Air Arabia’s upgraded website offers features such as booking modification, online check-in from Sharjah Airport, meal and seat selection, meet and assist services, and lounge access. This multilingual site can now be accessed in Arabic, English, French and Russian. By the end of this year, the site will also be available in Spanish and Italian.

As the first regional airline to offer e-ticketing solutions, Air Arabia pioneered this service in the Middle East and remains committed to providing technological innovations that make air travel more accessible and affordable. Since Air Arabia introduced online booking more than six years ago, the service has proved increasingly popular – driven by soaring Internet penetration rates across the region.

“Currently, a majority of Air Arabia passengers book their tickets online, and we continue to witness significant year-on-year increases in the percentage of customers who take advantage of this service,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia.

According to the most recently available data, Nizar pointed out, Middle East Internet usage increased a stunning 1,177 per cent between 2000-2008. Currently, there are more than 48 million Internet users in the region – who spend an average 22 minutes a day online. In the UAE, which has the highest Internet penetration rate in the Middle East, nearly 60 per cent of the population is now online.

“At a time when more of our customers than ever are booking their tickets online, thanks to the simplicity of this service, we recognised the importance of upgrading our existing website,” he said, “offering an enhanced experience and providing a far greater range of services. We encourage all Air Arabia passengers to visit our new website and experience for themselves its many benefits.”

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Coverage in the British media focused on the activities at the Sharjah stand, and shed light on the emirate’s tourism attractions, particularly its distinct culture and heritage, which are particularly important to European tourists in general, and British tourists in particular.

Speaking to the British media, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), said that Sharjah’s tourism sector is expected to bounce back after a period of decline arising due to the global financial crisis in mid-2008, and continue to grow rapidly.

Said Al Qassimi: “The tourism sector in Sharjah experienced four percent growth in Q3 2009 compared to Q1 of the same year. This increase in growth will help the emirate achieve great returns that will contribute to a further increase in growth rates and make up for the losses resulting from the global depression”.

He added, “Sharjah will continue to establish tourism oriented projects and developments to attract tourists and investors, despite the global financial crisis. The first of these projects will be announced in Q1 2010”.

Al Qassimi noted that the tourism sector is one of Sharjah’s most active sectors, attracting the attention of numerous international organisations and institutions due to its diversity and depth. In addition, Sharjah’s historical attractions, moderate climate and beautiful natural environment continue to attract tourists and investors, and hotel occupancy in the emirate during Q3 2009 reached 75 percent, which is approximately the same as that attained last year.

Al Qassimi believes that the attention drawn by Sharjah’s stand at WTM exhibition, one of the biggest tourism-oriented exhibitions in the world, reflects the importance of Sharjah’s tourism product, which led to the number of tourists visiting the emirate doubling in the last five years. “The emirate of Sharjah, under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, takes a special interest in the tourism sector, as the emirate tries to strengthen the interactive relation between infrastructure development and the diverse factors that attract visitors, which will result in greater returns for the national economy.”

“The SCTDA has gone to great lengths to achieve its goals and promote the emirate of Sharjah through participation in international events such as WTM, in which we are participating for the sixth consecutive time. We are confident that these efforts will lead to economic development for Sharjah, which is regarded as a fine example of a new tourism experience that combine the modern and the historical to create a rich and unique tourism product,” he added.

Al Qassimi concluded by saying: “The success we have achieved today in this world-class event motivates us to work even harder for the sustainable growth of Sharjah’s tourism sector, which is one of the main contributors to the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product.”

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The Palace – The Old Town, an elegant 5-star premium hotel destination in Dubai, and The Address Montgomerie Dubai won the awards in the over and under 50 rooms categories respectively. The award recognises the highest hospitality standards followed by the two hotels. In addition to this, interior designers WA International came away with ‘The Interior Design Award for Arabia’ for their designs incorporated in The Address Downtown Burj Dubai.

Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Winning the ‘Best Hotel Dubai’ award for the two categories recognises our efforts to uphold the highest standards of service and hospitality. The Palace – The Old Town, in addition to its spectacular location in Downtown Burj Dubai overlooking The Dubai Fountain and Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, has highly aesthetic architecture features and décor with an attention for details. This is complemented by superior services and hospitality standards that have been recognised with this award.”

He added: “The Address Montgomerie Dubai is the first retreat property under The Address portfolio. At this boutique style clubhouse we offer the ultimate in personalised service assuring our guests a completely enjoyable and rewarding experience in line with The Address philosophy of offering tangible guest benefits.”

The Arabian Property Awards honours the finest real estate professionals across the globe. This year a completely new programme has been launched – the Commercial Property Awards focusing on hotels, offices, retail, golf courses and other commercial buildings and structures. Later this year, the top winners from the Arabian Property Awards will compete against winning companies from Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa, the UK and Americas.

The Arabian Property Awards are run in conjunction with the International Property Awards, the world’s most prestigious competition dedicated to finding the best real estate professionals across the globe. The Palace – The Old Town and The Address Montgomerie Dubai have been nominated for these awards too.

The Palace – The Old Town features 242 beautifully-appointed deluxe rooms including 81 suites, all with balconies overlooking the lake or The Old Town Island, offering prime views of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain. The Address Montgomerie Dubai is an idyllic golf retreat offering one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East.
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The four principal sponsors applauded DIFF‘s year-on-year success in raising the emirate’s profile around the world, adding a vital new cultural dimension at home, and its continuing economic and social contribution. Three of the four – Dubai Duty Free, Emirates and Madinat Jumeirah – are founding sponsors, having partnered with the Festival since its inception in 2004.

DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma thanked the core partners for their unstinting support of the Festival and its mission. “The success of the Festival over the years owes a great deal to the seamless support extended by Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah. As the flag-bearers of Dubai’s success story across the world, they have been instrumental in shaping the Festival and helping us deliver a better Festival every year.”

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, the No. 1 duty free operation in the world, said DIFF shares its passion for bringing the world closer and showcasing the best of the world in a quality environment.

“DIFF plays a very special role in bringing together diverse cultures through the universal language of film,” said McLoughlin. “In addition, the Festival continues to make a significant economic impact, drawing educators, talent and visitors from all over the world. We are honoured to once more extend our support to DIFF.”

Abdul Majeed Ismail Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, said: “In connecting people through the medium of cinema, the Dubai International Film Festival is a celebration of global communities. Its ethos complements the spirit of Pearl Dubai, that seeks to build communities in a superb setting, combining the very best in service, lifestyle and amenities. The Dubai Pearl project that is fast taking shape as an integrated luxury development bears testimony to this vision.”

“The Dubai International Film Festival is an event that gives each one of us more reason to be proud as residents of Dubai. The year-on-year success of the event speaks to the untiring efforts that go into its development as a showcase of the richness of the Arab culture and the unique fabric of our communities,” he added.

Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, said the Festival is an excellent cultural investment in Dubai and promotes emerging talent in the region.

“DIFF excels at showcasing Arab talent while bringing the best of the international film industry to Dubai for cultural exchange, debate and creative expression. Emirates is delighted to play a part in achieving these goals, and like many other institutions in Dubai, has benefited tremendously from our relationship with the Festival,” he said.

Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group, praised the Festival’s success in creating a unique and accessible cultural offering for all residents. DIFF, he added, is also an unrivalled opportunity for the Madinat Jumeirah resort to showcase its renowned facilities and services.

“DIFF embodies Dubai’s hospitality and openness to people of all ages and nationalities, and as hospitality leaders we are proud to be closely associated with the Festival once more. The Madinat Jumeirah has housed the Festival since its inception in 2004, and we look forward to remaining its home for many years to come,” Lawless said.

DIFF, now in its sixth year, will showcase the finest cinema from across the world and host leading filmmakers and actors, in addition to promoting cinema talent from the Arab world, Asia and Africa.

The sixth edition of DIFF will run from December 9 – 16, 2009.
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Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Khaled Al Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, the Prince of Mecca Region, and with the presence of His Royal Highness Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Saudi International Boat Show, the first event of its kind in the Kingdom, will be held 14-17 October 2009 at the Al Furusya Marina & Yacht Club in Jeddah.

Promising to be one of the most exciting social events of the year, the four-day action-packed event offers the ultimate marine experience starring stunning yachts, the latest hi-tech fishing boats, breathtaking speedboats and all that’s new in marine equipment.

Saudi Arabia already boasts one of the longest coastlines which is set to further increase further. The city of Jeddah already hosts a high number of marinas, with more than 2,000 berths. Other developments including King Abdullah Economic City will create an additional 11 kilometres of boardwalks and sea lagoons, with 14 kilometres of natural beach and five yacht clubs.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, Saudi International Boat Show will partner with venue manager Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, with the endorsement of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, and the support of the Islamic Ports of Jeddah, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, Jeddah Civil Defense, Jeddah Coast Guard, Jeddah Municipality, Jeddah Police, Jeddah Port Customs Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its inaugural presentation.

“The choice of Jeddah as the venue for one of the region’s most sought after leisure marine and tourism events of the year reflects local and international confidence in the Kingdom’s continuing prosperity and is a boost to domestic tourism throughout the Kingdom,” said H.H. Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group and the head of the shows organising committee.

The Saudi International Boat Show presents visitors with the ultimate marine experience with more than 80 participating companies from 13 countries across 5,000 square metres at the Al Furusya Marina and Yacht Club in Jeddah.

On show will be more than 40 boats including a selection from superyacht builders. Marine equipment will be on display in the Supplies & Services Pavilion, while exhibitors, key sponsors and partners will host clients in the Corporate Hospitality Chalets.

Among the top exhibitors are Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, Alkhorayef Group, ART Marine, Azimut-Benetti Group, Blue Limits Marine, Emirates Boats, Gulf Craft, Icon Yachts, IMG Boats, Marine Supplies Centre, Sunseeker and Technomarine. The event is supported by key sponsors Lincoln cars, Bison energy drink and Paneria.

“As our first venture into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are delighted with the strong support from the local and international leisure marine and tourism community,” said Abdulla Qassem, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre. “The event will provide a much awaited occasion for companies to explore further the vast potential of the market in the Kingdom. At the same time, Saudi International Boat Show brings to the local consumers a new experience in discovering the international offerings right here in the Kingdom. ”

Attendees can enjoy an action-packed four days of activities that include a dedicated dive village where the general public visitors can see and try the latest diving equipment provided by Dream Divers, and the first ever International Game Fish Association (IGFA) certified fishing competition in the Kingdom.
As another attraction for the Kingdom’s boating fraternity and industry professionals, the first ever Saudi Boating Conference will be held at the Jeddah Marriott Hotel on 13 October 2009 with a keynote address from H.H. Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Industry experts will contribute their views on the future of the boating, diving and marine tourism in the Kingdom, while the agenda also includes trade issues such as import regulations governing yachts and marine equipment, and rules concerning sailing permits.

In addition, all visitors to the boat show can participate in a number of daily raffle draws and also enrol to win a brand new Lincoln MKS as the grand prize.

The venue of the Saudi International Boat Show, Al Furusya Marina & Yacht Club, is located in the heart of the Al Hamra district; Al Furusya offers easy and convenient access for visitors.

The show will open to invited VIP guests only at 5pm on Wednesday 14 October 2009 with admission for General Public from 10pm. Admission on the Thursday – Saturday, 15 -17 October 2009 is from 5pm to 1am. Children under 16 must be accompanied by adults. For more information or further details please visit www.saudiboat.com

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RAKIA revealed that H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has implemented key infrastructure development projects to enhance the airport facilities and several tourist amenities, which have helped make the emirate a highly attractive destination for international tourists. His Highness has also collaborated with Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation Department, in initiating programs to boost the service level of the emirate’s airport as well as the sea ports and other access points to the emirate.

Hilary McCormack, Manager, RAK Tourism said, “This is an important achievement in our mission to reach out to high-potential niche markets in Europe. The new charter flights open a new avenue for European travellers to enjoy Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hospitality and experience the emirate’s unique culture. We intend to build on this important milestone to further strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s growing status as an international business and tourist destination.”

The agreement to open new charter flights between Copenhagen and Ras Al Khaimah was sealed during RAKIA’s participation at the ITB 09 exhibition in Berlin wherein Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of RAKIA, explored various tourism and hospitality business prospects with leading industry players from Europe.

“Ras Al Khaimah is attracting several of the leading tourism firms in Europe that are looking to explore more interesting destinations for European tourists. The recent groundbreaking achievements of the emirate, including the widely publicised successful bid to host the America’s Cup 2010, have definitely contributed in making Ras Al Khaimah a major tourist hotspot and a new target for investors and business organisations worldwide,” added McCormack.

RAKIA also revealed that the new charter flight has been realised in conjunction with the Hamra Hotels & Resorts Sales Team, which has been targeting and campaigning in niche markets with high-revenue potential. The Hamra Hotels & Resorts Sales Team has been collaborating with RAK’s major ports facilities to offer value-added services to tourists arriving in the emirate as part of an ongoing thrust to attract more tourists into Ras Al Khaimah.

Atlantis Rejser has been a leading player in the MENA tourism industry as it is responsible for bringing the largest volume of visitors from the Scandinavian market to Egypt. The company, which boasts of an 80 per cent retention of repeat clients, has revealed that Ras Al Khaimah will play a key role in its expansion program as the emirate offers an authentic cultural experience and provides a variety of world-class tourist facilities.

Ras Al Khaimah will be hosting the prestigious 33rd America’s Cup sailing competition in February of 2010, marking the first time that the race will be held in the Middle East. The competition will be held in Al Hamra Village, where a 22-hectare island within Al Hamra Village lagoon will serve as the base for the sailing event. The island will accommodate the team bases and facilities for the media, the sponsors and the viewing public.

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Mr. Peter Pollak, General Manager Passenger Sales UAE & Director Gulf, Lufthansa German Airlines said, “I would like to wish everyone a warm felt Ramadan Kareem. In our consistent efforts and dedication to our UAE, Oman and Kuwait customers, Lufthansa introduces this Ramadan special with very attractive fares to 40 European destinations, combined with our extensive network worldwide. We are positive this offer will be well received by our passengers who would like to beat the summer heat and fly to their favorite destinations in Europe with these special fares from Lufthansa”.

Customers can book their tickets before September 18, 2009 and are required to commence travel latest by February 15, 2010. Hence, Lufthansa is also offering a very long travel period. This gives customers the opportunity to buy now and travel in the coming months, either for leisure, business, Eid break or Christmas holidays. The maximum period of stay is 3 months.

Lufthansa German Airlines is the only airline connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi with 20 weekly flights to Frankfurt and Munich. . Lufthansa flies daily from Kuwait to Frankfurt and also offers daily flights from Muscat to Frankfurt shortly before midnight (actual departure times vary for the different weekdays). Lufthansa, the German flag carrier has an extensive route network, connecting the region to a total of 194 destinations in 79 countries which can be reached from Frankfurt and Munich.

The Ramadan Special fares offer quoted above for UAE, Kuwait and Oman are available if booked online at www.Lufthansa.com as well as through local travel agents. These fares are excluding taxes and service charges and subject to special conditions. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit our website or contact the Lufthansa office in Dubai on 04-3432121, in Oman on 00968-2479-6692 and Kuwait on 00965-2242-2493 or your local designated travel agencies.

Fellow team-mate and UAE star Khaled Al Qassimi continued on his push for Championship place contention finishing ninth – his best Finnish result to date. Meanwhile the Abu Dhabi Junior Drivers had a tough time completing some of the earlier stages of the Fiesta Sporting Trophy international (FSTi), but managed to finish the rally in a rewarding fifth, seventh and eighth places.

“This is a great Abu Dhabi result in the rally’s historic homeland,” said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which partners the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team and is the World Rally Championship’s Official Destination Partner.

Al Qassimi’s ninth place is testimony to his consistent performance across all 23 stages across the tough Finnish Lake District. Whilst other WRC drivers met with problems on some of the fastest and most challenging stages in the series, Al Qassimi remained calm under pressure and finished all stages with the car intact and his position maintained. As others were forced into Super Rally on day one and day two of Rally Finland, he was able to move up from 12th to 10th until the penultimate stage. Starting first on stage 22 and 23, due to the top ten WRC cars beginning in reserve order, added extra pressure, but the Emirati ace held his nerve.

Al Qassimi demonstrated how he has improved behind the wheel of his Ford Focus since his last Rally Finland, two years ago. “I am really pleased. To finish in the top ten is a very special result in what is a very tough rally. It is a credit to the team that we were able to be in a top nine which included five Finns who are specialists on these roads,” he said.

Hirvonen’s home town win is a triumph for the BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team and sees it claim its fourth consecutive WRC win and Hirvonen push further ahead in the Driver Championship. Hirvonen began his campaign on his birthday last Friday and led the rally for the entire weekend winning most of the 23 stages. Teammate Latvala held fourth position for most of the weekend, contending for third in the final stages of day two. He went on to maintain his podium place until the very end. The combined points have closed the gap on the Manufacturer’s Championship putting BP Ford Abu Dhabi just 14 points behind Citroën.

For Abu Dhabi’s Junior drivers Finland was an equally tough testing ground. The three drivers gained invaluable experience on the fast and challenging stages, increasing their exposure to jumps and the famous Finnish gravel. Whilst all three encountered problems, with Majed Al Shamsi and Bader Al Jabri both retiring from earlier stages, they continued to push forward and achieved a worthy fifth, seventh and eighth positions, keeping them in the running for the FSTi.

“We have learnt so much over the last week and can use this experience to improve our driving and continue to challenge for the FSTi”, commented Ahmed Al Mansoori. “I made some mistakes on the stages and even rolled once, but the lessons I have learnt are going to be fundamental to my development and we all look forward to using these learning’s at our next rally in Spain.”

Al Qassimi will next compete for BP Ford Abu Dhabi team at Rally Australia, September 4th – 6th, while the Abu Dhabi Juniors will compete in the FSTi at Rally Spain, October 2nd- 4th.

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination covering 12 million square feet, equivalent to 200 football fields. And soaring visitor numbers are driving business, with mall retailers reporting a 33 per cent jump in sales from December to April, said Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, in an interview with Pan Arab television station Al Arabiya.

The Dubai Mall is also now the region’s single largest new employment generator, creating 10,000 jobs this year. Retailers have created an estimated 7,500 jobs and Emaar Malls Group has hired thousands more people to work in management, operations, sales, marketing, security, parking and other services.

Mr. Alabbar said: “The Dubai Mall is a catalyst for Dubai’s economy, driving the retail sector and employment. The formal opening of the mall on May 8, 2009, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attracted a record 160,000 visitors – over 10 per cent of the city’s population. With 750,000 visitors every week during the Festival@The Dubai Mall, the mall is on course to achieve annual visitor traffic of 37 million.”

“The Dubai Mall is one of the most significant investments in retailing in the world. It has introduced 165 new retail brands and concepts into the Middle East and unveiled flagship stores of international brands. The world famous department stores Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s are making their Middle East debut at the mall. This reflects the strength of Dubai’s retail sector and the appeal of The Dubai Mall to the global retail industry,” explained Mr. Alabbar.

According to recent research by CB Richard Ellis, Dubai is the fourth most-attractive city for international retailers next only to London, Paris and New York City. The study mapped the global footprint of 280 of the world’s top retailers across 67 countries. It revealed that 46 per cent of these global retailers are in Dubai compared to London (60 per cent), Paris (49 per cent) and New York (47 per cent).

With 1,200 retailers, The Dubai Mall has the largest collection of international brand names under one roof. If all the shop fronts were lined up, they would stretch 23 kilometres. More than 900 shops are already open, and the remaining 300 will open in the next three months. Visitors can also choose from an array of international cuisine at two food courts with a total seating capacity of 3,000.  The mall also has over 14,000 car parking spaces.

Leisure attractions at the mall include The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals including sharks and rays, and with the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel and a walk-through tunnel; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice-Rink; and The Waterfall, an indoor spectacle that traverses the four floors of the mall. The daily shows at The Dubai Fountain are an added draw for visitors. 

Located on the 30-acre Burj Dubai Lake, The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain. Designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, The Dubai Fountain is over 900 ft (275 metres) in length. It features powerful water nozzles which shoot water sprays to heights of over 500 ft (150 metres) – equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. Over 6,600 WET Superlights – the most advanced incandescent large fountain lights available today – and 25 colour projectors will create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions that will appeal to visitors.

Other entertainment features opening in the next three months include KidZania®, an innovative children’s ‘edu-tainment’ concept that is being introduced to the region for the first time; SEGA Republic, a 76,000 sq-ft indoor theme park; and the 22-screen REEL Cinemas with a total capacity of 2,800 seats.