UAE says goodbye to pandemic restrictions: Middle East travel roundup

Skift grip

Middle Eastern nations are realizing that for tourism to thrive, restrictions should be eased.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The Government of the United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday the lifting of all precautionary measures implemented in the country during Covid-19. With the lifting of restrictionswearing a mask is now optional in all open and closed facilities, including places of worship and mosques. However, those categorized as “determined persons” would be required to wear a mask when visiting health facilities and centers. The Al Hosn App would now only be required to provide proof of vaccination and for test results inside and outside the country, if required. The green pass on the app would no longer be necessary access public facilities and sites. The requirement for a polymerase chain reaction test would also no longer be mandatory for those who attend or participate in sporting events. Authorities said they decided to ease restrictions after studying the epidemiological situation in the country and monitoring occupancy rates in hospitals and intensive care units for Covid cases.

A World Cup match ticket would have not anymore be necessary at safe entry to qatar of December 2. However, visitors will still need to apply for and carry the Hayya card before traveling to Qatar. The Hayya card is an identity document that serves as an entry permit to Qatar and also allows access to the stadium with match tickets.

Tourism Development Corporation MD development signed a memorandum of understanding with the German provider of integrated property management Apleonato establish the number one destination for health and recreation tourism in Egypt and the Middle East in Ain Sokhna Al Galala. With estimated investments at $12 million, the health destination will be located in the commercial area of ​​the Groove Sokhna Resort and will be accompanied by a private hotel. The project aims to attract around 29,000 tourists annually, in addition to providing more than 1,000 job opportunities in tourism and services. Through this partnership, DM Development seeks to foster Egypt’s economic growth and attract a new category of vacationers who aim for recreational tourism by providing specialized health and entertainment services, reads a statement from the company. .

Flag bearer of the United Arab Emirates Etihad Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with Cepsa – one of the main producers and suppliers of aviation fuels in the Spanish market – to speed up the decarbonization of air transport researching and producing sustainable aviation fuels (FAS). Both companies prioritize the development of sustainable fuels as a tool to further reduce the carbon footprint of air travel and contribute to the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the fight against climate change. The fuels will be produced from circular raw materials that do not compete with food resources, such as used cooking oils, non-food animal waste or biodegradable waste from various industries, and will reduce aircraft emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene. The partnership will also work on the development of new energy alternatives such as renewable hydrogen and electrification of Etihad land fleetswhich include refueling vehicles, baggage loading and unloading operations and aircraft handling.

tomorrowlandthe destination of the desert Terra Solis Dubai is scheduled to open this month in the Dubai Heritage Vision. Nestled between Arabian dunes and inspired by star constellations, Terra Solis Dubai would offer a collection of three accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations Spread over 371,000 square meters, the destination will also offer several glamping options. Calling it “a one-of-a-kind desert destination away from all the noise”, Nicolas Vandenabeele, founder of Terra Solis Dubai, said: “It is inspired by the magic of Tomorrowland and the most beautiful star constellations.”

Travel and tourism experts from across the Middle East discussed the challenges and opportunities that sustainable strategies must addressduring the final Meeting of the Arab Travel Market Advisory Council. Representatives from tourism boards, hotel groups, travel technology units and aviation groups joined Reeds Exhibitions, organizer of Arabian Travel Mart, for the discussion. The ideas provided during the meeting would help the organizers of the Arabian Travel Mart to ensure that 30th edition of the show is the most durable yet, said Danielle Curtis, director of market exhibitions. Scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Center from May 1-4, the theme for ATM 2023 will be Working towards Net Zero. “To bring the sustainable theme of ATM 2023 to life, we are working closely with our exhibitors and partners to help catalyze lasting change in the travel and tourism industry in the Middle East,” said Curtis.

Turkey see you again amended his tourist arrivals and tourism revenue targets for 2022 to the top at 50 million and 44 billion dollars, respectively, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Minister of Culture and Tourism announced. At the beginning of the year, the country had set its targets at 42 million tourists and $34 billion in tourism revenue. This figure was later revised to 47 million foreign tourist arrivals and tourism receipts worth $37 billion. Strong tourism activity in October is expected to bring the country even closer to pre-pandemic figures. In 2019, Turkey welcomed 51.7 million visitors and generated $34.5 billion in tourism revenue.

Based in Dubai Emirates airlinestill has suspension of air operations to Nigeria more blocked funds. The airline had previously suspended operations in Nigeria in August due to its inability to repatriate $85 million in revenue. Just seven weeks after restarting operations, the airline said in a statement that flights had to be suspended under “extraordinary circumstances” to mitigate further losses. The airline said it has communicated its position to the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “Without the rapid repatriation of funds and a mechanism in place to ensure that future repatriation of funds from Emirates does not accumulate in any way, the backlog will continue to grow, and we simply cannot meet our costs. operational nor maintain the commercial viability of our operations in Nigeria,” the airline said.

Abu Dhabi Tourism unveiled its latest brand campaign – Discover Abu Dhabi. Find your rhythm – encouraging the world to enjoy the enriching experiences of Abu Dhabi at its own pace. “With so many experiences that inspire, excite and restore, there is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi and so much waiting to be discovered, at your own pace,” read a press release from Abu Dhabi. Tourism. Showcasing the offerings the emirate has to offer, from cultural heritage to thrilling experiences, the campaign invites travelers to indulge in a variety of memorable and enriching experiences, available all year round. “Emirati hospitality is at the heart of every moment that matters – a vibrant culture that leaves visitors feeling like a home away from home,” reads the press release.

Bahrain International Airport expects to welcome nine million passengers by the end of 2023, reporting an almost complete recovery from Covid-19. The airport also expects 2022 numbers to hit around 6.5 million passengers. After losing more than 75% of its usual traffic in 2020 due to Covid-19, the airport experienced a recovery in 2021, and in the first half of 2022, nearly three million passengers passed through the airport. . After launching a new terminal in 2021, the airport now has a capacity of over 14 million passengers and 130,000 air traffic movements per year.

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai has now started accepting guest bookings for stays from 2023. The Ultra-luxury resort with 43 floors and 795 rooms features 44 suites with their own private infinity pools, a 22nd-floor infinity pool with views of Palm Island, the world’s largest jellyfish aquarium, a water fountain show, and a collection of chef restaurants and bars famous. Guests staying in the signature suites or penthouse can enjoy dedicated butler service. Before opening to guests, Atlantis The Royal will host a big reveal in January with an all-star lineup.

As the Middle East bECOMES a priority market for HungaryVisit Hungary is launching a large-scale communication campaign promote the country’s attractions in the region. Arrivals of visitors from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to Hungary should be the best record in 2022. Visit Hungary has also appointed AVIAREPS as its representative office in the Gulf countries to further promote Hungary as an idyllic winter destination to travelers from the Middle East. The region’s rapid return and expansion of direct air access to Hungary, as well as the positive momentum gained through its proactive activations during Expo Dubai 2020, contributed to this increase in arrivals of visitors to the region, Vitalij Izbriszov, regional business development manager for Visit Hungary said.