15 minute read
UPFRONT
EMIRATES CONDUCTS IATA TRAVEL PASS TRIALS
EMIRATES IS ONE OF THE latest airlines to carry out trials of the IATA Travel Pass, a digital health passport created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Passengers flying from Dubai to Barcelona on EK 185 on April 15 were the first to trial the digital passport. The airline will continue to trial the pass on selected flights from Dubai to Barcelona, as well as from London Heathrow to Dubai, with plans to roll it out to include other routes “soon”.
Eligible passengers are invited to download the app and enrol for the pass before they travel. Emirates has partnered with select Prime Health Care labs in Dubai, while those travelling from the UK can get their test done at select Screen4 labs.
The IATA Travel Pass app enables passengers to receive COVID-19 test results and verify they are eligible to undertake their journey through an ‘OK to Travel’ status. More than 20 airlines have signed up to trial the digital health verification app, including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and SAUDIA, which launched its trial on the Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah route on April 19.
HOTEL UPDATE
SLS DUBAI OPENS IN 75-STOREY TOWER SLS Dubai (pictured) has opened its doors, marking the debut of sbe’s SLS Hotels & Residences brand in the emirate. Located in a 75-storey tower in Downtown Dubai, SLS Dubai offers 360-degree views of the city, as well as 254 expertly designed hotel rooms by acclaimed designer Paul Bishop, 371 residential units, 321 hotel apartments and in true SLS fashion, “contemporary art, sleek accents and exceptional fittings”. Stand out experiences range from Fi’lia, the entirely female-run restaurant that celebrates food and identity and Carna contemporary steakhouse by the award-winning Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, to sbe’s signature Ciel Spa.
LONG STAYS AT PARK REGIS KRIS KIN HOTEL DUBAI Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel in Dubai has launched a long-stay package to support recent remote work and multiple entry visa initiatives in the emirate. Rates start from AED 4,350++ per month including complimentary high-speed internet, use of a small meeting room facility once a month, a 30 per cent discount on F&B, 20 per cent discount on laundry and dry cleaning, 30 per cent discount on Dubai Parks and Resorts entry, plus access to the hotel’s gym and rooftop pool. Those relocating to Dubai through the Remote Work Visa programme can take advantage of a one-time cashback of their US$287 (AED 1,100) visa cost when staying for a minimum of three months, which can be used as a hotel credit for services during their stay.
FOUR SEASONS OFFERS COVID-19 TESTING Four Seasons is now offering COVID-19 tests to guests at 12 of its properties across the Middle East and Africa as part of its Lead With Care enhanced health and safety programme.
Dubai’s The View at The Palm now open to visitors
DUBAI’S LATEST ATTRACTION, The View at The Palm, is now open on The Palm Jumeirah. The observation deck, developed by Nakheel, is 240 metres high and located on level 52 of Palm Tower, offering stunning 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. There’s also an exclusive VIP lounge with an outdoor terrace boasting the same views. Ideal for corporate events and open for bookings, the lounge is customisable to match various themes and concepts and offers meal services, advanced AV equipment and wireless connectivity. Coming soon on Level 51, world renowned restaurant SushiSamba will serve up a tri-cultural blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines.
TURKISH AIRLINES has reintroduced its signature Business Class benefits as flight passenger demand starts to pick up.
The carrier is now operating its ‘Exclusive Drive’ transfer service for flights to 20 destinations in Asia, Africa and the Middle East and 11 in the US and Canada.
Its Miles and Smiles lounge, Domestic lounge, the Ankara ESB Domestic lounge and lounges in Washington and Bangkok have reopened and the Moscow lounge will open soon.
In addition, Business, Economy and Corporate Club passengers are now offered immediate access to the terminal at IGA Istanbul Airport via entrance number five, rather than wait in a queue with other departing passengers.
The high-quality hot food for which the airline is known is also being served again following guest feedback, with more choice offered on flights of two hours or more. The popular buffet cart in Business Class remains suspended due to health and safety protocols with individual pre-prepared meals served instead.
Versace and Molton Brown amenity kits are also back, as are children’s packs and toys and noise-cancelling headphones by DENON. In-flight publications have been replaced by a digital option following a tie-up with the PressReader application, offering 7,000+ digital publications from 120+ countries with more than 60 languages available.
QATAR AIRWAYS TO REACH 140 DESTINATIONS THIS SUMMER
QATAR AIRWAYS will operate more than 1,200 weekly frequencies to 140-plus destinations this summer. This compares to 160 destinations in the peak season of 2019, indicating the airline is almost back to pre-pandemic service levels.
The airline has said it will fly to 23 destinations in Africa, 14 in the Americas, 43 in Asia-Pacific, 43 in Europe and 19 in Middle East this summer.
Emirates and flydubai introduce double tier miles offer
EMIRATES AND FLYDUBAI have launched a new double tier miles offer on flights taken by the end of the year. All flights booked by June 30 (for travel by December 31, 2021) across the carriers’ combined networks will earn double tier miles. The offer follows the recent 12-month extension to the validity of statuses within the Skywards programme. As an example, if a member has a current tier review date on March 31, 2021, their new tier review date will be extended to March 31, 2022.
Etihad launches services to Israel’s Tel Aviv
ETIHAD AIRWAYS launched its first flight to Israel last month (April 6) marking the start of the carrier’s regular Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv service. At the same time, Israel was added Abu Dhabi’s ‘green list’, permitting quarantinefree travel for visitors from Israel to Abu Dhabi. The launch of scheduled operations comes as the next historic step in developing diplomatic, trade and tourism ties between Israel and the UAE, which were inked as part of the Abraham Accords in September 2020. The route is initially being operated twice weekly by a B787-9 Dreamliner.
Emirates supports UAE’s entrepreneurs
EMIRATES HAS SIGNED a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to strengthen and expand the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE.
The agreement makes Emirates an o icial Strategic Partner of Sheraa, o ering discounted fares to and from its network of more than 90 destinations for the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival and startups relocating to the UAE through Sheraa’s global soft-landing o ering that provides an incentive package to facilitate entry for tech startups.
To date, Sheraa has supported 114 startups that have gone on to generate more than US$125 million in revenue, raised more than $74 million in investment and created 1,300-plus jobs.
Emirates has been supporting the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, young entrepreneurs and students since 2016 when it partnered with GE and Etisalat to launch Intelak – an incubator for an innovative pipeline of ideas and initiatives for Dubai’s travel and aviation industry.
KEMPINSKI AND TECHNOGYM LAUNCH NEW FITNESS ROOM CATEGORY
KEMPINSKI HOTELS has launched a new room category designed for tness in partnership with Technogym. Select hotels in Berlin, Munich, Dubai and Shanghai will be the rst to o er the Kempinski Fit Room, with the group likely to roll it out to more destinations “as soon as guests are hopefully allowed to travel again in the coming months”. e rooms are equipped with a Technogym Bike and a console featuring an on-demand library of cycling classes presented by trainers from around the world. Users can choose their favourite classes based on their preferred trainer, type of workout, language and music. e bike also o ers total body workout experiences, with integrated handlebars and training videos. e Kempinski Fit Room also includes a Technogym Case – a “highend design bag” with a foam roller and massage ball “to help restore proper circulation to muscles” – a sustainable exercise mat, loop bands for lower-body exercises and power bands of varying resistance levels for upper body exercises. Guests will also receive a QR code to follow a guided workout with a virtual trainer on their phone. Rooms are bookable on respective hotel websites.
flydubai relaunches 737 MAX
FLYDUBAI HAS RELAUNCHED its 14-strong eet of Boeing 737 MAX aircra , with the rst passenger service taking o on April 8. e decision comes a er the aircra received approval for a return to service from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). It also follows similar developments worldwide, with 14 carriers now operating ights using the 737 MAX. ydubai plans to initially reintroduce four of its MAX 8s and one of its MAX 9s to its regional route network, while its remaining nine MAX aircra will return to passenger service over the coming months.
Don’t miss the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021 this month
THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021 will take place on May 25, with voting for the popular programme now closed.
Recognising the best of the best across 33 categories spanning 10 airline awards, four airport awards, 17 hotel awards and more, the event will take place virtually for the second year running, taking into account current international travel restrictions. The Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021 celebrate the companies at the forefront of business travel and services, as well as the hard work of top-level industry executives.
For more information and updates, visit www.btme.ae
FROM TOP: The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah is a sanctuary for discerning travellers; a two-bedroom beach villa with private pool; Aquario
Ajman’s hidden gem
The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah promises serenity, superlative service and sanctuary
Located on the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf in sleepy Ajman, The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah is a sanctuary for discerning travellers seeking seclusion, privacy and tranquility in an outstanding natural environment.
Although it’s just a 25-minute journey from Dubai International
Airport and 40 minutes from Downtown Dubai, the resort offers a true escape from city life, immersing guests in a natural paradise where white sandy beaches, mangrove forests, a golf course and a marina soothe the senses.
The boutique property, designed by Italian architect Pierro
Lissoni, is contemporary in style and blends seamlessly with the environment.
Stylish and modern accommodation options range from
Premier rooms with private gardens, to villas with two or three bedrooms, each with their own pool for absolute privacy. Living spaces are nurturing and encourage guests to relax, while floorto-ceiling windows reveal breathtaking views.
Villas, which are ideal for families, offer the finest in-room amenities, coupled with Oberoi’s signature personalised service, with a butler available on request.
Ideal for a socially distanced stay, there are just 89 rooms and villas spread across some 29 acres of land and the entire resort faces the stunning sunrise and sunset over the turquoise waters.
Dining venues range from elegant international restaurant Vinesse to beachside Aquario, which serves exquisite seafood and is famous for its in-house Fish Sommelier. For the ultimate private dining experience, an in-villa BBQ is not to be missed.
Popular as a wellness retreat – a place to find balance and calm – the resort’s Oberoi Spa features seven treatment rooms with open-air showers, private hammams and a menu of contemporary and holistic treatments.
Resort facilities also include a private beach, watersports, a 24-hour gym, the longest heated swimming pool in Ajman at 85m and for young guests, a Kids Club. For relaxed evenings playing board games or reading, The Library is a sophisticated, yet cosy space with woolen rugs and well curated artifacts.
HIGHLIGHTS • 74 rooms and suites • 15 villas • Butler service on request • 24hr concierge • The Oberoi Spa • Two restaurants • 85m swimming pool • Private beach • 24hr fitness centre
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FORM TRAVEL BUBBLE
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND have introduced quarantinefree travel between the two countries.
New Zealand travellers have been able to travel to Australia since October last year as part of a one-way travel bubble, allowing them to bypass Australia’s 14-day hotel quarantine, but as of April 19, travellers from Australia were permitted to enter New Zealand for the first time since the pandemic.
The new arrangements come with caveats, including ‘green zone’ airports and flights, meaning that flights into New Zealand will only carry travellers from Australia on board, and not from other destinations, and the flight crew will not have previously visited any COVID-19 hotspots.
Australia and Singapore are also discussing a travel bubble, which could allow for quarantine-free travel between the two countries by July. Reciprocal recognition of government-issued vaccine passports is also being considered. HYATT HAS UNVEILED THE restored Hotel du Palais Biarritz two years after the property joined the group’s Unbound Collection. The property was first built in 1854 by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie de Montijo and is the only hotel on the French Atlantic Coast to be recognised with ‘Palace’ status.
Most of the hotel’s 86 rooms and 56 suites have been “meticulously restored to reflect the palace’s iconic past in French history” and facilities include La Rotonde restaurant, offering dishes from the Pays Basque region. The 3,000 sqm Imperial Spa is spread over four floors and features an indoor freshwater pool, whirlpool, hammam and sauna, while outside there is a second seawater pool with cabanas and a private changing room. The hotel will remain open until November 1, 2021, when it will close again for the final phase of the restoration programme, reopening for summer 2022.
MONDRIAN DOHA is showcasing its culinary credentials during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Walima, the new hotel’s Qatari-inspired restaurant led by Arabian cuisine guru chef Sezar, has created generous Ramadan Iftar boxes packed with its signature chicken biryani, lamb machboos or mixed grill as the main course, a diverse selection of hot and cold mezzeh, a beverage and the must-haves at any Iftar table – medjool dates, dried figs, nuts and lentil soup. In addition, Walima’s Head Chef, Sezar Eliass and Morimoto’s Executive Chef, Timur Fazilov have collaborated to create exclusive set menus as part of the ‘Chefs of Qatar’ virtual food festival. Available for delivery on Talabat, menus include a traditional Iftar-style meal with chef Sezar’s signature mixed grills and a variety of hot and cold mezzeh, as well as an Arabic dessert, fruit and dried fruit platters, while Morimoto’s menu presents the best of Japanese cuisine, including miso soup, buckweed noodles, tempura shrimps, a selection of maki and sushi and a soufflé-like cheesecake with fresh blackberry jam and fresh fruit. Visit www.mondriandoha.com
HYATT UNVEILS RESTORED HOTEL DU PALAIS BIARRITZ
RAMADAN AT MONDRIAN DOHA
Ascott Park Place Dubai
An ode to the city’s pulsating vibe
Set stunningly on bustling Sheikh Zayed Road, Ascott Park Place Dubai is home to elite leisure and business travellers. Part of the prestigious portfolio of The Ascott Limited and three-time winner of Dubai’s Leading Serviced Apartments category at the World Travel Awards, the property is located in an upscale business neighbourhood offering its guests a varied living choice of studios and one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments.
Stepping in, each apartment is gorgeously curated with separate living and dining rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of Dubai’s glistening skyline.
Lavish in feel and contemporary in style, the living spaces elude warmth and are designed to indulge with the services of a hotel and the comforts of a home away from home.
A luxurious lifestyle destination, Ascott Park Place Dubai features the finest leisure amenities including a swimming pool, gymnasium and a guest lounge. Stepping out, guests find themselves at the doorstep of some of the city’s most renowned addresses and attractions, from the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the new Museum of the Future to Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Mall. Prioritising the safety of its guests and staff, the property continues to strictly abide by health and hygiene protocols in line with the brand’s Ascott Cares programme initiated last year. In addition, ‘Discover ASR’ is Ascott’s loyalty app, which enables guests to book and manage their reservations directly and offers abundant loyalty privileges.
Those looking for a pampering city escape can now enjoy up to 25 per cent off on bookings made through the ‘Escape in Style’ promotion at the-ascott.com/offers
Ascott Park Place Dubai is managed by The Ascott Limited, a member of CapitaLand. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with more than 770 properties in 190-plus cities spanning more than 30 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its portfolio of serviced residence and hotel brands includes Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello and POP!.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Ascott Park Place Dubai: a lifestyle destination; Spacious living areas with stunning views; Bedrooms are contemporary and stylish
