Breaking News
5 days ago
Oman Air has made its most significant new route announcement in the last five years with the launch of flights between Rome and Muscat. Starting 20 December 2024, the airline will operate four weekly flights, offering the first-ever direct connection between Rome and the Omani capital city, while also providing seamless connectivity across its expansive network, including the Far East, GCC, Indian Subcontinent and more. With one-way fares starting from just EUR 150, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new destinations while experiencing Oman Air’s award-winning service and signature Omani hospitality. “Our new direct service between Rome and Muscat represents an exciting step in our growth. Marking our second destination in Italy, [the first being Milan], this key route not only enhances our footprint in Europe, but also marks the start of our strategy to maximise the utilisation of our narrow-body fleet,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to introduce the beautiful city of Muscat to a whole new market, as well as offer seamless and convenient access to destinations beyond.” Guests can fly with Oman Air from Rome to Muscat on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The outbound flight departs from Rome at 2030 and […]
5 days ago
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele and Foreign Minister Peter Chanel Agovaka in Riyadh on Sunday. During the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement on mutual exemption of short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, private and official passports. Prince Faisal and Manele reviewed relations between the two friendly countries and ways to further strengthen and develop them in various fields. They also discussed intensifying joint coordination on many issues of interest to the two countries. At the outset of the meeting, Prince Faisal conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, wishing the government and people of the Solomon Islands continued stability and prosperity. In turn, the prime minister of the Solomon Islands offered his greetings and appreciation to King Salman and the Crown Prince, wishing the government and people of the Kingdom steady progress and prosperity. The meeting was attended by Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Ambassador Saud Al-Sati and Saudi Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia and the non-resident Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Sultan bin Khuzaim.
6 days ago
Saudi authorities have announced new rules for road billboards in a step aimed at enhancing safety standards and protecting the environment. To this end, the Saudi Roads General Authority (RGA) has unveiled four basic rules. According to the new standards, billboards must be placed in safe locations that do not obstruct traffic or endanger road users. Moreover, high-quality, environmentally friendly materials must be used in the manufacture of these boards. Additionally, the design must ensure that drivers are not distracted or have their view of the road obstructed. The fourth rule requires that billboard lighting be appropriate, avoiding any glare that could affect drivers, and must use environmentally friendly technology to minimise negative environmental impacts. These rules are part of the ‘Saudi Road Code,’ a comprehensive technical reference for the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of roads nationwide. The code aims to guide government institutions in enhancing road safety. The code also aims to unify route standards, as the authority serves as the supervisor and regulator of the road network in the kingdom, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce traffic accidents. The code is being implemented as a guideline until the end of this year. It will become mandatory […]
7 days ago
Qatar Airways will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) starting on December 11, 2024, with three weekly non-stop flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH). As the airline’s fourteenth gateway to the Americas, the new Toronto route marks the airline’s second destination in Canada, joining Montréal which has served more than 1.6m passengers across seven daily flights to and from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) since its launch. Operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, equipped with 42 Qsuite Business Class seats and 312 Economy Class seats, the new Toronto service will provide travellers from Canada and beyond with seamless access to destinations across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, including Colombo (CMB), Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), Kathmandu (KTM), and Mumbai (BOM). Qatar Airways announces Doha-Toronto flights Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The Toronto route is a strong and enduring commitment towards providing Qatar Airways’ Canadian customers with the enhanced connectivity they deserve, as well as access to our world-leading service and Qsuite in-flight product. “The addition of a fourteenth gateway to our Americas network is also a testament to our aim in maintaining a key presence across the local market, and cements our reputation as a […]
1 week ago
Emirates has banned pagers and walkie talkies on all Dubai flights, it announced in a travel advisory. The UAE carrier said the communications devices were prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage. A travel update on the airline’s website said: “All Passengers travelling on flights to, from or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie talkies in checked or cabin baggage. Emirates bans pagers and walkie talkies “Such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police”. Meanwhile the airline has also cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Iran and Jordan, citing regional unrest. A statement from the Dubai-carrier said: “Emirates is cancelling all regular flights to/from Iraq (Basra and Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) on October October 4 and 5 due to regional unrest. “Customers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice”. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation in the region and is “in contact with the relevant authorities regarding developments”. The pager and walkie-talkie attacks, widely blamed on Israeli intelligence, were the result of the devices having been intercepted and […]
1 week ago
Dubai Police have added a Lucid Air Grand Touring to the fleet of luxury patrol vehicles in the city. The police fleet of supercars already includes cars from Aston Martin, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini and even luxury speed boats, a Tesla Cybertruck and a 3D-printed SWAT super-truck. The force has now unveiled the Lucid Air Grand Touring, one of the most advanced electric vehicles, as part of the fleet with full livery design. Dubai Police Lucid Air supercar Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, received a detailed handover from Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director Middle East at Lucid, at the Dubai Police Officers Club. Lt. Gen. Al Marri emphasised that this initiative reflects the Police’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for a green economy and aligns with the city Quality of Life Strategy 2033 by embracing the latest technologies and systems that promote sustainable and eco-friendly development. The 819-horsepower Lucid Air Grand Touring is the first production vehicle to achieve a WLTP estimated range of up to 839km on a single charge. For 2024, the vehicle’s innovations have gotten even sharper, adopting technology advancements first seen in the Lucid Air Sapphire […]
1 week ago
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has unveiled its new brand identity, featuring a revamped logo, mission, vision, and values. The rebrand aligns with the company’s comprehensive strategy, expansion plans, and future growth aspirations. Embodying the nation’s Spirit of the Union, the revamped identity represents the connectivity and cohesion between the various cities and regions of the UAE created by the railway network. Etihad Rail brand revamp The new brand identity aligns with the UAE’s leadership’s vision, under the guidance of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs Families Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, acknowledging the magnitude of the country’s national achievements over the past years. Etihad Rail’s new vision focuses on serving the UAE, by providing more opportunities and enhancing connectivity through a safe a sustainable railway network that links communities and industries. The company has achieved many milestones during the past period, including the launch of freight train operations, the integration of the UAE’s National Rail Network with the future passenger station in Sharjah, and the development of passenger train services. The Etihad Rail updated logo design is inspired by the eye […]
1 week ago
Air Arabia has announced the reintroduction of non-stop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The service is set to begin on December 15, 2024, operating thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The flight schedule indicates that G9 836 will depart Ras Al Khaimah at 10:25 local time, arriving in Jeddah at 12:35. Air Arabia expands Ras Al Khaimah network The return flight, G9 837, will leave Jeddah at 13:15, landing in Ras Al Khaimah at 16:55. Both routes will utilise Airbus A320 aircraft. Chief Executive Officer Adel Al Ali said: “We are pleased to resume our non-stop flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Jeddah, a key destination in Saudi Arabia. The three weekly flights to Jeddah reinforces Air Arabia’s commitment to expanding its operations from Ras Al Khaimah and supporting the emirate’s tourism and trade. We look forward to the first flight as we continue to offer our customers with value-driven and convenient travel options.” Air Arabia’s Ras Al Khaimah network currently includes direct connections to Cairo, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Calicut, and the recently announced route to Moscow. Bookings for the Ras Al Khaimah-Jeddah route are now available through Air Arabia’s website, call centre, and travel […]
1 week ago
Dubai-based Emirates airlines has resumed daily passenger services in Lagos after a two-year suspension of operations at the popular African destination. After being grounded in 2022, the airline restarted operations on October 1, and the first flight landed at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA). Passengers can catch a daily flight from Dubai at 9.45am, arriving at Lagos at 3.20pm, with an approximately seven-hour journey. The return flight from Lagos is at 5.30pm, and lands in Dubai at 5.10am the following day. The daily service has been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points in Europe, the US, Far East and the wider Middle East and GCC, streamlining business and leisure travel to and from Nigeria. To support travel to Dubai or onwards, Emirates will also facilitate 48 hour and 96 hour Dubai visa applications for travellers from Nigeria, an offer which is exclusive to the airline. The Dubai-Lagos service is operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering eight First Class suites, 42 Business class seats and 304 economy class seats. Celebrating the resumption of services, Emirates award-winning loyalty programme, Skywards, reinstated previous tier status levels for Skywards members to ensure continuation of earned benefits and recognition. Commenting on the […]
1 week ago
Flights from Dubai to Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan via flydubai will resume on Friday, October 4, an airline spokesperson has confirmed on Thursday. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will amend our flight schedule if required,” the spokesperson noted, adding: “flydubai operates within flight paths approved by the regulator and the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.” Meanwhile, Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates still has cancelled all regular flights to/from Iraq (Basra and Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) until October 5 due to regional unrest. “Customers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,” Emirates noted. “Impacted customers must contact their booking agents for alternative travel options or contact us if they have booked with Emirates directly,” the airline added. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has resumed flight services between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) on Thursday, October 3, an airline spokesperson has confirmed. “The airline is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant communication with relevant authorities and security intelligence providers. The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority, […]
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