Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the establishment of a new subsidiary company, Red Sea Security (RSS) to create job opportunities and enable generations of young Saudis to develop their talents and skillsets in the field of hospitality security. A new cohort of 106 security personnel recently graduated through the RSG training program, aligned with the opening of the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination. RSS will provide a behind-the-scenes, reassuring, and unobtrusive security presence to Red Sea Global’s destinations to ensure guests’ comfort and privacy. The guest-oriented security approach relies on intensive hospitality-oriented security training, technology, and artificial intelligence to minimize physical presence, while maintaining efficiency in operations. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced that it would establish a series of subsidiary businesses to drive an uplift in Saudi tourism and associated industries. RSS is the latest expression of that promise, helping to deliver a wealth of exciting and diverse opportunities, which many ambitious young Saudis are already seizing,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Ahmad Darwish, Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, added: “I am incredibly proud to see the talent and great potential of Saudi Arabia’s young people. The continued rollout of these programs is part of our approach to train and employ Saudis across RSG, our subsidiaries, and operators, so they can become future leaders in Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.” Through the Hospitality Security program, the new employees completed 150 hours of intensive training in land, maritime, and aviation security, tourism, hospitality, English as a second language, technology, and soft skills. This education is tailored to uphold RSG’s commitment to excellence and provide the highest standards in international security. Many …

Kanoo Travel announced its association with Travel Leaders. This strategic alliance amplifies Kanoo Travel’s international reach, leveraging its deep domain expertise to ensure continued premium service to its clientele and paving the way for future expansion opportunities within the global network. This partnership was announced at a gala event which took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on October 5. The fusion of Kanoo Travel’s personalized approach with Travel Leaders’ extensive state-of-the-art technology offerings promises an unparalleled travel management experience. As part of the Internova Travel Group, Kanoo Travel will now have access to Travel Leaders’ broad suite of services, including online booking platforms, marketing tools, a global destination marketing company network and exclusive hotel programs. Furthermore, a comprehensive technology suite will bolster the servicing of both international and local clientele, providing tools for profile management, trip authorization, consolidated data analytics, advanced meetings technology and in-depth customer reporting. Mr. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Chairman – SBU Trading Divisions, commented, “I believe this partnership with Travel Leaders International will be another milestone step for Kanoo Travel. It synergizes with our recent digitalization efforts and opens new doors, giving us new opportunities to better serve our client base. He added, “Kanoo Travel has taken another step forward, reflecting on our continued dedication to elevate the travel experience. Earlier this year, we introduced Kanoo Travel MORE, expanding our offering with targeted solutions. And today with this alliance, we are even more equipped to provide our clients with an unparalleled travel platform.” “We are thrilled about this collaboration with Travel Leaders, a renowned and revered brand within the Internova Travel Group portfolio. This partnership presents a unique opportunity for Kanoo Travel to …

German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC) and world-renowned artist, Sacha Jafri, came together to spotlight its 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany campaign. Germany looks forward to welcome GCC travellers by offering an unparalleled journey through time, tradition, and natural wonders, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage and vibrant landscapes. The event was held today at Studio Jafri, the Middle East’s jewel in the crown Studio/Gallery, brought GNTO and the global Artist, Sacha Jafri together, to highlight the importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yamina Sofo, Director at German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC), said: “We are excited to promote our ‘51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany’ campaign. We’ve come together with the incredible Sacha Jafri who worked seamlessly and we were delighted to see the beauty of the Museum Island Berlin on his canvas.” “Recently, at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Germany was awarded a 52nd World Heritage; a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our heritage while offering travellers a chance to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery.” Yamina added further. Sacha Jafri said: “My vision and inspiration for my UNESCO World Heritage Sites Collection, aims to reconnect Humanity to our cultural past, a more conscious present, towards an inspired and more sustainable future. It has been an honour for me to partner with UNESCO’s in celebration of their 50th Anniversary of World Heritage Sites.” From historic palaces and castles to flourishing natural parks, architectural marvels and quaint towns, Germany encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. Whether the travellers are history enthusiasts, nature lovers, architecture aficionados, or simply seeking vibrant cultural …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurated its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Erbil. The new route provides affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Iraq and across the region. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 269 *. The flights from Abu Dhabi to Erbil operate on a convenient schedule, flying on Monday and Friday, with the national airline flying to more than 40 destinations from Abu Dhabi. Erbil is a modern metropolis with a rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. With a vibrant culture and incredible historical sites, including the ancient Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travellers of all ages can immerse themselves in multiple historical civilizations. Some of the must-see historical and natural attractions include the Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Jalil Khayat Mosque and Kurdish textile museum with memorable and enriching travel experiences awaiting. Basking in glorious year round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned family friendly destination with incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality offerings. The UAE capital, blessed with stunning beach resorts, excellent cultural offerings and exciting attractions offers visitors a warm welcome and breath taking natural and built beauty. The city offers an enriching historical experience and a bustling culture to explore with a plethora of both relaxation and adventure options to suit all ages. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to inaugurate our first flight to Erbil, a city of spectacular historical beauty, as we reaffirm our commitment to growing our ever-expanding network throughout the region. With the recent arrival of the 11th aircraft to our fleet, we are further …

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has inaugurated the “Japan Travel House” in Qatar, a pioneering initiative designed to serve as a dedicated contact point and information hub for travel to Japan. This strategic move aims to kindle interest in visiting Japan and encourage travel from the GCC countries, with a particular focus on Qatar. The official launching event took place on Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at the Japan Travel House. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar. Notably, the ceremony was also open to the general public in Qatar, providing them with an opportunity to learn about travel to Japan. Attendees were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine courtesy of Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining, which serves as a contact point. The Japan Travel House will actively distribute pamphlets highlighting various tourist attractions across Japan. Visitors can expect personalized face-to-face travel guidance and prompt responses to their inquiries. Additionally, the facility will feature informative display panels introducing diverse destinations from all corners of Japan. Plans are also in place to host Japanese cultural experience events. H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA commented: “Tourism is one of the important areas for bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. The government of Japan has introduced various measures to promote tourism from Qatar to Japan. Visa waiver measure for nationals of the State of Qatar based on ordinary passport registration system for Qatari nationals started in April this year, and we began accepting applications electronically from August. Prime Minister Kishida introduced these measures to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at the bilateral summit …

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of Al Balad Development Company (BDC). The company will become the main developer of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, in line with the continuous efforts led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to revitalize Historic Jeddah to transform Jeddah into an economic hub, a global cultural and heritage destination, and a leading tourism destination, inspired by Jeddah’s rich history and contributing to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. The company will focus on improving the district’s infrastructure, overseeing the restoration of historic buildings in Al Balad, and developing service facilities as well as recreational, residential, commercial, hotel and office spaces. The overall project development area will comprise approximately 2.5 million square meters, with a total built up area of 3.7 million square meters. This includes 9,300 residential units, 1,800 hotel units and around 1.3 million square meters of commercial and office space. The company will collaborate with the private sector and specialists to develop the area’s infrastructure according to the best standards of urban planning for historic areas, taking into account environmental sustainability and preserving the unique heritage of Historic Jeddah: a UNESCO World Heritage site. The aim is to transform it into a leading tourism destination that attracts visitors from around the world, thus contributing to economic development, with the company also working to offer attractive investment opportunities and quality commercial options for the people of Jeddah. BDC aims to provide a rich experience to explore the cultural and historic dimensions of the district, by providing an integrated environment that attracts residential, work, cultural and recreation development, contributing to quality of life and improving the visitor …

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation by launching an innovative onsite water bottling plant system. This initiation represents the first of its kind among hotels in the Northern Emirates, aiming to eliminate the use of plastic bottles, preventing approximately 300,672 plastic bottles from entering the environment annually. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority graced the launch and commended the unwavering commitment to sustainability of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.  He reiterated, “Let me congratulate Coral Beach Resort Sharjah for taking a leap in sustainability as a property in Sharjah. I would like to commend everyone in your team for believing in the importance of sustainability, its impact in our day today life in general. We are very glad that you started this and looking forward to having more companies to follow the initiative.” Plastic waste reduction has become a primary focus at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, with plastic bottles constituting a significant portion of the property’s plastic waste, particularly in food & beverage outlets and guestrooms. By implementing this unique water bottling plant, the resort is on its way to eliminating single-use plastics, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said, “We are dedicated to reducing our overall environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. Our water filtration system ensures the production of high-quality water, meticulously bottled in our onsite bottling plant room, and made available in hotel guestrooms and food & beverage outlets.” The plastic-free project is part of the resort’s ongoing sustainability efforts.  In March 2021, HMH …

Sav has joined forces with Musafir.com to bring a groundbreaking approach to travel savings. This transformative partnership is set to reshape the travel landscape, making it more accessible and affordable for UAE residents. In an era where financial responsibility and smart spending are paramount, Sav and Musafir.com introduce an innovative paradigm shift—”Save Now, Buy Later for Travel”. This trailblazing feature empowers users to embark on a journey of financial discipline while planning their dream vacations. Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com said, “At Musafir.com, our mission has always been to make travel dreams a reality. Through this partnership with Sav, we aim to empower our customers to save effortlessly for their dream vacations. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable travel experiences while making the journey towards them more accessible and convenient.” Unbeatable Travel Discounts Musafir.com commits to contribute to users’ goals across hotels, holidays, domestic and international Visas, which will redefine their travel experiences: 10% Off on UAE Visas: Seamlessly apply for UAE visas and enjoy an unprecedented 10% contribution from Musafir.com. 50% off on International Visas: Explore the world with ease and save significantly on international visas. 5% contribution on Hotels: Secure your stay at top-notch hotels with an unbeatable 5% contribution from Musafir.com. AED 300 contribution on Booking Holidays: Plan your dream holiday and save AED 300 on your booking. This partnership epitomizes Sav’s unwavering commitment to helping users save on their travel aspirations. Musafir.com joins this mission as one of the pioneering companies promoting sustainable affordability in the travel category.     A Unified Vision for Financial Empowerment This partnership between Sav and Musafir.com is about fostering sustainable financial practices in …

Qatar Airways announces its expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the launch of services of two new gateways: Al Ula, Tabuk and the reopening of Yanbu. Effective 29 October 2023, Qatar Airways will commence operations to AlUla, followed by Yanbu on 06 December 2023, and Tabuk on 14 December 2023. These new routes will offer passengers even more options to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Saudi Arabia. These additions to the airline’s rapidly growing network mark a significant milestone in Qatar Airways’ commitment to connecting travellers across the globe. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are thrilled to introduce AlUla, Yanbu, and Tabuk as our newest destinations in Saudi Arabia. These cities offer a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, and we are proud to connect travellers from around the world to these remarkable places.” Al Ula, known for its breath-taking landscapes and historical treasures, will be serviced with two weekly flights. Travelers can look forward to experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s wonders, including the ancient rock formations and archaeological marvels. Yanbu, a vibrant port city, will be connected with three weekly flights. With its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life, Yanbu is the perfect destination for those seeking sun, sea and adventure. Tabuk, nestled amidst stunning mountains and valleys, will see Qatar Airways operate three weekly flights. Travelers to Tabuk will have the opportunity to explore its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Qatar Airways now operates to nine cities in Saudi Arabia, operating more than 125 flights weekly. These cities include AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu, providing travellers …

Dubai Airports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Autism Center (DAC) to further elevate the travel experience at DXB by making it more accessible and inclusive for People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities. The MoU aligns with Dubai Airports’ commitment to support UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 for the Emirate to be the world’s leading disability-friendly city. Building on the success of the ‘We all meet the world differently’ programme launched last year, Dubai Airports continues its efforts to make travelling easier for passengers with hidden disabilities at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). Essa Al Shamsi, SVP of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “We understand the importance of bridging gaps in service levels and enhancing facilities that guests with disabilities require to enjoy their journey to their fullest, and we’re committed to continuously improving to meet and exceed guest expectations. Our partnership with the Dubai Autism Center not only demonstrates our efforts to provide an exceptional travel experience for all guests but also underscores our dedication to creating an airport environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported.” Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center said, “We are proud that the cooperation between the Center and Dubai Airports over more than a year has yielded fruit by creating an autism-friendly travel experience at one of the world’s most prominent airport hubs.” Al Emadi expressed his appreciation towards Dubai Airports and their tireless efforts to enhance the travel experience for people of determination, from the services they seek at the airport to implementing an environment that meets their needs as fully as others, in line with the vision of …