British Airways’ passenger flights between Dubai and London since January 2021 have now resumed to a daily operation. The flight will depart from Dubai at 12:15 (LT) and will arrive in London at 16:55 (LT).  These direct return flights from Dubai to the UK will enable many people to reunite with their loved ones who have been kept apart due to Covid-19. Sohail Ali, British Airways’ Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Airport Operations said: “We can’t wait to welcome our customers on board our flights and are delighted to be able to reunite families and friends with their loved ones after such a long time apart. “The safety of our customers and colleagues has always been at the heart of everything we do. We have also introduced a range of measures to provide stress and hassle-free travel.” Customers booking with British Airways can do so with absolute confidence, thanks to the airline’s flexible booking policy. They are able to exchange their booking for a voucher or move their dates without incurring a change fee. British Airways’ existing online Covid hub includes information on flexible bookings, testing, how to use a voucher and what the British Airways flying experience looks like for those that haven’t travelled for some time. British Airways has also introduced a number of measures at the airport and on board to look after the safety and wellbeing of its customers and colleagues. These include social distancing measures, the wearing of face masks (which remain in place) and hand sanitiser stations. Prior to travel customers will also receive details of how they can prepare for their journey, including information on discounted testing providers. To help customers …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued the updated list of “Green List” countries. All travellers arriving from these destinations will be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi. Travellers will be required to present a negative PCR Covid-19 test valid for maximum 72 hours before departure and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Vaccinated passengers from the updated Green List will take another PCR test on day 6 (day of arrival counts as day 1). Unvaccinated travellers arriving from these Green List countries will also take a PCR test on days 6 and 9. Countries, regions, and territories included within the “Green List” will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion in the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety to ensure the well-being of the UAE community. The list also only applies to countries that travellers are arriving from, rather than citizenship. Please note below the updated “Green List” as of 18 August 2021 at 2:00 pm: Albania Australia Bahrain Belgium Brunei Bulgaria Canada China Czech Republic Germany Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary Ireland Malta Mauritius Moldova New Zealand Poland Romania Saudi Arabia Serbia Seychelles Singapore South Korea Sweden Switzerland Taiwan, Province of China Ukraine

In order to offer both leisure and business travelers to Dubai a new experience two additional buildings will be added in downtown area overlooking Burj Khalifa by hospitality group Sonder. The two and three bedroomed apartments will be especially designed for the families that will spend bleisure stays and long stay business travellers. “We’re pleased to continue to partner with Sonder, whose innovative and guest-centric approach to hospitality addresses the preferences of the modern, urban, family and business travelers that frequents Dubai,” said Soby Joseph, executive director of Al Fattan Properties LLC. “Sonder is a well-capitalized operator that provides peace of mind and fixed income for real estate assets. They continue to be one of our preferred partners for developments in Dubai.” “We remain bullish on expansion in Dubai as it is one of the most visited cities in the world, renowned for its beautiful design and architecture and is a global real estate hub. These are all attributes that fit perfectly with the Sonder brand and mission and we plan to continue developing Sonder’s footprint in the region,” said Martin Picard, Global Head of Real Estate for Sonder. “We’ve seen very strong performance from our inaugural Dubai property, JBR Suites. We are extremely pleased to be partnering again with Al Fattan to take on operations of what will be Sonder’s fourth largest signing in terms of units. Sonder Holdings Inc. (“Sonder”), a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, will add two additional buildings to its growing portfolio in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Through an agreement with Al Fattan Properties LLC, Sonder will manage and operate two of the three Al Fattan …

Emirates and Airlink have announced the expansion of their existing partnership into a unilateral codeshare agreement, giving travellers to and from South Africa convenient access to more than 40 domestic and regional destinations across 12 African countries. The extended codeshare provides connectivity to Emirates customers not offered by any other carrier in Africa, and augments the long-standing partnership that Emirates has with South African Airways. The move comes as Emirates resumes its flights to South Africa and ramps up its operations to provide customers with enhanced connectivity via its gateways Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The connectivity provided by the new codeshare between Emirates and Airlink will offer competitive fares, combined ticketing, and seamless baggage transfers when connecting between both airlines. Customers travelling to South Africa can now transfer from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to domestic points like Bloemfontein, George, Upington, Nelspruit, Hoedspruit, Kimberley, Skukuza, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Sishen, Mthatha and Port Elizabeth, as well as points across Southern Africa like Gaborone, Kasane, Vilanculos, Lubumbashi, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Maseru, Antananarivo, Pemba, Tete, Maun, Victoria Falls, Walvis Bay, Maputo, Windhoek, Harare, Lusaka, Ndola, Bulawayo and Livingstone amongst many other cities. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “The expansion of the Emirates – Airlink partnership marks an important step forward in our relationship. Our new codeshare agreement enhances our service offering and flexibility for customers traveling beyond our gateways in South and Southern Africa and provides them unparalleled options for leisure destinations. We are committed to growing our operations in South Africa, and with the strong connection opportunities being provided collectively with Airlink we hope to help jumpstart the recovery of the local travel and tourism industry.” He …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Millat Properties for Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton. The planned opening of the property will mark the introduction of Hyatt’s select service and extended stay brand, Hyatt House, to the continent and the third Hyatt-branded hotel in South Africa. The Hyatt House brand offers a flexible, elevated approach to extended stay and helps guests enjoy the comforts of home when they are away from theirs. Built on guest insights, Hyatt House hotels drive satisfaction and loyalty by allowing guests to maintain familiar routines, with spacious suites and studios featuring full kitchens, comfortable living rooms, large bedrooms and stylish bathrooms. Slated to open in October 2021, the hotel will be situated in the well-established Sandton area, where business and leisure tourism blends together in Africa’s economical hub. Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton will boast 43 studio guestrooms and 19 apartment-style suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas reminding guests of the conveniences of home. Additional amenities will include a unique concept for an alternative dining experience in the Treehouse, H Market offering grab-and-go snacks and drinks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool in which guests can unwind and enjoy themselves. “We’re delighted to announce plans to introduce the Hyatt House brand to Africa, which will be Hyatt’s second hotel in collaboration with an affiliate of Millat Properties,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “We are proud to hold such strong relationships with exceptional owners who share our ambition and values. They are essential to powering Hyatt’s brand growth.” “We are very pleased …

Efendi Hotel, a 12-room luxury boutique property that is the living testament to the ancient city of Akko’s 5,300-year history, today announces it will officially reopen to receive guests on August 24, 2021. Efendi Hotel will offer bookings of its enchanted rooms and suites, all of which are furnished and equipped to the highest standards and have a unique character and style. Several of the rooms’ ceilings feature restored motifs and frescos, while others are made from preserved wood. Most of the windows offer Mediterranean sea views, while others look out over the ancient city of Akko and the scenic mountains of the Western Galilee. Guests will also be permitted use of the hotel’s rooftop, with sweeping views of the sea and Old City of Akko, and will receive in-room breakfast and wine and cheese upon request. Nestled in the picturesque narrow lanes of the Old City of Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Crusader Kingdom, Efendi Hotel holds the highest level of architectural preservation and restoration out of any private building in Israel. The property officially opened in February 2012 following a meticulous eight-year restoration process of the original buildings overseen by tourism innovator, chef and entrepreneur Uri Jeremias along with archaeologists and antiquities experts who were hired to restore the Byzantine and Crusader-era cellar. Jeremias oversaw the restoration of the two original Ottoman buildings and hand-painted motifs and frescos along the walls and ceilings, including a fresco of an ancient Istanbul. The unique structure of Efendi Hotel begins in the property’s wine cellar, which in itself is based upon bricks from the Byzantine era of Akko, more than 1,500 years ago. Ascending …

Ithra Dubai announced the launch of “One Deira” at the Deira Enrichment Project (DEP). Completed on schedule, District 4 follows each of Sherina, Osha, Afra, Maryam and Hind Plazas handed over between September 2020 and March 2021. One Deira consists of an office building and a 131 rooms hotel building and 2 levels retail podium, it features two of the master plan’s highlights; a state-of-the-art integrated transportation hub and the first mall in Dubai constructed atop a metro station, in a central and convenient location. The One Deira will serve the thriving residential and commercial communities of the surrounding phase one Districts consisting of 2,200 residential units, 700+ retail units, 700,000+FT² GFA office area, F&B outlets and 8 international brand hotels, including Adagio, Wyndham, Super 8, and Days Hotel with a total of 1,450 keys. Marking the occasion, Issam Galadari, Director and CEO of Ithra Dubai, said, “The Deira Enrichment Project is on track to becoming a leading destination, adding unique offerings to the trade, retail and tourism landscape in Dubai with every new milestone. Upgrading and complementing Dubai’s oldest urban area, the landmark development encapsulates the city’s vision of sustainability, innovation and mobility with an eye on legacy.” Presenting exceptional propositions for the business community on offer at DEP, One Deira introduces 55 brand new retail units on the podium level and 73,000+FT² NLA office area, as well as the Days Hotel with 131 keys. The launch of One Deira will further introduce the first integrated central transport station in the UAE, minimizing dependency on private cars, enhancing mobility and easing the flow of goods and people in and around the area. With easy access to all of Roads …

Travel professionals from around the globe are able to register for WTM London 2021, which will be held for the first time in an innovative hybrid format. The physical event will take place at ExCeL London on Monday, November 1-Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and will be followed by WTM Virtual – November 8-9, 2021. WTM London will be one of the first key opportunities for those working in the world’s travel and tourism to reunite in person as the industry embarks on the road to recovery. The new hybrid format means buyers and exhibitors will be able to conduct business face-to-face – then the virtual element enables companies and organisations to increase their brand awareness and join networking opportunities – even if they are not able to physically attend the show.  An important advantage is the fact that all exhibitors who exhibit at the physical event will automatically be included in WTM Virtual as part of their package. The physical event will feature all the elements for which WTM London has become well-known, including the WTM Ministers’ Summit, Responsible Tourism Day & Responsible Tourism Awards, headline speakers, seminars, speed networking, research & trends, Travel Forward – the co-located travel technology show and more. There will also be exclusive networking opportunities for senior buyers to do business. Simon Press, WTM London’s Senior Director, said “WTM London is always a crucial time for the industry to gather together, in order to plan, network and generate ideas. This year it is vital for us to meet face-to-face, to renew business relationships and forge new partnerships as we look to recover. As well as 40+ years of experience organising physical events, the WTM team …

Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah has welcomed the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton to Al Marjan Island, its flagship mega-development and one of the region’s preferred tourism and investment destinations. Marking its debut in Ras Al Khaimah, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island has opened doors to guests offering spectacular sea and island views across its 515 rooms. The fourth global hotel brand to open in Al Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton has a development value of AED 450 million which will further increase the hospitality offering of the island and support Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development strategy. Named the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ras Al Khaimah is recognised as the world’s first ‘safe’ city, certified by Bureau Veritas, and the first Emirate to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp. Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said: “With the new Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island opening doors to guests, visitors to Ras Al Khaimah have an added hospitality destination to choose, assuring them world-class service and a relaxed beach lifestyle. This will further add to the appeal of Al Marjan Island to visitors, both from within the UAE and abroad, for staycations and longer holidays.” Eng. Mohamed Hanafy, Owner Representative at MR Properties, the owner of the hotel, said: “We are delighted to open doors to a spectacular new hospitality experience in Al Marjan Island with the new Hampton by Hilton, the world’s largest under the brand. We chose Al Marjan Island for its location given the potential the development has and being inspired by its strong performance in welcoming tourists from across the world.” Hampton by Hilton Marjan …

The Dubai Airshow 2021, set to take place from 14-18 November 2021, serves as a key indicator of Dubai’s success in overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has posed, and moving in the right direction towards achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry. Commenting on the progress that Dubai’s aviation sector has made following the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resilience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pandemic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aerospace hub.” Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Military Committee for Dubai Airshow: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Airshow. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships. Taking centre stage will be the different technologies …