Author: Abdul.Wasey

Riyadh : The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing visitor experiences with the launch of the pilot phase of its tourist package visa service. This new offering allows eligible travelers to secure a tourist visa as part of a comprehensive travel bundle, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader strategy to simplify entry procedures and strengthen its appeal in global tourism markets. The service integrates flight bookings, licensed hotel accommodations, and electronic visa issuance into a single, streamlined booking process. Travelers can also add events, attractions, and curated activities to their packages, minimizing administrative hurdles and ensuring…

Two hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai Dubai : This summer, the city staycation gets a new script as Paramount Hotels Dubai launches Paramount Ticket – Summer Spotlight, a seasonal campaign across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai that transforms the traditional hotel offer into a Hollywood-inspired escape. Built around the idea that every guest can choose their own ticket to summer, the campaign places choice at the centre of the experience. Whether it is a skyline stay above the city, a breakfast-led break, a dining-focused escape,…

Dhahran : The Red Sea Film Foundation has concluded its participation in the 12th Saudi Film Festival, held from 26 June to 2 July 2026 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran. Three films supported by the Red Sea Fund received four honours during the Festival, while the Fund also presented four awards to film projects taking part in the Production Market. Hijra, directed by Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen, received the Golden Palm for Best Narrative Feature Film, while Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream, directed by Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji, won the Golden Palm for Best GCC Feature…

GHA recognizes top-performing hotels and brands across 13 categories, celebrating their contribution to the alliance’s continued growth and commitment to long-term collaboration Dubai : Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, has announced the winners of its 2026 GHA awards. Held on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor, at the glamorous Constellation Theatre on 5th July 2026, the awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements across GHA’s portfolio of 1,000 hotels spanning 55 brands in 100 countries. The accolades celebrate excellence in performance, guest engagement and satisfaction, technology, sustainability, loyalty and collaboration across the alliance. JA…

One of only two five-star Vida properties in the UAE, bringing the brand’s signature blend of creativity, community, and contemporary hospitality to Aljada Sharjah : Emaar Hospitality Group is set to introduce Vida Aljada later this year, bringing a fresh lifestyle hospitality experience to Aljada. Vida Aljada marks a significant milestone for the brand, introducing one of only two five-star Vida properties in the UAE. The upcoming property reflects an elevated expression of the Vida brand, offering a refined lifestyle hospitality experience rooted in social connection, creativity, and contemporary living. Inside Vida Aljada Located within Aljada’s vibrant creative district, Vida…

Saudi Low-Cost Carrier Makes Its India Debut With Daily A320 Operations, Serving The Growing Demand Between Hyderabad And The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Hyderabad : flyadeal has touched down in the city of Hyderabad as the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) welcomed the inaugural flight of the Saudia Group’s fast-growing low-cost carrier. This marks the airline’s entry into the Indian market and represents a key milestone in airline’s international expansion strategy. The maiden service, which landed at Hyderabad Airport on 4 July 2026, was met by senior officials from GHIAL, including Mr. Kadhir Kadhiravan, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport…

PATTAYA :  A new sound healing experience suspended high above Pattaya’s shoreline is beckoning guests to calm the nervous system and encourage mindfulness. Conducted at the Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s rooftop bar, the new Sound Healing Retreat combines therapeutic sound frequencies with guided relaxation techniques. The sessions harness singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs and other instruments to shift the mind from a heightened alert state, spurred by the busyness of everyday life, into slower, more meditative brainwave patterns. The experience supports physical and mental wellbeing by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. Private sessions are available at the hotel’s YHI Spa…

Dubai : Coffee Planet, one of the GCC’s most established integrated coffee companies, has announced the opening of its newest coffee shop at Serena Centre by Dubai Retail. Marking the brand’s 14th store in the UAE and latest addition to its growing network, the new café reflects the homegrown specialty coffee company’s commitment to making high-quality coffee more accessible within Dubai’s residential neighbourhoods. Located in the Serena Community in Wadi Al Safa 7, the café offers seating for 40 to 45 guests and provides a functional and inviting space where residents can enjoy specialty coffee as part of their everyday routines.…

Qatar retains fifth place in the ranking and the second spot in the Access category The GCC’s Muslim-friendly rankings Kuwait holds steady seventh position, topping the Environment category Oman placed 10th overall and third among the most accessible destinations International Muslim arrivals are projected to increase to 208 million this year and reach 262 million by 2030   Kuwait : Mastercard and CrescentRating released the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), revealing how AI, digital trust, regional mobility and destination readiness are reshaping the next phase of Muslim-friendly travel. The report projects international Muslim arrivals to increase to 208 million…

Leading hotel brands and properties recognised for outstanding performance, innovation, loyalty engagement and sustainability   The GHA Awards 2026 winners Monte Carlo :  Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has announced the winners of its 2026 GHA Awards, recognising outstanding achievements by member brands and hotels across the alliance’s global portfolio. Presented during GHA’s annual CEO conference aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor on 5th July 2026, the awards celebrated excellence across 13 categories spanning loyalty performance, guest engagement, technology, sustainability, marketing and luxury hospitality. The event brought together senior leaders from GHA’s hotel brands for…