Jetsettersblog

Officially Appointed by UAE National Olympic Committee

DUBAI, UAE -29th November 2011: MMI Travel has been officially appointed by the UAE National Olympic Committee to sell tickets and packages in the UAE for the Olympic Games 2012.

Next year, millions of people will visit the city of London to watch this amazing sporting extravaganza as top athletes from around the globe compete in world-class sporting events in some of London’s iconic venues. MMI travel, one of the Middle East’s leading sports travel management companies will enable sporting enthusiasts from our region to be part of this unforgettable experience.

From those simply wanting to purchase a ticket, to customers who would like to have a complete tailor-made travel package, MMI Travel can help as they have been selected to be the region’s “Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) in UAE for Olympics 2012″. Complete packages include flights, hotel accommodation and game tickets, with the added convenience of transfers too.

For sports fans are looking to have an extra special visit to the Olympic Games, MMI Travel has a second option. As “Authorised Marketing Agent of Prestige Ticketing in UAE for sale of Official Hospitality packages for Olympics 2012″ they offer travellers a top notch experience with hospitality access at the venue.

“This appointment recognises MMI Travel as the leading sports travel management agency in the Middle East. It emphasises the value that MMI Travel has provided to the Sports Industry and its considerable experience in arranging specialist sports travel packages”, said Abdulla Tawakul, Senior Vice President for MMI Travel.

“The UAE National Olympic Committee has entrusted MMI Travel with this responsibility based on our credible experience in sports tours management. As the Authorised Ticket Reseller we will be the selected retailer for all event tickets as well as the ‘Prestige Experience’, which promises exceptional food, service and hospitality within the official Games venues. The hospitality, combined with great accommodation, flights and transfers makes this a truly premium product and give customers a day they will never forget,” said Mayank Dhingra, MMI Travel’s General Manager.

“We selected MMI Travel for this appointment due to their excellent reputation and considerable knowledge in the region” said Saeed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Secretary General. “This is the first time in the history of the UAE National Olympic Committee that an official travel agent has been appointed to manage ticket sales and inclusive packages, for the general public. We felt that MMI Travel was the perfect company for us to partner with for the Olympics 2012″.

Ticket and package sales are on sale now and are subject to availability. For more information please contact MMI Travel’s expert planners on +971 4404 5859, e-mail sports@mmitravel.ae  or visit www.mmitravel.com

JET AIRWAYS STRENGHTENS ITS PRESENCE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Jet Airways has strengthened its connectivity with the United Arab Emirates with the introduction of two new flights.

The Indian airline now operates its first daily flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Sharjah. Flight 9W570 departs Thiruvananthapuram at 10:00 hours local time, arriving in Sharjah at 12:40 hours. The return flight, 9W569, leaves Sharjah at 13:40 hours, arriving at Thiruvananthapuram at 19:00 hours local time. The flight commenced operation on the 31st October 2011. This new service will complement current operations from Kochi to Sharjah.

Jet Airways will also be adding a daily flight from Mumbai to Riydah, making it the first carrier to offer twice daily flights to the destination. Flight 9W526 will leave Mumbai at 14:00 hours, arriving in Riyadh at 16:00 hours. The inbound flight will depart Riyadh at 17:00 hours arriving in Mumbai at 23:15 hours. The flight will come into effect from the 14th December.

Jet Airways now serves 10 destinations in the Middle Eastern region including flights to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammamam.

JET AIRWAYS INCREASES SERVICES TO BANGKOK
Jet Airways will introduce a third early morning service to Bangkok from Mumbai effective from the 14th December, making it the only airline with triple frequency on this sector. The Indian airline has added the extra flight to meet growing demand for the route, benefitting both business and leisure travellers. Flight 9W70 will depart Mumbai at 07:45 hours and arrive in Bangkok at 13:30 hours. The return flight (9W69) will leave Bangkok at 14:30 hours and arrive in Mumbai at 17:30 hours. Passengers embarking on the service from Mumbai to Bangkok will enjoy the facilities on board the state- of the- art Boeing 737-800.

JET AIRWAYS CONNECTS MADURAI WITH BANGALORE AND CHENNAI
Jet Airways has added new daily flights from Madurai to Chennai and Bangalore which came into effect as of the 31st October. These extra flights have been introduced to meet the growing demand for travel between these cities. Flight 9W2769 departs Madurai daily (except Tuesdays and Saturdays) at 12:25 hours, arriving into Bangalore at 13:40 hours. While the return flight (9W2770) leaves Bangalore at 14:10 hours, arriving back in Madurai at 15:25 hours.

In addition Jet Airways now offers a daily service between Chennai and Madurai. The outbound flight (9W2725) leaves Chennai at 10:35 hours arriving in Madurai at 11:55 hours. While the inbound flight leaves Madurai at 16:10 hours arriving in Chennai at 17:30 hours except on a Tuesday and Saturday when it departs at 12:25 hours arriving in Chennai at 13:45 hours.

JETLITE INTRODUCES ADDTIONAL FLIGHTS FROM AHMEDABAD TO FIVE NEW DESTINATIONS
Ahmedabad is now better connected thanks to Jetlite’s (Jet Airways’ all economy subsidiary) new services to Bengaluru and Delhi with onward flights to Coimbatore, Kolkata and Lucknow. Jetlite will introduce the new Boeing 737 services in its winter schedule in response the growing demand for the respective destinations. The flights came into effect this November.

Guests will now be able to fly from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru and back in a day with the new daily morning service to Bengaluru. Flight 9W7021 will depart Ahemdabad at 06:20 hours arriving in Bengaluru at 08:15 hours. The inbound flight (9W7022) will depart Bengaluru at 21:20 hours and arrive in Ahmedabad at 23:20 hours.

Direct services from Ahmedabad to Delhi have also been introduced. The 9W7105 flight will depart Ahmedabad at 07:15 hours arriving in Delhi at 08:40 hours. Jetlite has also added two return flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad departing at 12:10 (flight 9W7001) and 18:35 (flight 9W7111). The inbound flights will arrive at 13:35 (flight 9W7001) and 19:55 (9W7111) respectively.

Guests will now be able to continue their journey onto Coimbatore and Kolkata via Bengaluru and Lucknow via Delhi.

JET AIRWAYS WELCOMES ITS 100th AIRCRAFT
Jet Airways’ 100th aircraft commenced service this month, marking a major milestone for the Indian airline. The latest addition to the fleet is a new next generation Boeing 737-800 with Sky Interiors configured with 8 Premiere and 162 economy seats.

The Boeing’s Sky Interior is in keeping with the airline’s commitment to continually innovate and differentiate its product for an enhanced in-flight guest experience. The aircraft is replete with the very latest Boeing 787 inspired shape, colour, décor and texture. The Sky Interior features cove lighting, larger windows and curved cabin architecture, providing a feeling of openness and space.

Dynamic light-emitting diode (LED) lighting can portray different colour schemes like a soft blue sky and a relaxing pallet of sunset colours. Other new features include new overhead pivot bins affording greater guest storage capacity. In addition to this, the new Boeing 737 – 800 aircraft possess superior on board, sound quality and clarity through new speakers that have been improved in each passenger row.

Savings of more than $2100 per person are now available on a nine-night New Year’s Eve cruise/land package around the fascinating Arabian Gulf region on the Costa Favolosa in December 2012, when you book by November 30 this year.

Celebrate the beginning of 2012 on this round-trip itinerary from Dubai which involves port visits to the Omani capital Muscat, the emirate of Fujayrah, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the port of Khasab in Oman.

The new low price of from $3119 per person twin share (was $5289) also includes return economy airfares from Sydney and Melbourne, all taxes, on-board gratuities, two nights at Raffles in Dubai and a 4wd desert safari with dinner and a belly dancing show.

Children aged up to 18 cruise for free (except for port charges) sharing a cabin with two adults.

Costa Favolosa has a choice of five restaurants and 13 bars, swimming pools and Jacuzzis, casino, shopping centre, video arcade and a Formula One Grand Prix simulator.

More details from ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out their new website www.ecruising.travel.com

AIDA cruise ships will resume making day-long calls at Bahrain starting in December. Each ship will carry between 2,000 and 2,300 passengers. Passengers visit Bahraini tourist attractions, such as Al-Fatih Mosque, Arad Fort and the Manama Souq. According to Seatrade Middle East, a single ship visit is worth $300,000 to Bahrain’s economy.

“This is very good news for Bahrain and a stamp of approval on its standing as a major port of call for cruise ships,” said Hassan Al Sharif, Al Sharif Group assistant shipping manager, which represents AIDA in Bahrain. For more information, visit www.bahraintourism.com

Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E., – RAK Airways, a national carrier of the UAE, has expanded its route network with flights to Doha, Qatar. Effective July 5th 2011 RAK Airways will offer four flights a week to Doha.

RAK Airways CEO Omar Jahameh said, “By adding a sixth destination to our network we are providing travellers with a value offering to yet another exciting destination. The introduction of our Doha sector is in keeping with our strategic plan to add five new destinations to our growing route network before the end of the year.”

Jahameh explained the destination had been strategically chosen, “RAK Airways Doha flights will provide a value option to both business travellers, who can take advantage of the growing trade opportunities in Qatar and leisure travellers who will be able to enjoy all that the country has to offer especially in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup,” Jahameh concluded.

With the introduction of RAK Airways flights to Doha passengers from the Indian sub-continent will be able to take advantage of convenient connections to Qatar via Ras Al Khaimah.

Following Qatar’s recent 2022 World Cup win, business travellers are well placed to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities in the country’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Doha is increasing in popularity as a tourist destination offering visitors a unique blend of cultural and entertainment attractions such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Grand Mosque in addition to varied world-class shopping and dining options.

Included in the price of each RAK Airways flight to Doha is a full hot meal and beverages on-board all flights, a baggage allowance of 30kg per passenger as well as the normal hand baggage allowance and free shuttle service between RAK International Airport and the neighbouring emirates for each flight. RAK Airways also offers free parking for passengers who wish to drive to RAK International Airport which is 30 minutes away from Sharjah and 45 minutes away from Dubai.

Flights to Doha will be on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday leaving RAK International Airport at 14.45 and arriving in Doha at 14.45. Return flights from Doha will be on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday leaving at 15.45 and arriving at RAK International Airport at 17.45.

Bookings can be made online at www.rakairways.com; through phoning a 24-hour call centre on 971-7-2075000; through sales offices in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al-Quwain as well as Calicut, Cairo, Jeddah, Dhaka and Chittagong ; and through appointed travel agents.

RAK Airways is national carrier of United Arab Emirates established under Emiri Decree No: 3/2006. The airline is a private joint stock company incorporated in the RAK Investment Authority Free Zone with an authorized capital of AED 1.5 billion.

RAK Airways Chairman is Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi; Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi is the airline’s Vice Chairman and Omar Jahameh is RAK Airways Chief Executive Officer.

RAK Airways currently offers flights to Calicut, Jeddah, Cairo, Dhaka and Chittagong from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

The Rezidor Hotel Group announced two new hotels in the United Arab Emirates: the 471- key Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai, and the 257-room Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah Dibba. Previously managed by JAL Hotels Company, both properties will begin operation under Rezidor immediately. The hotels are owned by ACICO Industries and its subsidiary, a Kuwait-based publically listed company.

Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai is located on the prominent Sheikh Zayed Road, the longest road in UAE and home to most of Dubai’s world-famous skyscrapers. The property’s 375 rooms include 96 suites ranging from 660 to 2,950 square feet. All rooms and suites offer views of either Sheikh Zayed or the sprawling Jumeirah beach. Interiors were designed by the Dubai-based Draw Link Group and were awarded by the International Interior Design Association. The property offers an all-day-dining restaurant and three specialty restaurants, a lobby lounge, pool bar and a night club. Additional property amenities include a Zen Spa, fitness center, and exclusive rooftop pool. For meetings and events, the hotel features eight meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Located between the Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah Dibba offers guests a 1,700-foot sandy beach, the longest in the Emirate. The 257 rooms range from standard to suites and are all equipped with Radisson Blu signature services such as complimentary high speed internet access. The property offers five restaurants, two bars, a lobby lounge and a beach lounge. The resort’s spa includes four terrace pools and a fitness center, and the property also has a dive center and dedicated pool and playground area for children. Business travelers will be able to use a multi-purpose hall and indoor conference space at the hotel as well as outdoor venues for up to 1,000 attendees. The Rezidor Hotel Group now has nine hotels and 2,600 rooms in operation in the UAE. For more information, visit www.rezidor.com

MSC Cruises is now offering 50 percent off one guest per stateroom on seven-night winter cruises to Arabia when booked by July 31. Rates begin at $649 for the first person and $324.50 for the second, plus government fees and taxes. Kids 17 and younger sail for $99.

MSC Lirica will operate the “Arabian Adventure” cruises, which sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi or Dubai and call at Muscat, Oman; Al Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Khasab, Oman; and overnight stays in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Weekly departures are from Oct. 30 through March 4. For more information, click the ship.

10 Reasons To Go Sailing In The Capital Of The United Arab Emirates

With Abu Dhabi readying itself to welcome the impressive Volvo Ocean Race fleet to its sun-drenched shores this coming New Year, we look at the top 10 reasons to go sailing in this watersports haven.

The Weather
With beautiful sailing weather for nine months a year (September- June), Abu Dhabi boasts the perfect blend of almost-continuous sunshine, warm blowing winds and flat, azure waters. Whatever size craft you are skippering, windy shamal gusts or lighter sea breezes will make every experience an enjoyable one.

Island Spotting
With more the 200 natural islands hugging over 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, Abu Dhabi is blessed with stunning natural diversity. From the historic Delma Island, where archaeologists have discovered evidence of human existence dating back 10,000 years to the tourist-friendly Maya Island, which hosts a weekly beach party, Abu Dhabi boasts a complete spectrum of island life.

Those wanting something a little more developed can try the stunning Sir Bani Yas Island, home to the Arabian Wildlife Park which houses the world’s largest population of Arabian Oryx, and cheetahs, giraffes and ostriches, and the site of the ultra-luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

Marina Life
With more than 40 marinas expected to come online in the emirate over the next two decades, Abu Dhabi has already made strong headwind in establishing itself as a major sailing leisure destination with several world-class marinas now open.

The benchmark is the magnificent 143-berth Yas Marina, home to the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Its unique setting, surrounded by Yas Marina Circuit, is the perfect vantage point for racing action or a quiet drink at the Yas Marina & Yacht Club, fine dining at Cipriani’s, a casual bite to eat at Stars ‘N Bars and exciting nightlife at Allure.

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, then Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi’s signature hotel, boasts one of the most prestigious yachting addresses – Yachts Marina. Located on the western side of this opulent ‘Palace’ in a private bay, the marina can moor 186 boats, with separate berthing for eight superyachts.

Just a short sail from here is the InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina – one of the emirate’s most picturesque marinas. With 24 hour security and a members’ car park, this 191-berth destination is also home to the stylish Yacht Club with its contemporary design, open terrace and Pacific Rim fine dining options.

And for those wanting to explore the UAE’s vast coastlines, then visit Ghantoot Marina & Resort.

Set beautifully on a private waterway, this is a premium marina development just 20 minutes from Dubai and 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi city, making it the ideal mid-way point.

Nature
It isn’t just Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking natural landscapes which capture imaginations on a sailing trip, the emirate’s waters are teeming with a whole host of marine life, with exotic fish, coral and turtles a common site. In addition, there are seven species of dolphin and eight species of whales recorded in the UAE’s waters with the much-loved bottlenose dolphin a regular sight off any bow. Abu Dhabi also has the world’s second largest population of the endangered dugong, so keep your eyes peeled for these charming creatures.

Keeping Alive The Legacy
For generations, Abu Dhabi has been at one with the sea. Ports throughout the emirate – from the small western marine hub of Delma Island, to the UAE capital – were home to fishing and pearling fleets and active boat yards where highly skilled craftsmen forged the traditional ‘dhow’, which quickly became noted as one of the sturdiest vessels afloat.

With the days of needing to ply their trade all along the sweeping coastline now long behind them, modern day sailors now have the chance to recreate this adventurous past at their own leisurely pace, and listen to the Arabian sea-shanties of yesteryear float on the warm ocean breezes.

Meet People
Abu Dhabi has an active and intimate sailing and watersports community that’s extremely welcoming of new recruits or those just passing through. So make sure you swing by one of the many clubs – you’ll never know who you may meet.

Brush Up Your Skills
With warm sunshine, blue waters and expansive coastline, Abu Dhabi’s waters are abuzz with year-round activity. Home to a full range of sailing vessels, from beginner’s Toppers and seasoned-veteran’s Catamarans to traditional Arabian dhows, Abu Dhabi is a great destination for those honing the basics or wanting to push themselves to the limits.

Keep Fit
What better way to stay in shape than out on the high seas. Whether it’s solo sailing in a Laser or hoisting sails on a 50-foot pleasure yacht, sailing’s a great way to stay slim and trim. And with Abu Dhabi boasting a wealth of stunning beach clubs, why not take advantage of the many health club facilities and gymnasiums on offer, to make sure your pool-side look is as hot as the weather.

Witness A Traditional Dhow Race Up-Close
Today there is rarely a more inspiring sight than that of stately Arabian dhows with billowing, white sails full ahoist. These traditional sailing vessels continue to ply the seas as they have done for hundreds of years in annual races which commemorate the days when pearl diving fleets, which had been at sea for months, would challenge each other to see which would be the first home with the season’s precious haul. Keep in touch with abudhabievents.ae to find out when the next races are on.

Unbelievable Fishing
Whether it is deep-sea fishing or just throwing a line off the back of the boat that appeals, Abu Dhabi is home to a wealth of fish species such as dorado, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish and tuna. For those who don’t like to get their hands dirty, Abu Dhabi also boasts a plethora of mouth-watering seafood restaurants, such as Finz at the Beach Rotana, Pearls & Caviar at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, and Sayad at Emirates Palace; to whet the appetite after a long-day out at sea. Enjoy the fishing!

Caption 1: Emirates Palace Marina

Caption 2: InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina
NB: High resolution images available on request

- Ends -

For more information please contact:
Fiona Campbell
Account Executive
Results PR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7953 7449
Email: fiona.campbell@resultspr.co.uk

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
About Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA): ADTA has wide-ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate’s tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction. Its responsibilities include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate’s hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations. For more information visit: www.abudhabitourism.ae

Dubai-based Etihad Airways and American Airlines have announced that they will build on their existing codeshare relationship by offering their passengers the opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles on flights booked on each other’s flights. Members of Etihad Airways Etihad Guest frequent flyer program now can earn miles on eligible American Airlines flights.

Likewise, members of American Airlines AAdvantage program can earn miles on eligible Etihad Airways flights. The airlines plan to expand this agreement later this year to include mileage redemption across the two airline’s networks. The codeshare agreement between Etihad and American, in place since August 2009, delivers a combined codeshare network of more than 50 destinations worldwide.

On Chicago-O’Hare and New York-JFK-Abu Dhabi routes, AAdvantage mileage accrual is valid only on American-marketed/Etihad-operated flights. On Chicago-O’Hare, New York-JFK and Toronto-Abu Dhabi routes, Etihad Guest mileage accrual is valid only on Etihad-marketed and operated flights. For more information, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage

The Middle East/Africa hotel development pipeline comprises 432 hotels totaling 118,454 rooms, according to the February 2011 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report. “The main activity of hotel development in the region takes places across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman,” said Elizabeth Randall, managing director of STR Global. “Selected markets will see more than half of their current supply entering the markets over the coming years. Whilst the long-term prospects for the region are good, the new supply will create more challenging market conditions for the short term. We see a more diverse offering coming into the markets, which were so far dominated by the upscale to luxury properties.”

Among the markets in the region, Abu Dhabi, UAE, will report the largest increase in supply (89.4 percent) if every one of the 13,405 additional rooms in its total active pipeline open. Other markets to expect significant increases in existing supply include Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (up 77.2 percent with 4,831 rooms in its total active pipeline); Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (up 50.5 percent with 3,033 rooms); Muscat, Oman (up 49.5 percent with 1,931 rooms); and Dubai, UAE (up 49.2 percent with 28,474 rooms). For more information, visit www.strglobal.com