Etihad Airways has announced the recruitment of more than 50 pilots from its partner airline, airberlin. The pilot transfers began in April 2013, when the first batch of six Boeing 737-rated first officers arrived in Abu Dhabi to start training for the B777. Upon completion of the programme, the pilots will ...

Middle East, May 22, 2013

Oman Air has increased its commitment to staff development, spending OMR2 million (US$5.2m) on training so far in 2013, following a OMR3.3m injection over the previous two years. In addition, the Omani national carrier has approved plans to fund full scholarships for 100 employees, enabling them to improve their academic qualifications ...

Middle East, May 22, 2013

Kerzner International Holdings Limited has entered into an agreement with Al Khozama Management Company in partnership with Saudi Oger, to develop and operate a new One&Only resort in Jeddah on the Red Sea.  The hotel will boast approximately 150 guest rooms, suites and villas plus a health spa. The resort will ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

The Al Sufouh Tram system was designed to be an integral part of the Dubai transport network, linking Dubai Metro and Palm Monorail and running along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road from Mall of the Emirates at one end to the Dubai Marina at the other end.  The planning ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

Doha strengthened its ranking as popular convention destinations as the city moved up by 49 positions to the 111thposition with Florence, Riga and San Juan.  This list includes over 360 participating cities in the recently released ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) 2012 Country and City Rankings. The rankings are based ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) recently signed an agreement with Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC to open a 200-key Staybridge Suites in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This will be the first Staybridge Suites property, offering an extended stay experience in the region.  Staybridge Suites Hira Street will form part of Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC's ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

Tourism business opportunities were discussed at a recent meeting by minister Alain St Ange, the Seychelles minister of tourism and culture and Akbar Al-Bakar, CEO of Qatar Airways.  This was the first opportunity for minister Alain St Ange and CEO of Qatar Airways to discuss what was seen as challenges facing ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has forayed into Saudi Arabia by securing a management contract for its first premier serviced residence in Riyadh.  Ascott Olaya Riyadh is slated to open near the King Abdullah Financial District in 2015. The management contract was awarded by Rafal Real Estate Development (RAFAL). The serviced residence ...

Middle East, May 21, 2013