ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has saidthat every possible effort should be made for the timely completion of privatization programme, which has been facing delays because of unfavorable situations. “Inter-ministerial coordination will further be improved for a robust privatization programme,” he said while presiding over a meeting held to review the development regarding privatization of different government and private properties. “This year, the privatization programme for the seven entities and 27 properties of government lands will be completed,” the secretary said. He told the premier that the seven transactions will be completed by May and June. “There are advices to…
Author: holidayweekly
RIYADH: Riyadh Travel Fair 2020, which was scheduled to take place later this month, has been postponed to September as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The ongoing coronavirus crisis hit Saudi Arabia earlier this week with the first case of an infected individual recorded. Saudi authorities were quick to act, quarantining 70 people who were in contact with that individual. Many other precautionary measures have also been taken by the Saudi authorities prior to this and continue to be implemented. After consultation with government authorities, partners and travel industry experts around the world, a…
MUSCAT: In recognition of consumers’ growing concerns about air travel during this time of global uncertainty, Oman Air has introduced its new flight-booking policy, which is designed specifically to address our guests’ needs or desires to change their travel plans. The flag carrier has removed change fees for all tickets purchased from now through till May 31. The waiver applies to all tickets, all fare types and all destinations – for travel through October 31. This new policy reflects the national carrier’s commitment to serving its guests at all times, particularly during the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Oman Air’s…
His ship may have been to hell and back, becoming a floating coronavirus-infected prison for passengers quarantined at port in Japan, but when the captain of the Diamond Princess cruise ship became the last person aboard to finally step onto dry land, he looked entirely unruffled by the experience. If it weren’t for the mask on his face, Gennaro Arma, striding purposefully along the dockside in full uniform with hat underarm, might easily have been stepping down from an uneventful trip shuttling passenger from one vacation destination to another. But those who know him best say the steadfast calm Arma…
First Class already seems lavish with its flatbeds, spacious rooms, and extensive fancy dining menus but Etihad’s A380 offering puts all swanky cabins to shame. [huge_it_slider id=”520″] That’s because the airline’s aircraft is home to The Residence. Instead of a roomy seat, it offers up a three-room apartment, for up to two guests. We’re talking a bedroom complete with a spacious bed and wardrobe, an ensuite bathroom with a fully functioning shower, and of course a living area where you can stretch out, watch your favorite shows and tuck into some delicious meals. Oh, and don’t worry about having to…
KARACHI: Dawood Global Foundation just launched Pakistan’s first all-female incubator. The Buraq Center by LADIESFUND is a collaboration between Dawood Global Foundation, the German Consulate in Karachi and LUMS National Incubation Center (LUMS NIC), which offers a world of possibilities to women entrepreneurs and innovators. The slogan of the center is Watch Her Fly and the logo is that of a magenta pink pegasus. [huge_it_slider id=”519″] “It is humbling to launch today Pakistan’s first all-female incubation center, something so needed for our nation,” stated Tara Uzra Dawood, President, Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND, addressing a gathering of VIPs and more…
DUBAI: Emirates has marked a major milestone with 20 million downloads of its mobile app on the back of a strong mobile and digital strategy that has led to solid consumer uptake particularly in Africa, GCC, and Asia. Catering to its global customer base, the Emirates app is available in more languages than any other airline app in the world, with full features set in 19 languages including Arabic and Mandarin. Available on Apple Store, Google Play Store and most recently the Huawei AppGallery, is amongst the highest-rated airline apps in the world. Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president,…
ISLAMABAD: A high-profile panel discussion on Pakistan’s digital future attended by prominent players in the local digital industry was hosted on Thursday evening by Serena hotels as part of its Public Diplomacy Initiative called “Raabta”. The event titled “Reimagine our Digital Future – Preparing to thrive or survive?” was hosted by Raabta curator and prominent journalist Sidra Iqbal. Raabta is a nonpartisan public initiative by Serena hotels to initiate dialogue aimed at creating awareness amongst diverse groups and networks on critical aspects of socially significant fields such as the economy, health, and education. A lively and thought-provoking discussion was held…
DUBAI: Emirates Group has seen a “measurable slowdown” in business due to the coronavirus outbreak and has asked staff to take paid and unpaid leave, according to a report. Emirates Group, a state-owned holding company that counts Emirates airline among its assets, had more than 100,000 employees, including more than 21,000 cabin crew and 4,000 pilots, at end-March 2019, the end of its last financial year. “A particular challenge for us right now is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19,” the email to staff said, using the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, adding: We’ve seen…
NEW DELHI: Organizers at ITB India have announced the inaugural event will be postponed. Originally scheduled to take place next month, the show will now be held next year on April 7th-9th at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. “Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus, there is much uncertainty in the region and around the world,” explained a statement. “The recent developments continue to be challenging and the following months are very hard to foresee at this stage. “To ensure the safety of ITB India’s exhibitors, buyers and visitors, the organizers decided to postpone ITB India 2020, and…