Jetsettersblog

JUMEIRAH GIVES UAE RESIDENTSREASON TO CELEBRATE

To mark the 37th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, will join in the national celebrations and acknowledge the spirit of the UAE and its residents by launching a special rate.

The rate will offer UAE citizens and residence visa holders 15% off the best available room rate. The rate will be available starting December 2nd to UAE citizens and residence visa holders in any Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in the United Arab Emirates.

Reservations can only be made by calling the Jumeirah central reservation toll free number on 800 58634724

.This offer is valid until April 17th 2009.

Guests will be asked to present a UAE passport or passport with a valid UAE residence visa upon check in.

YEMEN PREPARES FOR A VERY HAPPY YEAR

The number of UK operators to Yemen looks set to triple in 2009

Yemen’s delegation to London’s World Travel Market was busy this year. Including the six tour operators already offering trips to Yemen, there are now twenty British companies planning programmes for 2009 and Yemeni operators will be hosting a series of study tours in January and February next year.

Other European tour operators from new markets in Scandinavia and Central and Eastern Europe are also keen to develop programmes and are not restricted by their governments’ official travel advisories, unlike in the UK, where the Travel Advice for Yemen is described by the British-Yemeni Society’s tour director Alan D’Arcy as “overcautious”. Such advice however is becoming less of an issue for experienced British operators. Yemen’s UK representative Dunira Strategy has negotiated special insurance cover with one of the UK’s top travel insurers for clients of British and Irish companies that are willing to travel to destinations currently proscribed by the Foreign Office.

Said Dunira’s managing director Benjamin Carey: “I personally agree with the Foreign Office that visitors should steer clear of places like Marib and Saada, but advising against ‘all but essential travel to Sana’a’ undermines its credibility. I was there last month and several friends are there at the moment. They tell me that the scenery is as sensational as ever and the legendary hospitality remains real!”

Tour operators were interested in a number of opportunities, typically involving a 10 or 11 night itinerary that includes 2 or 3 nights in the extraordinary Old City of Sana’a, which has more than 6,000 houses dating from before the 11th Century, followed by visits to two or three other gateway destinations, such as Aden, which is full of British colonial history, Shibam, the ‘Manhattan of the Desert’ with its 16th Century mudbrick skycrapers that literally rise out of the sand, and Zabid, which is an archaeologist’s paradise.

Alternative or add-on options would include 7 nights on Socotra, Yemen’s fourth and most recent UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’, or dive sites along the mainland or on one of the country’s more than 200 islands. Said Dunira’s programme director and divemaster Christopher Imbsen: “Diving in Yemen is full of opportunities for adventurous dive operators wanting to expand their operations. Not only are there many islands, both explored and unexplored, in the Red Sea, but there is also the near mythical destination of Socotra in the Gulf of Aden. All the dive sites enjoy a profusion of tropical marine life and, with so few other visitors, you won’t have anyone else’s fins in your face in these waters!”

Another opportunity is language learning at one of Yemen’s leading institutes, since Yemeni Arabic is widely considered the purest and most beautiful in the world. Tim Mackintosh-Smith, author of Yemen: Travels in Dictionary Land and who, when learning Arabic in the 1990s had to persuade his own tutor of the merits of Yemen, commented: “Yemen is the best place on Earth for learning Arabic, especially in such a fascinating and inspiring setting as Sana’a”. Arabic students that are also fans of Paul Torday’s fantastic Salmon Fishing in the Yemen will be pleased to know that they will be able to practice their language skills by reading Abdulaziz Al-Maqalih’s magnificent translation, which was launched at the Sana’a Book Fair this October.

Yemen’s Minister of Tourism His Excellency Nabil Al-Faqih was delighted with the response from British tour operators and journalists and looks forward to seeing many more British visitors enjoy the tremendous climate and enduring hospitality of Yemen, which was known by the Romans as Arabia Felix.

The YTPB’s UK representative Benjamin Carey, who was there in October, added: “To see so few tourists in such an incredibly beautiful, welcoming and unique country was surprising. I felt entirely safe and am convinced that Yemen has what it takes to be a leading tourism destination of the future. There is now a real chance to support the growth of tourism in Yemen as a tool of economic development and encourage British visitors to contribute to Yemen’s development by going to enjoy Yemen’s magnificent cultural and natural heritage.”

Dunira is organising a programme of press trips and study tours and can support UK and Irish operators by arranging specially discounted rates and extended release periods on flights from the UK with Yemenia, enhanced baggage allowances on domestic flights in Yemen with Felix Airways and specialist insurance products for tour operators.

Yemen has retained its identity in the face of globalisation and with an incredible range of cultural and natural treasures this unique destination offers an exceptionally diverse holiday for the discerning, responsible traveller.

As a city home to some of the world’s most famous hospitality and landmark hotels, Dubai is known as one of the world’s premier travel destinations; a reputation which has recently been validated after the city was named the World’s Leading Travel Destination and The Monarch Dubai’s Monarch Suite, named the World’s Leading Suite at the World Travel Awards.

For the past 15 year’s the World Travel Awards have been recognising the world’s leading hotels and destinations, as voted for by travel agents worldwide.

Earlier in the year, The Monarch Dubai was named Middle East’s leading new business hotel and its exclusive Monarch Suite was named as the Middle East’s leading suite, before going on to be named the leading suite in the world.

For this recognition, the Monarch Suite was honoured over such prestigious competition as the Imperial Suite at the Hotel Ritz Paris and the Princely Suite at Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius.

The Monarch Dubai General Manager, Henning Fries, said that this recognition comes as a climax to a successful first year for this flagship project.

“A lot of hard work and dedication had gone into getting The Monarch Dubai to this stage, where it is being recognised by its industry peers as a leader in its field,” he said. “We are absolutely overwhelmed with what we have achieved here, being recognised as the top suite in the world. It really is a major accomplishment.”

“A lot of thought went into creating the Monarch Suite concept and every feature serves the direct purpose of enhancing a guest’s experience of the hotel and the city.”

At 1,130 Sqm, the Monarch Suite, conceptually designed and a project managed by Roya International Hospitality Consultants, is the largest suite available to the public in the Middle East and is The Monarch Dubai’s crowning glory. Located on the 32nd and 33rd floors of the hotel, it offers two floors of classic luxury with an extensive range of state-of-the-art technology, immaculate service and spectacular views. The Monarch Suite artistically blends contemporary design with traditional aspects of Arabia, where traditional Arabic archways connect the various areas of the suite and an assortment of vibrant coloured fabrics and drapes enhance its atmosphere of luxury which The Monarch Dubai cultivates throughout the hotel.

“For a flagship operation to be included in such prestigious company as the World Travel Awards, within just a year of opening, is a huge achievement and it proves that the Monarch concept is set for greatness. This is a very impressive result and I couldn’t be prouder.”

 Caravan-Serai unveiled its tours of the Middle East for 2009. Once again, a tour of Yemen will start the year off, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Sana’a, Shibam and Taiz. This tour has an optional excursion to Socotra Island where you can see plants and animals that can only be found there, such as the Dragon Blood Tree. Tour price starts at $2,749 per person, double occupancy, land only.

 The Socotra Excursion features a deluxe tour of Jordan and Egypt, Feb. 13 to 28, 2009. Highlights include visits to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Cair, Aswan, Luxor and Karnak, as well as the Valley of the Kings. Levantine Adventure Tour, March 8 to 22, 2009, includes visits to Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Follow the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, stand where Moses stood to see the Promised Land, visit the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and visit one of the largest and best preserved Roman temples around. Prices start at $3,640 per person, double occupancy. Syria & Eastern Turkey, April 13 to 30, 2009, includes the sights of Syria, the Cradle of Civilization, from Damascus to Palmyra, to Aleppo and points in between.

 Continue on to Eastern Turkey where you will explore ancient sights nestled among the spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers, and high plateaus. We start on the coast of the Black Sea and work our way up to the higher plateaus, and along the way see history from pre- and post-Roman times, the Byzantines, and the influences of the Russians and Armenians. We will fly to Istanbul to spend our last few days of the tour exploring this vibrant and amazing city. Tour prices start at $3,970 per person, double occupancy, land only.

Other tours include Iran: Passage Through Persia, May 7 to 21, 2009, with prices starting at $3,185 per person, double occupancy, land only; Jordan and Syria, May 18 to June 2, 2009, with prices starting at $3,998 per person, double occupancy, land only; Jordan and Israel, Sept. 22 to Oct. 5, 2009, with prices starting at $3,680 per person, double occupancy, land only; and Iran: Susa Tour, Oct. 17 to Nov. 1, 2009, with prices starting at $3,845 per person, double occupancy, land only.

Caravan-Serai posts a blog at caravan-serai.blogspot.com about past tours, happenings, observations and feedback.

 For information, call 800-451-8097, email info@caravan-serai.com or visit www.caravan-serai.com

Abu Dhabi, UAE,: Operators of larger bodied, longer range jets in the Middle Eastern private aviation charter market will be better able to ride out the worldwide economic downturn, says Shane O’Hare, President and CEO of Royal Jet – the Abu Dhabi-headquartered international luxury executive flight services company, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

Talking to delegates at the Middle East Business Aviation event at Dubai Airport (November 16-18), O’Hare said that whilst airlines around the world were looking to cut back during this period of economic uncertainty, Royal Jet was about to embark on a period of significant growth.

“The very fact that the amount of exhibitors at MEBA has grown this year by 175 per cent to 244 from 30 countries, whilst 2,700 visitors have pre-registered to attend the show, demonstrates that there is still strong interest overall in the Middle Eastern market. We intend to take advantage of our proven track record by forging ahead with our plans to open more bases in the Middle East, and at the same time increase our portfolio of managed aircraft” he said.

“This will be done through a mix of our own investment and strategic partnerships and I would certainly not rule out markets further afield figuring in these plans.

I will be announcing details in the weeks ahead and am certain that these developments will further enhance Royal Jet’s position as the leading private jet operator in the Middle East.

“At Royal Jet we have in the main been unaffected by the current conditions, as our strategy has been one of diversification into a number of different service offerings which has protected us from the worst of the economic turbulence” he told them. “Royal Jet is still on target to meet all its business milestones.

 “We have always concentrated on higher net worth individuals who in the main require VIP and super mid-sized aircraft such as Boeing Business Jets and the higher end Gulfstreams, for which we continue to see constant demand.

“Indeed, brokers are telling us that there remains a shortage of aircraft available for charter that are capable of flying more than 20 people, and that we - with our fleet of five Boeing Business Jets, which is the largest such fleet in the world - are ideally suited to picking up much more business,” he added.

“At the same time, it is clear that the largest demand from the Middle East for VIP charters is from the GCC and at Royal Jet we are therefore ideally placed to service this growing market. We are growing our operations in these markets with a bigger local presence to ensure we are regarded as a highly localised operator.

“The market for smaller jets is still substantial.” O’Hare told his audience. “However the economic downturn across the globe that we have recently been witnessing means that many corporates are rethinking their expenditure in a number of different areas. This is part and parcel of any cyclical market where overheating is then followed by a period of correction. The market for private aviation services is no different and so this could affect the amount of corporate charter jet business available in the future.

The delegates were told that Royal Jet’s acquisition strategy was on target to operate around 20 aircraft by 2012 and 50 aircraft by the year 2020, with a preponderance of VIP and super-midsize aircraft in its fleet.

“We have one of the healthiest balance sheets in the industry and we have strong liquidity as a company; and our global experience in this industry is now second to none. We have shown steady profits ever since our second year of operations. Our strength as a business is due to the decision we made a long time ago to diversify our service offerings, and this strategy is paying dividends now, during these difficult economic times,” O’Hare continued.

“For instance, we have one of the most efficient and successful medical evacuation services in the Middle East which makes an important contribution to our bottom line. We also run a highly successful Aircraft Management and Acquisition Consultancy, and I have been greatly encouraged even over the last few weeks by the number of fresh enquiries we have had from owners wishing to partner with us in the management of their aircraft. We also have a maintenance and repair (MRO) facility and one of the world’s top Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facilities, located at Abu Dhabi International Airport and which was recently voted Best in the Middle East.

“We will soon be enhancing our capabilities in Abu Dhabi and greatly welcome the new private aviation facility to be opened at Al Bateen – the new City Airport of Abu Dhabi. All of these facilities will help us maintain price competitiveness across the Gulf as well as allowing us to have full control of the guest experience from airport arrival to embarkation to ensure our high service levels are maintained,” O’Hare said.

“What this all goes to show is that Royal Jet’s business is based on a sound footing and that our initial strategy is proving its worth in being able to see us successfully through leaner times,” Shane O’Hare concluded.

 Flying From Doha You Can Check-In Online Up To 36 Hours Before Departure
Print Your Own Boarding Pass… Or Send Your Boarding Pass To A Mobile Phone Through qatarairways.com

Qatar Airways’ passengers departing from the airline’s hub in Doha can now check-in online at qatarairways.com. This service is available for all passengers flying with the Five Star airline out of Doha International Airport with the exception of those travelling to New York or Washington.

The new online check-in service, accessible on the airline’s website qatarairways.com allows passengers in all classes of travel to check-in between 36 and 2 hours prior to departure from the comfort of their home or office. They can choose a seat, print a boarding pass or have a bar-coded boarding pass sent to a mobile phone in simple and convenient easy-to-use steps.

For passengers with baggage that needs to be checked-in, they can use the dedicated ‘Fast Bag Drop’ counters located in the departures hall of the main terminal. Those with carry-on bags can proceed directly to the gate after completing the necessary immigration and security procedures.

Boarding pass scanners have been rolled out throughout the airport to ensure a faster service for online check-in passengers.

First and Business Class passengers, who use the online check-in service and are departing from Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal in Doha, can use any of the check-in counters to drop off their luggage.

 The launch of the online check-in service is part of a series of initiatives being introduced by the airline over the next few weeks to speed up the check-in process for the convenience and benefit of passengers.

Speaking during a demonstration of the new facility to media at Doha International Airport yesterday, Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We all know travel can be a cumbersome experience before the journey even begins. From arrival to the airport, to queuing at check-in, to security procedures – they can all take their toll.

“Over the past 12 months, Qatar Airways has invested in time and resources to develop a new range of online initiatives to provide passengers with an improved travel experience.

“Having launched a brand new internet booking engine, we have now taken our online service to new levels with a check-in facility and giving more control to passengers allowing them to print their own boarding passes and even have the boarding passes sent to their mobile phones.”

He added: “And, as more and more passengers recognise the simplicity and convenience that online check-in provides, it will ensure they spend less time at the airport completing check-in formalities and allow them to relax and have more time in the airport before their flight.”

Qatar Airways anticipates that a popular feature of the service will be the ability to select seats up to 36 hours in advance, ensuring passengers can sit together at the seats of their choice.

The airline will roll out the online check-in service to other airports served by Qatar Airways worldwide over the next few months.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 64 Airbus and Boeing aircraft from its Doha hub to 83 key business and leisure cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.

Ramada Worldwide announced the grand opening of its largest hotel, a 998-room property in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Located in the holy district of the Haram, a site of the highest sanctity, and less than a quarter of a mile from the Holy Mosque, the 29-story Ramada Makkah caters to guests looking to make the pilgrimage to Mecca during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.

In addition to being located within walking distance of many of the city’s holy sites the property offers private underground parking, four restaurants and meeting space for up to 250 guests. Each room features high-speed Internet access, free local and long distance telephone calls, a 26-inch plasma television and an in-room safe.

The hotel, owned by Riyada International Hotels and Resorts and managed by Al Massa Hotels Company, is the Ramada brand’s second property in Mecca and its 11th in Saudi Arabia.

“With the opening of this property, Wyndham Hotel Group builds upon an already strong relationship with Riyada International Hotels and Resorts as well as Al Massa Hotels,” said Sean Worker, Wyndham Hotel Group senior vice president and managing director, international operations.

Riyada International Hotels and Resorts Company, developer and master licensee of Ramada hotels in Saudi Arabia, offers a wide range of hotel management and license services and specializes in the areas of hotel development and operations. The company currently operates 10 properties in eight major cities throughout Saudi Arabia.

Al Massa Hotels Company owns, operates and has equity interests in more than 20 hotels throughout Saudi Arabia, with a focus in the city of Mecca. In addition to operating five hotels under the Ramada brand name, the company also operates hotels under its own brand name of Al Massa.

As of June 30, 2008 Ramada Worldwide had over 860 properties and 107,200 rooms.

•Part of our “Just for You” campaign
•Pre-book car rental at time of flight booking
•Low-fares for Sama’s travellers via www.flysama.com

Riyadh 18 Oct 2008: Sama Airlines, the newest low-fares airline in Saudi Arabia, announced that a commercial agreement has been signed between Sama and Avis for international car rental. This agreement will allow Sama’s guests to book via www.flysama.com giving access to special discounted prices with other advantages. This announcement came at the signing ceremony held at Sama premises, in the presence of Mr. Samer Atawi, Sama’s Chief Commercial Officer and Mr. Assad Atyani, Avis’s Country Manager in Saudi Arabia, and senior officials from both companies.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Chief Operation Officer of Sama said: “We are working at Sama to provide all possible options for our guests to facilitate their travel process, and guarantee a pleasurable trip with Sama. Signing this agreement with a leading company in its field like Avis, is giving further benefit to all our guests. Now they can rent an Avis car via flysama.com and guarantee the lowest fares and other benefits. This agreement comes as part of Sama’s “Just for You” program to increase customer satisfaction and improve the quality of service”

Now you can simply book your favorite car at any Avis office worldwide via www.flysama.com  and get the lowest prices with extra free miles and other advantages.

Mr. Thierry Domballe, Regional Director, Mediterranean, Middle East & Ireland at Avis Europe plc, said: “I am delighted with this agreement and the great opportunity to provide Sama passengers excellent car rental value and high standard customer service throughout the Avis network.”

• Air Arabia’s 42nd destination globally, third destination in Eastern Europe
• Flights to operate three times per week initially

Sharjah, October 15, 2008: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today launched non-stop service to Kiev, Ukraine, from the carrier’s main hub in Sharjah, UAE. The launch of this new destination reflects Air Arabia’s growing expansion into the Eastern European market.

The inaugural flight was marked by the attendance of Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. The flight was accompanied by special receptions in both Sharjah and Kiev airports attended by special guests, which included Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Effective October 15-October 25, 2008, the carrier will fly to Kiev three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flights will depart Sharjah at 12:25PM, arriving in Kiev at 16:25PM. Return flights will depart Kiev at 17:10PM and arrive in Sharjah at 23:00PM.

Effective October 26, 2008-March 28, 2009, the carrier will fly to Kiev three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights will depart Sharjah at 13:00PM, arriving in Kiev at 16:00PM. On the same days, return flights will depart Kiev at 16:45PM and arrive in Sharjah at 23:25PM.

AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia, said: “Ukraine is one of the fastest growing economies in Eastern Europe, and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We are delighted to now offer non-stop service between Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE and Kiev, one of the great cultural cities of Eastern Europe.”

Modern Kiev is a mix of the old and the new, seen in everything from the architecture to the stores and to the people themselves. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport. One of the greenest cities in the region, it boasts a range of natural and architectural attractions. Kiev experienced record economic growth of more than 7.3 per cent last year alone.

In addition to Kiev, Air Arabia also serves Istanbul, Turkey, and Yerevan, Armenia, in Eastern Europe. The Sharjah-based carrier offers the most destinations of any airline in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa.

Arabic Release• The second signed agreement after Bahrain Air

• The agreement introduce more choices for travel between Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and rest of Sama destinations

Riyadh 25 Aug 2008: Sama Airlines, the newest low-fares airline in Saudi Arabia, announced a commercial agreement has been signed between Sama and Safi Airways, to provide more choices for travel to the customers of both airlines.

 Safi Airways provide daily flights between Dubai and Kabul, enabling onward travel on Sama’s Saudi domestic and international network via Sharjah.

This agreement follows the signing of a similar agreement with Bahrain Air, facilitating for Sama’s guests more choices to Manama, Kabul, Mashad, and Kochi.

Mr. Andrew Cowen, Chief Executive Officer of Sama said: “Sama is continuing its work to expand access to international destinations not directly served by Sama such as Manama, Kuchi, Kabul, and Mashad to its guests.

The cooperation with Safi Airways and Bahrain Air is allowing Sama to direct sell to those destinations with these partner airlines.

This latest agreement supports Sama’s continuing efforts to meet growing demand for travel market in the Middle East, as part of our objective of becoming the preferred low-cost carrier for travelers in the region.”