hall No 7 & 8.
The ten-day…
ACW acquires Oryx Hospitality
ACW has recently acquired Oryx Hospitality Group (Oryx) through its investment division, ACW Investments. The acquisition will allow ACW to manage their portfolio of managed apartments,…
Rotana Jet expands its network
Rotana Jet has recently forayed into Dubai. This will be the airline’s debut in the emirate connecting Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island. The service will be launched on 1 August…
Dubai on a growth trend
Based on the vision and initiatives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of UAE, Dubai has consistently risen on list of top tourist destinations…
Dubai’s UK market grows 8%
UK tourists in Dubai rose 8% year-on-year for the second quarter of 2013 representing around 185,000 guests.
The figure is a solid increase on the 170,000 who made the trip to the…
MASholidays launches Dubai packages
MASholidays has rolled out two tour packages to Dubai in conjunction with commencement of services to Dubai. Travellers can choose from two packages of either group or individual departure…
Jazeera Airways’ witness positive operations results
Recent statistics revealed by Jazeera Airways for June 2013 stated that the airline was leading across routes serving Beirut, Amman, Sharm El Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, Sohag, Dubai and Bahrain.…
Wafi launches new rewards programme
The Wafi Mall has launched a new customer loyalty program offering shopping and dining benefits.
The program also focuses on advanced mobile technology for collection and redemption…
CWT takes on Orient Travels in Dubai
Carlson Wagonlit Travel recently announced that it has appointed a second partner, Orient Travel, in the UAE, to manage growing volumes of corporate travel and develop its offering to…
Ramadan night market boasts new attractions
The Ramadan Night Market schedule to be held from 1-10 August 2013 will showcase new attractions for its second edition.
This year’s edition includes an Arabian Souq, Fashion…
UAE firms vie to buy world’s first underwater hotel
Drydocks World is in talks with number of UAE companies for building of the Water Discus Hotel, this was revealed by Emirates 24|7.
"We have been already been approached by UAE…
Wafi on expansion mode
The latest stage of a multi-phase expansion programme by Wafi has been completed.
The expansion includes a variety of new food and beverage outlets, along with family entertainment.…
Turkey gears up for Ramadan
Tourism statistics state that last year's official figures from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed significant growth rates of 80.34% from the UAE, 107.81% from Bahrain,…
DAMAC Properties developing 8,000 serviced hotel apartments
Dubai's drive to see 20 million tourists visiting the Emirate by 2020 will see the current hotel capacity reached within just three years, said senior executives from DAMAC Properties.…
Dubai’s Ramadan Night Market returns
Dubai will once again witness the set up of its Ramadan Night market.
This year, the event is looked to be bigger with more offerings. The night market will be held over last 10…
Minor group to launch new projects in UAE
Minor International is planning on setting up new hotel projects in the UAE.
William E Heinecke, chairman and CEO of the group, said the company is keen to boost its presence in Abu…
New Qur’an-based theme park for Dubai
Dubai is going to build a theme park based on the Quran, according to the general projects department of the Dubai Municipality.
Holy Quran Park will be a US $7.4m public park project…
The Address Downtown Dubai goes for the ‘CUT’
Dubai will soon join the league of extraordinary culinary experiences when CUT, Wolfgang Puck's modern American steak restaurant, opens its doors at The Address Downtown Dubai.
The…
Accor’s Adagio Aparthotel to open in October 2013
Accor Middle East announced that the first Adagio Aparthotel Hotel in the Middle East will open in October 2013. The hotel will offer 279 apartments and is one of three hotels set to open in…
The Oberoi Group forays into UAE
The Oberoi Group announced the opening of The Oberoi, Dubai. The Oberoi, Dubai will be the Group's first property in UAE. The property overlooks the Burj Khalifa and boasts 252 rooms and…
The Oberoi debuts in UAE
The Oberoi Group has announced the opening of The Oberoi, Dubai.
The hotel is the group's first property in the United Arab Emirates. It offers 253 rooms and suites with the hotel…
Etihad Airways expands baggage allowance
Etihad Airways is expanding check-in options in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai this summer, including an additional five kg baggage allowance.
The check-in locations, available from 24…
Latin American investment opportunities in spotlight
Peru will embark on a major international road show with the goal of promoting greater inward investment from foreign markets, starting with a visit to the UAE.
The delegation is…
Dubai heads for Dh1bn cruise industry
Dubai’s director of cruise tourism Jamal Humaid Al Falasi has said he expects the country’s cruise industry to be worth Dh1bn by 2020.
The executive from the Department of Tourism was…
Al Waleed hospitality acquires luxury hotel apartment
Al Waleed hospitality, the hospitality sector of Al Waleed Investment Group recently acquired a luxury hotel apartment in Al Barsha. The Al Waleed Palace Hotel Apartments - Al Barsha…
UAE gets its first Wyndham Hotel
Wyndham Hotel Group announced plans for the first Wyndham Hotels and Resorts property in UAE following the signing of an agreement with Sigma III Limited. Currently under development, the…
Dubai Airports to upgrade runways in 2014
Dubai Airports will conduct an extensive runway enhancement project at Dubai International (DXB) during an 80-day period commencing 1 May 2014.
Scheduled passenger flights at its hub…
Costa Cruises celebrates 65th anniversary in Dubai
Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Cruise Tourism Department hosted the 65th anniversary celebration of Costa Cruises.
Today marks the 65th anniversary of Costa…
VFS Global, TASHEEL to offer Saudi visa application
The Undersecretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ambassador Osama bin Ahmad Al-Sanousi Ahmed in presence of His Excellency Ibrahim Bin Saad…
Grand Millennium Dubai rolls out refurbishment plans
The Grand Millennium Dubai will soon announce details on the refurbishment of the apartment tower. According to General Manager Peter Mansourian, the facility combines both flexibility of…
Dubai Airport passenger traffic continues to soar
Passenger growth at Dubai International Airport is on an upward trend with a double digit growth in February. According to the airport's latest monthly report, passenger traffic at Dubai…
DCAA, DTTAG inks MoU
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), intended to ensure closer cooperation between the two…
Travel Daily Thirsty Thursday Dubai hits high‼
The recent Travel Daily Thirsty Thursday Dubai event that was held at the JW Marriott Marquis saw a strong attendance from the industry.
The evening was supported by Hotel partner – JW…
DIBS 2013 registers strong visitor numbers
The 21st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2103 has witnessed a strong turn-out of visitor numbers. In addition, significant boat sales have transpired in its first days.…
Dubai touches the 10 million visitors mark
Visitor numbers to Dubai increased by 9.3% in 2012, with the city welcoming more than 10 million visitors over a one year period for the first time. The statistics were announced by Dubai's…
DAMAC announces ‘DAMAC Towers by Paramount’
DAMAC Properties have entered into an exclusive partnership with Paramount Hotel & Resorts to build the 'DAMAC Towers by Paramount'.
The project will comprise a 540-key Paramount…
Guinness World Records opens Middle East office
Guinness World Records commenced its Middle East operations with a Dubai office.
For the first time Guinness World Records has a Dubai-based official dedicated to working with…
Cartoon Network to launch at IMG theme park in Dubai
Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG Group) in partnership with Turner CN Enterprises is bringing a dedicated Cartoon Network Zone to the IMG Theme Park in Dubai, as reported by Gulf…
Hues Hotel Management keen to expand presence in the region
The establishment of the Hues Hotel in Dubai and its successful one-year of operation has provided the Hues Hotel Management Company an impetus to explore expansion in the region.
As per…
DTCM goes Green
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is organizing a 'Green Exhibition' from 7-9 April to coincide with the Dubai Green Festival, the first-ever city wide green…
Revamp of Mushrif Park gets underway
The redevelopment of Mushrif Central Park, formerly Mushrif Park, will shortly commence on site and transform the existing park, open only to women and children, into a park for the entire…
Barcelona gets the one-off Emirates A380
Emirates’ A38 touched down in Barcelona – El Prat Airport for the first time in a one-off service.
This is the first ever scheduled service of an Emirates A380 to Spain and the A380…
Dubai Municipality, DTCM issue guide on sales fee of hotels
Dubai Municipality in coordination with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has issued a guide for calculation and audit of hotels sales fee in Dubai.
The guide,…
Emaar unveils The Address Residence Sky View hotel
Emaar Properties PJSC has further strengthened its portfolio with the launch of The Address Residence Sky View.
The 50-storey hotel, residence and serviced apartment twin-tower complex…
GNTO’s ‘Dallal fi Almania’ 2013 taps into families
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) recently concluded its road show ‘Dallal fi Almania’ (Feel Good in Germany) 2013 which was held in partnership with Lufthansa German Airlines. …
Tamani Hotel Marina on a growth spree
Tamani Hotel Marina has started the year with an increase in numbers with its occupancies, source markets and RevPar.
"Our Revpar is higher by 4 to 5% not only in comparison to the last…
DWTC’s Landmark apartments undergo refurbishment
The ‘Apartments’ at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) recently underwent a complete refurbishment.
The three apartment blocks, have been present since its opening in 1979, and has…
Emirates adds second route to the Philippines
Emirates has announced plans to launch flights to a second destination in the Philippines.
From October 2013, the Dubai-based airline will add a new direct service to Clark…
Crowne Plaza Dubai opens new Royal Suite
Crowne Plaza Dubai recently opened its Royal Suite.
The two-storey, Royal Suite covers 256 square meters includes a separate living room, kitchen and bathrooms featuring latest…
Dubai targets 15mn tourist by 2015
A recent study by Genesis Consulting ME stated that Dubai is one of the top 10 destinations in the world in terms of travel and tourism for leisure, business or shopping.
Several…
Revamped Al Ghurair Centre set to open
Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai recently underwent an AED2 billion expansion, adding more shops and an entertainment zone to the existing mall.
The three-decade old shopping centre will…
flydubai launches Juba
Flydubai announced operations to Juba in Republic of South Sudan.
The new service will commence on 21 April 2013 with four flights a week between Dubai and Juba Airport.
flydubai's…
New look for Ritz-Carlton Dubai
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai recently unveiled its new wing, complete with 148 guestrooms and suites.
The new facility also incorporate Club Lounge, dining venues, a new spa concept,…
Dubai unveils ‘Bluewaters island project’ to boost tourism
Dubai is n a roll to boost its tourism portfolio, in a recent development, a new US$1.6 billion island development has been announced off the coast of Dubai.
The Bluewaters Island…
Emirates goes daily to Adelaide
Emirates has increased the number of flights it offers to Adelaide.
The Dubai-based carrier commenced four weekly flights to the South Australian city in November 2012, and has now…
New DoubleTree property on JBR
Hilton Worldwide and Al Ain Hospitality Investments LLC have signed a management agreement to operate a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the Jumeirah Beach Residence district of Dubai. …
Sheikh Mohammed highlights UAE’s vision
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, inaugurated The Government Summit, the first of its kind regional initiative hosted…
Dubai’s A380 facility opens for business
Dubai Airports and Emirates announced the completion of the phased launch of Concourse A.
All 20 A380 capable contact gates and Emirates' First Class and Business Class lounges, which…
Nakheel launches Club Vista Mare
Nakheel launched Club Vista Mare, a beachfront residential and recreation project to be constructed on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah.
The project includes 33 studio apartments as well as eight…
DeG, DTCM explore tourism eServices
In an effort to enhance tourism services, HE Ahmed Bin Humaidan, director general of Dubai eGovernment (DeG) Department met director-general, HE Hilal Saeed Al Marri of the Department of…
Dubai Mall attracts 65mn visitors in 2012
Dubai Mall for the last year attracted 65mn visitors, an increase of more than 20% compared to 54mn visitors hosted by the mall in 2011.
Retail sales across various outlets also reported…
Nakheel announces Mall and Hotel Complex on Palm Jumeirah
Nakheel will invest AED2.5bn in a new, integrated retail, dining, entertainment and hotel complex - Nakheel Mall - to be constructed on Palm Jumeirah.
The new development - part of…
‘Hello Dubai 2013’ campaign launched
In an effort to boost the tourism appeal of Dubai in global markets, a joint cooperation was unveiled between the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Emirates Airline.
The…
Hilton Worldwide’s aggressive MEA plans
With 12,349 rooms in 35 properties in active construction, Hilton Worldwide will be aggressively expanding its presence in the MEA region in the next two-three years.
In 2012, Hilton…
DTCM, DHA to promote the Medical Tourism in Dubai
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have come together to promote Dubai as a leading health destination.
Eyad Abdul Rahman, Executive…
Aviation Safety Culture Conference set to take off
Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed al Maktoum, president, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, DCAA will launch the ‘Aviation Safety Culture’ Conference on 29-30 January…
Global Airport Leaders’ Forum in Dubai
In an effort to encourage cross-border partnerships, cooperation and address global challenges, Dubai will play host to the first Global Airport Leaders' Forum (GALF).
The event scheduled…
DTCM aims to boost Health tourism
The Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing (DTCM) has held talks with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to discuss ways of promoting the Health Tourism through overseas exhibitions,…
Urban tourism on the rise in Dubai
The fast-growing retail landscape in Dubai has given rise to a new concept of Urban tourism.
This concept has grown exponentially over the past few years. This fact was further…
Dubai International’s Terminal 1 to undergo refurbishment
A major refurbishment of Dubai International’s Terminal 1 is due to begin in the first quarter of 2013.
On completion, the refurbished terminal will offer an efficient and streamlined…
New navigation system for Dubai
The GIS Department of Dubai Municipality recently developed the National Coordinates, a new comprehensive navigation system. The new system was launched by Eng Hussain Nassir Lootah ,…
TUI Cruises debuts in the region
TUI Cruises made its debut in the region with the maiden call of its cruise ship Mein Schiff 2.
The ship, which when translated means ‘My Ship’ docked into Dubai on 3 November 2012. Dubai…
Seawings looks to strengthen its presence in the region
Seawings LLC, the seaplane operator in the Middle East has strategic plans to augment its presence in the region.
Plans include new leisure introductions, focussed approach to tap into the…
Jazeera Airways’ self-check-ins gains momentum
The recently launched self-check-in kiosks at Kuwait International Airport by Jazeera Airways has been gaining momentum.
Dubai-bound travelers were the segment that most used the…
Al Habtoor Group gets a royal visit
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai visited the Al Habtoor Group head office with His Highness Sheikh Maktoum…
Arabian Courtyard seek new partners
The UK market contributes 25-30% of Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa business.
Focusing on this potential market, the hotel plans to promote cultural tourism in the region and seek new…
ICTF kicks off at Meydan
The International Coffee and Tea Festival (ICFT) will commence from today 30 October 2012 at the Meydan Grandstand and Convention Centre in Dubai.
The event which runs until 2 November…
JA showcases developments to trade
JA Resorts & Hotels showcased its new brand and hotel developments to travel agents in the UK this week.
The hospitality group, which includes the Jebel Ali branded hotels and…
Emirates to connect Athens with A380 service
Emirates will operate its A380 scheduled service into Athens from 26 October 2012.
The airline has been servicing the route for the past 16 years. Additional A380 destinations that are set…
Meraas launches ‘Outlet Village’ project
Meraas announced the launch of an 'Outlet Village' in Dubai.
The Outlet Village will offer retail high-end luxury brands at discounted prices. In addition, Meraas also announced the launch…
Extension of Business Bay Canal Project approved
The Business Bay area in Dubai will soon undergo an uplift as HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, endorsed the…
Boosting cruise tourism high on DTCM’s agenda
In an effort to encourage and introduce cruise tourism to regional markets, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Government of Dubai recently concluded its regional…
Dubai leads the way for business growth: Jones Lang LaSalle
The recent Jones Lang LaSalle third quarter 2012 Market Overview Reports for Dubai and Abu Dhabi revealed that Dubai was ahead of the curve boosting business confidence in the region. This…
Jebel Ali rebrands, announces two hotels
Jebel Ali International Hotels has unveiled a new name and logo under a rebrand.
The hotel group has refreshed its name to JA Resorts & Hotels and changed to a silver logo as it looks…
Dubai witnesses 20% jump in Russian tourist
The tourism industry in Dubai is optimistic about the number of Russian tourist visiting the country by the end of the year. Statistics quoted are as high as 20% over 2011. Increased…
Air France opens revamped Dubai business lounge
His Excellency, Eric Giraud-Telme, Consul General of France to the UAE, and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai airports inaugurated the refurbished Air France Business class lounge in Dubai. The…
Middle East aims to ease flow for motoring tourists
A new body, established earlier this year by the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme 'AIT' and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 'FIA', were meeting for the first time to discuss…
Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts boosts UAE presence
The city of Dubai will get its Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts brand with the opening of the Swissôtel Jadaf Dubai, scheduled to open by early 2016. The mixed use property will comprise of…
Corp Executive Al Khoory Hotel now operational
The first guest was welcomes at the Corp Executive Al Khoory Hotel in Dubai this week. This was the soft launch of the hotel. This is the second property for the brand in Dubai and joins…
Rotana Group expands its Dubai portfolio
This October, the Rotana Group will open two new hotels to cater to growing tourists in Dubai. The two new facilities to be launched this October are Al Ghurair Arjaan Rotana hotel…
Emirates, Qantas announce major global aviation partnership
Emirates and Qantas announced a new global aviation partnership. Under the agreement signed this morning by Emirates President Tim Clark and Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Qantas will move its hub…
Tangram Hotels unveils expansion plan in GCC and Middle East
Tangram Hotels, a newly launched international hotel brand originally established in Beijing has revealed its ambitious expansion plan. The Hotel Group is currently looking at opportunities…
Industry Appointments – Pullman Deira City Centre
JEAN-PHILLIPE BITTENCOURT has been appointed General Manager for Pullman Deira City Centre Dubai. In his new role Bittencourt will spearhead the property's new brand identity while driving…
Wild Wadi to unveil new ride
Wild Wadi Waterpark is preparing for the launch of a new and improved Jumeirah Sceirah waterslide that will intimidate the most daring of thrill seekers. The new Jumeirah Sceirah, which now…
Meydan unveils premium Dubai Beach
Meydan has announced the launch of Meydan Beach which will be located in the Dubai Marina District. The stand-alone beach facility houses two infinity pools, a chillout lounge, boutique spa…
Port Rashid resumes passenger ferry services
The sea-borne passenger connections between Dubai and port cities across the Gulf region have resumed at the newly upgraded and refurbished Port Rashid Passenger Terminal, operated by DP…
RTA inks MoU with Alpha Tours
In an bid to boost public transport sector spanning the metro, public buses and marine transit modes, while also achieving an integration with tourist sector in Dubai, an MoU was signed on…
UN World Humanitarian Day to be celebrated in Dubai
Under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace and chairperson of the International Humanitarian City (IHC) HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,…
New reservation system from Clover Creek Hotel
Clover Creek Hotel Apartments has recently introduced its online booking system that will offer direct reservation system to its website. On the new portal, reservations will appear in 57…
Emaar Properties records US$332 million net profit
Emaar Properties PJSC has reported a net operating profit of AED1.22 billion (US$332 million) for the first six months of 2012, 45% more than the half year 2011 net operating profit of…
QE2 to become luxury hotel in Dubai
The owners of the QE2 announced this week that the ship will have a permanent home at the heart of Dubai’s Port Rashid, ending a period of uncertainty for the iconic liner.
The vessel will…
QE2 to become a luxury hotel in Dubai
The owners of the QE2 announced this week that the ship will have a permanent home at the heart of Dubai’s Port Rashid, ending a period of uncertainty for the iconic liner.
The vessel will…
Queen Elizabeth 2 hotel soon in Dubai
The Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner is soon to be converted into a 300-room luxury hotel. The 70,327-ton, 1,791-passenger vessel was bought from Cunard for US$100 million five years ago by…
Cosmopolitan opens its first hotel in Dubai
NBHH (Nael & Bin Harmal Group) have announced the opening of their first boutique hotel in Al Barsha area, Dubai. Built at a cost exceeding AED100 million, the Cosmopolitan Hotel, a…
Emirates boost Zambia, Zimbabwe services
Emirates have announced that its Dubai-Lusaka-Harare route would become a daily service from October 1st, 2012. The linked service currently operates five times a week and Emirates for the…
DTCM targets luxury travel market
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently concluded its participation in the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Shanghai. The event was attended by 25…
Dubai Sports World kicks off 2nd edition
The Dubai Sports World has returned with its second edition accompanies by more sports and leisure activities. The event is being organized by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in association…
Four Seasons announces new resort in Dubai
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, in collaboration with Bright Start LLC, formally announced plans for a resort property in the heart of Jumeirah Beach.
The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at…
Istithmar World acquires remaining Atlantis stake
Istithmar World, a subsidiary of Dubai World, has confirmed the completion of the purchase of Kerzner International Holdings' (KIHL) 50% interest in Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai for $250m,…
Modhesh World attracts over 15,000 visitors
Modhesh World attracted more than 15,000 visitors during the first three days of Dubai Summer Surprises at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The event boast 40 zones attracting families…
Costa shuffles winter capacity to meet European cruise demand
Costa Cruises has reshuffled its winter capacity after seeing significant positive booking trends in Europe during recent weeks. The line is shifting capacity to Dubai and the…
V Five Continents Hospitality launch 3rd property in UAE
Post the signing of the management contract with Sultan International Holding, V Five Continents Hospitality Group have announced the launch of their third hotel in UAE - V Continents…
Daily CSR practices can drive growth for UAE companies
Corporate Social Responsibility should be the underlining principle that drives growth in all organisations. In order to be truly effective, CSR principles must be adopted at all levels and…
SpiceJet to connect Dubai with Delhi, Mumbai
SpiceJet further expands its connectivity launching its service to Dubai. The airline is connecting Dubai with daily services to Delhi and Mumbai and inaugural flights are set for last week…
DTCM discuss tourism market trends to promote Dubai
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) organised a joint meeting of the Tourism and Hospital Liaison Group recently to discuss tourism market trends and challenges and…
DTCM launch new environment initiative for Green Tourism
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) launched a new initiative as part of the Green Tourism Award programme to improve service standards and excellence in the…
Emirates launches Ho Chi Minh City daily service
Emirates announced an expansion to its global network with the start of a non-stop, daily service between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. With the start of…
Travelport inaugurates new regional office in Dubai
Travelport has amalgamated its operations in the UAE and established a new regional hub office in Dubai that will function as the company's corporate headquarters for the Middle East and…
DoubleTree by Hilton strengthens Dubai presence
Hilton Worldwide signed an agreement to convert the Dubai hotel property, The Royal Ascot, into a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, the second DoubleTree branded property planned for the city…
Al Waleed Group launches investment arm in the hospitality industry
Al Waleed Investment Group recently announisced their intent to commence its new arm in the hospitality sector for the local market in Dubai, as well as announces the acquisition of the…
Hotel Show gains momentum
The Hotel Show 2012 this year witnessed participation from over 450 suppliers and consultants across 45 countries representing 13 international pavilions. The event also attracted over…
Dubai gets its own Thirsty Thursday
The first Thirsty Thursday was launched in Dubai by Travel Daily Middle East along with MSC Cruises. The event was also supported by key sponsors – Rotana Hotels (Hotel Partner) and DTTAG…
DTCM keenly explores Saudi market
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) took another step to further consolidate Dubai tourism position in Saudi Arabia. As per statistics, over 873,000 Saudi…
dnata acquires shareholding in En Route International Ltd
dnata announced that it has acquired a majority stake in En Route International Ltd with operations in London, Dubai and the US.
En Route International has ten years’ catering experience in…
Etisalat showcases e-Hospitality services
Responding to growing information and communication technology (ICT) requirements of the region's hospitality industry, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation – Etisalat showcased its…
Dubai welcomes second-biggest ship in UAE history
Royal Caribbean’s 3840-passenger Voyager of The Seas arrived this Tuesday at Dubai’s Port Rashid after completing a 15-day journey from Barcelona.
The Voyager of the Seas is the second…
Dubai welcomes Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas arrived at Port Rashid for the first time yesterday. The ship’s capacity totals to 3,114 guests and 1,185 crew, has a total of 15…
Popularity of Golf gains momentum in UAE
Golf Clubs in the UAE have been celebrating the increasing popularity of the sport in the region having recently hosted over 50,000 rounds in a single month for the first time.
Mustafa Al…
Dollar Rent A Car launches ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ rentals in UAE
Dollar Rent A Car have launched its flexible offerings in UAE with hourly car rentals. The car rental company will also offer half days and a day off on weekly rentals.
The Pay-As-You-Go…
Ramee eyes high-end hotels
Dubai-based Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts is looking for high-end properties in the UAE and other Gulf states for lease or management, said a senior company official. Raj Shetty,…
Panasonic Avionics to set up customized building
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone commenced a ground-breaking ceremony for the Panasonic Avionics new Headquarter located at Dubai Airport Freezone. Once…
Starwood announces plans to temporarily relocate global HQ to the Middle East in 2013
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc recently held its company’s annual leadership conference in Dubai for the first time. Top 100 global executives were welcomed underscoring the…
Virgin Atlantic strengthens position on New York route
Virgin Atlantic Airways announced a fourth daily service between London Heathrow and New York's John F Kennedy airports. The new service will commence on October 28th and will complement the…
Hotel Show 2012 to focus on green initiatives
Sustainability, environmental responsible policies and green technology will be the key focus of The Hotel Show this year. Scheduled to take place from May 15th – 17th in Dubai, the event…
Holiday Inn Dubai caters to people with special needs
Holiday Inn Dubai has set up a permanent exhibition gallery in its premises for Manzil, a Sharjah-based centre for people with special needs, to display art and jewellery creations of…
HRH Sheikh Mohammed opens Arabian Travel Market 2012
HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012, in the presence of senior…
Istithmar World becomes sole owner of Atlantis, The Palm Dubai
Istithmar World PJSC 'Istithmar World', a subsidiary of Dubai World, confirmed the completion of the purchase of Kerzner International Holdings Limited's 'KIHL' 50% interest in Atlantis, The…
holidaysarabia.com launched in Dubai
Keeping up with the aggressive growth of the online travel space, www.holidaysarabia.com has forayed into the UAE. The portal is a dedicated online travel service brings together Middle East…
BA unveils new refreshed lounge at Dubai International Airport
The US$8 billion investment by British Airways' into customer offerings, will witness its refreshed lounge at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 is now complete.
The refurbishment…
Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel gears up to cater to Chinese clientele
Differentiation is carving a niche for oneself, in keeping with this trend, the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel in Dubai, managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, have rolled out its authentic…
RASCJ inks partnership with Skydive Dubai
In a recent development, under the patronage of HRH Prince Hamzah Bin Al Hussein, the Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan (RASCJ) recently announced its partnership with Skydive Dubai to launch…
JetPad garners keen interest for eco-friendly personal watercraft
JetPad has recently unveiled a zero noise and emission-free personal watercraft (PWC).
Distributors globally amounting to over 18 - including influential big-hitters from across the Middle…
Country Club Hotel leads Earth Hour Guinness World Record attempt
The Country Club Hotel in Dubai, led a group initiative to raise the level of awareness of Earth Hour by attempting a Guinness World Record by lighting 10000 thousand candles across 20 group…
MENA hospitality metrics remain positive: Al Taameer
The recently published MENA hospitality report by Al Taameer Real Estate Investment stated that the three hotel industry metrics in Kuwait displayed positive results in January 2012 compared…
Global Village concludes with aplomb
Global Village recently concluded its 16th and longest season. Almost five million visitors were welcomed through the 151-day event.
This included a new record of 165,000 visitors in a…
Dubai international’s passenger traffic surges by 19%
Dubai International's monthly passenger traffic surpassed the 4.5 million mark according to the monthly traffic report for February issued by Dubai Airports.
Passenger traffic surged 19% in…
Dusit Dubai sees substantial growth in Chinese visitors
Dusit Thani Dubai has reported 449% growth in revenue from the Chinese market so far this year. The property has registered year to date growth of 4,187 room nights from China compared to…
Ritz-Carlton opens second Dubai property
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) officially opened its doors yesterday. The 341-room hotel, with 124 executive residences, is the second Ritz-Carlton in Dubai…
First Ascott-branded property to open in Dubai
The Ascott Limited has brought its premium Ascott brand to Dubai, through a management contract for the 118-unit Ascott Park Place Dubai. Ascott will operate the property from 1 October 2010…
Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha helps flood
The Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha has launched a scheme to collect and distribute food, medicines, clothing and blankets to flood victims in Pakistan. The hotel has appealed to local…
Dubai develops new rental system for self catering hotel units
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has developed a new rental system for self catering hotel units, which will be put into action later this year. The new system…
Jaz hotel opens in Dubai
Jaz Hotels, Resorts and Cruises has opened its first hotel in Dubai.Four-star Emirates Grand Hotel by Iberotel is located 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport on the Sheikh Zayed…
Three new hotels for Palm Jumeirah
Three beachfront hotels are scheduled to open this year on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah. The new properties, from a series of different operators and developers, will join Atlantis, The Palm,…
Premier Inn opens another Dubai hotel
Premier Inn has opened its third hotel in Dubai as part of a strategy to open one budget hotel in every major city in the GCC by 2015.The newest Dubai property is located opposite Terminal 3…
Jumeirah sponsors golf star McIlroy
Dubai, 2nd February 2010: Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a new 3-year sponsorship deal with the 20-year-old golfing…
Dubai to reveal hotel re-classification details soon
The Dubai Department of Commerce and Tourism (DTCM) is due to reveal the new classification of Dubai hotel properties sometime this year, a senior DTCM official has told Emirates…
MENA hotel occupancies slump almost 11% in 2009
Hotels in the Middle East and Africa fell victim to a 10.9% occupancy slump to 62% in 2009 according to the latest data compiled by STR Global.The average daily rate (ADR) for this period…
Fashion advisorst hit The Address Dubai Mall
The Address Dubai Mall's latest addition to its gamut of exclusive services is a personal fashion advisor for all in-house guests. The hotel is the first in the region to offer this unique…
Ritz-Carlton Dubai to expand
This April, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai will being an expansion project that will increase the total number of guest rooms and include the addition of several new restaurant concepts. This…
Arabian Courtyard in multi-million upgrade
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa in Dubai has completed five successful years of operation amidst commitment by the owners to invest an amount of AED4 million this year in product…
Premier Inn opens third hotel in Dubai
Premier Inn, the UK's biggest hotel chain, announces it has now opened its third site within the Gulf region at Premier Inn Dubai International Airport.
This development follows two…
Dusit Princess hotel opens in Dubai
Bangkok - Dusit International has officially opened the hotel Dusit Princess City Centre, Dubai located near Deira City Centre, adding a new facet to one of the most exciting and popular…
World’s first Armani Hotel to open in March
Milan; January 4, 2010 (TravMedia.com): Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel to open under the collaboration between Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and Emaar Properties PJSC, will be officially…
Rotana opens world’s tallest hotel
Rotana, the leading hotel management group in the Middle East, has opened the world's tallest hotel in Dubai, adding to its expanding hotel empire. The Rose Rayhaan by Rotana opens to the…
WORLDHOTELS welcomes two new Dubai hotels
Frankfurt, 18th December 2009 - One of the leading groups of independent hotels, WORLDHOTELS, has announced that Dubai's newest luxury hotel, Media One Hotel, has joined as one of its…
Banyan Tree Launches in UAE
Banyan Tree Launches First Luxury Desert Spa Resort With Private Nature Reserve In Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
07 Dec 09
Banyan Tree Al Wadi is launching on 1 January 2010 in Ras Al Khaimah,…
Blue Flag programme to rate Dubai’s beaches
Beaches in Dubai will be rated on cleanliness and water quality under the Blue Flag programme, a voluntary eco-label action recognised by the UN, Gulf News reported.
All beaches and…
Jumeirah Group to resort in US Virgin Islands
Dubai-based Jumeirah has been appointed to manage a luxury multi-use resort occupying the entire western tip of St. Thomas, one of the US Virgin Islands.
The Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort,…
St Regis to debut in Dubai
St Regis will arrive in Dubai in 2012, Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced. The development, located in the Dubai Creek area, will include the 264-room & suite St Regis Dubai…
New Kempinski for Dubai
Kempinski Hotels will manage a new five-star property in Dubai, Gulf News has reported. The hotel chain has signed a deal with the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) to operate the new…
Gulf boom for Best Western
The chain's first hotel in Dubai, the 165-room Best Western Residences, is set to open in February next year.
The group is participating in next week's Arabian Travel Mart for the first…
Gulf hotel rates to stay firm
According to Gulf Daily News. Dubai currently leads global hotel statistics with an average room rate of US$283 in 2007. Meanwhile, other Gulf cities also topped the US$200 mark. Lawless was…
Bavaria to open mega hotel in Dubai next year
Claudia Siebecker, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing said the hotel would ease accommodation demand, especially for those operators looking to accommodate groups, meetings and…
Armani Residences part of Burj Tower
Armani Residences, a luxury collection of 144 private residences will be designed by Giorgio Armani, one of the world's leading fashion icons.
Located on levels 9 to 16 of Burj Dubai,…
W in Dubai
The W Doha features 291 rooms and suites, 156 serviced apartments and four dedicated meeting rooms.
Chinese tycoon buys Dubai island
Hu Bin, developer and director of the Shanghai Zhongzhou International Holding Group, bought the 40,000-square-metre Shanghai Island, part of "The World" development in Dubai, which…
Emirates hotel opens Nov 1
At the gateway entrance to the Dubai Marina, the hotel is set within the city's most sought-after districts and near Dubai Media and Internet Cities and other business, leisure and beach…
Hotel room imminent surplus in Dubai
Currently, the approximate hotel room count is 40,000 in Dubai and according to Arabian Business.com there are questions as to whether demand will meet supply by 2008.
However, the…
WH ATM Success
The hotel group received over 15 contract applications from independent hoteliers directly at the Dubai-based show.
WorldHotels also reported distribution trends in customer relations and…
Dubai’s Emirates plans $253 mln Seychelles resort
Emirates, which this year got Australian approval to build a hotel resortoutside Sydney, aims to complete the 472-room Seychellessite at Mahe in 2010, the airline's president, Tim Clark,…
