The policy, set to take effect in early 2025, will make Ghana the fifth African country to open its borders to all holders of African passports thus ensuring regional integration.
Ghana is set to become the fifth African country to allow visa-free travel for all Africans, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin. This new policy, approved by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to take effect by early 2025.
This decision is part of Ghana’s broader plan to simplify travel across Africa and strengthen connections between African countries. By introducing visa-free entry for all African nationals, Ghana aims to enhance regional integration and encourage greater collaboration across the continent.
President Akufo-Addo first committed to this policy during his keynote address at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) in January 2024. Speaking under the theme, “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” he emphasised the need for policies that simplify movement and strengthen ties among African nations. He said:
Many of you had to acquire a visa to come to this event. We made a special arrangement for this conference, reducing the visa acquisition fee by 50%, and we were thus able to receive your visa on arrival. The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free for all Africans, for all Africans travelling into our country, and the process has begun to get the policy implemented this year.
This new visa-free policy aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has its headquarters in Ghana’s capital, Accra. AfCFTA’s vision is to create a unified African market by promoting the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent. Albert Muchanga, Ghana’s Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals at AfCFTA, commended this decision, calling it a significant step toward achieving this vision of a single African market.
On December 18, 2024, President Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the policy, and communicated to key ministries the following day, as reported by Asaase News.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its 2025 Retail Calendar, featuring an incredible line-up of citywide events and activities to further enhance the retail landscape. The 2025 programme of festivals and events promises a continuous celebration of shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences that will delight all interests, and visitors and residents of all backgrounds.
Aligning with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure, and make it the best city to visit, live and work in, the 2025 Retail Calendar programme builds on this vision with 18 unique events. Among them will be: the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running retail festival; Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), a great time to visit Dubai providing the ultimate in summer fun with citywide offers; Ramadan in Dubai, a celebration of community and the spirit of togetherness, offering a seasonal backdrop of unique culinary experiences, retail offerings, and events; and Eid in Dubai, an important date in the Islamic calendar and celebrated by Muslims all over the world, with families customarily exchanging gifts and donating to the less fortunate during this time. Each of these events is specifically curated to cater to different preferences with personalised experiences for millions of residents and tourists around the world.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to elevate the city’s position as a global events hub, the 2025 Retail Calendar is structured around a full year of carefully selected seasonal festivals and campaigns. In addition to catering to the interests of our citizens and residents, and reflecting the diverse population of Dubai, the calendar is aligned with the preferences of business travellers and leisure tourists. By enabling Dubai to make the most of the anticipated increase in visitor footfall over the coming year, this approach not only supports the growth of local businesses through essential partnerships with our key stakeholders, but also reinforces Dubai’s appeal as a premier shopping, tourism and entertainment destination, contributing to advancing the goals of the D33 Agenda.”
Returning for its fourth edition, the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) will take place from 25 April to 11 May 2025. With highlights such as the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond, DEF further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global gaming hub, offering unparalleled gaming experiences, exciting esports tournaments, cutting-edge industry insights, and family fun events. The event features numerous citywide tournaments and activities, including education challenges, with engaging experiences allowing attendees to immerse themselves in various aspects of gaming and learning.
Dubai Fashion Season, a key pillar of the Retail Calendar, will engage fashion enthusiasts year-round. The Spring/Summer collection will be showcased in the first half of 2025, while the Fall/Winter collection will be showcased in the second half, highlighting Dubai’s position as a dynamic fashion hub and the No.1 city of global brands.
With participation from more than 1,000 brands and 4,000 outlets annually, the calendar is the first of its kind, aligning with industry needs and setting the foundation for the region’s retail approach. The calendar is also tailored to appeal to a diverse range of shoppers, providing targeted promotions and personalised shopping experiences that will contribute towards driving footfall and sales.
DUBAI RETAIL CALENDAR 2025
Dubai Shopping Festival – Date: 6 December 2024 – 12 January 2025 – About: The 30th edition of DSF is showcasing the very best of shopping, family-oriented events and entertainment that the city has to offer during a wonderful winter season, transforming Dubai into a hub of endless excitement and unforgettable adventures. The eagerly anticipated DSF season has kicked off with a stellar line-up of live music, enchanting experiences and extraordinary entertainment. The celebrations continue with only-in-Dubai citywide experiences and exciting events for everyone. For the latest news and announcements from Dubai Shopping Festival, visit www.visitdubai.com/whats-on/dsf and follow in real-time on social media @Dubaifestivals.
Chinese New Year – Date: 24 January 2025 – 2 February 2025 –About: Grand festivities across Dubai will mark Chinese New Year, with an extensive programme of live entertainment events and exciting offers. Spectacular fireworks, cultural performances, exclusive culinary offerings, and shopping promotions are all part of the annual line-up.
DSF Final Sale – About: Shoppers will have one last chance to snap up their favourite buys during DSF, with stores and malls around the city gearing up for a final weekend of unbeatable deals. The DSF Final Sale will feature reductions of 25% to 90% at more than 3,000 outlets across Dubai, giving savvy shoppers the ultimate opportunity to snap up the season’s last available items at a bargain. The mega weekend of shopping is also the last chance for mall visitors to enter citywide shopping promotions and raffle draws to win big prizes and take home huge rewards.
Dubai Fashion Season – Date: Q1 and Q2 2025 (Spring/Summer Collection Launch) Q3 and Q4 2025 (Fall/Winter Collection Launch) – About: Dubai Fashion Season positions Dubai as a destination that offers the most up-to-date shopping trends. Consumers have the opportunity to be the first ones in the region to own looks that are fresh ‘off the runway’ for spring and summer, including at some of the city’s world-class malls.
Ramadan and Eid in Dubai – Date: 28 February 2025 – 6 April 2025 – About: Inspired by the spirit and values of the Holy Month of Ramadan, this cultural initiative encourages local community and visitor participation in the month of reflection and self-discipline, through various activities based on Islamic values, heritage and tradition. Ramadan in Dubai has become an opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding and offer non-Muslim residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Islamic and Emirati ways of life, at a time when the city comes alive with community events, light art installations, night markets, a vast selection of dining including special menus at Ramadan tents, and incredible retail offers including wonderful gifting ranges for the season. The city remains fully open to welcome everyone across every experience in Dubai, with an added season of festivity that makes the city sparkle. – Marking the end of Ramadan, the city unites with a sense of generosity and sharing to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. Bright lights and decorations dazzle at every corner, while families and friends come together over delicious feasts. Shop for special sales, book unbeatable staycation packages and experience all the fun of this holiday.
The Great Online Sale – About: Shoppers should stay tuned for the announcement of a three-day exclusive online shopping event. This highly anticipated sale will feature unbeatable markdowns ranging from 30% to 95% on everything from clothing and luxury beauty products to electronics and more. Keep an eye out for the launch date to make the most of these incredible deals.
Dubai Esports and Games Festival – Date: 25 April 2025 – 11 May 2025 – About: Enhancing Dubai’s position as a global gaming hub, the Esports and Games Festival features 17 days of action-packed events and activities across the city. Visitors can enjoy gaming experiences, exciting esports tournaments, and cutting-edge industry insights. Exciting education initiatives will kick off in schools starting January 2025, followed by special education days at GameExpo on 7 and 8 May 2025. Dubai’s biggest B2B gaming event, the GameExpo Summit, will take place on 7 and 8 May 2025, followed by the GameExpo event from 9 to 11 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Zabeel halls 2 and 3.
3-Day Super Sale (3DSS) – Date: Edition 1: May 2025; Edition 2: November 2025 – About: Dubai is committed to maintaining its prominent global standing as a premier shopping destination, and one of the initiatives that reinforces this goal is the 3-Day Super Sale. Each edition is held exclusively over one weekend, and is designed to attract shopping enthusiasts and boost tourism by offering reductions ranging from 25% to 90% on a wide range of items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics, furniture, homeware, and even groceries.
Eid in Dubai (Eid Al Adha) – Date: 2 – 8 June 2025 – About: Eid Al Adha in Dubai is a special time for togetherness, celebration, and the joy of giving. From family-friendly festivities to fantastic deals and offers that capture the spirit of the holiday, Dubai comes alive during Eid. The city offers incredible markdowns at malls, delicious meal deals across restaurants, and dazzling live entertainment, including fireworks and concerts that bring people together. Both residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture and traditions, making Eid Al Adha a time to connect, share, and embrace traditions.
Dubai Summer Surprises – Date: 27 June 2025 – 31 August 2025 – About: Discover thousands of offers and fun things to do with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Residents and visitors to the city can expect to find world-class shopping, incredible offers, amazing entertainment and dining, and new and exciting activities throughout the city. Summer is the best time for value in Dubai, with thousands of offers, and surprises that will delight, thrill and excite visitors of all ages. In a city built for all seasons, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Back To School – Date: 4 – 28 August 2025 – About: Back to School is an exciting time of year, when parents can share in their children’s enthusiasm for updating school looks and accessories for the new school year. This key shopping period positions Dubai as a great place to do back-to-school shopping, as the city’s retailers offer attractive shopping promotions, especially for the season, and also encourage parents to spend time with their children while teaching them smart shopping habits.
DSS Final Sale – Date: August 2025 – About: The highly-anticipated DSS Final Sale features further reductions and incredible savings of up to 90% across several leading lifestyle, beauty, electronics and fashion brands across Dubai.
Dubai Home Festival – Date: 3 – 16 October 2025 – About: This festival provides fantastic savings on a range of home furnishing products, appealing to everyone looking to furnish their homes or upgrade their décor. The homewares segment will be activated through a series of special promotions at home stores across the city. Previous editions have even offered chances to win everything from incredible home make-overs to winning an apartment.
Festival of Lights in Dubai (Diwali) – Date: 17 – 26 October 2025 – About: The Festival of Lights is a time for reflection, family, and spreading positivity. The festival is a period for gift-giving, with many of Dubai’s top retailers offering exciting shopping promotions on gold and jewellery, bridal wear, fashion accessories, and home décor. The shopping malls and entertainment destinations put on a series of festive-themed events and activities that light up the city. It’s also a wonderful time to visit Dubai, especially for those on stopovers or looking to experience the city’s vibrant culture and rich gastronomy.
Dubai Fitness Challenge – Date: 1 – 30 November 2025 – About: The Dubai Fitness Challenge is a citywide movement promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle for all. Friends, families, visitors, colleagues, and communities commit themselves to 30 minutes of exercise for 30 consecutive days. It features an action-packed public engagement programme aimed at all ages and fitness levels, including fitness events, classes, and sporting activities, plus exciting deals and promotions across a wide range of retail, sports, and fitness providers, and healthy F&B concepts. Dubai Fitness Challenge’s flagship events include Dubai Run, Dubai Ride and Dubai Stand Up Paddle, all providing participants with unique Dubai fitness experiences in iconic locations.
Eid Al Etihad Celebrations (UAE National Day) – Date: 1 – 3 December 2025 – About: A tribute to the formation of the UAE, its unity and continued growth, the Eid Al Etihad celebrations consist of three days of festivities, including special retail promotions, fireworks displays, and activations all over Dubai, to honour the nation and its people.
Visit @DubaiFestivals on social media channels for more information.
– ENDS –
About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.
Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.
DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the city’s positioning as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping, and events.
Brussels Airlines will increase its flights to Sub-Saharan Africa during the summer 2025 season, reaching 56 weekly frequencies, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. According to the airline, this expansion will be made possible by the addition of an eleventh long-haul aircraft in June 2025, allowing for the strengthening of several key routes in the region.
Among the main changes, connections to Nairobi (Kenya) and Accra (Ghana) will operate with daily flights. Additionally, Banjul (Gambia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Conakry (Guinea) will have additional frequencies. Meanwhile, Dakar (Senegal) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) will feature more direct flights, eliminating intermediate stops.
The current fleet of Brussels Airlines consists of 10 Airbus A330-300s, 15 A319s, 16 A320s, and 6 A320neos.
Increase in frequencies to Kinshasa
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be one of the main beneficiaries of this expansion. Starting in March 2025, the route will feature daily direct flights. Currently, Kinshasa is connected five times per week with direct flights and twice per week with a stopover in Luanda (Angola). The airline highlights that this change not only enhances passenger comfort but also improves sustainability and reduces potential operational delays.
“Kinshasa is, without a doubt, our flagship route. The history of aviation in Belgium began almost 100 years ago with the ambition to connect Kinshasa and Brussels by air. Enhancing this route to a daily nonstop connection demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines.
Route reconfiguration for Luanda
The airline will cease flights to Luanda starting March 25, 2025, consolidating these connections within the Lufthansa Group.
The German airline will handle the route with three direct weekly flights between Frankfurt and the Angolan capital. Passengers affected by this transition will be rebooked on Lufthansa flights.
Expansion towards the future
In addition to its network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Brussels Airlines maintains two long-haul destinations in the United States: New York (JFK) and Washington DC (IAD). The company plans to expand its long-haul fleet to 13 aircraft by 2027 and introduce a new cabin with improvements in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.
With these changes, Brussels Airlines aims to strengthen its position in the long-haul market, especially in Africa, a region that has been key in the history of Belgian aviation.
According to data obtained by Aviacionline through Cirium, Brussels Airlines ranks 17th among airlines serving the Europe – Africa market, with an offering of 138,000 seats and 487 flights in December.
Even though Africa represents a small portion of the global air market, it’s a vital link connecting regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The Cairo–Jeddah route claims the top spot with over 5.4 million scheduled seats.
Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024
Africa’s aviation industry is growing fast, thanks to the rising need for better connections both within the continent and to the rest of the world. Even though Africa represents a small portion of the global air market, it’s a vital link connecting regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
A big part of this growth comes from booming trade, business, and tourism. Some routes have now become extremely busy, reflecting just how connected Africa has become.
According to OAG Aviation’s 2024 Busiest Flight Routes Report, the Cairo–Jeddah route claims the top spot with over 5.4 million scheduled seats. Close behind is the Cairo–Riyadh route, which serves more than 3.1 million seats.
Similarly, the Cairo–Riyadh route follows closely, serving 3,151,116 seats. These routes exemplify Africa’s ability to connect major travel hubs across the Middle East and beyond.
Top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024
These routes highlight Africa’s role as a bridge between major hubs in the Middle East and beyond. The report defines “busiest routes” as those with the most airline seats available in both directions, with data compiled from OAG’s monthly reports throughout the year. This provides a comprehensive view of route performance and emerging trends in international aviation.
Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, EgyptAir, and South African Airways dominate these busy routes. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, has turned Addis Ababa into a top hub, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
Below are the top 10 busiest international flight routes from Africa in 2024:
Rank
Route
Route Name
Seats
1
CAI-JED
Cairo – Jeddah
5,469,274
2
CAI-RUH
Cairo – Riyadh
3,151,116
3
CAI-DXB
Cairo – Dubai
1,919,742
4
CAI-MED
Cairo – Madinah
1,844,795
5
CAI-KWI
Cairo – Kuwait
1,709,668
6
ALG-CDG
Algiers – Paris CDG
1,393,359
7
ADD-DXB
Addis Ababa – Dubai
1,177,914
8
ORY-RUN
Paris Orly – St Denis
1,085,706
9
CAI-DOH
Cairo – Doha
1,044,048
10
ALG-ORY
Algiers – Paris Orly
1,021,577
Africa’s growing middle class and improved tourism infrastructure are driving even more demand for air travel. But it’s not all smooth sailing. The sector still faces challenges like high fuel prices, limited intercontinental flights, and tricky regulatory hurdles.
High fuel costs, limited intercontinental routes, and regulatory barriers pose hurdles to seamless growth.
The potential is huge, Africa’s skies are getting busier, and the continent is on its way to becoming a major player in international air travel.
Zambia has taken a monumental step in Southern African tourism by announcing the waiver of visa requirements for nationals of 53 additional countries. Starting January 1, 2024, this initiative builds upon the country’s successful 2022 policy that removed visa requirements for key tourism markets. With this development, Zambia solidifies its reputation as a regional leader in progressive tourism policies.
Expanding Visa-Free Access
The new visa policy, formalized through Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, expands the list of visa-exempt countries to 167. This move reflects the Zambian government’s commitment to fostering international tourism and aligning with global trends for increased mobility.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration supports this policy with advanced border security measures, including a new passenger information system and the deployment of over 900 additional immigration staff. Furthermore, new immigration control points are being established nationwide to manage the anticipated rise in visitor numbers effectively.
Balancing Openness with Security
Zambia’s approach blends open-border policies with enhanced security, setting a standard for sustainable tourism growth. This policy shift aligns with the African Union’s vision for increased mobility across the continent and the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Tourism leaders like Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden, commend Zambia’s efforts. Blackbeard noted that the country’s progressive stance demonstrates a deep understanding of the tourism sector’s needs. She emphasized that Zambia’s successful 2022 visa waiver program had already proven the transformative power of such policies in boosting tourism accessibility.
Regional Developments: South Africa Follows Suit
Zambia’s strides in visa liberalization have influenced neighboring countries, with South Africa introducing its own measures to attract tourists from key markets like China and India. Scheduled to launch in January 2025, South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) will streamline visa processes by allowing vetted tour operators to expedite visa applications for large tour groups.
TTOS aims to address challenges such as processing delays and language barriers, which have previously deterred tourists from these growing markets. By reducing red tape, South Africa hopes to capitalize on the potential of these key tourism markets, further enhancing its regional competitiveness.
Contrasting Policies in the Region
While Zambia and South Africa are advancing in visa liberalization, Namibia is moving in the opposite direction. Namibia recently announced new visa requirements for 31 countries, including major tourism markets, effective April 1, 2025. The decision has raised concerns among tourism experts, as it coincides with Namibia’s efforts to boost international air access through its “Air Connect Namibia” initiative.
David Frost, CEO of SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism in South Africa, expressed concerns about Namibia’s decision. He pointed out that introducing visa fees of N$1,600 (approximately US$88) for non-African Union visitors could negate the benefits of enhanced air connectivity. Frost contrasted Namibia’s policy with Zambia’s open-door approach, which he described as a clear example of how visa liberalization can drive tourism growth.
Economic and Tourism Impacts
Zambia’s progressive visa policy is expected to generate significant benefits for its tourism industry and economy:
Increased Visitor Numbers: The expanded visa-free access will attract travelers from a broader range of countries, boosting tourism revenue.
Regional Leadership: Zambia positions itself as a top choice for tourists exploring Southern Africa, offering ease of entry and rich cultural and natural attractions.
Investment and Collaboration: The policy aligns with the African Union’s goals, fostering regional cooperation and economic integration.
Meanwhile, Namibia’s restrictive policies may deter international visitors, undermining efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure.
Global Implications for Travelers
For international travelers, Zambia’s visa liberalization simplifies travel planning and reduces costs, making it an attractive destination for adventure and cultural tourism. The policy sets an example for other nations seeking to balance openness and security while leveraging tourism for economic growth.
Conversely, Namibia’s stricter visa rules highlight the importance of aligning policies with broader tourism strategies. The disparity in approaches among Southern African nations underscores the need for cohesive regional frameworks to attract and retain global travelers.
Leading the Way in Southern Africa
Zambia’s continued efforts to liberalize its visa policies reaffirm its role as a leader in Southern African tourism. By adopting a balanced approach that enhances accessibility while maintaining border integrity, the country sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism development.
South Africa’s initiatives, such as the TTOS, further strengthen the region’s appeal, demonstrating how progressive policies can drive growth and foster regional cooperation. Together, these efforts position Southern Africa as a hub for international tourism, offering diverse experiences and welcoming policies for global travelers.
Looking Ahead
As Zambia implements its expanded visa policy, its success will likely influence other nations to reconsider their tourism strategies. By prioritizing openness and security, Zambia provides a roadmap for sustainable tourism growth in Africa and beyond. The contrasting approaches of Zambia, South Africa, and Namibia highlight the varying impacts of visa policies on tourism, offering valuable insights for global travel and tourism stakeholders.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, to further enhance the destination’s offerings and visitor experience. The agreement encompasses joint marketing initiatives, training programmes for hospitality professionals, and the creation of new tourism experiences.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts. It highlights DET’s ongoing commitment to working with regional and global hospitality brands to foster innovation and industry excellence, and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
Establishing a framework for further collaboration and alignment between the two entities, the agreement will see DET and IHG Hotels & Resorts work together on marketing and promotional campaigns, while the hotel group will also actively highlight Dubai as a premier tourist destination through its own marketing channels and social media platforms. In addition, the two entities will collaborate to create and enhance tourism products that showcase Dubai’s unique attractions, including cultural heritage tours and seasonal offers, which will be integrated into special packages that cater to different markets.
Through the MoU, employees at IHG Hotels & Resorts will be able to participate in training courses, offered by DET’s Dubai College of Tourism, and hotel staff will also have access to relevant resources and experts. These encompass specialised training sessions, workshops, and certification programmes, designed to equip employees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. Another major focus is the integration of Dubai tourism experiences into the hotel group’s global IHG One Rewards loyalty programme with more than 130 million members, to incentivise repeat visits and enhance guest engagement.
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by our city’s leadership and their focus on leveraging partnerships across the public and private sectors, this strategic collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts is an important step in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda and will keep Dubai top-of-mind globally. It is a testament to the pivotal role of our stakeholders in driving sustainable growth and innovation in Dubai’s tourism sector, and will showcase the city to new audiences across international markets. As we continue to collaborate, we will introduce new experiences that attract a diverse range of travellers and enhance the city’s appeal as a world-class destination, enabling Dubai to further position itself as the best city to visit, live, and work in.”
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Testament to our commitment to support the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai, we are delighted to partner with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism through this strategic MoU. At IHG Hotels & Resorts we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests at exciting destinations, and this collaboration will allow us to showcase Dubai’s unique offerings even more widely and effectively. By leveraging our global and local reach through our world class loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards as well as impactful marketing and promotional campaigns, as we aim to promote Dubai as an inviting destination while enhancing the visitor experience, in line with our dedication to excellence in hospitality.”
In the Middle East, IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 117 hotels across nine brands, including InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, voco and Six Senses. The company has 27 properties in its Dubai portfolio, and new openings in the pipeline include Ciel, Vignette Collection in Dubai Marina, which is set to be the tallest all-hotel tower in the world when it opens in 2025, and the InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe, on The World Islands, which will be the InterContinental brand’s first resort property in Dubai, opening in early 2026.
Through strategic alliances, innovative ventures, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Dubai continues to attract millions of visitors, bolstering the city’s dynamic economy. Following a landmark 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, the growth of Dubai’s tourism sector has continued into 2024. Dubai welcomed 14.96 million international visitors from January to October 2024, an increase of 8% compared to the same period in 2023 – a record-breaking year for tourism in Dubai.
In the first ten months of 2024, Dubai’s hotel sector also continued to perform well across all hospitality metrics. Average occupancy stood at an impressive 77% from January to October, with Dubai’s hotel inventory consisting of 152,532 rooms across 827 establishments at the end of the period.
For more information about Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and IHG Hotels & Resorts, please visit: dubaidet.gov.ae and ihg.com
About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.
Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.
DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has more than 6,400 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,200 properties.
Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels
Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 375,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.
Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores.
UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has resumed flights from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi, increasing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. The route marks another milestone in the airline’s route expansion in 2024.
Connecting two capitals
While the route was initially scheduled to start in May 2024, Etihad has officially returned to Nairobi this month. The inaugural flight (EY767) was operated on December 15, 2024, with the Airbus A320-200 . The aircraft landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) at 13:40 local time, where it was welcomed with a water cannon salute.
Photo: Etihad Airways
Operating from Etihad’s base at Zayed International Airport (AUH), the service creates a vital connection between the UAE’s capital and one of the key African hubs. Etihad is currently the only airline flying between the two cities. Flights to Nairobi will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the following schedule:
Flight
Route
Dep Time
Arr Time
EY767
AUH-NBO
09:05
13:30
EY768
NBO-AUH
18:20
00:20 (+1)
The new route will strengthen ties between the Middle East and East Africa, further supporting tourism between the UAE and Kenya. Speaking about the service, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue Officer Arik De said,
“The introduction of our Nairobi service enhances our growing network while responding to strong travel demand between the UAE and Kenya, as demonstrated by today’s completely full inaugural flight.”
“As both Abu Dhabi and Kenya experience remarkable tourism growth and set ambitious targets for the future, this route creates valuable opportunities for both destinations. The service strengthens the important ties between our regions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub while providing enhanced access to Kenya’s thriving tourism market.”
Supporting international tourism
Flying between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi provides a convenient connection between two cities known for their unique attractions. Abu Dhabi features a blend of modern attractions and cultural heritage, including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre. Meanwhile, Nairobi combines its commercial strength with natural wonders, including Nairobi National Park, a wildlife reserve located within the city.
Photo: Etihad Airways
Etihad initially announced its return to Nairobi in October 2023 , with the route expected to kick off on May 1, 2024. However, due to undisclosed reasons, the inaugural flight was canceled, and the route was ultimately postponed. The airline planned to operate daily flights with the A320.
Etihad last served Nairobi in 2021, operating two weekly flights with the Boeing 787-9 . The resumption of Nairobi flights follows Etihad’s successful expansion to Antalya, Bali, Boston, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Mykonos, Nice, Qassim, and Thiruvananthapuram in 2024. Heading into the new year, the airline plans to 13 new destinations in 2025.
According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, over 40 weekly flights are scheduled between Kenya and the UAE, operating from three different Emirates. Kenya Airways and Emirates fly between Dubai and Nairobi, while flydubai operates flights from Dubai to Mombasa and then Air Arabia from Sharjah to Nairobi.
Etihad’s Africa expansion
Africa has seen an uptick in international traffic over the last few years , with many new intercontinental routes and new airlines entering the market. Etihad is among the airlines that are increasing their footprint in Africa. Nairobi is the airline’s fifth destination on the continent after Johannesburg, Casablanca, Cairo, and Mahé.
Photo: Etihad Airways
The carrier will fly to three more African cities in 2025, doubling the number of destinations served throughout most of 2024. It will launch flights to El Alamein (Egypt) from July 17, Tunis (Tunisia) from November 1, and Algiers (Algeria), from November 7.
Rwandan president Paul Kagame announced his country’s bid for a Formula One race on Friday, ahead of an awards ceremony in the capital Kigali that will hand the champion’s trophy to Max Verstappen for a fourth year in a row.
Formula One has not raced in Africa since the last South African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami, north of Johannesburg, in 1993.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” Kagame said in an opening address to the governing FIA’s General Assembly.
“A big thank you to (Formula One chief executive) Stefano (Domenicali) and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far.
“I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of.”
Domenicali said in August that Rwanda wanted to host a race at a permanent circuit.
Media reports say the track, to be designed by a company run by Austrian former F1 racer Alexander Wurz, would be near a new international airport under construction at Bugesera some 40km from Kigali.
Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton also said in August that the time was right for a race in Africa.
“The time’s 100% right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” said the Briton.
“I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?”
The FIA is holding its general assemblies in Africa for the first time and the FIA’s Emirati President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda’s Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema met earlier in Kigali.
“To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA’s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport,” said Ben Sulayem.
“We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”
Verstappen is also carrying out ‘work of public interest’ in Rwanda as punishment for swearing in a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in October.
The activity involves an Affordable Cross Car built locally in Rwanda from blueprints provided by the FIA.
Kagame has won praise from Western and regional leaders for helping to end the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and rebuilding the country into an attractive destination for investment and aid.
But he also stands accused of a brutal crackdown on critics at home, and supporting the M23 rebel group in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, who rights groups say are guilty of killings, rapes and other apparent war crimes.
The inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi was warmly welcomed at JKIA today by KAA Board Chair Caleb Kositany.
KAA noted that the resumption marked a significant milestone in the aviation landscape.
KAA and Etihad Airways staff during the latter’s resumption of flights to Nairobi on December 15, 2024/ HANDOUT
Etihad Airways has resumed flights to Nairobi.
In a statement, the Kenya Airport Authority noted that the move enhances connectivity between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya.
“We are thrilled as Etihad officially resumes flights to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya,” the statement read in part.
The inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi was warmly welcomed at JKIA today by KAA Board Chair Caleb Kositany.
KAA noted that the resumption marked a significant milestone in the aviation landscape.
The resumption was first announced in August 2024, taking effect today, December 15.
Then, Etihad’s Vice President Network and Scheduling Lena Havia lauded the UAE and Kenyan authorities for authorisation to resume flights.
The airline will fly four times a week non-stop between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Etihad Airways is set to double its routes to Africa over the next year, further committing to serving its guests.
Etihad was serving four African destinations including Johannesburg, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; Mahe, Seychelles; and Casablanca, Morocco.
Starting December 15, the airline has resumed flights to Nairobi, Kenya, and next year will launch new routes to Tunis, Tunisia; Algiers, Algeria; and Al Alamein, Egypt.
In November, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said they are committed to growing their network in Africa and doubling destinations over 2025.
“We are expanding our frequencies, including boosting both Johannesburg and Casablanca to daily services from next summer,” he said.
“This expansion will connect our guests across the continent with our growing network and bring them to our fantastic home in Abu Dhabi”.
Arik De said the airline will keep on expanding, even to a global level.“We are not stopping there. We recently announced ten new global destinations, including Tunis and Algiers, and plan to announce at least ten more each year as we grow towards 2030,” he said.
“These will include new cities in Africa, and our goal is to make all of these flights daily. We are growing sustainably and offering our customers across Africa the flights and frequencies that make sense to them and fit with our global network.”
SINGAPORE and SYDNEY, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, has extended its long-term distribution agreement with Qantas, Australia’s largest airline. This multi-year agreement reflects a continued commitment between Sabre and Qantas to deliver the widest breadth of content to travel agencies worldwide with the most flexible options, including comprehensive access to Qantas’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) content.
“At Qantas, we’re focused on enhancing our retailing capabilities to meet the dynamic needs of both travelers and travel agencies,” said Kathryn Robertson, Qantas Executive Manager, Global Sales & Distribution. “Our continuing collaboration with Sabre is central to our distribution strategy, helping ensure our customers can seamlessly shop, book, and service a comprehensive range of Qantas content via NDC. We’re excited to be able to offer agencies more flexibility and choice in the coming months through Sabre’s global marketplace.”
Sabre and Qantas have had a valued, long-standing distribution relationship, with Sabre being among the first global distribution systems to distribute the airline’s NDC offers in 2021. Under the renewed agreement, Sabre-connected agents will continue to be able to access the full range of traditional EDIFACT and NDC offers made available by Qantas.
“We’re delighted that Qantas continues to trust Sabre as a strategic distribution partner to advance their strategy,” said Chris Wilding, Senior Vice President, Air Distribution, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Just as we are committed to providing travellers with greater choice through our multi-source content platform, we also want to empower travel agents with enhanced flexibility and personalization in the way they do business. This renewed agreement highlights the joint commitment of Qantas and Sabre to creating a comprehensive marketplace that seamlessly meets the demands of a rapidly evolving travel ecosystem.”
About Sabre Corporation Sabre Corporation is a software and technology company that takes on the biggest opportunities and solves the most complex challenges in travel. The Company connects travel suppliers and buyers around the globe and across the ecosystem through innovative products and next-generation technology solutions. Sabre harnesses speed, scale and insights to build tomorrow’s technology today – empowering airlines, hoteliers, agencies and other partners to retail, distribute and fulfill travel worldwide. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.
About Qantas Founded in 1920, Qantas is Australia’s national carrier and one of the world’s most recognized airlines. Known for its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service, Qantas operates a comprehensive domestic and international network, connecting travelers to more than 85 destinations across Australia, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.
