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Elite Havens adds villas in Thailand and Indonesia

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, Thailand, 17 April 2023: Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, owned by Dusit International, has expanded its portfolio of more than 300 luxury villa rentals by adding four outstanding new properties to its hand-picked collection of exceptional event villas in Thailand and Indonesia.

The additions include Permata Ayung Private Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; Tirtha Bayu Estate, Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia; Infinity View, Kata, Phuket, Thailand; and Inasia, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Thailand. Each new property offers privacy and personalised experiences executed by Elite Havens’ expert in-house teams and event organisers.

Set within a riverside estate in the hills of Ubud, Permata Ayung Private Estate offers 12 bedrooms in individual pavilions across five hectares of land with multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. It features its own standalone riverside spa with an adjoining bridal suite, a plush private cinema, organic juice and cocktail bars, colourful tropical gardens, lush coconut groves, and serene views of rice fields, making it an excellent venue for wellness retreats and large-scale weddings in a private oasis.

Also in Bali, Tirtha Bayu Estate is a spacious oceanfront estate overlooking the dramatic black sands of Cemagi Beach. Artfully blending traditional and contemporary design, it features an interconnected complex of two villas – the modern and elegant six-bedroom Villa I and the traditional and refined five-bedroom Villa II. With multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus two infinity pools, the beautiful property can host events and weddings with up to 150 guests.

Over in Thailand, Infinity View is an elegant four-bedroom villa for intimate celebrations near Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach. The beautiful property certainly lives up to its name, featuring a majestic ocean backdrop beyond its crystal blue pool. Its idyllic location offers complete privacy for small family gatherings and milestone celebrations just five minutes from the beautiful white sands of Kata Noi and Kata.

Rounding out the new additions in Thailand, the latest addition to the Elite Havens Koh Samui portfolio, Inasia, is also an excellent choice for large families or groups of friends celebrating life’s special moments. Situated next to Lipa Noi Beach, it features eight guestrooms with views of the deep green sea. Shallow waters running 100 metres off the shore make it a safe environment for children to splash and play. Indoor and outdoor dining areas add variety for celebrating an intimate event.

“The last few years have left people with renewed zeal to explore more of the world and clarify the importance of celebrating each small moment with near and dear ones,” said  Elite Havens CEO Maya Rigg. “Not only are travellers seeking to return to familiar locations and revisit their favourite villas, but they are also booking private venues like luxury villas at exclusive destinations to celebrate life events like weddings, family reunions, and other milestones. We expect the confidence of travellers to continue the upward trend seen in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming guests to make lasting memories at our exquisite new additions in Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui.”

More details about the new properties can be found at the following links:

Permata Ayung Private Estate (Bali)

Tirtha Bayu Estate (Bali)

Infinity View (Phuket)

(Source: Dusit International)

Showtime returns to Outrigger Waikiki

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2023: Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group have teamed up to bring Honolulu residents and visitors a new multi-year resident show exclusive to Hawaii.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joined executives from both organisations to make the announcement on 10 April.

Anticipated to open in late 2024, the show will fuse the world-renowned acrobatics and innovation that Cirque du Soleil is known for with the Hawaiian islands’ natural beauty and unique culture. Native Hawaiian Aaron J. Salā, PhD, has been retained as the creative cultural producer to assist in creating this show’s storyline along with other prominent Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers.

A joint venture is being made by both parties to create this opportunity and transform the 20,000 sq ft (1858 sqm) showroom venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, previously used by Magic of Polynesia. The necessary permits for renovation work to commence and create the nearly 800-seat theatre with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system are being submitted. The venue architect is Hawaii-based G70, with project estimating done by RLB in Honolulu.

“Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “We are confident that the show created for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will delight and astound our guests and residents.”

Wagoner added: “This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making and perfectly aligns with Outrigger’s brand elevation strategy, which includes a promise to provide authentic live music and signature experiences in renowned beach locations.”

Mayor Rick Blanglardi, said: “In addition to bringing a new vibrancy to Waikiki, this project will produce significant economic impact through job creation in redeveloping the theatre space and ongoing show operations. I’m honoured and excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil as the newest Honolulu resident.”

More details will be shared in the coming months regarding the partnership, the show’s name and creative concept, and on-sale dates, with a target of December 2024 for the show’s debut.

ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the company brings its creative approach to various entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Through its creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to impact people, communities, and the planet positively. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit CDSentertainmentgroup.com.  

ABOUT OUTRIGGER HOSPITALITY GROUP

For 75 years, Outrigger has charted a journey of discovery – expanding from Hawaii to premier resort destinations, including Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand and the Maldives. The privately held hospitality company invites guests to ‘Come Be Here’ with authentic Signature Experiences and the Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty programme. Outrigger’s multi-branded portfolio includes Outrigger Resorts, OHANA Hotels by Outrigger, Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger, Kapalua Villas Maui and Honua Kai Resort & Spa Maui while also managing select properties from top international hotel brands, including Embassy Suites by Hilton, Best Western and Hilton Grand Vacations. Find out more at Outrigger.com or visit @OutriggerResorts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

AAHK gives away air tickets

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 18 April 2023: The “World of Winners” air ticket giveaway campaign, sponsored by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), landed on the Chinese Mainland last week with a spectacular celebration event held in Shanghai.

Over 1,000 people attended the launch event, which featured Hong Kong cultural performances and on-site games, with more than 100 free air tickets given away as prizes. AAHK chief executive officer Fred Lam led the AAHK presentation.

The campaign ‘World of Winners’ was created to support the Hong Kong SAR Government’s “Hello Hong Kong” promotional campaign welcoming visitors back to the city following the lifting of anti-pandemic restrictions.

AAHK has sponsored 500,000 tickets for home-based carriers to offer travellers worldwide, including 140,000 for Mainland travellers.

In addition to celebrating the resumption of passenger air traffic to Hong Kong, AAHK presented details of new airport facilities designed to enhance the passenger experience and maintain Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) standing as the preferred airport for Mainland travellers.

Lam commented on the campaign, and AAHK plans: “HKIA is the city’s gateway to the world, and all of us in the airport community fully support the Government’s ‘Hello Hong Kong’ promotional campaign. We are delighted to sponsor the tickets for our home-based carriers and offer people from across the globe a chance to rediscover everything they love about Hong Kong.

“We are particularly excited to allocate 140,000 air tickets for Mainland travellers, who have long been an important and valued segment of inbound passenger traffic to Hong Kong.”

Jetstar Asia reinstates Haikou flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2023: Jetstar Asia will resume services between Singapore and Haikou on 29 April 2023, following a three-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, just in time for the Golden Week Labour Day long weekend.

The Singapore-based low-cost airline expects to fly more than 70,000 customers each year between the two popular destinations, operating four weekly return services to meet the pent-up demand for travellers wanting to return to the port city and capital of China’s island province of Hainan.

Jetstar Asia has launched special one-way fares from Singapore to Haikou from SGD128, available on jetstar.com from today until 24 April, to celebrate the restart of services to China.

Jetstar Asia’s regional general manager for Southeast Asia and Greater China, Xu Haibing said: “Haikou was the very first Chinese city Jetstar Asia flew to in 2009, and as the first international airline to provide low-cost travel to customers in China, we have a long-standing relationship with the city of Haikou.

Haikou remains an important port for Jetstar Asia and a popular destination for many Singaporeans with Hainanese heritage.

Passengers from China will enjoy direct flights to Singapore and connectivity through the Changi hub to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Denpasar and Surabaya.

Last month the airline relocated operations to Terminal 4 at Changi International Airport.

The new Jetstar Asia services will operate on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, departing Singapore at 0725 and arriving at Haikou at 1105. From Haikou, the Jetstar Asia service will depart at 1200 and arrive in Singapore at 1530.

Before the pandemic, Jetstar operated more than 80 weekly services to six destinations in Greater China, including Haikou, Shantou, Sanya, Xuzhou, Guiyang and Taipei.

Qatar Airways resumes Birmingham flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, 18 April 2023: Qatar Airways flights to Birmingham, England, will resume on 6 July 2023, operating daily throughout the summer season.

The airline will use a Boeing 787-8 with 254 seats (22 business class and 232 economy class seats) on the route.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Flights resume to Birmingham just three days before the iconic British Grand Prix takes place on 9 July at the legendary Silverstone circuit, located only one hour from the city’s main airport.

The second largest city in the UK, Birmingham, is a significant commercial hub, especially for the silversmith profession located in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, which produces 40% of the UK’s Jewellery. Birmingham is also home to the Bullring, one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, making it one of the top three shopping destinations in the UK.

Qatar Airways Holidays offers travel packages which include flights, hotels, premium seats at the race, gourmet hospitality, Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk and an exclusive event with appearances by F1 legends or drivers.

Qatar Airways Group is the global partner and official airline of Formula 1.

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, QR33 will depart Hamad International Airport at 0805, arriving in Birmingham at 1315. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, QR35 will depart Hamad International Airport at 0220, arriving in Birmingham at 0730.

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, QR34 will depart Birmingham at 1445, arriving in Doha at 2340. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, QR36 will depart Birmingham at 0900, arriving in Doha at 1755.

Do consumers trust travel retailers?

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2023: According to new independent research commissioned by Travelport, a technology company that powers bookings for travel suppliers worldwide, consumers want the travel industry to deliver an easy, modern travel retail experience.

The study, entitled “What Consumers Want,” revealed multiple gaps that explain customers’ lack of trust in travel retailers, namely the lack of simplified and intuitive experiences, easy support and transparency.

This insight offers valuable considerations and opportunities for the travel industry to generate more sales and customer loyalty.

“Commenting on the challenge to get modern and give consumers the simple, easy and supportive experience they expect,” Travelport chief marketing officer Jen Catto said: “According to new research commissioned by Travelport, customers prefer shopping in every other retailing sector over travel. Now that the industry is recovering, there is an enormous opportunity for travel brands to reinvest in their customer experiences, earning them customer loyalty while increasing their revenue simultaneously. It’s a win-win.”

Key Study Findings

Time and transparency prioritised over price

Supporting the belief that ‘time is money,’ Travelport’s study confirmed consumers spend more time online searching rather than buying — consulting reviews, seeking recommendations, and looking into other factors of what an offer includes. The study revealed that the majority (69%) of consumers research a purchase online daily or weekly, with very few (only 2%) stating that they never research a purchase online.

Travelport also found that nearly all consumers (93%) believe that the best modern retailers make it easy to find what they want. Full transparency is what most consumers (90%) desire most, meaning modern retailers must share full product information upfront to help consumers save time and gain confidence in their purchases. Doing so will pay off for retailers. Most respondents (59%) said that getting what they want is more important than how much they pay for it.

Even Gen Z wants convenient, human-led customer support

Most study respondents (77%) have interacted with a chatbot regardless of age. However, just a quarter of theoretical “digital natives,” ages 18-41, use them frequently. Three-quarters of all respondents prefer to speak with a human (via chat or phone) when something goes wrong, but what was unexpected is that more (83%) of younger consumers ages 18 to 41 want more human support than their elders, age 42 and above. Furthermore, consumers in this study shared the importance of easy returns and exchanges (43%), filtered options (40%) and personalised offers (29%). These factors indicate more personal support is valued at every stage of the retail journey, from research to purchase and post-purchase experiences.

Consumers will travel longer and spend more for sustainability

Climate change and sustainability are top of mind for consumers, especially those passionate about travel. Travelport’s study revealed that nearly half of all consumers surveyed (49%) would choose to spend more and even more (60%) would take longer, indirect transport routes to their destination to save on carbon (CO2) emissions when travelling. This varies by age group, as the study results show (33%) of consumers ages 18–41 would travel two to three hours longer to save on CO2 emissions, compared to only (19%) of consumers 42 and older.

For additional modern retailing insights from Travelport, please visit https://www.travelport.com/what-consumers-want.

Germany tops power passports 2023

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2023: Global Citizen Solutions unveiled its 2023 list of the 10 most powerful passports in the world, with Germany topping the chart.

The Global Passport Index, created by data-driven investment migration consultancy Global Citizen Solutions, uses a robust quantitative scoring system to evaluate a country’s investment opportunities, quality of life indicators, and the number of visa-free countries accessible through each nation’s passport.

The top 10 passports ranked in the Global Passport Index are:

1. Germany
2. The United States
3. Sweden
4. Denmark
5. The Netherlands
6. Finland
7. The United Kingdom
8. Canada
9. Norway
10. Switzerland

The 2023 ranking, compared with the Global Passport Index from 2022, revealed some interesting changes in the top 10 best passports in the world.

With a total score of 93.7, Germany took the pole position in 2023, taking over from the 2022 leader, the USA. Germany emerged as the world’s strongest passport, performing well in investment opportunities, quality of life, and travel mobility.

Sweden climbed three positions this year from its previous ranking due to exceptional performance in the Enhanced Mobility Index, pushing Canada down to 8th place.

Each index that was evaluated as part of the overall study that ranked Germany on top included:

• The Enhanced Mobility Index (Germany placed 3rd): A German passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 198 countries or territories.

• Quality-of-Life Index (Germany placed 5th): Germany ranks highly in many aspects analysed in the Global Passport Index relating to the overall quality of life, including sustainable development, freedom, environmental performance, migrant acceptance, and happiness, but it ranks very high in the cost-of-living parameter due to the average costs in the country

• The Investment Index (Germany placed 11th): With a Gross National Income (GNI) of $59.090 and personal taxation of 45%, Germany is the most favourable option for investors.

Each of the three indexes evaluated can be used as a standalone ranking where users can filter results for individual country statistics. The final list was developed in collaboration with senior STI data analysts Roberto de Pinho and Vladimir Lopez-Bassols and is based on data from various institutions and multilateral organisations, including The World Bank, The World Economic Forum and The Sustainable Development Report.

“Our Global Passport Index is a valuable tool for anyone looking to make an informed decision about a second citizenship or simply considering relocation temporarily or permanently to another country. The latest findings are based on rigorous research and evaluation that takes into account factors beyond travel mobility, such as taxation, quality of life, sustainability, and cost of living,” explains Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions

  • For more information about the Global Passport Index and the full ranking visit http://passportindex.global/
  • *Methodology – The Global Passport Index offers readers key insights on travel mobility and tax benefits when opening a business. Using a robust quantitative scoring system, this methodology determines the attractiveness of a passport using three indexes: (1) Enhanced Mobility Index (2) Investment Index, and (3) Quality of Living Index.

Holland America celebrates 150 years

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 April 2023: Holland America celebrates its 150th anniversary on Tuesday, 18 April 2023, as MS Rotterdam VII make a port of call in its namesake city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha will host the gala party the celebrations in the shipping line’s birthplace city,  attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam’s godmother; Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam; and descendants from two families of Holland America Line’s founders.

Photo credit: Holland America Line. MS Rotterdam

Holland America Line was founded in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and from 1873 to 1989, it operated as a Dutch shipping line, a passenger line, a cargo line and a cruise line running primarily between the Netherlands and North America.

“Holland America Line is a company that takes great pride in our heritage and respects the role we played in history, so our 150th-anniversary events honour our tradition while recognising the brand we are today,” said Antorcha.

Upon Rotterdam’s arrival at Rotterdam on 18 April, the 150th Anniversary celebrations begin at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line’s historic headquarters. The cruise line will present a commemorative 150th Anniversary bell — in the style of a traditional ship bell — to be permanently displayed at the hotel. At the event, Princess Margriet will follow Holland America Line’s ritual of blessing the bell before it is donated to Hotel New York.

Early bird tickets on sale for RWMF 2023

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 17 APRIL 2023: Ticket sales got off to a good start at the weekend for the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival prompting the Sarawak Tourism Board to forecast more than 20,000 music lovers will attend the 23 to 25 June festival.

The annual festival organised by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will see musicians and fans of world music worldwide assembling for the 26th RWMF.

Ticket prices start with early bird purchases  – Adult 1-Day Pass Fri/Sun (MYR190), Adult 1-Day Pass Sat (MYR220), Adult 2-Day Pass Fri + Sat / Sat + Sun (MYR360), Adult 3-Day Pass (MYR480), and Child 1-Day Pass Fri/Sat/Sun (MYR80). Tickets are available on the Klook platform, which is RWMF 2023’s official ticketing agent.

STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “STB anticipates 20,000 visitors with strong and enthusiastic returns from past and new participants to experience RWMF 2023. Do mark your calendars for 15 April, when the ticket sales for the event begin, as that will be the start of the early bird ticket sales. Take advantage of this opportunity and purchase your tickets at a discounted rate.”

The festival’s lineup will feature 199 musicians from 12 countries, from four continents, including Grammy Awards winner Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo from France of such hits as ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bamboleo’ set to enthral visitors with their pop-oriented music, distantly derived from traditional flamenco and rumba genres.

An exciting lineup includes international performers ‘Big Mountain’ from Jamaica and the USA, best known for their smash hit “Baby I Love Your Way”, ‘Safi Theatre’ from Tanzania, ‘Rastak’ from Iran, ‘Fasylive’ from Maldives, ‘Afriquoi’ from the United Kingdom, ‘Chatusram’ from India, ‘Rizal Hadi & Folk’ from Indonesia and ‘Ethno Thai Fusion Sound Band‘ from Thailand. The lineup will also include performers from Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Local musical talents set to perform at RWMF 2023 include Zee Avi, Suk Binie, Aseana Percussion Unit, Nadir, Steve Thornton & Afroasia, Sada Borneo, Tuku Kame, Nading Rhapsody, Geng Wak Long, Buloh Bekocak, At Adau, Meruked, and Orang Orang Drum Theatre.

More info on the musical lineup and ticketing can be found on the Rainforest World Music Festival’s official website at https://rwmf.net/.

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Emirate celebrates Eid al Fitr

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 17 April 2023: Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr is expected to begin 20 to 21 April, and Emirates will mark the occasion with an array of regional flavours onboard, traditional Eid dishes in the lounges, and new Arabic movies and content on ice.

From the 21 to 24 April, economy passengers departing Dubai will be treated to the flavoursome favourites of Eid, including chicken mandi in traditional spices, served with rice and crunchy fried onions, fish harra- a baked dory with spiced tomato sauce, accompanied by ghee rice and roasted pistachios, braised lamb with jameed, served with rice, roasted cashew nuts and almonds, or a seafood machbouse marinated in a myriad of Middle Eastern spices. Passengers travelling in premium economy, business and first class will enjoy dishes like fish matfy, a Middle Eastern-style fish in tomato sauce served with basmati rice, or a marinated chicken tahta with Emirati spices, served with dill rice, roasted potatoes, aubergine and carrots, a roasted beef madfoon in classic spices with vegetables, served with aromatic rice, or a tender Gulf-style braised lamb with vegetables and fragrant basmati rice.                                       

Sometimes known as the ‘sweet Eid’, Eid al Fitr is renowned for its sugary delights savoured after a month of fasting, and Emirates will be offering passengers plenty of delicious desserts, such as warm date pudding garnished with fresh berries, dates and pistachios in First Class, a fluffy vanilla sponge cake with white chocolate and hibiscus cream in Business and Premium Economy Class, and Batheetha – a sumptuous saffron date crumble, or a sweet pumpkin Asseda, topped with roasted cashew nuts in Economy Class. In the onboard A380 lounge, there will be a selection of Emirati pastries to relish, or passengers can help themselves to a decadent slice of Arabic coffee cake adorned with fresh berries, dates, and pistachios. All passengers will also receive an additional mini treat of ashta sfouf with their meal wishing them ‘Eid Mubarak,’ – a sweet turmeric and sesame cake with cream.

In Dubai’s airport lounges on the 21 April, First Class passengers can explore a wide selection of lounge fare, which will include Arabic coffee, jallab and kamarruddin juice, hot and cold Arabic mezzeh, lamb ouzi or Emirati ouzi served with dakous and coriander mint raita, followed by all-time favourite kunafa with pistachio and baklava ice-cream. Passengers relaxing in the First Class lounge will also be invited to try Eid mocktail creations like the ‘Sumacgroni’, combining red grapes, orange juice, bitter syrup, sumac powder, and Zaatar leaves, or the ‘Coco Sahlab’ – a combination of coconut cream, almond and agave syrup with a sprinkle of pistachio powder.

In the business class lounges of Dubai there will be classic shish taouk with harissa red pepper dip, alongside more Eid mocktails such as the ‘Rumman Cooler’ – a refreshing beverage combining rose and vanilla flavoured Ceylon tea, grenadine and date syrup, or the ‘Mint Blossom’, a mix of green apple and lemon juice, agave and mint leaves. Both lounges will have tempting desserts available throughout the day like mafroukeh pistachio, katayef walnut, asifiri ashta, baklawa pistachio finger, sweet cashew kol w shkor, or passengers can take a stroll to the Emirates old-fashioned ice cream cart in the lounge to enjoy homemade Baklava and Arabic coffee ice cream, specially made for Eid celebrations.

A variety of content will be available on the award-winning ice inflight entertainment for those travelling over Eid al Adha, including more than 100 Arabic films, including new releases – Mako, Banat Abdul Rahman, Kharouf Al Eid and more, 30 channels of Arabic TV series, 16 channels of Arabic podcasts and audiobooks, The Holy Qur’an, and more than 500 channels of Arabic music including pop, classics, Khaleeji, Maghrebi and Arabic fusion.

For flights and booking information, visit: www.emirates.com.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

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