Tag Archives: Abu Dhabi

IndiGo has launched new direct flight services linking Abu Dhabi with two of India’s vibrant cultural cities—Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. This exciting addition aims to improve international connectivity, offering Indian travellers more options for affordable and convenient global travel. Starting from 12 June, flights between Bhubaneswar and Abu Dhabi will operate three times a week, while the Visakhapatnam-Abu Dhabi route will run four times a week, beginning 13 June.

Amid ongoing airspace restrictions triggered by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, many flights to and from Pakistan and northern India have been cancelled or delayed at Dubai International Airport. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have reported delays and cancellations. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Multan (MUX): FZ 340 Lahore (LHE): EK 623, AC 7617, FZ 360 Sialkot (SKT): EK 619, FZ 338 Karachi (KHI): FZ 332 Faisalabad (LYP): FZ 356 Islamabad (ISB): FZ 354 The following flights have been delayed: Lahore (LHE): PA 416, EK 625, AC 7579 Sialkot (SKT): PK 179 Islamabad (ISB): PA 210, EK 613, AC 7571 Multan (MUX): FZ 326 New Delhi (DEL): EK 513 Peshawar (PEW): EK 637 Abu Dhabi cancels flights Several flights from Zayed International Airport have been cancelled as airspace restrictions continue to disrupt operations in the region. According to the airport’s latest flight status, the following flights have been cancelled: Etihad Airways (EY297) – Karachi Pakistan International Airlines (PK264) – Lahore Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (3L335) – Multan Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and reschedule if necessary. Qatar Airways suspends flights to Pakistan Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to Pakistan following the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. Passengers have been advised to check the latest updates on affected flights by visiting qatarairways.com or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at +974 4144 5555.

In a landmark move, the Walt Disney Company is set to open its first theme park in the Middle East, with a new project planned for Abu Dhabi. The entertainment giant has signed an agreement with Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, to bring a world-class Disney theme park and resort to Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. This will be Disney’s seventh global theme park resort and will be fully developed and built by Miral, marking a significant expansion of Disney’s presence in the international tourism market.

Joined by Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield, Stranger Things’ Natalia Dyer, DC Comics Grant Gustin and spiritual leader Sadhguru Featuring music composed and performed by renowned Italian pianist, Ludovico Einaudi, and a dramatic display of 6,000 synchronised drones and pyrotechnics Saadiyat Cultural District lit up with a constellation of global stars gathered for the exclusive VIP opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s newest cultural landmark where art, technology and imagination meet in extraordinary ways. VIP guests were treated to a live performance by world-renowned Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi, whose captivating melodies set the tone for an evening of wonder. The celebration was made even more sensational with a striking display of 6,000 synchronised drones and pyrotechnics – acting as a prelude for what was to come: a night filled with colour, excitement and thrill. Among the guests of honour were Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett, Brendan Fraser and Andrew Garfield, Marvel star Pom Klementieff and DC Comics Grant Gustin, Stranger Things’ Natalia Dyer, music icon Swizz Beatz, spiritual leader Sadhguru and experimental music producer Flying Lotus. The renowned personalities joined creatives, leaders and visionaries from around the world to mark the launch of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Visitors are invited to discover the ever-changing, immersive artworks that respond to their movement and presence, inviting them to explore, connect and create while ensuring that no two visits are the same. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and other world-class institutions, the opening of teamLab phenomena Abu Dhabi further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for arts and culture.  

The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi witnessed remarkable growth with the Emirate’s hotels welcoming 4.8 million guests and a 26 per cent increase in international guests year-to-date (YTD) as of October 2024. The international visitors were predominantly from 26 key source markets, including India, China, Russia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.

Explore Abu Dhabi like never before through an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm, highlighting its luxury experiences, culinary adventures, and exceptional hospitality standards. The webinar promises to be a gateway to creating unforgettable memories in Abu Dhabi. For additional information, contact Jaspreet Kaur on +91 9650196532 or at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

In a strategic move to expand their international footprints, Dusit Hotels and Resorts have formed a partnership with Generator and Freehand Hotels. By combining their respective strengths, the companies aim to break new ground and enter untapped markets, solidifying their positions as leading hospitality brands. One of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, Dusit Hotels and Resorts has formed a partnership with award-winning hospitality developer Generator and Freehand Hotels. This collaboration aims to maximise the strengths of both companies to synergise their development resources and pursue sustainable international growth for their respective brands. Generator and Freehand Hotels, renowned for their experiential hostels and boutique hotels in Europe and the USA, will contribute their expertise and network in developing lifestyle hybrid accommodation models in the affordable lifestyle segment. Dusit Hotels and Resorts, a leading Thai hospitality brand, will bring its deep-rooted heritage and commitment to service excellence to the partnership. Together, the partners will explore opportunities to introduce Dusit Hotels and Resorts to major European cities like London, Paris, and Rome, as well as popular U.S. destinations such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. By combining Dusit’s strong brand recognition with Generator and Freehand’s innovative approach, the partnership seeks to redefine the hospitality landscape and offer travellers unique, memorable experiences. Additionally, Dusit will utilise its existing presence in Asia and the Middle East to introduce Generator and Freehand’s award-winning boutique hotel-hostel hybrid model to prime city destinations like Bangkok, Manila, Kyoto, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. This expansion will extend the reach of Generator and Freehand’s unique brand of hospitality to new markets, offering travellers in these regions exciting and innovative accommodation options. Siradej Donavanik, VP, Global Development, Dusit International, …

Appreciating the promotional strategy of Abu Dhabi in India, Abdulla Mohammad, Director, International Operations, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said, “India is the number one source market of tourists to Abu Dhabi. We hosted over 1.67 lakh guests in our hotels from India this year, representing a 37 per cent growth vis-a-vis last year.”

To empower B2B partners and transform them into certified ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts’, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launched the ‘Abu Dhabi Experts’ e-learning platform. The platform offers specialised content across nine comprehensive modules, covering various facets of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. These modules provide in-depth knowledge about the emirate’s rich culture and heritage, landmarks and attractions and accommodation options.

Around 2000 students, staying over for at least 6 nights each, travel from India to Abu Dhabi every year, and the city is introducing exciting new attractions to boost these numbers. Accommodation has been simplified further by the Abu Dhabi government waiving off Tourism Dirhams on hotels, and having free admission for students under 18 to the most popular tourist spots in the city.