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A Qatari Samaritan!

Hey everyone!

I’m not much of a writer. Most of the times I just scribble testimonials in hotel registries each time I travel, such is my life. However, the perks of being a nomadic media executive also mean that, on occasions, I am witness to some inspiring incidents that leave a smile on my face. Such things, albeit few in number and hard to linger on due to my impatient schedule, often remind me, that for all the negativity in the world, there are exceptions doing an exceptional job! Last week, in a late-night trip from London to Doha, that heroic exception was Qatar Airways, also known as الخطوط الجوية القطرية.

An hour before the flight, I was stuck among roughly a hundred disgruntled passengers who were protesting the last-minute cancellation of an airliner (whose name I will not reveal) due to technical problems. While the majority of the crowd did so in an orderly fashion (because Brits are not supposed to be goons in my experience) a small, select number of people seemed to have just joined in for the fun of heckling.

While I was trying hard to ignore it and looking for updates on my Qatar Airways flight status, a misdirected insult toward the ground-staff made things spiral out of control.

One groundstaffer and passenger got into a fistfight, knocking off an elderly woman who didn’t move away in time. She lay sprawled and most of the crowd (much to my disgust) just ignored her.

Just then, a Captain appeared out of nowhere, breaking up the quarrelling men and asking passengers to step back. Silently he helped up the old woman & radioed in for a groundstaffer to escort her to the airport’s infirmary. I was left marvelling at him when I heard my name being announced for my flight. Wrong gate!

Now here’s the kicker. The captain heard that, looked at my Qatar Airways booking and mouthed ‘Calm down, it’s also late because I am too.’

Well, to sum it up, I have to say that Qatar Airways online booking gave me a lesson and more than I’d bargained for! Kudos you guys!

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Fly Nas Like no other!

Hello everybody!

It’s been just a week since I got back from an absolutely maddening photography tour of the Middle East for three months. While experiences were many and I had little time to document anything that wasn’t a frame, the trip was full of those moments that make you smile peacefully every time you look back, making you realize that it was truly worth it.

Having grown up as a daughter of parents in the US Army, I once held a very typical perception of people, specifically, those in Asia and the Middle East. Revolting as it may sound, I was of the kind who regarded immigrants as an alien species and couldn’t handle the thought of losing my college seat to someone who couldn’t speak English as his/her first language.

But one of the biggest perks of my career as a photographer is the constant need to push out of one’s comfort zone. To get to know people beyond what the media paints them as, is an underrated and criminally undiscussed requirement in today’s media-crazy world.

Our apps and social networks cannot often replace the insight we can personally pick up. I realized this during perhaps the most memorable incident while leaving the Middle East.

Owing to an overextended trip, I had to book a budget ticket on a Flynas booking as other airlines were overbooked and out of financial reach. Now due to the current situation during the Islamic months of Zulhajj and Moharram, I was uncertain if I’d be allowed to take my own food inside by aircraft security.

Moreover, the fact that I was intolerant to gluten and unleavened bread ensured that I could have virtually nothing from the airline’s in-flight meals. So I stood between risking an allergic reaction 20 thousand feet in the air or staying hungry for 9 hours.

What followed next blew my mind. Apparently, Flynas is perfectly okay with you bringing in your own food! Thankful to the heavens for having landed me a Flynas online booking of all things, I wondered how much flak I’d receive for requesting to take my trusted snacks on-board!

Thank you, Flynas. Keep it up!

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Enjoy The Unique Flavour Of Dubai With These Extravagant Hotels

Dubai is a modern city filled with an ever-changing skyline and is one of the most glamourous and futuristic urban destinations with a unique flavour and personality. It is a cosmopolitan city which is also profoundly traditional in its own way and is best known as the world’s fastest growing city. One of the essential visits is the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah Island and the Burj Al Arab, extravagantly created and highly popular amongst travellers from all around the world.

If you are new visitor to Dubai or are planning on a trip to this exotic city, then mentioned below are a number of Dubai hotels that you can avail in order to make the most of your trip:

Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha:

This modern and self-catering accommodation is filled with amenities such as a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and the likes in order to ensure that your stay is a memorable one. This hotel in Dubai also offers a close proximity to the Mall of The Emirates which is only five minutes away.

The rooms are spacious and offer services such as air conditioning, flat screen television viewing, a personal kitchen including a microwave, dishwasher, hairdryer and other toiletry facilities. You have a choice from one, two, three and four bedroom apartments along with a 24 hour room service option and separate luggage storage.

The Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall are a stone’s throw away while the Dubai airport is located 23 kilometres away.

Downtown Dubai Hotel:

Located at a close proximity to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, this hotel is one of most renowned that will transport you to another world altogether, with its grandiose amenities and services.

It houses about 196 air-conditioned rooms that offer you services such as iPod docking stations, LCD television screens, video game consoles, complimentary wireless internet access and the likes. You can also indulge in Spa therapies that include all kinds of body treatments and facials. Other amenities include the presence of a health club, spa tub, outdoor pool, café, poolside lounges and limo services that will help make your stay as comfortable as possible. 

ABC Arabian Suites:

Providing its customers with impeccable services and luxurious amenities, Hotel ABC Arabian Suites is one of Dubai’s best hotels which is located at Bank Street at a close proximity with the Dubai Museum and Masjid Sultan Ahmed Bashalalat. The Dubai International Airport is situated about 12 kilometres from the hotel while the metro station lies only 13 kilometres away.

Hotel ABC Arabian Suites provides all kinds of facilities for business meetings and corporate events along with a gymnasium, health club, parking, steam, and sauna bath. You can avail one/two bedroom suites, studio rooms and other lodging options that include a mini-bar, flat screen television screens, writing desk and the likes for a comfort-ridden stay. You can also enjoy their delectable delicacies offered at their in-house restaurant.

Look out for various Dubai hotel packages that will offer you a variety of discounts and other offerings which will ensure that your stay is a memorable one.

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Fly the best liner in Oman!

We are living in an age where the amount of time one has is of extreme importance. As a result, it is indeed no surprise that an increasing number of people are on the lookout for anything that can spare them some of this priceless time. Perhaps one of the most impactful solutions to ever come out of this is air travel.

Thus, with customers looking for an airborne experience that is worth the money spent, airlines continue to go out of their way to be one that stands out among its peers, when it comes to in-flight performance. One such carrier is Oman Air. Here are some things to know about it.

A brief history:

Started in the year 1993, Oman Air has since been headquartered at Muscat International Airport, being the national carrier of Oman. The airliner today services about 46 destinations with its 40-strong fleet , ranging from international hubs like Shanghai, New York, London and New Delhi to spots in the Middle East such as Doha, Cairo, Dubai and Riyadh.

Features:

It was the first airline offering both mobile data as well as Wi-Fi services on-board on selected routes. Thus, innovation and enterprise come naturally to it, as an Oman Air booking gives you access to a number of aspects such as:

Excellent punctuality. Over 95% of its flights arrive and leave on time.

Gourmet food prepared by renowned chefs as part of in-flight meals.

In-flight entertainment that is versatile and bolstered by Internet connectivity.

Duty-free shopping for quality merchandise.

The Sindbad frequent flyer program that entitles members to lounge access, flight perks and more.

Accolades:

While Oman Air’s online bookings may have driven ground sales, its excellence has caught the eye of accreditors around the world, with the airliner having won the Gold Award for ‘Airline of the Year’ at France’s ‘Laurier d’Or du Voyage d’Affaires’ in 2011.

So fly the best the Omani kingdom can boast of!

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Fly the dependable Nas Air!

With a plethora of airlines that aim to cater to the South and Middle-East of Asia, a fair few have managed to stand out by providing top-notch services at reasonable fares. Perhaps the best of these is Nas Air, which was rebranded as Flynas in the year 2013. With beginnings as a low-cost airliner which only covered 30 cities at first, it has grown to connect 85 destinations worldwide, with about 950 flights per week, a mind-boggling number even by optimistic standards.

Statistic strength:

With its HQ in Riyadh, the 26-strong fleet of aircraft replete with Airbus A320s is thought to be a pathbreaker with its planes built to eco-friendly and economical Sharklet specifications, one of the few airliners to implement this. Moreover, beginning 2014, Nasair plans to introduce the Airbus A330s and A350s to its fleet.

Connectivity:

Being one of the prominent airlines of Saudi Arabia and consequently the Gulf, Flynas connects most of the important cities in the Arabian Gulf, such as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah and Dammam. Although domestic, close-range flights are its forte, Flynas is not shy of expanding beyond Asia. Nas Air Dubai (now known as Flynas Dubai) offers flights like Dubai-Amsterdam and even Dubai-London. However the average top bookings continue to be from Jeddah to the other three cities in Saudi Arabia.  

USPs:

Unlike other airlines, Flynas’ web-check in allows you to lock your boarding pass and seat a full 48 hours before departure. With protocols in place for passengers with special needs (such as senior citizens, children and pregnant women), Flynas’ keeps up the comforts with its lounges entitling frequent flyers to an abode of relaxation in transit.

Moreover, طيران ناس (The Arabic name for Flynas) even goes beyond regular duty. It was part of airlifting operations for Hajj Pilgrims in September 2014, as part of the National Air Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

So let Nas Air give you the best flight experience!

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Make your Dubai stay memorable!

The prospect of travelling to Dubai is always an interesting one and bound to have anticipation for plenty of things. To be able to walk on Jumeirah beach, marvel at the city from atop the Burj Khalifa, thrash the sand dunes in the Desert Safari and to sample some fine Arabic cuisine are all experiences that very few people in the world would turn down.

So if you are a first-time visitor or even an international travelling veteran constantly looking to find the best way to save on auxiliaries such as accommodation, here are a few tips from our behalf to make the best of available hotels and fares in Dubai.

Use the Web!

Due to the internet, the amount of transparency in online reviewing and hotel recommendations has increased ten-fold. Thus, many peer review or price comparison sites exist online to help you make the best pick among your choices when it comes to a hotel. A nonchalant, makeshift hotel in plush Jumeirah may not be as value-for-money as a well-kept, standardly priced hotel away from the city centre. This is where customer reviews and the Internet will make a big difference for your final decision. Sites such as Cleartrip hotlink reviews of the best hotels to make this easy for you.

Look for perks:

Plenty of times, Dubai hotels will make up for their shortcomings by offering several perks. These may include anything from complimentary Wi-Fi to shopping discounts to shuttle services and even free upgrades in case of a cancellation. These could end up giving you more for less, particularly if you’re on a budget.

Assess the package:

The best hotels in Dubai will offer you a premium level of service and hospitality at the cost of high tariffs. Similarly, some hotel packages in Dubai will offer service close to that of a market leader like the Burj Al-Arab or the Address, but with lesser quality and perhaps a few hundred dirhams lower. If the question of a premier brand and top-notch recall value is what you choose, then one may not mind the cost. However, if you wish to splurge more on other things (shopping, eating and sightseeing) in Dubai, then make sure that you choose one which gives you the best bang for your buck, to avoid looking like a fool in this glamorous desert city!

So don’t waste time, make a plan and hit the Arabian sands!

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Travels of Arabia in style!

If you are one of those who travels frequently in, around and outside of the Middle East, you know that finding the right airline for your trip can be a tricky task. After all, not always does the opulence of flagship airliners work out because flyers who operate under a personal/corporate budget will look for a flight that provides the comfort but doesn’t skin their wallets to the bone.

In this kind of scenario, a very viable alternative to depend on Saudi Airlines, the flagship carrier of Saudi Arabia and which currently operates in the name ‘Saudia’. It was founded in a government-backed decision in 1945 and achieved gradual growth and expansion throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Saudia has undergone rebranding as recently as 2012, after the state-owned carrier was finally privatized in the years 2006-2007 with its tagline being ‘Welcome to your World’.

But coming to the factors that make it bankable, Saudi Airlines has built a legacy for itself through impeccable standards of service. It has some of the highest rated customer reviews and is renowned for its customer care that has helped it stand out among its peers when it comes to being trusted. With a fleet size of 146 aircraft and providing connectivity to nearly 126 destinations around the globe, Saudi Airlines even provides charters during special occasions such as Ramadan and Hajj pilgrimages.

Beyond its homeland, the airline holds a sizeable presence even in other parts of the Arabian Gulf, with Saudi Airlines in Dubai providing access to destinations including Johannesburg, Milan New York, Mumbai, Beirut and Madrid to name a few. This scenario is even mirrored internationally, with the carrier being the third largest in the Middle East behind Emirates and Qatar Airways in terms of revenue.

But what really gets customers raving about it is its practices that have been universally commended. For starters, in the case of patients with heart, blood or renal problems, Saudia allows passengers/guardians to carry as much as 240 Kg of extra weight in medicines and equipment. The carrier has specific protocols for taking care of passengers with special needs, such as autistic children and pregnant women. Moreover, with in-flight shopping, meals perfectly tweaked to accommodate dietary preferences and its Al-Fursan frequent flyers club that rewards it regulars with exclusive benefits, it hits the mark in every sector and leaves patrons no room for complaint.

These feats have, in fact, brought the carrier much recognition. In 2000, Saudia was awarded ‘The Diamond Award 2000 for Autistic Meal’ and ‘The Award of Merit Appreciation 2000’ from the Onboard Services Magazine, USA. It followed this up in 2004 by bagging the Silver MENA Travel Award of the ‘Outstanding Achievement of Best ME and NA airlines’.

One can make a Saudi airlines booking across any of the numerous ticketing portals available online. So go right ahead and fly Saudia, because you won’t be needing anything better!

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A Comfortable and Rewarding Experience with Saudi Arabian Airlines

Beginning its novel journey in the year 1945, Saudi Arabian Airlines was earlier popularly referred to as Saudia, which was launched as single airline but gradually became one of the world’s most renowned fleets. Its operations hub is at King Abdulaziz International airport, located in Jeddah and is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia.

One of the perfect choices for all those who wish to travel to destinations such as Africa, Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia, this airline ensures smooth connectivity for all its customers across the world.

The transformation of Saudi Airlines:

The strategic developmental plans and the succession of steps that have been undertaken to provide the best services, Saudi Airlines has managed to land a spot as one of the best airlines amongst other aviation giants. Its usage of smart technology and other facilities has been instrumental in providing top-rated customer services across the world. Its various other offerings include web services for Saudi Airlines online bookings and automation services for issuing boarding passes and tickets.

Saudi Airlines: The Fleet Size

It constant upgradation and usage of modern facilities and tools has led to the fact that this flight is one of the most advanced in today’s world. You have a plethora of choices when it comes to selecting your flight, some of which are stated below:

15 Airbus A321

35 Airbus A320-200

22 Boeing B777-268L

Boeing B747-468

Boeing 777-300ER

Airbus A330-300

Explore various routes with Saudi Airlines:

You can avail the brilliant air services offered by Saudi Arabian airlines and explore cities such as Damman, Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Addis Ababa, Frankfurt, Chennai, New Delhi and Paris.

An Opportunity for Frequent Flyers:

There are a range of benefits that you can avail if you choose Saudi Airlines as your travel partner. If you are a frequent flyer, then there is nothing more rewarding than travelling with Saudi Airlines that offers you various benefits such as priority waiting list, baggage allowances, and personalised luggage tags. This programme is known as Alfursan and is available for all those fly frequently. These offers extend to services offered by global partners who are involved car rental companies and world class resorts and hotels.

Business Intelligence Collaboration with Microsoft:

Saudi Airlines have successfully collaborated with Microsoft which allows for better business. This collaboration has also helped the company gain an insight for management purpose and help track information and react in quick succession. This collaboration is instrumental in providing integrated data view, multiple analysis, enterprise reports and customer reports that allows the executives to access information to a greater extent resulting in improved operative services. An increase in overall efficiency and flexibility provides it with an advantage over its competitors.

So make a Saudi Airlines Online Booking and experience the benefits and perks that you will receive with it. Wish you a safe trip!

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10 Reasons Why Emirates Has Emerged Out To Be Your Trusted Airline

Long flights can turn into a tiresome affair, and perhaps the foremost concerns that cloud our minds while booking a flight are those related to comfort, reliability, affordability. Airlines are continually striving to deliver services that are timely, comfort-ridden, and ensuring that you memorable moments right from the time soon as you step on to the airplane. Winner of the Best-In-Flight-Entertainment award (AirlineRatings.com) for the second time in a row, Dubai-based Emirates has more reasons than many to be your preferred airline choice, but first, a sneak peek into its history.

On the historic day of October 25th, 1985, Emirates was inaugurated with two flights operating from Dubai, namely Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4. Since its inception then, it is now a globally recognised name and one of the leading airlines in the tourism sector. Currently, it is the sole possessor of about 230 aircrafts in Dubai, which cover about 140 destinations. Furthermore, it is singlehandedly handling about 40% of the city’s flight movements (to more than 80 countries in the world).

The Airlines has been conferred with numerous awards in the recent past and has earned a formidable reputation for itself. Some of these awards are mentioned below:

· Platinum Award (800,000 tons or more) at the grand ceremony held by Air Cargo Excellence Awards

· Gold Airline of the Year at the Air Transport News Awards

· Best Airline Inflight Entertainment at the grand occasion of Skytrax World Airline Awards

· Reader’s Choice- Best International Airline awarded by Conde Nast Traveller (Russia)

There are several reasons why Emirates flights score high over any of its close competitors - a few of which are mentioned below:

An Extensive Network:

The network is extensive, and is well-connected to almost all parts of the world. The renowned fleet of Emirates fly to all major cities and constitutes of a number of international affiliates so as to cover all the farthest of destinations.

Reasonable Pricing:

Well, the prices are competitive and you can avail the best deals with Emirates. If you are looking for Economy-class offerings, then Emirates is one of the pioneering companies to have implemented this form of travel for a spacious and comfort-filled journey. It provides its customers with total comfort along with adjustable headrests and leg room. The other offerings are business and first-class seats where you can choose to own a suite, a sleeper, or a flat bed.

Renowned for Providing Impeccable Customer Services:

Renowned for maintaining the highest level of customer services, Emirates has made its way into of fellow travellers along with the ‘Airline of the Year’ award in 2011. Emirates believes in providing its customers with first-rate comfort and quality services, especially if you are heading for a longer journey.

Offers world class entertainment services:

You can avail more than 1500 entertainment channels from all over the world, where you get to revel and delight in the array of films, movies, music and latest news while you are travelling. Each and every seat has a screen wherein you can choose what you wish to view. The airline offers you a WiFi connection so that you stay connected with your family and friends even during the duration of the flight. This offer is available for economy class too but for a certain price, one that is not trifling for its worth. Its entertainment system is known as ICE (stands Information, Communication and Entertainment); it has been voted as the best in-flight entertainment system in the world.

Delightfully delectable culinary dishes:

Mouth-watering cuisines from around the world and determined by the country you are flying to is one of the main offerings of Emirates flights. So if you are flying to India, then Emirates India will serve you delightful cuisines of the vibrant country, so that you can discover India even before you land on the soil of the country. Also, Emirates is renowned to tailor your meals in keeping with your tastes and dietary preferences. There are bars for all those interested in revelling and having a good time on the flight along with other top-rated beverages.  

Check-in in style:

One of the best features offered by Emirates airlines is the fact that you can check-in through a simple SMS on the internet or at the passenger lounge in person.  

Avail its airport transfer service:

If you are a first-class passenger, then one of the best facilities that you can avail is the presence of airport transfer services where you are driven by a chauffeur.

Avail free stop-overs:

Well, if you are a travelling from West to East or the other way around, your flight will involve a stoppage at Dubai. This is one opportunity where you, as the customer of Emirates, will be privileged to significant benefits—you can make use of this opportunity and explore the grand city of Dubai while Emirates covers you for it. Wonderful, isn’t it?

The perks available if you book a first class or a business class:

If you are one of those who love comforts but only with a bit of privacy, then a first class seat is the perfect option for you. Here you are provided with a private area where you can freshen up along with the facility of extra seating and massage functionality. This will ensure you do not undergo jet lag.

Booking flights is easy and rewarding:

Fly Emirates if you wish to fly solo or even with family. You have the option of availing Emirates Ticket Bookings online, depending on what is convenient.