In Brief

Barfly by Buddha Bar opens in Abu Dhabi

VENETIAN Village Abu Dhabi, the city’s newest dining destination located within the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, recently welcomed the opening of Barfly by Buddha Bar.

A restaurant and supper club concept developed by the Buddha Bar creators, Barfly brings to Abu Dhabi the innovative approach to dining and entertainment that revolutionised the nightlife worldwide when it opened in Paris more than two decades ago.

With a brand pedigree leading to the iconic Buddha Bar and George V Eatertainment expertise in creating successful dining and entertainment concepts, Barfly offers a line-up of talented DJs, innovative cocktails and memorable culinary experiences. The menu offers international cuisine including French, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian and American.

Dubai launches ‘Tales from the Past’ tour

DUBAI’S Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Desert Gate, the Dubai Historical District, have launched the first heritage tour programme of the historical area of Khor Dubai, also known as Dubai Creek.

Aptly called ‘Tales from the Past’, the tour, covering about 1.5 km, highlights the importance of Dubai’s historical and culturally rich areas. Dubai Tourism, in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA), trains and licenses Emirati tour guides through a tour guide certification programme.

　

Taaj Arabia to be ready by 2020

TAAJ Arabia, an upcoming project in Dubai inspired by India’s iconic landmark Taj Mahal, is likely to break ground in 2016 and be ready in time for the mega Expo 2020 event, said a report.

The five-star hotel project, being developed by the UAE-based Link Global Group, will come up on over 20 acres of land in Falcon City of Wonders in Dubailand. It will be twice the size of the Taj Mahal and will have ‘moonlight’ glow, reported the Emirates24/7 website, citing a senior official. The revised Taaj Arabia will have about 450 keys, 300 residential and serviced apartments, retail shops, boutique arcade, and an indoor banqueting facility, said Falah AlSalman, the project development director.

Iran to buy 114 jets from Airbus

IRAN plans to buy 114 civil aircraft from European aircraft maker Airbus, the country’s transport minister was quoted as saying, following the lifting of international sanctions on Iran.

'We have taken the first step in agreeing with Airbus to buy 114 planes,' Abbas Akhoondi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

'Although Iran clearly has a need for new aircraft, we must conform strictly to the law and, until all measures concerning the embargo are lifted, no commercial discussions can take place,' an Airbus spokesman said. A deal for 114 airplanes would be worth more than $10 billion at catalogue prices, depending on the type of aircraft.

Elaf Group launches new travel packages

SAUDI Arabia-based Elaf Group, a leading provider of travel, tourism and hospitality services, has launched new tour packages and offers covering key destinations around the world.

Recent industry reports have shown that more than 5.8 million tourists from Saudi Arabia travelled abroad in 2015, reflecting a 2.4 per cent increase compared to 2014, with a total spend of SR24.1 billion ($6.4 billion), a growth of 11 per cent.

The new tourist packages, which include accommodations, transportation, guided tours and some unique services, demonstrates Elaf’s continuing commitment to provide its customers with world-class services, the company said.

Jordan airport passenger traffic up 4.5pc

QUEEN Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Jordan saw a 4.5 per cent year-on-year rise in passenger traffic in November 2015, welcoming 447,610 passengers compared to 428,270 passengers received in the same period in 2014.