Energy-rich Kazakhstan is undergoing a huge transformation. GDP is growing rapidly, and the country is opening up to business and tourism. AME Info's Lisa Creffield recently visited the commercial capital Almaty.
With so many Gulf airlines having ambitious expansion plans, is there room for everyone or will only the strong survive? Fathi Al Shehab, Senior Manager Commerical Operations, Qatar Airways, gives his view.
Flexible aircraft are key to the corporate jet market, according to Paras Dhamecha, CEO, Elite Jets. Dhamacha says space, fuel economy and range are currently more critical factors than on-board luxury and advanced in flight technology.
What is it really leaving planet Earth for Outer Space? And how do you take a shower on the Mir space station? Nasa Space Shuttle Commander Robert "Hoot" Gibson reveals the secrets of the Final Frontier.
Private jets are more about flexibility and even economy than luxury air travel. Paras Dhamecha, CEO of Elite Jets, looks at why market demand is growing.
Ian Ferguson-Brown, Head of Communications, Etihad discusses golf sponsorship, passenger increases, and why he prefers Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy to Dubai.
Why would anyone want to holiday in Abu Dhabi? Plenty of reasons, according to Mubarak Al Muhairi, DG, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Al Muhairi looks at the UAE capital's many natural islands, as well as the cultural impact of the planned Guggenheim museum.
Business travellers are increasingly looking for more budget options on overseas trips, according to research carried out by Wafi Group. Wafi, usually known as a high-end luxury brand, recently opened a mid-market business hotel in Dubai, the Arabian Park hotel. General manager Mark Lee explains the strategy.
Differentiation is critical in the hotel sector, according to Allan Edgar, VP Marketing, Hyatt. Hyatt aims to have 20-25 properties througout the Middle East. Edgar predicts continued strong demand, despite the numerous hotels opening in the region.
The past year has not been an easy one for Gulf Air, with increased competition, skyrocketing fuel prices and Abu Dhabi pulling out of the airline. President James Hogan says the airline will focus on its strong regional rather than international presence, and continue to upgrade its fleet and improve efficiency.
Quality and location are becoming more critical in the regional property market, as it matures, according to Kit James, Sales Director, IFA Hotels & Resorts. Buyers are increasingly discerning, and as the market becomes more saturated, those buying in prime locations will be safest.
A ten-metre-square, windowless hotel room doesn't initially sound a very appealing accommodation option. But add luxury fittings, flat-screen TV and wifi, prime city locations and a price tag of less than $100, and business executives will come flocking, according to Simon Woodroffe, Chairman, YOTEL.
Liwa is one of the largest oases in the Arabian peninsula, famous for the huge, red sand dunes that surround it. Mel Barisic, Hotel Manager, Liwa Hotel explains why the "gateway to the Empty Quarter" is becoming increasingly popular with tourists.
Hotel reservation centres spend around 48 hours processing bookings, according to research by Emirates Airlines. Emirates is trying to speed up the process with an internet-based accommodation exchange, called Daex. Simon Lewis, Manager eVentures, explains how it works.
NASA space nappies, freeze dried food and ultraviolet showers: just some of the delights awaiting the intergalactic tourists of the future. Will Whitehorn, President, Virgin Galactic, considers the less-than-five-star physical reality of space holidays.
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TAV Construction, one of the top three airport construction companies in the world, won the design and construction tender for the King Khaled Airport...
Qatar is an oil-rich peninsula jutting out into the Gulf between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The majority of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats.