ABU DHABI: UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have jointly announced that starting today, August 30, application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries, including Pakistan provided that they are fully vaccinated with one of the WHO-approved Covid-19 vaccines. This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth, said a Wam news agency report. The decision applies to…
Author: holidayweekly
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has resulted in close to $1 trillion of real estate and infrastructure projects being announced across Saudi Arabia since 2016, according to an analysis carried out by global property consultant, Knight Frank. According to the property expert, nearly $300 billion of the total spend is dedicated to new infrastructure, including vast new passenger rail networks and a brand-new airport for Riyadh which is expected to be the home base for a new national airline. On the real estate front, Knight Frank highlights eight new cities that are planned, mostly on the country’s western seaboard, along…
ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission on Thursday auctioned the Services International Hotel in Lahore at the highest bid of Rs1.951 billion against the reserved price of Rs1.949bn with the small difference between the two prices raising some eyebrows. Only two bidders participated in the auction and a renowned real estate developer of Lahore, Faisal Town Pvt Ltd, emerged successful, according to an official announcement. Federal Minister for Privatisation Mohammadmian Soomro, who chaired the process, termed the auction success of the Privatisation Commission and said the government believed in merit and transparency in the auction of state-owned properties. He said that the…
SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has launched The Upcycling Project, through which parts and materials of retired commercial aircraft will be given to various Singapore-based organizations and selected global retail brands for onward usage for art and other products. These upcycled and repurposed products will directly support educational institutions, artists, and persons with disabilities. Parts and materials of retired SIA aircraft will be put to good use, supporting schools, artists, people with disabilities, and more The first initiative under The Upcycling Project will be a competition organized by SIA and Singapore University of Technology and Design, aimed at promoting awareness about…
GENEVE: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that Zimbabwe owes US$$142 million to international airlines from ticket sales, cargo space, and other activities. IATA says about $963 million (R14.6 billion) in airline funds, including Zimbabwe’s US$142 debt, are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries. Other countries that owe substantial amounts were Bangladesh ($146.1 million), Lebanon ($175.5 million), and Nigeria ($143.8 million). IATA noted that these countries’ debt alone accounts for more than 60 percent of the total amount owed adding that there has been recent positive progress in reducing blocked funds in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. In…
KARACHI: English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) launched the “ESUP Book” on its 60th anniversary and the ceremony was attended by a good number of people representing different sections of the society besides diplomats of many countries. The book reflected the journey of ESU in Pakistan and the extraordinary contribution made by many people over six decades making it a prestigious organization recognized in the world. It also included messages from the office bearers of ESUP’s parent organization English Speaking Union which was established in the United Kingdom on June 28, 1918. Besides, there are messages of President Dr. Arif…
KARACHI: In view of difficulties being faced by UAE-bound passengers, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said on Wednesday that the counters for conducting rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Covid-19 will become functional within two days. It said that the services of Pakistani labs accredited by the UAE authorities would be available at the Jinnah International Airport four hours before the departure of passengers going abroad, adding that the fee of the test would have to be paid by the travellers. The airport administration said that the counters are being set up at the domestic lounge due to the…
WASHINGTON: There has been an increase of disruptive passengers across flight operations in recent years. As a result, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to address issues related to this phenomenon. Now, the agency’s leadership is calling for businesses at airports to stop selling “to go” alcohol. The FAA has been eager to clamp down on disruptive behavior recently. Even before President Joe Biden signed an order addressing the mandatory of wearing face masks on board aircraft at the beginning of the year, FAA Administrator Dickson approved an order to fine unruly passengers or those who assault, threaten…
DUBAI: ‘Pakistan – The Hidden Treasure’ Expo 2020 campaign was launched on Pakistan’s Independence Day in Dubai on the evening of August 14 with dance performances and unveiling of the Pakistan flag on Burj Khalifa. The crowd, which gathered at the Dubai Fountain area to see Pakistan’s flag on the world’s tallest building, witnessed cultural performances with high energy moves and dances on the song ‘Hum Aik Hain’ (We are One) giving a peek into the country’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai. The performance was also a dedication to Expo 2020 Dubai’s vision of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, according…
LONDON: Virgin Atlantic Airways is considering a public offering in London as the company gears up its business for recovery from the pandemic. Executives have been holding discussions with bankers and potential investors and could announce the company’s plans for an IPO as soon as the autumn, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. The decision would mark the first time since it was founded in 1984 that the public gets the chance to buy shares in billionaire Richard Branson’s flagship carrier. Virgin Airways is currently majority-owned by…