The implementation of value-added tax (VAT) doesn’t seem to trouble UAE’s hospitality and travel sector, as reports suggest the sturdy tourism sector is growing. Within few month of the tax implementation, the number of tourists rose to 4.7 million recording a growth of 2 per cent, while the accommodation rate reached up to 87 per […]
Category Archives: Middle East
Aviation, India, Middle East, News, Top Three Stories
New advisory on satellite phone for foreigners travelling to India from UAE
22
May
May
Indian missions in the UAE have announced a total ban on satellite phones while travelling to India. The Indian diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai issued an advisory to foreigners traveling to India, informing them about a ban on satellite phones to the country. The statement, published on all social media channels of the missions, […]
21
May
May
The Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, has issued an advisory for beachgoers. Based on the regulations for licensing, hiring and using personal watercrafts, “Operating a jet ski less than 200 metres from the beach” will attract a penalty. The Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, has announced that the first penalty will be Dh 500, whereas the […]
21
May
May
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is loosening its residency laws and is planning grant long-term visas for up to 10 years to investors and highly-skilled professionals. The 10-year residency visas will be granted to specialists in science, medicine and research, and to “exceptional students.” The plan aims to attract global investment and innovators. The UAE […]
Aviation, Middle East, News, Top Stories
Etihad unveils giant charity suitcase, encouraging ‘over-packers’ to donate during Ramadan
20
May
May
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has unveiled its “Giant Suitcase” initiative for the Holy Month of Ramadan. With more than 75 per cent of travellers admitting to over-packing clothes for their holidays, this programme will provide them with the opportunity to do-good through a simple donation programme. Etihad has placed a Giant […]
Aviation, Food, Middle East, News, Top Three Stories
Emirates provides special Ramadan service for customers
20
May
May
Emirates has commenced its signature Ramadan service for customers during the holy month. Emirates’ Ramadan service consists of specially crafted iftar meals on board, relevant programming on its ice inflight entertainment system, and the distribution of dates and water on the ground for those breaking their fast. Emirates provides iftar boxes with a nutritional meal […]
16
May
May
As a plan to promote Dubai as a favoured destination for Chinese travellers, the Dubai tourism authority has signed an agreement with Chinese internet giant Tencent on Tuesday. As per the statement issued by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), the association will lead the Tencent network to spread out Dubai’s marketing […]
14
May
May
Acacus Technologies has just signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to bring driverless technology to Dubai’s roads by 2020. The company is all set to revamp the entire fleet of Dubai Police’s cars so that the city’s streets will be patrolled by driverless vehicles by 2020. The MoU was signed by the general command of the Dubai Police […]
14
May
May
This Ramadan, break your fast and experience a floating iftar launched by Boardwalk’s BBQ Donuts at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The iftar will feature favourites such as shish taouk, lamb kofta, falafel, kibbeh and fattoush, with a variety of fruit and local sweets to top it all off. Each float can accommodate up to […]
10
May
May
Israel is becoming a favourite tourist spot for tourists and the initial statistics affirm this. As per reports, Israel had 1.36 million visitors from January-April this year. In this, 4,08,000 tourists alone visited Israel in April 2018 when compared to 3,50,000 last April, recording a 17%hike. The Ministry of Tourism claims that the revenue from […]
10
May
May
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is launching Dubai Pass, an all-inclusive pre-paid card, grants cash-free access to 33 key events and venues across Dubai. It is a new way for visitors to enjoy the city’s exciting range of attractions, experiences and tours and will be available to redeem from 16 May 2018. Starting […]
09
May
May
Travellers from Russia, China and Iran can now enter the Sultanate of Oman without a pre-entry tourist visa. The move is an extension of new visa policy introduced by Oman in March including the new online application process. By this Oman joined its neighbour UAE in relaxing the visa policies for travellers from Russia and […]
09
May
May
The no change in visa rates for Pakistani citizens confirms that they will still have to pay 0.1 million to rupees 0.4 million for attaining the tourist visa. Reports say that the Pakistan embassy in Saudi and the Pakistan’s foreign office wasn’t aware of this policy and are yet to respond on this. The double […]
09
May
May
As a part of expansion and attracting more tourists to Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, flag carrier of Bahrain is set to undergo rebranding and the new brand identity was unveiled at the VIP event marking the beginning of Gateway Gulf Investor Forum Bahrain 2018. Gulf Air launched the worldwide exclusive premiere of its outdoor […]
08
May
May
The first ibis Styles will be opened at Sultanate of Oman as AccorHotels has signed agreement with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran). The hotel which will be opening by 2020 will have 280 standard rooms with design and facilities that symbolize ibis Styles. This will be the first internationally branded economy hotel in the […]