Emirates announced several commercial leadership movements across West Asia, Africa, the GCC, and Central Asia. Six seasoned team members in leadership roles, all UAE Nationals, will help drive the airline’s commercial initiatives across key markets with a strategic focus on rebuilding its leadership position and growing its customer base as countries continue easing their restrictions. All of the new appointments are effective 1 September 2021. All of the movements include Emirati talent into key leadership positions, either being promoted from within the organisation or through portfolio rotations, underpinning the airline’s commitment to career development and progression of its UAE Nationals. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: ‘’Thanks to the strength of the Emirates brand, our laser focus on executing strategic customer and commercial initiatives, and rationally rebuilding our network based on tangible demand, the airline is well-positioned in the long-term to generate improved results as we navigate recovery. The movements within the commercial team that have been put in place significantly strengthen our management structure across key markets. We’re proud of the hard work and dedication that UAE Nationals appointed to these roles have demonstrated to tackle the challenges of the last 18 months, and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to build bench strength from within.” Jabr Al-Azeeby has been appointed as Vice President for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Jabr has been with Emirates for 16 years, previously holding Country Manager roles in Uganda, Cyprus, Thailand, Pakistan, before taking on his most recent role as Vice President, India and Nepal. Mohammed Alnahari Alhashmi has been appointed as Vice President for Pakistan. Mohammed has held several roles throughout his 18 year career with Emirates, including management posts in …

Ahead of the Expo 2020 Dubai opening this October, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (PDTI) is optimistic that the global event would catalyze robust and sustainable increase in trade exchanges between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East, as bilateral trade between the two nations rose 32% during the first 5 months of 2021. The PDTI, the lead implementing agency of the Philippines’ participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, said the country’s total trade (export and import) with the UAE crossed AED1.33 billion ($362 million) for the period of January to May 2021, with exports valued at AED411 million ($112 million) and imports at AED918 million ($250 million). PDTI Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group and PH Expo 2020 Dubai, Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos underscored that the forthcoming World Expo is deemed a game-changer in Philippines-UAE trade relations due to a forecast in the influx of opportunities and investments during and after the six-month long event, which is projected to drive increased revenue in major sectors and industries. Jobs creation With more than 190 countries converging in the Expo—the biggest event ever been held in the Middle East—the Philippines targets to showcase the very best of its culture, heritage, and technology to millions of global audiences, in order to draw investors to the country. This will enable the government to boost the confidence of the global business community to invest in the Philippines. In turn, it would have a positive impact on employment. Gaetos said: “During the Expo, the country hopes to strengthen its trade partnership with the UAE and the greater Middle East region on key sectors. With the magnitude …

Emirates is set to introduce a fourth weekly service between Dubai to Muscat from 28 August 2021. The increase of flights to and from Muscat provides more connectivity options for customers travelling to Dubai and beyond to the airline’s growing network, as well as visitors coming to Oman. The announcement comes as Oman is set to re-open its borders for tourists with an approved vaccine certificate, starting 1 September. The added services will meet market demand and offer customers greater flexibility, choice and connectivity while planning their travels. From 28 August, EK866 will depart from Dubai at 0215hrs, arriving in Muscat at 0330hrs. The return flight, EK867 will depart from Muscat 0440hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0555hrs. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents. As international borders reopen and travel restrictions ease, Emirates continues to expand its network safely and sustainably, matching capacity with demand in line with market dynamics and operating conditions. The airline has resumed passenger services to over 120 destinations, recovering close to 90% of its pre-pandemic network. Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city is open for international business and leisure visitors. Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE).

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. The memorandum establishes the framework for a collaborative arrangement that will create a seamless visitor experience for Chinese tourists travelling to Saudi. The agreement is part of STA’s strategy to employ the latest technology to deliver seamless traveler experiences. Alibaba Cloud will also provide technical support to STA and help STA promote Saudi as a tourist destination to travelers in the Chinese market. “As Saudi continues to develop its leisure tourism offering for local, regional and international audiences, STA is building a digital infrastructure which can provide the destination with a competitive edge and visitors with the best possible experience,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of STA. “The recovery of the global tourism sector demands fresh thinking to overcome challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. By collaborating with Alibaba Cloud, we will break new ground in the regional tourism sector and position Saudi at the forefront of efforts to modernise the wider global tourism eco-system.” Through the collaboration, Alibaba Cloud will deploy advanced, secure and reliable cloud services and technologies to create an improved digital experience for Chinese tourists traveling to Saudi and allow for the automation of services in content delivery, digital storage, and digital processing. Selina Yuan, General Manager of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence and Vice President of Alibaba Group said “This collaboration brings together two key actors in the tourism sector who can set a new standard for providing a travel experience like no other. With Alibaba Cloud leading the digital transformation of tourism, and Saudi’s unique destinations, this is a combination which will …

Izmir Marriott Hotel made its debut and is now welcoming guests to the newest hospitality experience in the heart of Alsancak.  The city hotel offers an urban resort experience on the coastline of Izmir. The hotel has been designed to reflect the newest global design vision for Marriott Hotels, featuring sophisticated and intuitively designed spaces for today’s modern traveller, enabling guests to relax, work and find inspiration during their stay. Izmir Marriott Hotel comprises 149 guestrooms and seven suites each with panoramic views of the shoreline or the vibrant city of İzmir. The spacious guestrooms are thoughtfully designed with contemporary décor and intuitive in-room amenities. For larger groups of families and friends, the hotel features Junior Suites that offer connecting rooms offering more space. The hotel also offers an 80-sqm Presidential Suite that offers extra comfort and privacy along with a private terrace overlooking to the Gulf of Izmir. Set to become the city’s new lifestyle destination, Izmir Marriott Hotel offers a diverse selection of restaurants including, Lima, an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor space overlooking the Pasaport waterfront promenade; Alcedo, a lobby bar; and Pagos, a rooftop bar perfect for admiring sunset views over Izmir Bay. The hotel features The M Club, an exclusive space reserved for Elite members and Club guests that provides complimentary breakfast, evening drinks, hors d’oeuvres and premium beverages throughout the day. The M Club also offers the brand’s signature Mind Menu, a selection of delicious snacks and beverages with active ingredients to enhance mind and body. Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the M Club provides free Wi-Fi, printing services and power supplies to ensure uninterrupted productivity for business travelers. …

UAE residents and visitors are set for a longer summer of exciting retail promotions with discounts of up to 80% off across malls in Abu Dhabi, after the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) extended the ‘Summer of Offers’ initiative until 11 September as part of Abu Dhabi Shopping and Dining Season. Complementing the range of offers across more than 3,500 stores at multiple malls, Retail Abu Dhabi, the retail arm of DCT Abu Dhabi, is continuing to entice visitors with the Shop & Win promotion. In partnership with Visa, the world’s digital payments leader, Visa cardholders who spend a minimum of AED 200 in participating stores can enter the draw to win an array of prizes, including a brand new car and a share of four million Etihad Guest Miles until 31 August.  Those participating with an Etihad Visa card will triple their chances of winning. As part of the wider seasonal campaign, malls across the emirate are offering back-to-school promotions to help families gear up ahead of the new academic year. Deerfields Mall is giving visitors the chance to win through interactive games when they spend AED 200 or more at participating outlets. Whilst shoppers at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall spending over AED 200 stand a chance of winning AED 50,000 worth of mall vouchers. In addition, The Galleria is giving away exciting prizes worth up to AED 3,500 when you spend AED 500 or more. Elsewhere, Dalma Mall’s Scratch and Win game includes more than 1,000 prizes including shopping vouchers, laptops, iPads and more. Elsewhere, food fans can stay cool with the ‘Summer of Ice Cream’ and enjoy a range of ice …

Etihad is celebrating Emirati Women’s Day with a series of events to highlight this year’s theme, “Women: Ambitions & Inspiration for the Next 50 Years,” in line with the UAE’s 50th anniversary year. The airline announced a new collaboration with Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination to establish a chocolate factory for people of determination. Women from ZHO will be trained by Etihad’s professional chefs from Etihad Catering to operate the factory and hand make chocolate. Etihad will help establish the facility by providing the machinery and funding the ingredients for the first year of production, in addition to promoting the chocolate. Dr Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services and Corporate Social Responsibility, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “This project will play an important role in empowering women of determination and creating opportunities in the community.  The goal of Etihad’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee is to support the community through opportunity creation, training and development. In addition, and under its existing agreement with the Emirati Red Crescent, Etihad will launch a new project with Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, to empower and support underprivileged women through the production of sustainable crafts. Etihad will provide non-stock products and recycled materials to Al Ghadeer which can be repurposed into hand crafted objects and sold. The project will help hundreds of women and families with additional income resource.  Etihad has been working in cooperation with Emirates Red Crescent for the past six years, collaborating on various initiatives, including projects to empower women and children, as well as working with Sheikha Fatima fund for refugee women, Grace Conservations and Al Ghadeer organisations.  

Sojern, a leading provider of digital travel marketing solutions published a new report titled, “How Travel Marketers Are Activating Digital Advertising in 2021.” Worldwide Business Research (WBR) Insights surveyed senior decision makers in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Middle East and Africa who own the marketing budget for a hotel, attraction or tourism brand. These 300 travel marketers shared key challenges faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led them to test new solutions, innovate with new messaging, and generally do more with less. “The last 18-months have been quite the rollercoaster for travel marketers navigating the global pandemic, but one thing is clear: travel marketers are more focused than ever before on effectively and efficiently spending precious resources to drive a business return,” said Noreen Henry, Chief Revenue Officer, Sojern. “In this environment you need to be agile, data-driven and optimistic—travel is coming back and it’s a great time to take part in that recovery.” Key findings of travel marketers surveyed include: 56 percent agree that the current environment is ideal for direct response campaigns. Travellers are booking directly because of clearer cancelation or refund policies, coupled with their frustrating experiences navigating online travel agency (OTA) reimbursements for cancelled trips.  88 percent have increased or kept their digital advertising strategy budget the same since COVID-19.  87 percent tightened spending on brand campaigns and increased spending on performance campaigns in 2020.  84 percent rated machine learning and artificial intelligence as top priority for personalisation across channels. Consumers are eager to travel, and with the increasingly widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines, the hard hit travel, media, and entertainment industries are all expected to rebound in 2021. The upward …

Adyen the global payments platform of choice for many of the world’s leading companies, today announced the launch of its integration with Shiji Payments, providing hospitality businesses the ability to utilize the Adyen platform together with Shiji, a leader in the provision of technological solutions for the hospitality, food service, retail, and entertainment industries. This new integration simplifies the payment process for hospitality businesses by removing the need for a list of platforms and suppliers which usually includes separate processes for property management systems, food and beverage point of sale, and guest experience platforms not to mention the different payments service providers for each. “Our partnership with Adyen allows us to further improve the operational efficiency of our customers by providing a platform that guarantees a truly seamless and personalized experience for their hotel guests,” said Michael Balzer, VP Shiji Payments, Shiji. With only two companies, Adyen and Shiji, hotels can consolidate all of these front-end business systems and payment needs, including having the same point of sale setups across regions and easier reconciliation across all channels. This, in the end, provides the best possible customer service. These integrated features power the seamless journey that customers expect nowadays. Commenting on the partnership, Sander Maertens, Head of Middle East at Adyen, said: “Adyen is excited to partner with Shiji Payments. This is a long term strategic collaboration for us in the region. With Shiji’s leadership in hospitality sector, covering over 91,000 hotels and 200,000 restaurants, and a strong footprint in the Middle East, we aim to leverage this partnership to implement new digital innovations in the payment space. The hospitality sector will benefit from our combined, seamless payment integrations with specialist …

The unique landscape of AlUla showcases three distinct geological periods going back up to a thousand million years. While archaeologists and geologists have the opportunity to fly over AlUla as part of their work to understand and document this history, visitors to AlUla can also now appreciate the diversity, monumentality and global significance of the landscape by taking the Kingdom’s first helicopter tours. Don Boyer, a geologist who was among the first to undertake research-based flights says visitors should expect to be ‘blown-away’ as he was the first time he took to the air. ‘While the rocks are mostly common rock types, the fact that you have these three completely different landscapes – the Precambrian Arabian shield rocks, the sandstone that was laid down over it and then the black basalt formed by volcanic eruptions – all in the one area, is what makes AlUla so special,’ said Boyer. ‘The weathering, the agencies of wind and water, have created drainages, such as the wadi that cuts through AlUla and the steep walled canyons nearby. These elements have sculpted the ridge-tops and created dramatic rough edges of basalt and interesting rock formations. Then you have the variety of colours and textures from the black basalt to the multi-layered sandstone. It’s an extraordinary geological journey that takes your breath away; it almost brings you to tears at times.’ Tens of thousands of archaeological sites have been identified in AlUla and very few of them have been closely investigated to date. The span of time that the archaeology covers is at least 7,000 years –including the Dadan period and the Nabataean period. Boyer says it is clear that there was a lot going …