Category: Middle East

Dubai has attracted 1.61 million international visitors in January 2019, with India being the top source market with 206,000 visitors. Total international guests shows a marginal increase with 1.61 million in 2019 compared to the 1.59 million visitors in 2018. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands second with 160,000 visitors and China stands third with 100,000 visitors. However, the number of visitors from India showed a 12 per cent decrease compared to the 2018 period. The guests’ length of stay at the emirate recorded 3.8 nights.

Al Noor Island, one of Sharjah’s premier tourist and leisure destinations, is hosting the last leg of a month-long celebration of live oral tradition as part of the third edition of its International Storytelling Festival – Tales on the Island. To conclude on March 16, 2019, this one-of-a-kind cultural festival for children and adults themed ‘Stories: A Treasure of Words’, has featured a stellar cast of 15 storytellers and theatrical performers representing 10 nationalities. On its concluding weekend (March 15–16), seven critically-acclaimed storytellers, Sara Kasir from Lebanon, Michael Harvey from the UK, Katie Knutson from the USA, Martina Pisciali from ... Read more

The Saudi cabinet has recently announced a new visa category to woo international tourists to the country. Introduction of the special ‘event’ visas is part of plans by the Kingdom to become a major global entertainment destination. Foreign tourists can now choose from the growing number of sporting, entertainment and business attractions available in the country. As per the circular issued by the cabinet, announcing the new visa category, Embassies and consulates will be able to issue the visas within 24 hours of receiving a request. Under the visa upgrade, the Kingdom’s General Investment Authority, General Sports Authority and General Entertainment ... Read more

As per a recent report released by Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the UAE’s inbound tourist footfall will touch 8.92 million by 2023, from its major 5 source markets. The upcoming Expo 2020 and its legacy, District 2020, are expected to have a positive impact on inbound arrivals to the UAE from the country’s top five source markets between 2018 and 2023, according to the data. The UAE’s top source market rankings are expected to remain mostly unchanged post-Expo 2020; however, the latest research from Colliers International, in partnership with ATM, reveals the Russian and Chinese source markets will show above ... Read more

The Sharjah Light Festival has been captivating spectators at the landmark buildings and public places in the city since 6th February 2019. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the theme ‘Culture and Family, the festival will conclude on 16th February 2019. This year, the lighting arrangements are based on various themes, implemented by renowned light and sound artists from across the globe. The light festival illuminates the city’s landmarks with spectacular music and light shows, using the latest techniques in lighting, ... Read more

The Sharjah Light Festival has been captivating spectators at the landmark buildings and public places in the city since 6th February 2019. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the theme ‘Culture and Family, the festival will conclude on 16th February 2019. This year, the lighting arrangements are based on various themes, implemented by renowned light and sound artists from across the globe. The light festival illuminates the city’s landmarks with spectacular music and light shows, using the latest techniques in lighting, ... Read more

The Sharjah Light Festival has been captivating spectators at the landmark buildings and public places in the city since 6th February 2019. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the theme ‘Culture and Family, the festival will conclude on 16th February 2019. This year, the lighting arrangements are based on various themes, implemented by renowned light and sound artists from across the globe. The light festival illuminates the city’s landmarks with spectacular music and light shows, using the latest techniques in lighting, graphics, ... Read more

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism. The Memorandum of Understanding aims at exchanging information and expertise in Legislation in the tourism development, Hotels, resorts and tourist accommodation facilities, Tourism data and statistics, Exhibition events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties, Tourism development, planning and investment; Licensing, operating and marketing tourism facilities, Agricultural Tourism,  ... Read more

Qatar has achieved remarkable improvement in road safety during 2018. It was announced by Director-General of Traffic Major General Mohamed Saad al-Kharji, the National Traffic Safety Committee secretary Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah al-Maliki and Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) Statistical Analysis Office head Brigadier Ibrahim Saad al-Sulaiti in press conference on Sunday. The number of deaths in traffic accidents in Qatar fell to 4.9 per 100,000 people in 2018 from 5.4 in 2017, enabling the country to further improve its global record in terms of a low accident fatality rate. The indicators revealed a 7 per cent decrease in accidents in comparison ... Read more

Etihad Airways was confirmed as the official partner of New York Fashion Week: The Shows Autumn/Winter 2019, taking place until 13 February. The airline also celebrates the second birthday of its successful Runway to Runway loyalty programme. New York Fashion Week is one of four major fashion weeks in the world, collectively known as the “Big 4”, along with those in Paris, London and Milan. By partnering once again with NYFW: The Shows, the central hub of activity during NYFW, in 2019, Etihad Airways will mark its third consecutive year of collaborating with international Fashion Weeks, establishing its role as ... Read more

The Dubai-based Emirates Airline has announced discounted fares for a number of destinations, including popular places like Munich, Vienna, Prague, London, Paris, Maldives, Seychelles, Manila, Mumbai, Delhi, Colombo and Hyderabad, if they intend to travel this month until May 31, 2019. Just in time for the holidays, the offers include return flights to multiple locations in Europe, Thailand, Philippines and India, with prices starting from Dhs825. Those who are planning to travel to India any time soon, make sure to catch a flight to Mumbai, Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram between Monday February 11 and Monday 18. Prices for all those destinations ... Read more

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced a variety of events and promotions taking place across Dubai this weekend, cementing the city’s position as one of the best places to celebrate this special occasion: LEGOLAND Dubai will host LEGO themed fun activities for the Chinese New Year this weekend, where kids can take part in mosaic-building, pin their wishes on a Wishing Wall and walk by Factory Street which will be decorated with traditional lanterns and red lights. Dubai Festival City Mall Visitors to Dubai Festival City Mall can enjoy the IMAGINE show; ... Read more

Remnants of Greek temple When thinking about visiting Kuwait, the first thing come in to mind would be the Kuwiat Towers or the Grand Mosque. However, there are destination other than the popular tourist sites in the city. Failaka Island is such an option, which has been becoming a preferred destinations in Kuwait. Located along the northern part of Persian Gulf and located 20km away from Kuwait City, it is situated opposite to the Failaka Bay. The island is spread over 24 square kilometers of area. Archaeological remains in the island Failaka in the past century was little more than a ... Read more

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to launch the first ever in-house AI Academy in the region, which will revolutionise the way the airline serves its customers by upskilling its workforce, optimising operations and creating alternate revenue streams. As part of the AI Academy, all Etihad employees will be given access to an online training programme, and instructor led classes, to drive companywide AI literacy, empowering every employee to deliver more value to the company and its customers. Microsoft specialists will also conduct a series of AI business workshops and hands-on ... Read more

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated Burj Jumeira, the new tower set to be built in the Al Sufouh neighbourhood of Dubai. Accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club, and His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Chairman of Dubai Holding, His Highness reviewed plans for the unique tower and surrounding area, which will be known as Downtown Jumeira. His Highness described the tower and Downtown Jumeira as a continuation of Dubai’s vision for ... Read more