SAUDIA Group, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University to collaborate on increasing women’s empowerment efforts. According to the MoU, the two sides will extend joint efforts to increase women’s presence in the commercial aviation industry through multifaceted training programs. The agreement was signed by Dr. Norah Almotrefi, Dean of Applied College, and Mrs. Rania Al-Turki, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at SAUDIA Group. The MoU was signed during the first annual Nourah Partners Exhibition at the university’s conference center, the MoU provides the framework for academic collaboration to launch training programs that cover the activities of SAUDIA Group and its subsidiaries. SAUDIA would also provide volunteering and internship opportunities as well as collaborative training for female students. Hailing the remarkably constructive cooperation with a renowned academic institution such as Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Ms. Al-Turki said that the objectives of the MoU are in line with SAUDIA Group’s strong focus on academic learning and intensified training programs, two factors that are crucial to an ever-changing industry that thrives on innovation and creativity. SAUDIA, she added, is pressing on with job localization that encompasses hiring more women throughout the group, from board membership and executive management – 10 of the group’s top executive positions are held by women – to the airline’s cabin crew, where 154 women are relied upon to fly guests in safety and comfort, as well as guest care relations, ground operations, and in-flight technical support teams.

A coalition of key Abu Dhabi entities, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Flash Entertainment and Yas Island, have come together to take Yas Island into the metaverse, as a first phase in placing Abu Dhabi in the virtual world. This pioneering initiative is a first for the UAE in recreating an entire physical destination across multiple world-leading immersive 3D platforms. The result will be a full-featured metaverse ecosystem, allowing visitors from all over the world to access the joys, wonders, and attractions of Yas Island from home. The Yas Island Metaverse is a collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Miral, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Motorsport, and Flash Entertainment. The virtual experiences conceptualised by these dynamic businesses will enable users to gather, socialise, play, create, and transact. From building and purchasing digital homes, to discovering cultural attractions, to enjoying theme park adventures, special events, premier golf courses, and a world-class motorsport racing circuit, individuals will be able to experience all that Yas Island has to offer in a digital-first journey. Customisable avatars and surprise rewards will be part of every user’s personalised adventure. His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Innovation is central to DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to be at the forefront of what is possible.  With the Yas Island metaverse, we are inviting the world to experience the excitement of Abu Dhabi’s incredible leisure and entertainment destination – virtually –  like never before. As the emirate’s offerings evolve, this project provides a new and compelling perspective which allows the world to discover Abu Dhabi in their own time and space. …

A tourism promotion campaign organized by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has kicked off in Europe in a bid to boost tourist numbers and educate Europeans on the Kingdom’s touristic features, Minister of Tourism and JTB Chairman Nayef Al Fayez announced. In a JTB statement, Fayez underlined the significance of the campaign, which will run through October and next November, especially during this time of year when the tourism season begins in areas of mild temperature in the Kingdom, and its effect on the expected number of tourists. The JTB launched the campaign in Britain, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and Holland to promote Jordan’s new tourism identity: The Kingdom of Time, which showcases Jordan as a tourist destination and expresses its tourism character, aspirations, achievements, and vision, said Managing Director of JTB Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat. The promotion campaign in these countries also highlights Royal Jordanian as the national carrier, he added, noting that it also included advertisements on public transportation vehicles and in shopping centers, bus stops, and metro stations, in addition to billboards in bustling areas such as the Duomo in Milan, Italy, and Manchester Piccadilly station in the United Kingdom.        

Dubai Airports has issued an advisory alerting traveller that Dubai International (DXB) will experience an exceptionally busy 10-day period as a result of schools breaking for half-term holidays later this week. Passenger numbers at DXB are rising rapidly towards 2019 levels on the back of strong recovery throughout 2022, making seasonal peaks busiest since the pandemic. According to the operator, some 2.1 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB between October 21 to October 30, with total average daily traffic reaching 215,000 passengers. October 30th is expected to be the busiest day with daily traffic exceeding 259,000 passengers. While Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth airport experience for arriving and departing passengers, the operator has urged travellers to follow a few simple tips to beat the holiday rush. Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you are travelling to and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport. For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. If you are flying out of Terminal 1, arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure. Use online check in wherever available to save time. Those travelling from Terminal 3 can use Emirate’s convenient early and self-service check-in facilities. Weighing luggage at home, checking documents in advance, and being prepared for security checks can save a lot of time at the airport. Use the Dubai Metro to get to and from the airport. Friends and families are advised to use the airport’s …

ATM introduces a ‘Best Stand Build Incorporating Sustainability Initiatives’ for the 2023 annual exhibitor awards to recognise exhibitors that have made exceptional efforts to reduce their environmental impact and support the UAE’s net zero commitment Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, the leading travel and tourism showcase in the Middle East which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 1–4 May 2023, will feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards next year for the first time. The decision was taken to recognise exhibiting organisations that have considered the impact that their stand will have on the environment and the efforts they have made to reduce and or offset their carbon footprint. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We are aware of the incredible amount of effort and investment that goes into designing, building and manning exhibition stands at Arabian Travel Market. “Since its inception, the ATM exhibitor award programme has not only recognised those efforts, but has also encouraged exciting, fresh and creative ideas. “For our 2023 event, we wanted to include a category that provided synergy with our official theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ and furthermore one that supports the UAE’s broader net zero commitment as well as RX’s mission to deliver Net Zero Carbon events by 2040.” “The sustainability award will be open to all exhibitors who can nominate themselves with a justification against certain criteria that will be clearly laid out in the ATM operations manual,” added Curtis. The criteria will include the use of bio-degradable, reusable and recyclable materials for the stand build & features, digital marketing materials, limited single use plastics, reduced freight and logistics emissions, waste management, …

VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, is excited to announce that its open-air movie experience OUTDOOR will return on Wednesday, 19 October. Located on the rooftop of Galleria Mall in Jumeirah 1, OUTDOOR is a wintertime favourite among Dubai cinemagoers to kick back, relax and enjoy the latest blockbusters under a canopy of stars. Guests can choose from single seats and bean bags to two-person VIP cabanas for the ultimate al fresco movie experience. OUTDOOR also offers an exclusive waiter service, so guests are treated to VOX Cinemas’ signature food and beverages from the comfort of their seats. Throughout the winter season from October 2022 till April 2023, OUTDOOR will be screening a must-see line-up of the most anticipated Hollywood titles including Black Adam and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, as well as a slate of Halloween and Christmas titles and romantic movies. Each weekend (Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m.), there will be dedicated kids’ screenings, so the littlest movie fans can enjoy family-friendly films. OUTDOOR is equipped with the best visual technology and surround sound for a fully immersive and exhilarating big-screen experience. OUTDOOR at Galleria Mall Standard Package for 1 AED137 (Monday-Friday) / AED 157 (Saturday & Sunday) Includes one seat and F&B package with the choice of either nachos or a hotdog, salt or caramel popcorn, chocolate bar, a soft drink and bottled water   Premium View Cabana Package for 2 AED 315 (Monday-Friday) / AED 368 (Saturday & Sunday) Includes a two-person VIP cabana and F&B package with the choice of either nachos or a hotdog, salt or caramel popcorn, chocolate bar, a soft drink and bottled water   Kids Package AED 95 …

Satguru Group announced the acquisition of Orient Tours, an esteemed DMC (Destination Management Company) in Dubai. The acquisition of the Arabian Gulf’s oldest premier DMC (Destination Management Company) will accelerate Satguru’s plan to strengthen its DMC presence in UAE. Established in 1989 in Kigali (East Africa) with the aim to offer unique services to their global travelers with a sole purpose of transforming the travel world. Their customers have access to the best-in-class booking technology, smart analytics, worldwide partnerships and impeccable client servicing. They pride themselves in providing end-to-end services to allow stress-free travel to all of their customers. Their services range from organized planning, hotels and accommodation, corporate travel, car rentals, visa and insurance among others. Headquartered in Dubai, Satguru Travel under Satguru Group is one of the largest TMCs (Travel Management Companies) covering over 80 locations in every continent over the past decade. Mr. Anil Chandirani, Chairman of Satguru Group said, “Leveraging Orient Tour’s international footprint, the Satguru Group aims to expand its DMC operations in the UAE. We are confident that in the years to come, we will all reap the benefits of this cooperation.” The acquisition of Orient Tours fits seamlessly into Satguru’s business strategy to augment its growth and establish its presence both nationally and internationally. Orient Tours brings 40 years of experience to the table, offering an unconventional DMC perspective. The brand is synonymous with exceptional customer service and unique product offerings. With this acquisition, Satguru Group intends to leverage Orient Tours’ decades of expertise to further strengthen inbound tourism to the UAE and expand its footprint across 70+ countries. According to Orient Tours, the decision to hand over the reins was made keeping …

‎With the countdown to hosting the world’s largest football event advancing, Qatar Airways Group and Qatar Tourism unveil major events to provide football fans with world-class entertainment  including Qatar Live – which hosts more than 60 international artists throughout the World Cup. The conference displayed synergy between travel and tourism as Qatar Airways revealed over ten projects developed with partners including Qatar Tourism, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Qatari Diar. The airline announced the development of beach clubs, fan zones and theme parks, in addition to hosting Qatar Live, Daydream Music Festival, Lusail Boulevard brand activation, Qatar Airways Sky House, Winter Wonderland and the naming ceremony for the MSC World Europa cruise ship. At an insightful press conference, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was joined by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nasser Al Khater and MATAR Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Badr Al Meer. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Today we see the breadth of what can be accomplished when aviation and tourism work together. We are very proud to announce a wide range of world-class live entertainment coming to Qatar to celebrate the most exciting tournament that will take place in the Middle East. We look forward to our locals and tourists alike having the best of the entertainment industry readily available for their enjoyment.” Chief Executive Officer, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Mr. Nasser Al Khater, said: “Qatar is ready to welcome the world and host a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup – the first to take place in the Middle East and Arab world. Fans can expect …

marhaba, part of dnata, continues to expand its lounge offering as passengers increasingly look for quality airport hospitality services to boost their travel experience. Most recently, marhaba has re-opened a newly-refurbished lounge at Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 3. Located at Concourse ‘C’, the newest marhaba lounge features contemporary Arabic influences, enhanced buffet area and a unique bar concept. It offers comfortable seating for 140 guests across multiple, separate areas and plenty of charging points as part of a revamped experience for travellers. Including its upgraded facility, marhaba now operates five lounges at DXB, each offering superfast Wi-Fi and international cuisine catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements. Several lounges also feature a quiet zone for relaxation, shower facilities and dedicated kids areas. After a busy period for travel to and from Dubai, marhaba recorded a 140% increase in visitor numbers between June – September 2022 at its lounges compared to the same period in 2021. It also witnessed a significant growth in demand for its signature Meet & Greet services, including its innovative Home Check-in services, that ensure a swift, smooth and safe experience for passengers and their families throughout their journey. Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, commented: “marhaba’s airport services have been soaring in popularity, with more people travelling and more passengers seeking to complement their journey with access to our comfortable and convenient lounges, and our range of travel add-ons. “From Meet & Greet to chauffeur drive services and beyond, marhaba is with travellers every step of the way at DXB and around the world. As ever, passenger comfort and travel assurance remain at the heart of the experience. Our teams look forward to …

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the not-for-profit travel trade association serving government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies within the Asia Pacific region, has announced the programme for its 2022 Annual Summit set to take place from 25-27 October 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World Sustainably’, the programme covers critical industry topics such as destination resilience, sustainable travel recovery strategies, supporting women in micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), global hotel industry trends, sustainable gastronomic tourism, the voice of the next generation, and the decarbonization of transport. This is the first time PATA’s Annual Summit takes places in the Middle East. Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) at the Al Hamra International Conference Center, the three-day event brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific.  The PATA association network consists of both public and private entities representing every facet of the travel ecosystem – government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines, MNCs, SMEs, universities, and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) commented: “We are delighted to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association for the first time in the Middle East. As a dynamic and forward-looking Emirate, we are placing all aspects of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation and livability) at the centre of our investment and development strategy. We look forward to driving the sustainability agenda with key opinion leaders from around the world to build a stronger and resilient tourism economy for the future.” Among the distinguished …