Effective 1 August 2022, residents of the UAE can apply for their Israel visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Abu Dhabi. The centre accepts applications for tourism, business, student, conference, medical, relatives and family visit categories. The contract was signed by H.E. Mr. Danny Gadot, Ambassador of Administration and Consul Affairs, Israel Embassy in the UAE, and Mr. Atul Marwah, Head – Middle East & North Africa, VFS Global, earlier this year. This is the first time the Israel Embassy in the UAE has outsourced its visa application pro-cess. Atul Marwah, Head – Middle East & North Africa, VFS Global, said, “We are excited to embark on this new partnership with the Israel Embassy in the UAE, bringing in VFS Global’s domain expertise to provide a smooth and efficient visa application journey. In February 2022, the Israel Ministry of Tourism signed a partnership with VFS Global as their tourism representation agency in the UAE. This new asso-ciation is another feather in the cap for VFS Global’s association with this beautiful country.” Applicants will benefit from a range of optional services offered by VFS Global, including passport withdrawal service, video conferencing for child applicants, form filling assistance, SMS updates, and courier return, among others. Applicants can also opt to submit their applications from VFS Global’s Premium Lounge, enjoying end-to-end personalised assistance throughout the submission process.

Travelex in partnership with Hamad International Airport (HIA) announce the launch of their latest store concept in Qatar, “Mobile Foreign Exchange Stores”. Located around HIA’s Concourse C and Concourse D, the Mobile Store concept provides airport customers with the benefits of a full-fledged foreign exchange branch packaged in a movable kiosk, allowing foreign exchange services to be further embedded within the customer’s journey. This is in addition to the Travelex foreign exchange kiosks conveniently located across the airport terminal, accessible to departing, arriving and transferring passengers. At the launch of the Mobile Stores, Travelex’s Commercial Director for the Middle East & Turkey, Mr. Batu Dölay, stated: “Launching Mobile Stores in Qatar is a key milestone in the partnership between Travelex and HIA. As the World’s Best Airport, we know HIA expects retailers to bring only the best for their customers and our Mobile Stores provide an elegant option for Travelex to ensure our services are consistently available to passengers regardless of their journey through the terminal.” Ms. Sujata Suri, VP Strategy & Commercial Development, HIA said: “As Hamad International Airport proudly caters to millions of its passengers from across the world, it is our responsibility to be perceptive and anticipate our passengers’ need for convenience and consistency in service. HIA therefore forms strategic partnerships with service providers like Travelex, which caters to ever-evolving customer needs.  Travelex has been an airport partner for 10 years, since its operations at Doha International Airport, consistently providing its services to our passengers. Its latest concept store provides mobility and flexibility using innovation in forex services.”

RAKtopia, Ras Al Khaimah’s first music and wellness festival, is bringing people together across the globe with a shared passion for music, wellness and art from 22 – 23 October, 2022. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “As we continue to keep wellness and mental wellbeing at the forefront of our tourism strategy, RAKtopia is about nurturing communities and creating soulful connections. Through this co-creative experience, we aim to foster an inclusive space for ongoing wellness, expression and self-exploration in the Emirate.” Much-loved for its back-to-nature retreat vibes, Longbeach Campground serves as the ideal location for RAKtopia. Located along a 300-meter stretch of beach, the campground combines traditional camping with luxurious amenities and engaging activities — creating an immersive “glamping” experience. Perfect for families or friends, guests can stay in a variety of unique tent options and enjoy an all-inclusive activity package including access to the beach, pool, outdoor spa, water sports, a floating theatre, and more. Taking place at the picturesque Longbeach Campground, RAKtopia will offer selfcare seekers, beach lovers and festival-goers a weekend getaway with relaxed vibes, interactive activities and captivating beats. Where Ras Al Khaimah and Utopia meet, RAKtopia is a wellness festival designed to revitalize, inspire and spark creativity and is the perfect place to connect with nature, body and mind. The exciting line-up of practitioners and performers include: Body movement awareness with RAKtopia Ambassador Allaoua Gaham – an experienced yogi, expert in anatomy and certifiedsenior instructor of Animal Flow, who will introduce a yoga-meets-breakdancing workout that helps gain more body awareness, and Systema, a form of martial arts that focuses on physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Allaoua aims to empower …

Sharjah Airport has witnessed a 142.74% rise in the passenger traffic during the first half of 2022, accounting for approximately 6 million travelers. This substantial growth from 2,449 million travelers in H1 2021 illustrates the confidence that customers have in the service and assistance provided by the airport. Additionally, the airport saw a considerable growth in the number of flights, with a total of 41,189 aircrafts operating in H1 compared to 21,709 in the same period of last year, registering an increase of 89.73%. Between January and June, Sharjah Airport handled over 96,000 tons of cargo, accounting for an increase of 50.39%, compared to 63,844 tons the previous year. H.E Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The considerable growth in the number of travelers using our airport solidifies the Emirate of Sharjah as a preferred destination for travel and business. The figures also represent the confidence and trust that a large number of travelers place in Sharjah Airport. Our continuous efforts to offer leading innovative services and gaining the satisfaction of passengers guarantee a safe and distinguished travel experience. This is mainly achieved in collaboration with our strategic partners, the various stakeholder and service providers at Sharjah Airport, as well as the key role of the airline community, including Air Arabia, the UAE national carrier based in Sharjah Airport, who has successfully recommenced their operations to various destinations in their network, which has resulted in the growing number of passengers in the Airport.” “As part of our efforts to position Sharjah Airport as one of the best airports in the region, Sharjah Airport Authority is eager to invest in smart services and solutions that meet the …

Vistara successfully inaugurated non-stop flights between Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Mumbai (India). The inaugural flight departed from Mumbai on August 2, 2022 at 1805 Hours (IST) and landed in Jeddah at 2050 Hours (AST). The airline now flies thrice a week between the two cities on its Airbus A320neo aircraft. Commenting on the launch of the new international route, Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are delighted to launch services to Jeddah, and to add Saudi Arabia to our growing international network. Given the multitude of upcoming futuristic projects in Saudi Arabia, strong trade ties with India and presence of large Indian diaspora, there is growing traffic between the two countries. We are confident that travellers will appreciate having the choice of flying India’s best airline on this route.” SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN MUMBAI AND JEDDAH Sector Flight No. Days of Operation Departure Arrival Mumbai (BOM) – Jeddah (JED) UK 235 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 1805 hrs 2050 hrs Jeddah (JED) – Mumbai (BOM) UK 236 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 2150 hrs 0530 hrs (+1) ·         +1 indicates next day arrival. All timings shown are in local time zones ·         The inaugural flight from Jeddah to Mumbai will be operated on 3 August 2022 Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. In a short span of seven years since starting operations, Vistara has raised the bar for operations and service standards in the Indian aviation industry to become the country’s most loved airline and has recently crossed the milestone of flying 35 million passengers.

GCC travellers are increasingly visiting Austria during the summer as it is the best time to explore everything Austria has to offer, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, as well as cool evenings to stroll around picturesque towns. Whether it’s enjoying the unique landscapes, stunning nature parks, or iconic landmarks, summers in Austria offer the opportunity to explore the region’s cultural, historical, or gastronomic heritage making the country an exciting destination for the summer. With no obligation to provide a PCR test, proof of vaccination or recovery for entering Austria, travellers can travel easily to enjoy the beautiful country. In Austria’s well-developed and comprehensive public transport infrastructure, visitors will have little trouble reaching most of the country’s attractions. The local transportation system includes trains, trams, and buses, and the capital city of Vienna is also served by the metro. Located in the middle of Europe, Austria is a stunning country with natural beauty and unique history and culture. The beautiful crystal-clear lakes surrounded by blooming flowers, the breathtaking mountains, and the secret waterfalls make Austria an adventurer’s paradise. The captivating beauty of Austria allows travellers to recuperate from the stresses of everyday life by taking pleasant walks on an alpine pasture, swimming in a mountain lake or strolling through a forest. Over the years, Austria, with its lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks, has become one of the most popular European destinations during summer for holidaymakers from the GCC. Visitors can experience active outdoor activities, lazy days in the sun, and relaxing city breaks, all without having to travel far from home. Austria’s cultural diversity, outdoor activities, friendliness, and history make it one of Europe’s most accessible, year-round, and …

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with almost 250 million international arrivals recorded. This compares to 77 million arrivals from January to May 2021 and means that the sector has recovered almost half (46%) of pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The strong growth in the Middle East (+157%) and Africa (+156%) remained 54% and 50% below 2019 levels respectively, and Asia and the Pacific almost doubled arrivals (+94%), though numbers were 90% below 2019, as some borders remained closed to non-essential travel. Here, the recent easing of restrictions can be seen in improved results for April and May. Rising tourism spending out of the major source markets is consistent with the observed recovery. International expenditure by tourists from France, Germany, Italy and the United States is now at 70% to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, while spending from India, Saudi Arabia and Qatar has already exceeded 2019 levels. In terms of international tourism receipts earned in destinations, a growing number of countries – the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Seychelles, Romania, North Macedonia, Saint Lucia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Pakistan, Sudan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Mexico, Croatia and Portugal – have fully recovered their pre-pandemic levels. “The recovery of tourism has gathered pace in many parts of the world, weathering the challenges standing in its way”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. At the same time, he also advises caution in view of the “economic headwinds and geopolitical challenges which could impact the sector in the remainder of 2022 and beyond”.

Emirates has resumed passenger services to London Stansted (STN), serving its third London gateway with a daily flight. The airline has advanced plans to increase capacity from five-weekly services to a daily flight, starting from today. With the return of services to Stansted, Emirates has ramped up  its operations to London with nine daily flights, including six daily flights to Heathrow and a double daily flight to Gatwick.*  The added services will meet market demand and offer customers more travel choices and enhanced connectivity this summer. London Stansted will be served by Emirates’ wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with its renowned ‘Game Changer’ First Class product. Emirates flight EK65 will depart Dubai at 08:50hrs and arrive in London Stansted at 13:30hrs local time. The return flight, EK68 will depart London Stansted at 21:10hrs and arrive in Dubai at 7:10hrs local time, the following day. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office, via travel agents or through online travel agents. London Stansted remains a key hub for the airline’s passenger and cargo operations. The daily service will offer customers in East and Southeast UK more travel options, flexibility, and convenience when travelling with Emirates to more than 130 destinations, via Dubai. Emirates currently serves seven gateways in the UK. By October 2022, the airline will be serving the country with 110 weekly flights, including: six times daily to London Heathrow; daily service to London Stansted; double daily A380 service to Gatwick; three times daily to Manchester, including a double daily A380 service (starting 1st October 2022); double daily service to Birmingham; five weekly flights to Newcastle; and a daily service to Glasgow. The airline is also currently serving London …

Since opening its doors in March 2022, Somerset Downtown Al Khobar, the stylish property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under The Ascott Limited (Ascott) portfolio, has witnessed strong occupancy rates in its first quarter of operations, as it continues to provide the ideal long-stay setting for both leisure and business travellers in the heart of Al Khobar. The property has witnessed a steady growth in the long stay segment, alongside a higher demand for the leisure domestic segment as school summer holidays take place across the region. Leisure guests can now avail 20% as part of the brand’s ASR Member Special Rate at discoverasr.com/offers Parallelly, the property is also offering a Long Stay Offer of up to 30% off for its corporate guests at discoverasr.com/offers Commemorating its successful first three months, Ascott is offering guests up to 60% off on bookings and Triple ASR points as part of the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme at the stunning Al Khobar property, until the end of August. Mr. Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India said, “Somerset Downtown Al Khobar provides the perfect option for travellers who enjoy inspired living, whether they are planning a quick trip or an extended stay in the city. Offering guests’ a balanced living experience that effortlessly integrates work and personal life, Somerset Downtown Al Khobar is the perfect home-away-from home retreat. This is reflected in the formidable performance the property has experienced in such a short space of time, and we look forward to continued success for our Somerset apart’hotel in this coastal city.” The stylish 16-storey property showcases 139 elegantly designed and lavishly aesthetic apartments. Somerset Downtown Al Khobar …

The fifth edition of Gulf Travel Show (GTS) will kick off on 28th and 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. One of the most important factors post covid is sustainability in every single way. Participation in GTS assures you of the great responsibility held by the travel and tourism fraternity about their intent to reduce its carbon footprint. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions, yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Sustainability has many layers to be addressed, it is no longer a word to be utilized and passed on as a mere CSR activity, hence it is a commitment to ensure that everyone has a part to play on mother earth. Starting off with airlines and their biofuel capabilities, hotels and their sustainable strategies, tourism boards which provide and maintain sustainable goals to ensure that the country or destination promoted will not be perturbed, undisturbed, instead leave in its natural state. When UNWTO announced its commitment on declaration of sustainability in the industry, players were …