Niger Bans Air France & All Other French Aircraft from Its Airspace

Nearly four weeks after re-opening its airspace to international flights, the Republic of Niger has banned all French aircraft, including the Air France fleet, from operating there. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron says that France will withdraw troops and end military cooperation with the West African country.

Niger Airspace restrictions

Niger’s airspace was closed entirely for all flights on August 6 following a military coup, which saw the ousting of the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The airspace was eventually opened on September 4, allowing several airlines to fly over the country and return to Niamey.

However, the country has issued a new restriction affecting French commercial and military flight operations. This was stated in a letter from the Presidency of the Republic of Niger, per a statement sent to the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa (ASECNA) on September 23. Part of the statement read;

“Niger has decided to restrict access to its airspace. This remains open to all national commercial flights and international aircraft, with the exception of French aircraft and those chartered by France, including the Air France fleet.”

“In addition, all operational military flights and special flights remain prohibited unless exceptionally authorized by the authorities”

The Presidency added that this decision reflects the wishes of the people of Niger, through the government’s voice, to regain control of the country’s airspace. We contacted Air France for a comment, but it had not been available at the time of publication.

Operations in West Africa

West Africa has been a very important market for the French national carrier for years. Following the closure of the Nigerien airspace, Air France suspended flights to Niamey (Niger), Bamako (Mali), and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) due to safety concerns.

Consequently, the civil aviation authorities of Mali and Burkina Faso canceled the airline’s authorization to operate its summer 2023 flights, citing its failure of prior notification, which resulted in passenger inconveniences. From Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), AF operated daily flights to Bamako, four weekly to Niamey, and three weekly to Ouagadougou with its Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft.

The French airline has not returned to these destinations, and the new restriction issued by Niger will further affect its operations in West Africa. Meanwhile, it continues to fly to other destinations in the region, including Abidjan (ABJ), Accra (ACC), Dakar (DSS), and Lagos (LOS).

Flying to and over Niger

When the country’s airspace was shut nearly two months ago, airline operations in and around the continent were severely affected, especially those flying between Europe and Sub-saharan Africa. Many carriers were forced to cancel flights, replan schedules, and reroute via other countries.

Since September 4, some carriers have resumed flights to Niamey Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM), including Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Turkish Airlines.

Similarly, airlines rerouting via other countries have begun flying over Niger again. For example, British Airways’ A380 Johannesburg-London service, which was forced to fly over Gabon, the Gulf of Guinea, and Ghana, to mention a few, has resumed operations through Nigerien Airspace.

Source: Simpleflying

Nigeria returns $29mn in trapped funds – IATA

Nigeria appears to have returned USD29.2 million in foreign airlines’ blocked funds in the past four months, according to the latest statistics released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In a statement on September 19, the association said Nigeria presently accounts for USD783 million of blocked airline funds, while in another statement in June, it said Nigeria was withholding USD812.2 million in April 2023.

On inquiry, an IATA spokesperson confirmed that the reduction in trapped funds was “due to many factors, including a weak intervention from the [Nigerian] government”. “Government intervention was not deep enough to significantly reverse the trend as the figures have started going up again. We forecast higher figures in September due to the accumulation of new sales, lack of liquidity on the Investors’ & Exporters’ FX Window and the inability of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to settle legacy matured FX (foreign exchange) bids.”

The latest IATA statistics were released during a meeting between Nigeria’s new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al Awadhi, in Abuja last week.

Al Awadhi called on the new Nigerian government for closer consultation with the aviation industry to develop short- and long-term solutions for foreign exchange access for domestic and foreign carriers.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh has warned that airlines cannot continue to provide services in markets where they cannot repatriate their revenues. A case in point has been Emirates (EK, Dubai International), which suspended services to Nigeria after the route became financially unviable, with the CBN holding on to the carrier’s ticket sales. It has demanded the repatriation of at least 80% of its remaining frozen funds and a guaranteed mechanism to prevent future remittance delays.

Emirates first suspended flights to Nigeria on September 1 after demanding the payout of USD85 million of its revenue. It reinstated them 10 days later after the CBN released USD265 million to international airlines. By November 2022, the carrier suspended flights again, citing unsuccessful negotiations with the Nigerian authorities.

Relations between the nations have thawed following the appointment of the new Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earlier this year. Following a meeting on September 11 between Tinubu and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Nigerians announced an agreement was reached that would see Emirates and Etihad Airways resume flights and immediately lifting a UAE visa ban on Nigerians. However, no official statement was issued by the UAE. An unidentified Emirati official told CNN there was no change in the travel ban. Nigeria then indicated the CBN would announce a roadmap in the next two weeks to address the refunds and that modalities were being discussed with the UAE government.

Source: ch-aviation.

Kenya Airways Doubles Daily Flights to London Meeting Rising Demand

Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to enhance its service to the United Kingdom, specifically London, by introducing an expanded flight schedule starting from the end of October 2023. The airline’s strategic move aims to meet the rising demand for travel on this route, offering passengers increased options for convenience and flexibility.

Beginning at the end of October, Kenya Airways will double its daily flights to London, resulting in a total of two long-haul flights per day. This significant increase will raise the weekly flights between Nairobi and London from the current ten to a total of fourteen, a development that has been warmly received by the airline’s clients.

Passengers traveling to the United Kingdom with Kenya Airways will now have the choice between a morning flight, identified as KQ 100, and an evening flight, designated as KQ 102. This expanded selection of flight times is expected to cater to diverse traveler preferences, ensuring a more tailored and convenient experience for customers.

KQ100 will be departing from Nairobi every morning, while the KQ102 aircraft will be taking off for London in the evening on a daily basis. This scheduling adjustment is poised to facilitate increased passenger movement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, aligning with Kenya Airways’ commitment to meeting the needs of its discerning passengers.

To accommodate this expanded service, Kenya Airways will deploy the state-of-the-art B787 Boeing Dreamliner on the Nairobi-London route. This aircraft selection will result in a weekly total of 14 flights, a significant increase from the current 10 flights per week.

The decision to add these extra flights highlights the airline’s dedication to addressing the growing demand for travel on this route, driven by a variety of factors, including market demand and passenger preferences.

Kenya Airways has been diligently serving passengers traveling to London for various purposes, including business, leisure, trade, and education. With the introduction of these additional flights, the airline is poised to further solidify its position as a key player in the air travel industry, providing enhanced accessibility and options for travelers between Nairobi and London.

This strategic move follows the airline’s resumption of daily flights to New York in December 2022, marking its proactive response to the evolving landscape of air travel in the wake of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Switch Tv

Dubai Tourism Unleashes Dubai’s Allure in Nairobi during the East Africa Roadshow

In a dazzling affair that captivated travel enthusiasts from Mombasa- Nairobi to Kisumu, the Kempinski Hotel was transformed into a portal to another world as the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism unveiled Dubai’s wonders in an unforgettable roadshow event. Nairobi played host to this spectacular event, underscoring the city’s significance as a hub of international connections.

A Grand Showcase of Dubai’s Best

With over 25 prominent companies gracing the occasion, the event transcended expectations. The venue buzzed with fervor as participants were treated to a variety of offerings from Dubai’s thriving tourism and medical sectors. Airlines, hotels, destination management companies, and entertainment providers came together to create a tapestry of Dubai’s offerings, captivating the audience’s imagination.

Partnerships Forged, Dreams Ignited

The event was not just a presentation; it was a gateway to another world. Attendees were given the chance to engage directly with Dubai’s products and services, forging partnerships and exploring collaborations. The room echoed with the voices of stakeholders, their discussions laying the foundation for fruitful future endeavors.

Excitement in the Air

A highlight of the day was the Dubai raffle, which added an element of thrill to the proceedings. Lucky winners walked away with exciting prizes, making the event not only informative but also rewarding.

Local Touch, Global Impact

KATA’s members, hailing from various corners of Kenya, added a distinctive local touch to the event. Their active participation illustrated the vibrant collaboration between Kenya and Dubai, setting the stage for a future filled with promising ventures.

This roadshow became more than an event; it became a platform for dreams to flourish and partnerships to thrive. As the sun set on the day, the promise of stronger connections and endless opportunities lingered, leaving attendees inspired and invigorated for the journeys ahead. Dubai’s allure had woven itself into the fabric of Kenya’s travel industry, leaving an indelible mark of partnership, promise, and endless possibilities.

Date: September 29, 2023 by Bryan Obala, KATA Media and Communications.

Navigating the Skies: Decoding East Africa’s Air Travel Metrics

East Africa, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and economic potential, has been steadily fostering regional integration through the East African Community (EAC). Beyond its picturesque beauty and cultural diversity, East Africa is also a hub of aviation activity.  The analysis company Aerotrail provides Airspace Africa with the comprehensive analysis of airline connectivity within the EAC member countries, shedding light on the key insights that shape this dynamic industry.

EAC Air Travel Insights

One of the hallmarks of the EAC is the ease of travel for its citizens within the region. By simply presenting a valid national passport, individuals can explore neighboring EAC countries hassle-free. This privilege is further enhanced by the introduction of the East African Passport, a travel document designed to streamline border crossings for East Africans. Notably, this passport is exclusively designated for travel within the confines of the EAC region.

In most instances, travelers within the EAC enjoy the luxury of visa waivers, facilitating smooth journeys across borders. The exception to this rule is travel to or from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a visa remains a requirement. However, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of carrying a passport when traversing borders within the EAC.

Additionally, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have taken a significant stride by recognizing their respective citizens’ national identification cards as valid travel documents. This recognition is rooted in a binding East African Agreement among these three nations and has yielded considerable implications for air travel within this specific bloc of countries.

Key Airports

To comprehend the intricate web of airline connectivity within the EAC, it’s vital to recognize the role of key airports. These airports serve as the linchpins of regional air travel, connecting EAC member states with each other and the wider world.

1. Burundi: Bujumbura International Airport
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo: N’djili International Airport
3. Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
4. Rwanda: Kigali International Airport
5. South Sudan: Juba International Airport
6. Tanzania: Julius Nyerere International Airport
7. Uganda: Entebbe International Airport

Overall Air Connectivity

Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport hold a special distinction in the EAC’s air travel landscape. These airports are the exclusive gateways that facilitate scheduled airline connections to the main airports of all other EAC member nations. When it comes to regional networks, Entebbe Airport takes the lead with connections to approximately fifteen regional destinations. Following closely are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kigali International Airport, both offering scheduled connections to ten regional destinations each.

Longest Airline Routes

In the world of aviation, distance is often a defining factor. Among the longest routes within the EAC network, the Nairobi–New York route stands out, spanning an impressive 11,832 kilometers. This route is serviced daily by Kenya Airways, utilizing Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Following closely in terms of distance are routes like Nairobi-Changsha, Dar-es-Salaam–Guangzhou, Nairobi-Guangzhou, and Dar-es-Salaam-Amsterdam.

Domestic air travel is the backbone of regional connectivity, and the EAC boasts its share of extensive domestic routes. Notably, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) offers the most extensive domestic routes compared to other EAC countries. Routes like Kinshasa-Goma, Kinshasa-Lubumbashi, Kinshasa-Kisangani, and Kinshasa-Kindu are lifelines connecting communities across vast distances. Additionally, the route connecting Dar-es-Salaam to Kigoma stands out as the longest domestic route within the EAC, spanning a distance of 1,085 kilometers.

Passenger Seats and Airlines

The heart of the aviation industry lies in the seats that carry passengers from one destination to another. In the EAC, several airlines play pivotal roles in connecting people, cultures, and economies. Kenya Airways leads the pack with a substantial 122,906 weekly seats, followed by Ethiopian Airlines with 46,221 seats and RwandAir with 36,626 seats. Notably, the Kenyan low-cost carrier, Jambojet, commands a significant position with 28,860 weekly seats.

Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) is a key metric that reflects an airline’s capacity. In this regard, Amsterdam takes the commanding position with an impressive tally of approximately 132 million ASK, closely trailed by Dubai, Paris, Istanbul, and London. Within the EAC region, Kenya Airways firmly establishes itself as the dominant carrier, boasting a remarkable total of about 300 million ASK.

Ticket pricing in the airline industry is a complex interplay of factors, including route distance, demand, aircraft type, and more. Interestingly, longer airline routes within the EAC tend to be more cost-effective per kilometer traveled, particularly for intercontinental routes. The principle of economies of scale comes into play, where larger aircraft, equipped with more seats, can distribute operational costs across a broader passenger base, resulting in reduced ticket prices per kilometer.

Source: Aerospace Africa

East African Nations Unite to Enhance Regional Tourism

East African Nations Unite to Enhance Regional Tourism

East African countries are pulling together to offer tourists a more comprehensive and captivating experience by integrating their tourism destinations. This collaboration was announced during the Oromia Tourism Week 2023 held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The initiative is targeted at providing tourists the opportunity to explore a variety of destinations within the East African corridor, thus creating a more wholesome and enriching experience.

Aiming for Attractive, Integrated Tourism Packages

Sarah Kirenga, a representative of the Rwandan Chamber of Tourism, explained the importance of this regional tourism integration. According to her, this collaboration will facilitate the sale of complete and attractive tourism packages, a development that will significantly enhance the regional tourism sector. The representative further emphasized that this integration would provide a platform to create a network in the tourism ecosystem, promote a variety of tourism products, and boost regional tourism.

East Africa: A Region of Diverse Attractions

The East African region is globally recognized for its unique natural and cultural tourist attractions, many of which are inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. In addition to these, the region is also home to popular safari destinations with an abundance of fascinating historical and archaeological sites. Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – countries within this region – have already begun marketing their tourist destinations as a unified region, offering tourists a diverse range of attractions.

Boosting Intra-Travel and Implementing Regional Marketing Plans

Anthony Ochieng, a market development representative of the Ugandan Tourism Board, stressed the necessity to focus on regional tourism rather than individual destinations. He stated that the countries within the East African region are cooperating to promote intra-travel and implement the East African tourism marketing plan. The intention is to market East Africa as a region and not just individual destinations. Under this plan, tourists can experience a variety of attractions in different countries, such as ‘The Big Five’ (lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and African elephant) in Uganda.

Oromia Tourism Week: Promoting Tourism Potential

The Oromia Tourism Week serves as an annual event that aims to showcase the unique tourism offerings and experiences available in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. This event brings together tourism stakeholders, government representatives, industry professionals, and visitors from around the world to explore and appreciate the region’s vast potential as a top tourism destination. It acts as a significant platform to highlight the benefits of regional tourism and promote the integration of various tourist destinations within East Africa.

Investment and Future Prospects

With East Africa’s steady growth as a tourism destination, investment in world-class tourist facilities is becoming increasingly essential. The East Africa destination tourism insight market report indicates that the region has the potential to become a competitive tourism destination in the future, provided it attracts suitable investment and adequate infrastructural development. The report also highlights the region’s key selling point – its wildlife – which is also under threat due to factors such as habitat loss and poaching. However, numerous conservation initiatives have been established to protect these species, indicating a growing awareness of the need to protect the region’s wildlife.

The integration of East African countries to enhance regional tourism is a strategic initiative that will not only boost the tourism sector of the individual countries but will also create a more enriching and diverse experience for tourists. With adequate investment, sustainable conservation initiatives, and an effective regional marketing plan, East Africa can evolve into an attractive and competitive tourism destination in the global tourism market.

Source: bnn

African airlines prepare for traffic surge

Over the next two decades, Africa’s jet fleet is projected to more than double to 1,550 aircraft, when Africa’s population is forecast to hit 2.17 billion.

In so doing, it will surpass the fleets of America, India and China combined, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The growth will come on the back of significant growth in airline passenger numbers.

IATA shows major airline markets in Africa had already outperformed their 2019 levels in terms of origin-destination (O-D) air passenger traffic by Q2 of 2023, thanks largely to domestic market recovery and outperformance.

Nigeria recorded the highest growth in passenger numbers, adding 52 per cent more compared to the pre-pandemic levels.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Morocco came in second, third and fourth place, with 33 per cent, 31 per cent and 13 per cent growth respectively.

While Algeria and Tunisia also recorded growth, they experienced lower performances at 3 per cent and 5 per cent more traffic compared to 2019 figures.

The only exception was South Africa, which recorded 3 per cent fewer passenger numbers (below its pre-pandemic levels), attributed to economic challenges in the country.

Some 44 per cent growth between 2022 and 2023 has also helped a recovery in international traffic to and from Africa, now just 11.8 per cent off pre-pandemic levels, with a full recovery expected by year-end.

Data from IATA projects the number of commercial aircraft deliveries is approaching 30 in 2023. This is a far lower than the 50 deliveries in 2019- its peak year – but off the lows of around 20 deliveries over the last two years.

“African airlines are increasing their number of new aircraft units, which might be a sign of an anticipated full recovery by the end of this year” said IATA in its quarterly Air Transport Chartbook.

Three African carriers have either announced delivery or have plans for long-term expansion also covering 2023.

Ethiopian Airlines is looking to increase its fleet size from 140 aircraft to 271 by 2032, with a mix of narrow-body and wide-body planes. It has its eyes firmly fixed on Boeing’s bigger aircraft.

RwandAir expanded its fleet in March with its third long-haul aircraft from Airbus, while South African Airways said in May it had received the green light from the government to expand its fleet by six.

Carriers said all these projected new fleets will allow them to expand their seating capacities for regional and domestic routes and increase flights to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Over the last two months, African airlines have been recording steady growth in capacity – which rose by 27.4 per cent in July- making Africa the only region to experience capacity growth outrun traffic demand, according to IATA.

According to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook 2023, Africa’s air traffic growth is forecast to rise some 7.4 per cent, which is above the global average of 6.1 per cent.

Domestic passenger traffic is seen as quadrupling in 20 years on rapid population growth and urbanisation within the continent.

Source:   The-star.

Kenya Airways donates Boeing 737-700 plane to Mangu High School to support aviation studies

Kenya Airways has donated one of its Boeing 737-700 aeroplanes to Mangu High School.

The donation is aimed at supporting aviation studies in the school that will later feed the airline with personnel in the aviation sector.

The school, which will be celebrating 100 years next year, is among the first institutions to start teaching aviation studies in the country and has several of its former students working at the airline in various departments.

It also becomes the first to receive a complete aeroplane from the airline through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) after donating an engine to the Technical University of Kenya in 2016 for the same purpose.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the donation is an act of nobility and an affirmation of KQ’s support for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

He lauded the airline’s CSR initiatives that bequeath students with tactical, technical and technological know-how that will give them an edge over their peers.

‘‘I wish to thank Kenya Airways for this commendable act of CSR that will inspire hope in the students of Mangu High School, assist in the modelling of their skills and transform abstract theories into practicable concepts,’’ said Murkomen

He added, ‘‘This initiative also underscores the importance of Public-Private Partnerships(PPP) in advancing our government’s education and aviation reforms and ensuring that  our young people have access to the requisite tools and opportunities necessary for the creation of successful careers.’’

The CS spoke today during the handover at hangar 1 at the airline’s head office in Embakasi.

He said the aviation sector in Africa has expansive opportunities and vacancies that remain unfilled.

According to a recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa needs 55,000 skilled aviation professionals in the next two decades, including 15,000 pilots, 17,000 technicians and 23,000 cabin crew.

‘‘The question therefore remains; how can we as a country, benefit from these opportunities? What do we need to do to establish dominance in the continent’s aviation sector and export talent and skills to the continental and global markets?’’ he posed. 

He said one of the ways of doing this is by encouraging the creation of incubators for innovation and talent development.

Beyond its flight and cargo operations, KQ has an active aviation hub, known as Fahari Innovation Hub that acts as a springboard for new ideas and data-driven innovations.

It also has an approved aviation school known as the Pride Centre that offers a range of courses to prepare candidates for a successful career in the aviation sector.

Kenya Airways chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka said the aeroplane boasts of impressive specifications including a wingspan of 35.79 metres and a length of 33.63 meters, making it substantial and iconic aircraft.

‘‘It also has a seating capacity of 16 seats in the business class and 100 in economy and has served countless passengers throughout is remarkable career. Manufactured in 2003, it has aged for two decades, accumulating an impressive over 56, 861 flight hours and 20,966 flight cycles,’’ said Kilavuka.

He added: ‘‘It was retired from active service in December 2021 and now it embarks on a new journey as an educational tour for the Mangu High School students.’’

KCB Bank has donated Sh5 million to support its movement from the hangar to the school and equip the school with aircraft learning equipment such as flight simulators and aircraft maintenance tools, while Crown Paints will donate paint for the repainting the plane that will now be registered as 5W MHC from 5W KQH.

Kilavuka, who reiterated that the airline will also offer technical support to the school, said they have started discussions with universities particularly TUK and Kenyatta University (KU) on matters aviation.

‘‘This is to make sure that we are impacting influence in their curriculum to be relevant to us and meet current industry demands,’’ he said.

 Mangu High School principal John Kuria thanked the airline for the donation, saying it will further fire up the dreams of these students to achieve their dream careers

‘‘It will also go a long way in ramping up the numbers of students in aviation technology,’’ he said.

Mangu High School Alumni Association chairman Ronald Meru, who paraded four pilots who are alumni said aviation programme is the school’s pride.

 ‘‘The partnership will facilitate the aviation studies at the school and ensure the aviation technology is well taught in accordance with the standards that the students require,’’ he said.

General Michael Gichangi, Kenya Airways board chairman and also an alumnus of Mangu said the school has been instrumental in the aviation industry of the country since independence and the donation is a major milestone will strengthen the impetus it has given to the industry.

Source: Standard media.

Condor Airlines Expands Horizons with Direct Flights to Mombasa

In a significant stride towards enhancing global connectivity, Condor Airlines, a well-established German leisure and vacation airline, has recently launched direct flights from Frankfurt to Mombasa. This move comes after nearly two decades of successful operations in Kenya, primarily serving Mombasa, and marks a pivotal moment for Condor’s foray and return to Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal city.

Condor Airlines has long been a prominent name in the aviation industry, synonymous with quality service, efficiency, and a commitment to providing travelers with unforgettable experiences. Their decision to expand operations to Mombasa underscores the growing importance of Kenya as a key destination in East Africa.

At a recent meeting hosted by the airline at the Boma Hotel in Nairobi, travel agents had the privilege of engaging with Condor’s product offering and management team. The gathering provided a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to gain insights into Condor’s expansion plans and the airline’s mission to further connect East Africa with Germany.

Condor’s activities in Kenya will be managed through a General Sales Agent Agreement, AVIANETAVIAREPS Travel Management Ltd. The airline activities will be headed by Ms. Lilian Musyoka, who brings a wealth of experience to her role. While speaking during the launch, Ms Musyoka expressed Condor’s dedication to facilitating seamless travel between the two regions. She highlighted how Condor’s new direct route to Mombasa aligns perfectly with the airline’s commitment to providing travelers with efficient and convenient connections.

“As Condor Airlines extends its reach, travelers can look forward to a new era of connectivity and exploration. This expansion not only opens doors for German tourists to experience Kenya’s rich cultural and natural wonders but also beckons Kenyan travelers to explore the vibrant landscapes and cultures of Germany,” she said.

Source: KATA NEWS

Dubai launches religious tourism initiative

The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD) launched the Religious Tourism Project in Dubai with a set of plans, programmes, and initiatives in the field of Islamic tourism. This was announced during a press conference held at the department’s headquarters on Thursday.

The project aims to enhance Dubai’s tourism and achieve the department’s vision of being the best in the world, Islamically and charitably making the city the most visited in the world by 2025. “The project contributes to strengthening the emirate’s position as an attraction point for international religious tourism for residents, visitors, and tourists, both Muslims and non-Muslims,” said Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansouri from IACAD.

Al Mansouri pointed out that the project will achieve a three per cent to four per cent increase in the number of tourists to the emirate. The project will feature the most prominent religious attractions in Dubai.

Floating Mosque: It will be the first floating mosque in the world which will consist of three floors. One half of the structure with its sitting areas and a coffee shop will be above the water; while the other is submerged below. The underwater deck will be for the prayer area with ablution and toilet facilities and can accommodate 50-75 worshippers. The mosque will be constructed with a total cost of approximately Dh55 million.

The Quranic exhibition: This will feature the journey of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Quran, where he printed thousands of copies of the holy Quran from 2000 to 2005 and distributed around the world.

Dubai Iftar: This is organised during the holy month of Ramadan and is a unique initiative that brings together people of different faiths, to breakfast together.

Hala Ramadan: It is an initiative where people of different faiths gather in the new neighbourhoods in Dubai under the Hala Ramadan initiative. This will include groups of social, sports, and educational programmes.

Visit to the Quranic Park and adding a section on prophetic medicine: The Quranic Park is the first-ever Quran-inspired Park in the world which covers an area of 600,000 square metres. This huge park is divided into many sections which serve different purposes and interests. The park has plants and herbs that are mentioned in the Quran.

Ramadan and Eid Market: Ramadan markets will be introduced adjacent to a few popular mosques in Dubai with the aim of welcoming Muslim and non-Muslim tourists during the Ramadan and Eid holidays. This will help them learn about Islamic customs and traditions and teach them the religion of Islam.

Source: Khaleej times.