International News

International News

Qatar Airways Wins Best Hospitality Service Award

At the annual airline excellence awards ceremony, Qatar Airways has been selected as the winner of the "Best Hospitality Service of 2024" award.The selection criteria included the quality and variety of food, offering dishes suitable for passengers from various nationalities, services provided by flight attendants, and the quality of utensils and equipment used. Qatar Airways has received this award multiple times in previous years and was also recognized as the second-best airline globally for hospitality services in 2023.This award underscores Qatar Airways' commitment to providing high-quality services to its passengers.

Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024

Malaysia Airlines Returns to Profitability

After 13 years, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) finally returned to profitability in 2024, driven by high demand for travel and increased airfare prices among other factors. The CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group attributes the airline's profitability to increased passenger traffic in high-yield segments and more international flights. In 2023, the airline transported approximately 14.5 million passengers, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. Additionally, by December, passenger numbers had reached 86% of pre-pandemic levels, with expectations to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels by the second quarter of 2024.

Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024

Istanbul Airport named Best Airport of the Year

For the fourth consecutive year, Istanbul Airport has been named the Best Airport of the Year as part of the Aviation Transport Awards. According to the announcement by the Istanbul Airport Management Company, "iGA," the award was presented to Salahaddin Bilgen, the Deputy CEO of the company, during a ceremony in Athens, Greece. Istanbul Airport has surpassed its competitors worldwide in 2021, 2022, and 2023, securing the Best Airport of the Year award each time.

Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024

Dubai Ranks Second Globally in Reserved Room Numbers

According to published data, Dubai secured the second position globally in hotel room reservations last year, surpassing New York, Paris, and Singapore by a significant margin. London claimed the top spot in terms of reserved hotel rooms with approximately 43 million room nights, followed by Dubai with 41.8 million room nights, placing it second. In the midst of this, New York ranked third with 36 million room nights, while Paris secured the fourth position with approximately 24.7 million room nights, and Singapore stood fifth with 20.4 million room nights.

Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024

Dubai's Grand Ramadan Souq Opens Its Doors

Dubai Municipality's Ramadan Market, running from February 17th to March 9th, offers a one-stop destination for all the necessities of the blessed month. Located in the bustling Deira Souk, this market ensures a hassle-free shopping experience by providing traditional items and essential supplies for Ramadan at affordable prices. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live entertainment programs, educational workshops, and special activities for children at this vibrant market.

Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024

Dubai's Food & Beverage Sector Attracted $577 Million in FDI

The food and beverage sector of the United Arab Emirates generated a net income of $16.4 billion from retail sales in 2023. Out of this figure, $9.8 billion stemmed from the sales of fresh food items, while $6.6 billion was attributed to packaged food sales. Moreover, it is projected that beverage sales in the country will increase from $1.6 billion in 2023 to $2 billion by 2028. Additionally, there is a notable upward trend in online grocery shopping in the UAE. This figure reached $1.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to continue growing at a rate of 9.5 percent annually until 2027.

Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024

Introducing Work Visas for Young Indians in Britain

In a notable initiative, the UK's High Commission in India is offering 3,000 work visas under the "Young Professionals from India" scheme, without the need for a job offer or financial sponsorship. This exceptional opportunity is available for Indian applicants aged 18 to 30 to be selected through a lottery system for living and working in Britain for two years. Unlike many other work visas, this scheme does not require a job offer or sponsorship from a British employer. This visa allows individuals to live and work in Britain for two years, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of life in this advanced country.

Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024

London's iconic BT Tower is set to become a landmark hotel

In a £275 million deal, the BT Telecommunications Tower, once the tallest building in the UK capital, is set to transform into a luxury hotel.Constructed in 1964, this 189-meter tower, known for its unique and iconic design, has become one of London's tourist attractions. MCR Hotels, known for The High Line hotel in New York City, aims to fully renovate the tower into a luxury hotel featuring 200 rooms. Named "The Landmark London," the hotel will include restaurants, various bars, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city skyline.The tower's reconstruction is expected to be completed by 2027, with the hotel opening its doors in 2028.

Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024

Swiss-based Aman to open its first luxury hotel in Dubai

Renowned for its opulent and lavish hotels, the Aman hotel group is set to build its first hotel in the city of Dubai. The hotel will be located in Jumeirah 2 area, alongside the coastline.Aman Dubai will feature luxurious suites, a spacious spa, several restaurants, and an exclusive club.The design of this hotel is being undertaken by the architectural firm Kerry Hill Architects, combining a blend of minimal and contemporary styles with Arabic elements. Currently, the Aman hotel group is also constructing hotels in Saudi Arabia.

Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024

Ritz-Carlton unveils Eight Luxurious Villas Amidst the Desert

Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah unveiled its latest addition, the "SignatureVillas," comprising eight ultra-luxurious villas nestled in the heart of the desert, offering a tranquil and private retreat.Spanning 900 square meters, these opulent villas provide an unparalleled setting for a dreamy getaway, boasting a private pool, mesmerizing desert views, lavish decor and furnishings, and unparalleled amenities and recreational facilities.Guests of SignatureVillas also benefit from the services of a dedicated butler, ensuring an unforgettable memory of their journey.

Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024

Spain Emerges as a Popular Destination for GCC Tourists

The Spanish Tourism Board in the GCC region has reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals from this area in 2023, indicating Spain's growing popularity as an attractive tourist destination for GCC residents. The notable surge mainly stemmed from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Spain's allure lies in its cultural diversity, historical attractions, stunning beaches, and favorable climate, with expectations for increased demand for travel to Spain from the GCC in 2024. The lifting of travel restrictions, the increase in direct flights, and the introduction of new attractions are expected to contribute to this upward trend.

Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024

PIF unit teams up with Saudi agritourism company

Dan Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund specializing in agritourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism, has signed a memorandum of understanding with AMATC company. This collaboration includes the development and enhancement of ecotourism lodges, tourist farms, and other unique accommodation options in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The two companies will collaborate to provide diverse tourism services to travelers, including specialized tours, recreational and educational programs, and support services. Additionally, joint investment in the development of tourism infrastructure, such as building tourist camps, hiking and biking trails, and other recreational facilities, is another provision of this memorandum of understanding.The signing of this memorandum is considered a significant step towards the development of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry and the realization of the country's Vision 2030.

Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024