Connecting more destinations across Africa than any other global carrier, Turkish Airlines offers flights to a total of 64 destinations on the continent, with services to Benghazi resuming from 14 January 2025.  Turkish Airlines will operate its Benghazi flights with B737-78D aircraft, offering three weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.  Commenting on the relaunch of the Benghazi flights, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said: “As Turkish Airlines, we are continuing our mission of connecting continents, this time in Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city. We are delighted to resume flights to Benghazi, where we share historical ties. We foresee that the strong investments in the region will further boost the ......read more

Dubai, UAE – 15 January 2025: Following Emirates’ successful launch to Madagascar in September 2024, the airline will introduce additional flights to the island nation, boosting its schedule from four to six-weekly services, starting 2 April 2025. The move reinforces the airline’s commitment to support Madagascar’s tourism ambitions to accommodate more leisure visitors and promote the island destination to global audiences. The boost in operations, in response to strong demand for its passenger services between the capital city and Dubai, was announced at a press conference held by Madagascar’s Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Tourism, and Emirates in Antananarivo today. Since flights commenced last year, Emirates has witnessed tremendous demand ......read more

14 January 2025, Dubai, UAE – The dawn of a New Year heralds’ fresh beginnings, renewed aspirations, and the chance to create unforgettable memories. IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City invite guests to embark on 2025 with an inspiring array of culinary adventures, immersive experiences, and rejuvenating retreats tailored to delight and refresh. “Following the phenomenal success of our festive celebrations, we’re excited to carry this energy into the New Year,” said Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager for IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. “January is a time to reflect, revitalise, and embrace new possibilities. With our thoughtfully curated offerings, we’re set to deliver unforgettable experiences that allow our guests to begin the year in ......read more

Dubai, 14 January 2025-  Food enthusiasts in the UAE are in for a real treat starting January 2025 as Zaatar w Zeit, the beloved Lebanese urban eatery, has introduced 12 delicious additions to their menu, with a promise to tantalize taste buds. The new menu features exciting new dishes that will offer a feast for all, combining classic Lebanese flavors with modern twists. Perfect for dine-in or delivery, these culinary gems include teasers, wraps, skillets, and desserts. To kick-start their meal, foodies are invited to try the new crispy Tater Tots or the flavorful Petal Fries, the ultimate comfort food companions. The two items can be paired with the revamped Classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap or the Classic Beef Shawarma Wrap, now more irresistible than ever, for an authentic ......read more

EV3 hailed for automotive innovation, performance, and value for money Six category winners chosen by 82 female automotive journalists from 55 countries WWCOTY Supreme Winner title, which the Kia EV9 took in 2024, to be revealed on March 6 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 13, 2025 – Kia announced today that the Kia EV3 has been named the winner in the Compact SUV category at the prestigious 2025 Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Awards. A jury of 82 female motoring journalists from 55 countries across five continents evaluated the Kia EV3 on criteria including safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, performance and environmental footprint against eleven competitor vehicles in the Compact SUV category. The Kia EV3, ......read more

Male, January 13th, 2025: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi unveils an engaging new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkeling. Guided by the resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience offers guests a chance to actively contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. This hands-on initiative combines education, exploration, and action, making it an enriching experience for guests of all ages. Participants will collect essential data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, writing slates, and will learn to identify fish species. Guests will assess coral reef conditions, and contribute to protecting the local marine ecosystem. Findings will be discussed with ......read more

The Middle Eastern car market, renowned for its appreciation of luxury and cutting-edge technology, presents a natural stage for the VinFast VF 8. As the first international offering of the Nasdaq-listed electric vehicle manufacturer, the VF 8 embodies a sophisticated approach tailored to resonate with the region’s discerning consumers. Market insights reveal that Middle Eastern buyers gravitate toward EVs with futuristic aesthetics and advanced functionality, prioritizing vehicles that combine sophistication with innovation. In this context, the VF 8’s Dynamic Balance design language—a harmonious blend of exterior styling, spacious interiors, and intelligent engineering—proves compelling. Together, these elements create a seamless whole, delivering an ......read more

House of Artisans invites students, designers, and creative studios in the UAE to participate in the competition under three main categories: Art, Furniture Design and Product Design  Submissions are open until 9 February 2025, with an opportunity for selected designs to be acquired by Mubadala Foundation and exhibited in its offices around the world Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 9 January 2025: House of Artisans, an initiative under The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) which is dedicated to preserving the UAE's rich heritage of craftmanship, has announced an exciting open call for UAE-based designers, creative studios, and design students. Sponsored by Mubadala, the House of Artisans Design Competition offers a ......read more

Emirates Airlines first Airbus A350-900 takes flight with the next-generation version of ice inflight entertainment (IFE) system powered by Thales’s AVANT Up, the first in a fleet of 65 new aircraft. The system features the best picture quality on any aircraft with stunning 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens for seamless navigation, along with 60W USB-C fast charging for customer devices, and the ability to simultaneously pair two Bluetooth connections. The Emirates A350 will introduce a next-generation version of the ‘ice’ IFE system with a suite of groundbreaking features enabled by Thales technologies designed to enhance the customer experience. Together, Thales and Emirates celebrate the entry into service of the Airline’s first A350-900 aircraft ......read more

Dubai, UAE: 4 January 2025: Emirates marked a significant milestone yesterday as its first Airbus A350 entered commercial service, operating its inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. Emirates newest aircraft combines next-generation cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort paired with outstanding onboard service. The aircraft, featuring Emirates' latest cabin products is the first of 65 A350s joining the airline's fleet over the coming years. Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “This marks a pivotal moment in Emirates' journey as we introduce the A350 into service. Our first Airbus A350 making its maiden journey to Edinburgh also underscores the strategic importance of the UK within our global network. The ......read more

New lounge opened at Zayed International Airport's U.S. Preclearance facility • Exclusive space offers direct boarding on select flights for premium guests Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Etihad Airways opened its new Etihad U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport on 30 December, enhancing the travel experience for passengers flying to the United States. Located steps away from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the new lounge provides eligible guests with a serene space to unwind after completing their U.S. entry formalities and before boarding their flight. The thoughtfully designed facility features a refined selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad's premium travel experience. Select flights offer ......read more

A journey from Modena to the USA, Japan and beyond: the House of the Trident’s worldwide celebrations bring enthusiasts together to commemorate the Brand’s 110th anniversary Modena, 30 December 2024 – Throughout December, Maserati has engaged enthusiasts and its most passionate customers to commemorate its 110 years of history, with several events and activations around the globe. From exclusive unveilings and captivating exhibitions to thrilling on-track and on-road experiences, Maserati has brought its legendary history to life, showcasing its legacy of performance and innovation that continues to inspire the Brand’s future. The celebrations were the ideal opportunity to unveil the latest modes in the Maserati range: Maserati GT2 Stradale and the new ......read more

Boost to operations set to increase daily seat capacity by 30%, supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism growth plans Dubai, UAE – 31 December 2024: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will operate an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai, starting from 2 January 2025. The newly-introduced flight, to operate as EK654/655, increases the seat capacity on the route by 30 percent and supports Sri Lanka’s plans to considerably increase tourist arrivals in 2025.  The additional service will operate six times a week until 31 March 2025. EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05hrs (every day except Wednesdays) arriving in Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake at 16:00hrs (all times are local). ......read more

The Hotel unveils Five Milestones of Growth and Achievement Dubai, 20 December 2024: Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart, the ninth property in the group's regional portfolio, proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary this month. This milestone reflects Premier Inn's continued growth and success in the Middle East, as the brand sets its sights on further expansion, with Saudi Arabia next on the horizon. Located in the heart of International City, Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart opened its doors on 16 December 2019, in a ceremony attended by representatives from Nakheel, the hotel's developer, and Whitbread, the UK's largest hospitality company and owner of the Premier Inn brand. Despite launching on the cusp of the global pandemic, the 304-room hotel has thrived ......read more

Dubai, 16 December 2024: CARS24, the leading global e-commerce platform for pre-owned vehicles that launched its operations in the UAE in 2021, now has reached profitability and cemented its position as the largest player in the used car landscape. With its data-driven approach and personalised customer experience, CARS24 has successfully disrupted the traditional used car ecosystem. An Indian auto tech unicorn company that opened its doors in the UAE during the peak of COVID-19, CARS24 has since expanded its network across India and Australia, CARS24 has digitised the process of buying and selling pre-owned cars, offering trust, convenience and transparency to thousands of customers. Boasting a 25% growth in sales since last year, the e-commerce platform has become a preferred ......read more

Ford Territory transforms the daily drive into a more enjoyable and less stressful experience Middle East residents drive an average of 32km per day for their daily commute or 11,680km per year1 Territory's driver-assist technologies – such as lane departure warning, lane keeping system and blind spot information system – are like having an extra set of eyes on the road Territory's intelligent high control can detect the head and tail lamps of other vehicles. Dubai, UAE, 16 December 2024 – Let's face it, battling heavy traffic on the drive to work can be a grind. Indeed, the average resident in the Middle East drives 32km per day for their daily commute, or 11,680km per year. But what if your car could transform that ......read more

The Kia PV5 named the 'One to Watch' at What Van? Awards Marks the first UK award for Kia's forthcoming electric vans Kia's first electric van, the PV5, is due for launch in the UK in 2025 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 16, 2024 – The Kia PV5 has won the prestigious 'One to Watch' Award at the What Van? Awards 2025, ahead of the production-design reveal and ultimate launch of Kia's first electric van next year.   The What Van? Awards celebrate the brands, businesses and organizations within the UK's light commercial vehicle industry that have reached the pinnacle of their fields, with an appropriately business-focused event that took place on Wednesday, 4 December at the London Hilton Bankside hotel.   The What Van? ......read more

The collaboration brings the iconic Hard Rock Hotels and Reverb Hotels brands to the Kingdom, aligning with Saudi's Vision 2030's focus on expanding the tourism industry and economic diversification Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (10th December 2024): As one of the world's leading hotel management companies, Palladium Hotel Group is set to charter new territories following its agreement with Hard Rock International to operate hotels under Hard Rock Hotels and Reverb Hotels in Saudi Arabia. Palladium Hotel Group will be infusing the region's hospitality market with over 50 years of expertise, following a record-breaking 2023 with an annual revenue of 1.069 billion euros. The group is actively seeking investors and real estate partners with properties that align with the Hard Rock ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 8 December 2024: Racing fans were treated to a spectacular, low-level fly-past just minutes before the start of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by an aircraft from Title Sponsor Etihad Airways. Ahead of the final race in 2024’s record-breaking F1 season, the Etihad Airways Airbus A380 flew over the iconic start-finish line of Yas Marina Circuit at an altitude of 600 ft during the UAE national anthem.   ...read more

The cars pay homage to the Gulf Nations; United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman and share a unique livery and interior treatment, with each model boasting an individualised exterior colour The cars were unveiled at the Casa Ferrari event in Abu Dhabi to mark the milestone anniversary of 30 years in the Middle East Marking the occasion, six special Maranello clutches have also been created, inspired by the six Ferrari 296 GTBs Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), 8 December 2024 – Ferrari celebrated its 30th anniversary in the Middle East by unveiling six exclusive and greatly customised 296 GTBs designed and created especially for the occasion. The cars, showcasing unrivalled aesthetics and unprecedented design originality, were unveiled at the ......read more