The most visited tourist site in Iceland has reopened to visitors after being closed following the country's fifth volcanic eruption since December. In London, there's a new luxury hotel in one of the capital's most historic squares and in the holiday hotspot of Bali, a new Anantara hotel is making its way to the waterfront.
Muslim travellers seeking destination inspiration could look to Malaysia and Indonesia, as the destinations ranked first in the Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index 2024, which also placed Saudi Arabia and the UAE in top positions.
And aviation fans should keep their eyes on the sky to spot a newly launched flydubai livery, designed to celebrated 15 years of flying for the sister airline of Dubai's Emirates.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Saudi Arabia and UAE rank among world’s best destinations for Muslim travellers
South-East Asia leads the way for destinations for Muslim travellers in the 2024 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index.
Indonesia and Malaysia held their title as the top destinations in the annual rankings with Saudi Arabia taking third place, followed by Turkey and then the UAE.
Analysing criteria for the changing needs of Muslim travellers such as availability of halal food, prayer facilities and appropriate accommodation, the ranking has been extended this year to also consider facilities and services for Muslim travellers with disabilities and the best places for female Muslim travellers.
With a joint score of 76 out of 100, Indonesia and Malaysia both ranked highly for ease of entry and quality of tourism infrastructure for Muslim and non-Muslim travellers.
Saudi Arabia improved its score by two points from last year, with a total of 74, while Turkey moved up one position scoring 73, and the UAE ranked fifth winning points for its air connectivity, easy availability of halal food and how the destination blends contemporary luxury with traditional Islamic culture.
When it comes to non-Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) countries, Singapore topped the list for the ninth year, followed by the UK and Taiwan.
According to the report, the Muslim travel market is set to increase substantially this year, with global international arrivals potentially reaching up to 168 million, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels by five per cent. This is largely due to demographic and economic expansion, cultural and halal tourism developments.
Technology is also playing a significant role with advancements allowing for more personalised travel experiences, such as apps that locate Halal food outlets, offer Qibla directions or list prayer timings. Artificial intelligence also helps to further customise travel experiences making travel logistics simpler while adhering to faith traditions.
The highest-ranking destinations for Muslim women are also predominantly in South-East Asia, with Malaysia and Indonesia leading the way, followed by Qatar, Brunei and the Maldives. These places continue to attract female travellers thanks to having a focus on safety and a lack of faith-based restrictions for women.
Anantara to open luxury waterfront hotel on Bali’s Seseh Beach
Travellers heading to Bali will soon have a new luxury resort to consider staying at as Anantara Dragon Seseh Bali Resort is opening as the first beachfront resort on Seseh Beach.
The third hotel for the Minor brand in Indonesia’s most-visited island, the five-star property will be set on the black volcanic shores of Seseh, to the north-west of Seminyak.
Located an hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the luxury resort draws inspiration from the dragon-like guardian Barong, a prominent character in Balinese mythology, and the hotel blends luxury with a touch of fantasy.
With 216 rooms and suites set beside the Indian Ocean, travellers can enjoy pristine sand and world-class surfing. The Anantara Spa will offer yoga on the beach and meditation sessions and three restaurants including a specialty Japanese eatery are part of the plans.
“Global travellers cannot get enough of Bali as arrivals grow well past pre-pandemic levels,” said Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive of Minor Hotels.
The hotel joins sister properties Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort on the island’s southern tip, and Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, due to open in September amid rice fields and tropical jungle.
Iceland reopens Blue Lagoon amid ongoing volcanic eruption
Iceland’s most popular tourist attraction has reopened to visitors after closing following a volcanic eruption.
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in the country's south-west reopened to visitors on Sunday, four days after it closed due to the eruption in the Sundhnukagigar area.
The eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula is ongoing, but authorities have deemed activity to be stable. According to those in charge of the country's most-visited geothermal pool, volcanic activity is now “at a safe distance from Blue Lagoon”.
“The main factor that might influence safety now is air quality since lava flow is not close to our facilities,” the tourist site said.
Hundreds of tourists bathed in the lagoon on Monday, with views of the erupting crater in the background. Cafes and hotels at the hot spot have also reopened with the exception of Moss, the Blue Lagoon's Michelin-starred restaurant, which will reopen on Wednesday.
New gas sensors have recently been erected at the site to enhance the monitoring of air quality.
Last week's volcanic eruption is the fifth in the region since December and the most powerful to date. Iceland reports regular eruptions. In 2019, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, spewing huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere, and leading to airspace closures across Europe.
Flydubai marks 15 years of flights with special anniversary livery
Flydubai is celebrating 15 years of flying with a special anniversary livery.
The airline first took to the skies on June 1, 2009, with the inaugural Flight FZ 157 to Beirut. Since then, the Dubai airline has flown to 125 different destinations in 58 countries, and carried more than 100 million passengers.
With a fleet of 87 Boeing aircraft, flydubai is celebrating its milestone achievement with a special anniversary livery on one of its Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chief executive and founder of the Emirates Group, took to X to celebrate the achievements of flydubai, sister airline of Emirates.
“Flydubai has become a key player in the aviation industry in the UAE and in the region, and a major contributor to Dubai’s socio-economic development,” wrote Sheikh Ahmed on the social media platform.
“Looking to the future, I am confident of the further growth and success of the airline in line with Dubai Government’s efforts to further enhance Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub.”
Some of the flydubai's newest destinations include four cities in Europe, namely Basel, Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. The airline has also been instrumental in connecting the UAE with under served destinations, and has launched more than 90 routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai.
Flydubai was the first airline from the UAE to fly to Gan International Airport in the south of the Maldives, and the first to operate direct flight between the UAE and Sri Lanka's Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. It also operated the first direct flight from Dubai to Saudi Arabia's newest Red Sea destination on the kingdom's west coast, and to the historic AlUla region.
Mandarin Oriental opens two capital hotels in London and Muscat
Travellers heading to London this summer can now book a stay in the city's newest luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair on historic Hanover Square. Meanwhile, travellers heading to Oman can check in at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, which also opens its doors on Monday.
The first new build hotel in Mayfair in more than a decade, the five-star London property is a sister hotel to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, just a 15-minute drive away.
With 50 guestrooms and suites plus 77 private residences, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is being billed as one of London's most luxurious hotels, with opening rates starting from Dh4,899.
Located in one of London's most storied squares, the Vierendeel structured building is one of the first of its kind in the UK and offers wide internal spaces and an elegant contemporary townscape facade created from burnt red bricks inspired by the surrounding Georgian terraces. Interiors blend the hotel group's Asian heritage with other elements, including haute couture-inspired fabrics, hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper and flowering magnolia patterns, nodding to the trees found in Hanover Square.
Set to attract culinary curious tourists, the hotel will also be home to acclaimed Chef Akira Back's London restaurant debut. Later this year, ABar Rooftop will open with long-reaching views of the London skyline. Wellness is also on the menu at the hotel in the UK capital with The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair offering biohacking treatments, result-driven therapies and a 25-metre swimming pool.
In Oman, Mandarin Oriental Muscat welcomes guests with opening rates from Dh1,913. Marking the hotel group's debut in the sultanate, the luxury retreat has views over the Arabian Sea on one side and of the Hajar Mountains on the other from its seat in Shatti Al-Qurum.
As well as bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned service to Oman, the hotel's design pays tribute to the surrounding region with locally sourced natural materials, including Desert Rose marble and Ashwood. Five restaurants and lounges offer a wealth of dining including signature restaurant Essenza, with an Italian-inspired menu. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat blends the company's Asian-inspired treatments with local healing traditions and treatment rooms with sea views, plus a traditional hammam.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
FIXTURES
December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
2019 Asian Cup final
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Super 30
Produced: Sajid Nadiadwala and Phantom Productions
Directed: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Srivastav, Mrinal Thakur
Rating: 3.5 /5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Representing%20UAE%20overseas
%3Cp%3E%0DIf%20Catherine%20Richards%20debuts%20for%20Wales%20in%20the%20Six%20Nations%2C%20she%20will%20be%20the%20latest%20to%20have%20made%20it%20from%20the%20UAE%20to%20the%20top%20tier%20of%20the%20international%20game%20in%20the%20oval%20ball%20codes.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESeren%20Gough-Walters%20(Wales%20rugby%20league)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBorn%20in%20Dubai%2C%20raised%20in%20Sharjah%2C%20and%20once%20an%20immigration%20officer%20at%20the%20British%20Embassy%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20she%20debuted%20for%20Wales%20in%20rugby%20league%20in%202021.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESophie%20Shams%20(England%20sevens)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWith%20an%20Emirati%20father%20and%20English%20mother%2C%20Shams%20excelled%20at%20rugby%20at%20school%20in%20Dubai%2C%20and%20went%20on%20to%20represent%20England%20on%20the%20sevens%20circuit.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFiona%20Reidy%20(Ireland)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMade%20her%20Test%20rugby%20bow%20for%20Ireland%20against%20England%20in%202015%2C%20having%20played%20for%20four%20years%20in%20the%20capital%20with%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20previously.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE%20STRANGERS'%20CASE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Brandt%20Andersen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOmar%20Sy%2C%20Jason%20Beghe%2C%20Angeliki%20Papoulia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EMuhammad%20Waseem%20(captain)%2C%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20Aryan%20Lakra%2C%20Ashwanth%20Valthapa%2C%20Asif%20Khan%2C%20Aryansh%20Sharma%2C%20CP%20Rizwaan%2C%20Hazrat%20Billal%2C%20Junaid%20Siddique%2C%20Karthik%20Meiyappan%2C%20Rohan%20Mustafa%2C%20Vriitya%20Aravind%2C%20Zahoor%20Khan%20and%20Zawar%20Farid.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More on Quran memorisation:
Hot%20Seat
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20James%20Cullen%20Bressack%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Mel%20Gibson%2C%20Kevin%20Dillon%2C%20Shannen%20Doherty%2C%20Sam%20Asghari%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%201%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Nick's journey in numbers
Countries so far: 85
Flights: 149
Steps: 3.78 million
Calories: 220,000
Floors climbed: 2,000
Donations: GPB37,300
Prostate checks: 5
Blisters: 15
Bumps on the head: 2
Dog bites: 1
PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
Results
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$300,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Emblem Storm, Oisin Murphy (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Wafy, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 $350,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Wildman Jack, Fernando Jara, Doug O’Neill.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $400,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $600,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Matterhorn, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Dubai City Of Gold Group 2 $350,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Loxley, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
Results
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner No Riesgo Al Maury, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Marwa W’Rsan, Sam Hitchcott, Jaci Wickham.
6pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Dahess D’Arabie, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi.
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner Safin Al Reef, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,200m
Winner Thulbaseera Al Jasra, Shakir Al Balushi, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 80,000 2,200m
Winner Autumn Pride, Szczepan Mazur, Helal Al Alawi.
If you go:
Getting there:
Flying to Guyana requires first reaching New York with either Emirates or Etihad, then connecting with JetBlue or Caribbean Air at JFK airport. Prices start from around Dh7,000.
Getting around:
Wildlife Worldwide offers a range of Guyana itineraries, such as its small group tour, the 15-day ‘Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience’ which features Georgetown, the Iwokrama Rainforest (one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical rainforests left in the world), the Amerindian village of Surama and the Rupununi Savannah, known for its giant anteaters and river otters; wildlifeworldwide.com
MO
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreators%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Ramy%20Youssef%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Teresa%20Ruiz%2C%20Omar%20Elba%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:
Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Game is on BeIN Sports
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 630bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh810,000
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
Men's semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
Saturday December 29
3rd place play-off 5pm
Men's final 7pm
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
