In H1 2023, Ras Al Khaimah saw a 300% increase in revenue from weddings which is expected to continue to grow into H2 with the launch of the programme in September. Ras Al Khaimah focused on the fast-growing MICE market in H1 as part of its diversification strategy. Indicating a successful push to attract international markets for incentive groups with longer stays versus local corporate groups that tend to only stay for a couple of nights, the destination saw a 26% increase in MICE rooms nights compared to the same period in 2022. It also hosted several major events between January and June 2023, including the RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC). Further establishing the Emirate as a unique and attractive wedding destination, the Authority chose EWPC as its platform to introduce an all-new Wedding Certification Programme that will enable seamless, quick, and easy wedding planning in Ras Al Khaimah. Those certified through the new Wedding Certification Programme will benefit from added ease and flexibility in obtaining necessary licenses, organising events, and gaining valuable business support from certified hotels via an e-portal. Planners will also gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s civil marriage process, receive fast-tracked permits, and have access to a network of resources to help them confidently navigate through local regulations, including a curated portfolio of unique venues. Never before has a tourism destination introduced such ease and flexibility for wedding planners and couples. In parallel, the Authority also announced a series of comprehensive incentive packages for couples, wedding planners, and certified venues.

Gates Hospitality announced its partnership with frntlne to reshape the landscape of the hospitality and customer service industries in the UAE. frntlne’s innovative platform, is shaped by its proprietary methodology, The ‘frntlne Interactive Knowledge Methodology’. It is designed to empower frontline staff by providing engaging and memorable content. Founded in 2021 by serial entrepreneur Mark John, frntlne’s methodology offers short, TikTok style videos and interactive content that enhances information retention and make the upskilling process enjoyable. “We are excited to be the first client in the Middle East for frntlne,” said Naim Maadad, Chief Executive and Founder of Gates Hospitality. “At Gates, we are always on the lookout for initiatives to empower, train, and educate our employees, and frntlne’s innovative platform aligns perfectly with our vision of advancing the skills and expertise of our workforce through various training programs.” frntlne’s success is evident through its high-profile partnerships with multinational retail and consumer brands, including L’Oreal, P&G, Swisse, Mumm Champagne, and Bondi Sands to name a few. “What we’re doing at frntlne is building a new way to engage frontline team members and influence buying decisions.” Said Mark John, CEO and Founder of frntlne.  “We are committed to up-skilling workforces across industry, driving profitability, which is ever so important in the current economic climate.”

Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2023, organized by NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conference anticipates the participation of up to 200 exhibitors and over 9,000 visitors from more than 60 countries. Attendees can look forward to engaging in the event’s illustrious 3-day international conference, Global Village, Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, Hosted Buyers’ Program, providing enhanced B2B opportunities, as well as media familiarization trips and cultural tours. The event will be held under the esteemed patronage under the guidance of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Qatar Tourism has been revealed as the strategic partner for the second edition of QTM, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring “Places, People, and Cultures” from 20-22 November 2023 at the prestigious Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, expressed his excitement about Qatar Travel Mart 2023, stating, “We extend a warm welcome to exhibitors and visitors for the second edition of Qatar Travel Mart, and we are deeply honored to have the distinguished support and patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Building upon the tremendous success of the inaugural event held in 2021, which witnessed the gathering of 150 exhibitors and 6,300 visitors from 34 countries, this year’s exhibition promises to be even more remarkable.” He further emphasized, “Qatar Travel Mart 2023 endeavours to position Qatar as a prominent travel and tourism hub, fostering the country’s tourism industry growth. By inviting international buyers and visitors to discover the attraction of Qatar and consider it an integral …

Effective 30 October 2023, Qatar Airways will increase frequency to New York (JFK) from two to three daily flights. Offering new connections between New York and more than 80 destinations in the Middle-East, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, the new flights will conveniently arrive early morning and depart late evening from New York (JFK). Customers from across the U.S. will also benefit from the enhanced connectivity between JetBlue and Qatar Airways via New York. With 3 flights per day scheduled in the morning, afternoon and evening, seamless connections from Detroit, Raleigh-Durham, Orlando or Tampa, to Doha, Kathmandu, Bangkok or Johannesburg have never been easier. Members of both Loyalty Programs – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and JetBlue TrueBlue – can earn miles from each other’s expansive codeshare flights. Qatar Airways’ strategic partnership with American Airlines also continues to expand with American Airlines launching flights from its Philadelphia hub to Doha, starting 28 October 2023. American Airlines’ new Philadelphia – Doha services will provide customers with seamless travel options and benefits by connecting to more than 90 cities across North America, Caribbean and Central America, and to more than 80 cities across Africa, the Middle-East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways will also offer customers from the West Coast improved connectivity with significant codeshare expansion and distribution enablement. During the coming weeks, guests will be able to book to more destinations beyond Doha on Alaska Airlines’ website. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We continue to offer seamless connectivity to our passengers from the U.S. market and beyond with the support of our strategic partners. Our unwavering commitment to our longstanding …

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of the Kayanee Company (“Kayanee” or “the Company”), a unique lifestyle integrated concept designed to inspire and enhance women’s well-being in Saudi Arabia. Kayanee will focus on women’s health and lifestyle of future generations through six offerings, including fitness, apparel, personal care & treatments, nutrition & diagnostics, healthy eating and learning. Chaired by HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar, Kayanee will adopt a female-focused approach to all its services, prioritizing mental, physical and social health. In line with the Vision 2030 ambition to create a vibrant society, the company aims to reach over one million consumers. The establishment of Kayanee is part of PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors, localize technology, enable the private sector, drive the diversification of the local economy, and contribute to enhancing the quality of life, in line with Vision 2030. In an effort to ensure mass participation, a world-class digital platform will become the main gateway for Kayanee’s customers, providing seamless connection between in-person and online services.  The company will act as a catalyst for the rapid growth of health, well-being and fitness in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of the industry through collaboration with the private sector and across the value chain. Raid Ismail, Head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF said: “Kayanee will serve to expand Saudi Arabia’s SAR 16 billion fitness and well-being industry. It is a very exciting time for PIF to venture into women’s fitness, wellness and well-being, and Kayanee is well positioned to enable the industry through its integrated offering, which will see the company partner with the growing private sector to create a vibrant society.”

ADNEC Group has announced through its subsidiary, Capital Holiday, its full operational launch in Munich, marking a significant milestone in its vision to elevate Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. With a dedicated team in place, Capital Holidays is committed to supporting sustainable growth of tourism in the emirate. Driven by a shared passion for excellence, the Capital Holidays team is working to activate a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to streamline workflows and enhance collaborations between Capital Holidays and its trade partners, ensuring seamless travel experiences for tourists exploring Abu Dhabi. The inauguration of Tourism 365’s new office in Munich, operating under its subsidiary Capital Holidays, represents a strategic move to attract European leisure and business tourists to Abu Dhabi. This expansion aims to promote the emirate’s captivating tourist attractions in the European market while forging partnerships with tour operators. Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “The establishment of our Munich office reflects our commitment to creating lasting connections between Europe and Abu Dhabi. By providing convenient access to our exceptional destination through our European hub, we aim to showcase the richness of Abu Dhabi’s offerings to travellers, entrepreneurs, and investors alike. This move is evidence of ADNEC’s dedication to bolstering the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector on an international scale.” The strategic location of the new office in Munich positions Capital Holidays to cater to the unique preferences of European travellers. Through targeted marketing initiatives, Capital Holidays will highlight Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural heritage, modern infrastructure and unparalleled hospitality. Emphasis will be placed on the city’s iconic landmarks, thriving arts and culture scene, and world-class business facilities to foster a deeper understanding of …

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), the PIF-owned entertainment and recreation company, has announced its construction work on its new attraction-filled destination in Almadinah at an investment of SAR 1.3 billion. The project aligns with the Saudi region’s aims to build vibrant communities and improve everyone’s quality of life. Construction at Almadinah has started with BUJV, a joint venture by Al Bawani Co. Ltd. and UrbaCon Trading & Contracting, appointed to carry out the construction works.   Abdullah AlDawood, Chairman, SEVEN, said: “Our entertainment destination in Almadinah will transform the entertainment landscape of the region and bring new, unique, and exciting experiences to the people of Almadinah supporting SEVEN’s aims to enrich the quality of life for millions of Saudis.” Fakher AlShawaf, Group CEO, Albawani Holding, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate once again with SEVEN on this groundbreaking project, which aims to establish an exceptional entertainment destination in the holy city of Almadinah.” Ramez Al Khayat, Group Managing Director, UCC Holding, said: “This is an exciting project to add to our portfolio. As a leading international construction and contracting company with a wealth of expertise, we will deliver SEVEN’s entertainment destination with our signature superior quality.” Visitors can expect immersive experiences from exceptional rides set within a 4,000-square-meter family entertainment center. There will also be an e-karting track, with 330+ meters of track covering two levels; a Discovery Adventures center offering treks, treehouse trails, and other jungle-themed challenges and educational missions; and a Play-Doh entertainment center will spark children’s imaginations with three different sensorial zones.   SEVEN supports PIF’s mandate to create a sustainable entertainment, leisure and sports sector, alongside Saudi Arabia’s aim to welcome 100 million visitors …

The latest property to be added on to the Address Hotels and Resorts is the opening of Address Beach Resort in Egypt. The stylish destination in the northern coast of Egypt boasts of 118 hotel keys, 169 serviced apartments, 48 private cabanas, and 21 day-use cabanas. With its own private beach and white sandy shore, the resort takes influence from its coastal location, destination, navigators from the past, and the beautiful crystal waters. A few steps away from all that Marassi has to offer, guests at Address Beach Resort Marassi will have everything their hearts desire in one place. Enjoy taking strolls along the resort’s private beach, swim in one of the three pools, or take refuge in the Spa while the kids are entertained at Qix Club, as no matter what you choose, the team at Address are there to ensure a memorable stay.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) celebrated the graduation of 56 Emirati students from its 2023 Tourism Youth Summer Camp, a two-week introduction to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality industry where participants nurtured essential teamwork and leadership skills, gained hands-on experience and received insights from professionals within the field. The graduation ceremony, held at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas was attended by the students and their parents, as well as key industry partners and government officials including H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasseri, Executive Director of Small & Medium Enterprises, Department Of Economic Development; Shaikha Al Nuwais, Vice President Owner Relationship Management at Rotana Groups; Hamad Mohammed Alsudain, Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Director at DCT Abu Dhabi; Mouza Theib Al Mansoori, Recruitment Department Manager at Human Resources Authority; and Najla Al Nahdi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi National Hotels. In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, DCT Abu Dhabi’s annual Tourism Youth Summer Camp allows young UAE nationals interested in exploring a career in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industries to learn about Abu Dhabi as a tourism and cultural destination. The programme includes a work placement at one of the emirate’s top hotels, where participants discover the different components of the tourism business and how they contribute to the growth and development of the emirate’s economy. At the end of the programme, each student is equipped with knowledge and experience in various aspects of the tourism and culture sectors and an understanding of their important role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambitions, having gained valuable professional skills and greater confidence to pursue a career in the industry.

Starting August 31st, 2023, SalamAir will operate three weekly flights from Muscat to Baghdad. The new route is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  In parallel, starting from the 1st of October, SalamAir will operate two flights per week to Peshawar every Monday and Thursday. Peshawar is their fourth destination in Pakistan, after Sialkot, Multan, and Karachi. “We’re excited to unveil Peshawar and Baghdad as our latest destinations, a testament to our six years of successful operations. We have now extended our network to cover 41 airports spanning three continents,” Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir. He emphasized, “These new routes signify our achievement in elevating connectivity between Oman and the global while reinforcing the momentum of the tourism movement from and to the Sultanate. Now, the SalamAir network consists of 41 destinations; SalamAir flies to domestic destinations, including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Duqm, and Masirah, and international destinations Dubai, Fujairah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Baghdad, Shiraz, Tehran, Mashhad, Istanbul, Rize, Trabzon, Alexandria, Beirut, Almaty, Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Prague, Sarajevo, Bangkok, Phuket, Colombo, Chattogram, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Trivandrum. SalamAir flies directly from Suhar to Salalah, Shiraz, Trabzon, and Salalah to Muscat, Suhar, Fujairah, Madinah, Bahrain, and Calicut.