Travelore News: Xiamen Airlines Successfully Launches A Maiden Flight From Beijing To Doha, The First China-Qatar Direct Flight By A Chinese Carrier

On October 20, a Boeing-787 of Xiamen Airlines departed from Beijing Daxing International Airport for Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. It declared Xiamen Airlines' successful maiden flight of regular flights between Beijing and Doha. Xiamen Airlines has become the first and only Chinese carrier to offer direct flights from China to Qatar. Xiamen Airlines has also become the very first and the only Chinese carrier to fly between China and Qatar. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The opening of this air route will build a broader Air Silk Road to promote economic and trade cooperation and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The Xiamen Airlines on Beijing Daxing- Doha route will operate daily. The flight MF845 departs from Daxing, Beijing at 18:30 and arrives in Doha at 22:45 local time, MF846 in return leaves Doha at 02:00 local time and arrives in Daxing, Beijing at 15:20.

"Welcome to take the our flight and embark on a journey of east-west civilization in the air." During the flight, amidst the fragrance of Fujian specialty tea, the flight attendants, dressed in Arabian clothing, dance with colorful accessories. The portable crystal lamps, like floral tubes, sprinkle light blazing with different colors on every happy smiling face.

In addition to the exquisitely prepared onboard activities, the unique cuisine of the new route also delights the taste buds of travelers. Global travelers are indulged in great pleasure by the international delicacies such as the rich-aroma and unique-flavored three-color steamed bass with radish, the refreshing and crispy water bamboo shoots mixed with rattan pepper oil, and the Southeast Asian-styled sambal shrimp paired with coconut milk rice.
As the capital and the largest city in Qatar and an international metropolis, Doha is an important international aviation hub in the Middle East region, has become the intersection of multiple intercontinental airline networks in the world, connecting numerous countries and regions in Africa and Europe.

This year, Xiamen Airlines and Qatar Airways were accredited with the 2023 APEX World Class Award. When Xiamen Airlines was preparing for the Beijing Daxing-Doha flight route, the two airlines had a close comprehensive strategic partnership. Relying on the high-quality resources of the two sides, Xiamen Airlines will create a service network covering over 160 destinations worldwide, including Dammam, Lagos, and Algiers, delivering extensive transit products to passengers. The two sides will also conduct wide cooperation in network intermodal transportation, intermodal check-in, and direct baggage handling to provide global passengers with convenient experience just with one ticket including one-time security check, passenger check-in, and baggage check-in.

A regular flight from Xiamen to Doha will be opened to service on October 31. This service will operate twice a week, building a bridge between China's Fujian Province and the world

All-New Four Seasons Resort And Residences At The Pearl-Qatar Now Accepting Reservations

A unique lifestyle experience awaits as the all-new Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar begins accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening this spring.

"As our portfolio of Four Seasons hotels, resorts and residences in the Middle East continues to grow, our second location in Doha is purposely designed for those who live, do business and travel in the Gulf region today," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Four Seasons combines the best of luxury living in a beachfront community with the flexibility to accommodate a range of needs and interests, whether as a base for doing business in Doha, or for vacationers seeking a resort experience with easy access to all that the destination offers."

With luxurious residential-style accommodations, a host of world-class amenities and personalized Four Seasons services, those combining business and pleasure in their travels will also find everything they need, and more.

"We invite our guests to settle in and spread out at Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar," says General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun who leads of team of 500 professionals ready to welcome guests with genuine care and customized experiences. "Along with our Private Residence owners, Four Seasons guests will become part of an international community within the Resort, mingling at our restaurants and bars, relaxing in the spa or on the beach, meeting new friends in our kids club, and exploring the many attractions just steps away in this new and vibrant waterfront destination."

Accommodations include 161 luxury, seaside one, two or three bedroom apartments ranging from 105 to 280 square metres (1,130 to more than 3,000 square feet). Each offers expansive living areas complete with fully equipped kitchens featuring Miele appliances and ensuite laundry, along with outdoor furnished terraces, all beautifully finished by Wimberly Interiors with bespoke details throughout.

Whether in the city for a few days, a few months or longer, Four Seasons guests can create their own experience, with a dedicated team of Four Seasons people ready to customize each stay even further.

Despite its urban location within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, shopping, cinemas and more in the immediate area, guests can look forward to a signature Four Seasons resort experience. Bathed in year-round sunshine, guests will enjoy a private beach and two outdoor pools surrounded by loungers where they can enjoy drinks and snacks, plus luxury cabanas amid lushly landscaped grounds. Loulou Spa includes luxurious spa treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, a 25-metre (82 foot) indoor lap pool overlooking the sea, as well as salons for men and women to keep looking their sharpest or to prepare for a night on the town.

"For those bringing the kids along, our supervised indoor/outdoor Kids For All Seasons facility is a mini-resort unto itself, and we can even arrange a movie night or private screening of a sports event on our grounds, including homemade popcorn," promises Zaanoun.

Leading an on-site collection of seven outstanding restaurants and bars will be La Méditerranée by globally renowned Chef Joël Robuchon, who holds nearly 30 Michelin stars for his restaurants worldwide. Whereas La Méditerranée will offer Mediterranean fare with a strong French influence beginning in mid 2023, the Resort's Spuntino will focus on the beloved cuisine of southern Italy. Steak lovers will appreciate the vintage vibe of a Chicago-style steakhouse, while the afternoon tea service at Duchess is not to be missed. Add in a speakeasy-style bar and cigar lounge, Loulou Plage beach restaurant and a casual deli and bakery by Joël Robuchon, and guests will find a wide variety of dining experiences all in one location.

"We also encourage our guests to explore, because Doha continues to grow as a culinary destination, starting with our sister property Four Seasons Hotel Doha, home to the world's largest Nobu by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and the just-opened Curiosa by renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten," notes Zaanoun. "Coveted reservations are just a click or chat way on the Four Seasons App or at our concierge desk."

Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is located on a private beach at the end of Porto Arabia Drive, just steps from the community's Mediterranean-style town square and numerous restaurants, shops, art galleries and family entertainment. The Resort is a mere 10 minutes to exceptional shopping at Place Vendome and 21 High Street, the luxury fashion centre that's home to the iconic French department store Galeries Lafayette; a 20-minute drive to the West Bay business area; and under a half hour from Hamad International Airport (HIA). Four Seasons can arrange transportation throughout the city, including rental cars, as well as marine excursions.

Be among the first to experience luxury living at Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar: In celebration of it opening this spring, Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar invites guests to take advantage of the Grand Opening Offer, featuring 15 percent savings on the room rate with a minimum two nights stay. Reservations for arrivals beginning June 1, 2023 are now being confirmed. Call +1 800 819 5053, or book online.

Those interested in Four Seasons Private Residences ownership opportunities can email info@jre.com.qa or call +9744491333.

Status Of Women In Qatar, Host Of World Cup

The foreign fans descending on Doha for the 2022 World Cup will find a country where women work, hold public office and cruise in their supercars along the city’s palm-lined corniche. They’ve been driving for decades, unlike in Saudi Arabia, where women gained the right just a few years ago.

There are Qatari female ambassadors, judges and ministers, even race jockeys. The emir’s mother, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser al-Missned, is one of the most famous women in the Arab world. In a region where rulers’ wives and mothers keep a low-profile, she behaves like a Western-style first lady — advocating for social causes and grabbing headlines as a style icon.

Yet the emirate has for years sat near the bottom of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, which tracks gaps between women and men in employment, education, health and politics.

It’s a traditional society that traces its roots to the interior of the Arabian Peninsula, where an ultraconservative form of Islam known as Wahhabism originated. Rights groups say that the Qatari legal system, based on Islamic law or Shariah, hinders women’s advancement.

Here’s a look at the situation of women in the tiny sheikhdom that has undergone a massive social transformation from a generation ago, when most women kept close to home.

RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

Qatar’s constitution enshrines equality among citizens. But the U.S. State Department and human rights groups say the Qatari legal system discriminates against women when it comes to their freedom of movement and issues of marriage, child custody and inheritance. Under Shariah law, for example, women can inherit property, but daughters receive half as much as sons. Men can easily divorce their wives, while women must apply to courts from a narrow list of acceptable grounds. Men can marry up to four wives without issue, while women must obtain approval from a male guardian to get married at any age. Under a rule rarely enforced, Qatari women under the age of 25 also must secure a male guardian’s permission to leave the country. Husbands and fathers may bar women from traveling. Unmarried Qatari women under 30 cannot check into hotels. Single women who get pregnant face prosecution for extramarital sex. There is no government office dedicated to women’s rights.

POLITICS
Just last year, emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani appointed women to two Cabinet posts, bringing the number of female ministers to three — the highest number in Qatar’s history. Prominent Qatari women hold other high-level positions, too. The female deputy foreign minister gained prestige as the spokeswoman for Qatar’s critical diplomatic efforts amid the U.S. military and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan. Another powerful woman is Sheikh Tamim’s younger sister, the head of the Qatar Museum Authority who has become one of the international art world’s most popular figures. Last year, Sheikh Tamim appointed two women to the country’s advisory Shura Council. But the legislative elections for the 45-member council were a stark testament to Qatari women’s limited role. Female candidates did not win a single seat.

WORKFORCE

Laws guarantee the right to equal pay for Qatari women and men. But women do not always receive it. They also struggle to obtain high-level posts in private companies and the public sector, even though more than half of all college graduates are women. There is no law prohibiting gender discrimination in the workplace. Laws ban women from jobs broadly defined as dangerous or inappropriate. Women also must seek permission from a male guardian to work in the government and special institutions. Despite the obstacles, some women have managed to succeed professionally.

TRADITIONAL ROLES

Traditional roles in Qatar are enshrined in laws that differentiate between women’s and men’s rights and responsibilities. Wives, for instance, are legally in charge of the household and are required to obey their husbands. They can lose financial support if they defy their husband’s wishes. Religious and tribal customs mean that conservative families frown on women mingling with unrelated men, even for business. Although women have made major forays in recent years, the world of politics and finance remains male-dominant. With Islam encouraging female modesty, Qatari women typically wear a headscarf and loose cloak known as the abaya. Bedouin women are more conservative and some cover their faces with the niqab veil.

Qatar’s Residents Squeezed As World Cup Rental Demand Soars

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Where to sleep? It’s among the biggest questions facing fans traveling to tiny Qatar for the World Cup amid a feverish rush for rooms in Doha. Some will sleep on cruise ships. Others will camp in the desert. Others will fly in from Dubai and elsewhere.

But in the run-up to the world’s biggest sporting event in the world’s smallest host country, the struggle for housing is hardly limited to tourists. Qatar’s real estate frenzy has sent rents skyrocketing and priced long-term residents out of their own homes, leaving many in the lurch.

“Landlords are taking full advantage of the situation and there’s nothing in place to support the people who already live here,” said Mariam, a 30-year-old British resident whose landlord refused to renew her annual contract in September, then quadrupled her monthly rent — from 5,000 Qatari riyals (some $1,370) to 20,000 riyals ($5,490). Unable to afford the increase, she had no choice but to move out and is now staying at a friend’s place.

“It’s really demoralizing,” she said, giving only her first name for fear of reprisals, like other renters interviewed in the autocratic nation. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity for the same reason.

Residents in the country, where expats outnumber locals nine to one, say the surging demand and shortage of rooms ahead of the World Cup has empowered landlords to raise rents by over 40% in many cases on short notice, forcing tenants to pack up and face an uncertain future.

The Qatari government acknowledged the “increased demand for accommodation” and encouraged tenants who believe they have been wronged to file a complaint with the government’s rental disputes committee.

Some 1.2 million fans are expected to descend next month on the Gulf Arab sheikhdom, which has never before hosted an event on the scale of the World Cup.

Local organizers have sought to dispel fears of an accommodation crisis, pointing out that Qatar has set aside 130,000 rooms, available through the official website. The rooms, which are in hotels, resorts, specially built housing and three cruise ships at the port, start at around $80, they say, although it’s not clear how many low-budget options there are.

A price ceiling applies to 80% of the rooms, the government said in a statement to The Associated Press. It did not respond to questions about whether and how the cap has been implemented, and the ceiling — which is about $780 for a five-star resort room — can go higher, depending on the room’s amenities.

Many long-term occupants in hotels and apartments say they’re being driven out to make room for players, staffers and fans.

“You’re committed to either staying and paying the extra or leaving and not knowing whether you’re going to have anywhere to live,” said a British teacher whose landlord hiked his rent by 44%. The teacher sold all his furniture and is now crashing at a friend’s place, worried sick about his future.

Other renters renewing their leases reported signs appearing on their apartments marking the buildings as “chosen by the government to host the 2022 World Cup guests and events.”

The notice, seen by the AP, orders tenants to vacate so the building can be handed over for maintenance ahead of the tournament.

Local organizers have signed a deal with French hospitality company Accor to set aside some 45,000 rooms for fans.

Omar al-Jaber, the executive director of housing at Qatar’s Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy, said the government played no role in contract terminations affecting long-term tenants.

“To be honest with you, we are not controlling what happens in the market,” he told the AP.

A 48-year-old French pilates instructor said that when she signed her lease a year ago, her landlord promised he wouldn’t kick her out during the World Cup. Yet just days before her lease renewal, she got a devastating message: Her landlord couldn’t rent her the place for “personal reasons.” The next day, her friend saw her room advertised on Airbnb for nearly $600 more a month than she had paid.

“You’re kicking out long-term residents for a one-month event?” she said. “People are angry. It’s very disruptive.”

Residents scrambling to find new homes because of the rent hikes say it’s nearly impossible to find suitable places within their budgets. Most two-bedroom apartments on the Pearl, an artificial island off Doha, go for over $1,000 a night on Airbnb. Luxury apartments on the site can fetch a staggering $200,000 a month.

“The accommodations that are left for us are not good at all,” said a 32-year-old Indian resident whose monthly rent will increase by over $400 next month. “Suddenly if we can afford it, there’s no kitchen, it’s too far away or it’s divided by partitions. It’s very disturbing.”

Energy-rich Qatar has spared no expense in its grand plans for the first World Cup in the Arab world, promising that locals and expat residents will enjoy a lasting legacy, too.

“This tournament is for everyone who’s living in Qatar,” said al-Jaber. “We would like everyone to enjoy this tournament.”

But some say the tight squeeze shows the joyous event comes at a cost.
“It’s costing me a lot of stress and money,” said the British teacher who had to leave his apartment after seven years. “I’m having to pay for the World Cup.”

Qatar World Cup Ticket Sales To Open, Lowest $70 Globally

Fans can start registering to buy Qatar World Cup tickets on Wednesday with prices for visitors starting at around $70, one-third cheaper than the tournament in Russia.

The category-three tickets on international sale will be 250 Qatari riyals ($69), two people with knowledge of the prices said Tuesday, compared to $105 for the equivalent in 2018. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the ticketing process.

The cheapest tickets — in category four only for Qatari residents — will cost 40 Qatari riyals ($11), the people said. The intended ticket prices will be the cheapest at a World Cup since $3 seats in Mexico — based on 1986 exchange rates — and half the price of those made available to locals at the equivalent of $22 in Russia in 2018.

The low entry point for tickets in Qatar could help to provide access to the low-paid migrant worker population for the Nov. 21-Dec. 18 tournament. The cheapest tickets at the 2019 world track and field championships were 60 Qatari riyals ($17) and entry was eventually made free for workers to fill empty seats.

FIFA tickets will be distributed through a regulated process rather than an open sale with the full range of prices still to be announced. Supporters requesting to attend matches at the Middle East’s first World Cup will only discover if they are successful based on a random draw at the conclusion of the first application phase which runs through Feb. 8.

The ticket process is beginning with only 13 of the 32 slots at the tournament filled and qualifying not concluding until the intercontinental playoffs in June.

FIFA aims to generate $500 million from hospitality rights and ticket sales from the World Cup, according to the governing body’s most recent financial report.

Unlike previous World Cups, little travel will be required once in Qatar with the eight newly built stadiums within a 30-mile radius of Doha.

Travel during the tournament figures to be the shortest since the 1954 tournament in Switzerland, but hotel availability could be tight.

Local organizers have reserved most hotels in Qatar so there was no availability showing on Tuesday to book for the duration of the tournament when searching online.

Rooms in hotels, apartments and cruise liners will be made available via a website later this year. Only around 90,000 rooms will be made available to the public with 40,000 set aside for teams, officials, sponsors and media.

While camping in the desert had previously been touted as a means of finding space for fans, that is now being downplayed as a significant option. There will be 4,000 cabins on cruise ships that will dock in Doha for the tournament.

Qatar Airways, a FIFA sponsor, is already selling packages including flights, hotels and tickets guaranteed to follow your country.

World Cup organizers have also said more than 1.2 million visitors will come. The group stage features 32 teams with games across 12 days when Qatar anticipates 559,000 flying in with a peak of 276,000 ticket holders around Nov. 27 and 28 requiring an estimated 128,000 rooms.

Some fans could still be deterred from flying to the World Cup after a decade of criticism of Qatar’s treatment of the migrant workers, who are largely from southwest Asia and have been relied on to build up the infrastructure since winning the FIFA hosting rights in 2010.

World Cup Hotel Shortage For Supporters Planning Qatar Trips

Qatar wants to attract 1.2 million people to the World Cup but will struggle to accommodate many of them.

With ticket sales beginning in January, supporters are in for a shock when they look for somewhere to stay: Qatar already looks sold out.

Extensive searches by The Associated Press of leading hotel chains and aggregation websites found only one property with availability for the entire tournament which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

Most rooms have already been block-booked by World Cup organizers, in part to prevent price gouging, but mainly to ensure availability for teams, FIFA officials, sponsors and media.

“If a team is qualified, it’s now that people are trying to find accommodation,” Ronan Evain, executive director of the Football Supporters Europe group, told the AP. “And at the moment there is nothing.”

Qatar’s Supreme Committee, which in charge of World Cup planning, has provided the first details to the AP acknowledging the accommodation challenges after weeks of questions.

Only approximately 90,000 rooms will be made available to the public via a website. That is around the same number of fans from the United States who had tickets for the 2018 World Cup which was spread across Russia and had hotels available on the open market.

Yet the AP has been told that surveys and data modeling by Qatari officials based on travel to previous World Cups show they now anticipate 850,000 overseas visitors will require rooms. World Cup organizers have also said more than 1.2 million visitors will come. The most recent data from the Qatar Tourism Authority said there are 33,208 rooms in hotels and hotel apartments.

What Qatar boasts as being its key selling point — the most compact World Cup ever with the eight stadiums within a 30-mile radius of Doha — could prove the barrier to visitors going or being able to make lengthy trips.

“It becomes a bit of a dystopian World Cup if the stadium could be anywhere in the world ... in the middle of the desert and then you just fly in and out,” Evain said. “That’s certainly not the experience of the majority of fans are looking for.”

Despite the pressures on hotel stock in Qatar, there will be no system in place to equitably split the rooms between fans of participating nations or prevent them being bought up for the entire tournament en masse.

“There will be no ballot,” the Supreme Committee told the AP. “Visitors will be able to book on the accommodation portal on a first come, first served basis.”

Further restricting the availability, Qatar will not allow one night stays for fans to make short trips and free up rooms for others. No prices have been disclosed.

“As is standard practice in many events around the world minimum and maximum lengths of stay will be applied,” the Supreme Committee said. “This will be a minimum of two nights for the group stages — the same as in Russia. Long stay bookings will be possible, and even more so for visitors keen to stay for the entire tournament.”

There will be 4,000 cabins on cruise ships that will dock in Doha for the tournament. While camping in the desert had previously been touted as a means of finding space for fans, that is now being downplayed as a significant option.

“The campsite availability will make up a small percentage of the overall accommodation options in Qatar,” the Supreme Committee said. “We have always viewed the ability to camp as an offering of traditional Qatari hospitality, not as a solution to speculation around accommodation shortages.”

Flying in and out of the country for each match could prove to be the only viable option for many fans.

“We might end up in a situation where, at least for the European, and some of the Asian teams, the best option for fans will be to travel in and out on matchday which would come with a cost,” Evain said. “But also it would come with quite an extraordinary environmental footprint.”

Direct return flights from London and Paris for next November and December currently exceed $1,000; from New York it’s more than double that price and from Sao Paulo even higher.

“If the focus remains on premium accommodation and if the flight prices remain where they are,” Evain said, “then there will be people that will just not be able to afford traveling to Qatar.

“We know that FIFA operates on the basis that there is this fantastic fan base somewhere in the world that is ready to pay a fortune to follow the World Cup. But previous tournament don’t show that. There are games at every tournament that are not sold out.”

The group stage features 32 teams with games across 12 days when Qatar anticipates 559,000 flying in with a peak of 276,000 ticket holders around Nov. 27 and 28 requiring an estimated 128,000 rooms — more than the country’s entire hotel stock for fans.

Just taking Nov. 27, after searching leading travel portals, only three hotels could be booked on the open market on the internet. The cheapest available rooms there would cost $1,028, $1,431 or $5,276 for the night.

The Supreme Committee pointed out that Moscow and St. Petersburg did not sell out the hotels reserved by organizers, but those are cities larger than Qatar with far more rooms.

“No one is seriously arguing that Qatar should build a million hotel rooms,” Evain said. “There is probably some sort of middle ground and solution, temporary housing or anything like this, but for the moment it’s hard to see this happening.”

When trying to book for the entire tournament on travel portals, the only room the AP could find on the open market was $1,056 a night at a four-star hotel near to the airport through Agoda.

The Accor, Hilton and Intercontinental, Marriott and Wyndham chains, which run most of the leading hotel brands, are all showing no rooms available during the World Cup at their 28 properties in and around Doha — the only built-up areas in the oil-and-gas rich desert nation.

The lifting of the economic, diplomatic and travel boycott of Doha by Gulf rivals does open up the possibility of fans commuting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia or Dubai, which are both about a 90-minute flight from Qatar’s single airport.

“They are countries with an even worse human rights record than Qatar,” Evain said.

Some fans will also be put off by the Gulf nations’ anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Even opting to go to Qatar at all could present fans with a moral quandary given the well-documented poor working conditions and human rights violations which have only been partially addressed with changes to labor laws after scrutiny of the abuses and deaths of the low-paid, largely migrant worker population building facilities for the World Cup, including hotels.

“It’s a dilemma every fan will have to deal with,” Evain said.

Travelore News: Ban Lifted On Qatar Airways Flights To The United States For All Personal Electronic Devices

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BAN LIFTED ON QATAR AIRWAYS

Traveling And Like To Breath Fresh Air? Where Not To Go #TravelHealth

By

 Juergen T Steinmetz

 

The Gulf region may be the leader in luxury travel and tourism, but it does have the worst air quality in the world. As part of the Earth day campaign for greener cities, the organization wants the world to adopt methods such as joining the solar revolution, opting for green buildings with a focus on renewable energy, and deciding on other modes of transport like a bike or the bus to help reduce harmful emissions.

Toxic cities are mostly a man-made problem. The single largest source of air pollutants is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline. Fossil fuels are used for heating, to operate transportation vehicles, in generating electricity, and in manufacturing and other industrial processes. Burning these fuels causes smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions.

Middle-Eastern oil-rich countries dominate the top ten spaces on the most polluted list of cities. Such cities are located in :

1. Saudi Arabia, particle matter level of 108.
2. Qatar, particle matter level of 103.
3. Egypt, particle matter level of 93.
4. Bangladesh, particle matter level of 84.
5. Kuwait, particle matter level of 75.
6. Cameroon, particle matter level of 65.
7. Mauritania, particle matter level of 65.
8. Nepal, particle matter level of 64.
9. Nepal, particle matter level of 64.
10. India, particle matter level of 62.

11. Libya, particle matter level of 61.
12. Bahrain, particle matter level of 60.
13. Pakistan, particle matter level of 60.
14. Niger, particle matter level of 59.
15. Uganda, particle matter level of 57.
16. China, particle matter level of 54.
17. Myanmar, particle matter level of 51.
18. Iraq, particle matter level of 50.
19. Bhutan, particle matter level of 48.
20. Oman, particle matter level of 48.

The United Kingdom is placed 159th on the list with a particle matter level of 12. The USA have been given the 173rd spot, with an impressively low particle matter level of 8.

The interactive map also shows that countries such as China, who are infamous for the lack of clean air within their cities, have polluted air levels that are HALF of the amount of Saudi Arabia. China scored a level of 54 compared to the Saudi Arabia’s horrifying particle matter score of 108. Saudi Arabia is the top offender in the most polluted city stakes.

The likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke are heightened in areas with high pollution and studies prove that child mortality rates are higher in countries with greater air pollution. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is now a greater threat to health than Ebola or HIV and 80% of all urban areas have air pollution levels above hat is considered healthy.

It is not all doom and gloom, some of the cleanest air in the world belongs to New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Brunei Darussalam, who all boast an impressive level of particle matter at 5.

For more information on the World’s Most Toxic Cities, you can visit: www.eco2greetings.com.

Qatar Airways Wins 'Airline Of The Year' At The Prestigious 2017 Air Transport Awards

Recognized for its innovative and leading in-flight experience, Qatar Airways collected the highest award at an elite ceremony held in Greece and hosted by Air Transport News

DOHA, Qatar, March 29th-- Qatar Airways proudly accepted the 'Airline of the Year' award on Saturday March 25, at the 2017 Air Transport Awards, as the airline was recognized for its innovation, service, hospitality and leading product design. The awards ceremony, held at an exclusive and prestigious ceremony at the Latrou Residence in Ekali, Greece, recognized Qatar Airways as the world's leading airline, bestowing it with the highest honor of the evening, at an event attended by the world's leading airline executives.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are deeply honored to have been recognized by the readers of Air Transport News as the 2017 Airline of the Year. We take immense pride in driving our airline to be the best in the industry and to deliver our passengers an unprecedented on-board experience. To receive acknowledgement from the loyal passengers who choose to fly with Qatar Airways is the highest honor for us to achieve and pushes us to work even harder to provide them with the level of commitment, service and attention to detail that they deserve every time they travel."

The Airline of the Year award was bestowed upon Qatar Airways for its continued ambition to ensure the airline's passenger experience is the absolute best in the industry with regards both product and service, an ambition witnessed just earlier this month at an exclusive reveal ceremony at the ITB exhibition in Berlin, at which the airline launched its new Qsuite for Business Class.

QSuite features the industry's first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the center four seats allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialize together.

These new features provide the ultimate customizable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs and ensures that Qatar Airways continues to lead the airline industry in terms of passenger experience in the skies. Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating 20 years of Going Places Together with travelers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations. The world's fastest growing airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2017, including Chiang Mai, Dublin, Nice, Skopje and many more, flying passengers on board its modern fleet of 195 aircraft.

Emirates, Cathay, Qatar, & Qantas: The Worst In Air Passenger Fee Abuse

Excess baggage fees, an all familiar situation for many airline passenger. Frequent travelers often ask if some airlines are simply in the business to scare away clients.

The worst airlines when it comes extorting baggage fees is Dubai based Emirates, Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Australia based Qantas Airline. The most ethical and reasonable airline is Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways. Of course there are many in between the the best and the worst, and fees may be very different depending on markets, currencies and routes.

It however may pay off big time connecting in Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai or Doha when flying from London to Australia and having two suitcases to check.

Baggage fees, charges to pick your seat, paying to get on or off the plane first, these pocket picking tactics are now commonplace with low-costs airlines. But Send My Bag has found it’s not just budget airlines that are making a killing from fees. Many long-haul flight operators are raking in the cash at the expense of passengers who need to check a second bag.

Unless you are forking out for business or first-class tickets, you will typically receive an allowance of one checked bag weighing up to 23kgs. But, if you are going on a long-haul flight, chances are you will be staying at your destination for an extended period of time. And, indeed, you could be relocating there or moving there to work or study. For such purposes, 1 bag is just not enough.

Of course, you can purchase a second bag to help transport your belongings. But, the cost of that second bag can be alarmingly high. As the table below shows, the cost of pre-booking a second checked bag can run to over £1000!

Emirates and Cathay Pacific top our list of the five highest second-bag charges. If booking a flight on their most basic fare, you could pay up to £1193 and £1058, respectively, in order to pre-book a second 23kg bag. Qatar Airways and Qantas do little better, charging £966 and £810 for an additional 23 kg. Number five on our list seems cheap in comparison – Etihad ‘only’ charges £92 for an extra 23 kg.

Here are some examples according to Send My Bag:
Fee for second 23kg bag

1. Emirates: London - Melbourne
£1193 for 25 kg (baggage only available in certain increments)

2. Cathay Pacific London - Dubai
£1058 for 23 kg (£46* per additional kg)

3.Qatar Airways: London - Tokyo
£966 for 23 kg (£42** per additional kg)

4.Qantas: London - Melbourne
£810 for 25 kg (£162*** per additional 5 kg)

5.Etihad Airways: London – Abu Dhabi
£92 **** for 23 kg

Conrad Hotels & Resorts Set To Debut Smart Luxury In Doha, Qatar In 2019

Expected To Open in 2019, Property Will Join Middle Eastern Conrad Destinations in Dubai, Cairo, Istanbul and Makkah

Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide's (NYSE: HLT) luxury hotel portfolio for the new smart luxury traveller, today announced the signing of a management agreement with Assets Real Estate Development Company for the 325 guestroom Conrad Doha, expected to open in early 2019.

Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East & North Africa, said, “Momentum for growth in Qatar’s hospitality offering continues at a strong rate, owing to the significant focus being put on the country’s future as a truly international destination, in line with Qatar’s 2030 Vision. We are delighted to have confirmed our latest Conrad hotel for the region, which joins a selection of prestigious properties in outstanding destinations worldwide.”

Conrad Doha will occupy a prime location in a rapidly evolving business area of the city and will be easily connected to the main C-Ring Road, which leads to the downtown area and the new Hamad International Airport (DOH). Comprising 295 guestrooms and 30 suites the hotel will also offer almost 1,000 square metres of events space including a Grand Ballroom for corporate events and social occasions.

Guests will be able to enjoy luxurious spa and fitness facilities, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. Dining options will include seven restaurants and bars, offering diners upscale culinary experiences.

John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said, “As we have expanded Conrad’s global footprint, so has the brand’s awareness. We encourage our guests to never just stay, but stay inspired, whether it’s via the Conrad 1/3/5 local experiences or the App-enabled personalized service guests can access while on-property through the digital Conrad Concierge. We now feature 24 destinations globally, and with our expansion into Qatar we fully expect the brand to resonate strongly with travellers to this rapidly evolving Gulf country.” 

Qatar is seeing major growth to its infrastructure, in advance of the 2022 Football World Cup and its ambition to become a major hub for business, industry and tourism within the Middle East.

Hilton Worldwide already operates Hilton Doha, as well as the recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town and expects to increase its Qatari portfolio with a further seven projects currently under development, including the region’s first Curio, a Collection by Hilton hotel expected to open later this year at the Mall of Qatar.

Dr. Mohammed Aba Al-Khail, CEO of Assets Real Estate Development Company, said, “Hilton’s reputation in the Middle East as a leading luxury hotel operator affirms our strategy to position Conrad Doha as a world-class hotel.  We are delighted to be working with Hilton, with their more than 55 years’ of hospitality management experience in the region, and renowned global brands.”

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is present in inspired destinations around the world, including Dubai, Hong Kong, London, and New York. Eight new Conrad hotels will open in 2016 (including Conrad Makkah, slated to open in summer of 2016), and a further 23 hotels are currently under development.

Conrad Doha will offer the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travelers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it's pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

Conrad Doha will also participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including the digital Conrad Concierge app and complimentary Wi-Fi at 24 Conrad hotels.

For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.conradhotels.com or http://news.conradhotels.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprised of more than 4,600 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with more than 758,000 rooms in 100 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

 

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business, and pleasure seamlessly intersect. Conrad offers its guests an innovative way to Stay Inspired through a curated collections of 1, 3, or 5 hour experiences, available through www.stayinspired.com or through the intuitive Conrad Concierge mobile app. Consisting of 23 properties across five continents, Conrad is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Connect with Conrad by booking at www.conradhotels.com. Learn more about the brand by visiting http://news.conradhotels.com or following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Armani Kits Will Provide New Level Of Comfort For Qatar Airways Passengers

Award winning Qatar Airways has become the first international carrier to carry products by two of the world’s most renowned Italian brands; Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty and Missoni.

The latest luxury touches offered to Qatar Airways’ premium passengers; exclusive amenity kits from iconic Italian brands Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty and sleeper suits from Missoni, reiterate the airline’s commitment to delivering five-star indulgence in the sky.

Every element of the new Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty amenity kit has been given a signature touch. The exclusively designed kits supplied by Harmony, offer an unprecedented level of sophisticated luxury and comfort, ensuring passengers are kept refreshed and relaxed throughout their journey.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with these renowned luxury brands to provide our First Class and Business Class passengers with refined luxury and comfort on board with exclusive amenity kits. These brands are distinguished by their sophistication, superior quality, luxury and eminence – attributes that also define Qatar Airways’ signature service for our passengers.”

Featured are Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty products from the mythic ‘Acqua di Gio’ and ‘Armani pour Homme’ together with Armani men skincare products, and the new feminine Giorgio Armani fragrance ‘Si’ range and ‘Crema Nera Extrema supreme reviving cream’, as well as eyeshades, socks, earplugs, a nourishing lip balm by Rituals Cosmetics and a hair brush for female passengers.

First Class passengers on overnight flights will also enjoy stylish and luxurious sleeper suits designed by Italian fashion house Missoni paired with Missoni slippers. The exclusive Missoni sleeping kit has been created to guarantee comfort and relaxation.

In addition to the new range of amenity kits and sleeper suits, a collection of Rituals skincare products are also offered in Qatar Airways’ First and Business Class restrooms. The range includes items such as hand wash, fragrance and lotions.

Renowned for its signature five-star hospitality, Qatar Airways offers passengers an exceptional inflight experience. Awarded Best Business Class for two consecutive years by industry audit Skytrax, the airline provides a premium travel experience for passengers combined with supreme luxury and exceptional service.

Luxurious New Banana Island Resort Near Doha

Qatar-based UrbaCon Trading & Contracting, headed by Mohamed Moataz Al-Khayyat, CEO, recently completed construction of the luxurious new Banana Island Resort just off the coast of Doha.

The island resort, which opened with a grand ceremony earlier this year, offers an array of accommodations, all with an ocean view, includes a 96-room hotel, 34 two and three-bedroom poolside villas and 11 Maldives-style villas built above the water on stilts.

The resort offers traditional Qatari hospitality and extensive facilities for families and romantic getaways that include a 800-meter long private beach, a marina with 30 berths, a dive center, a lap pool, a children's pool, a full range of water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, a Balance Wellness Center, an entertainment center with a nine-hole putting golf course, a bowling alley and a VIP cinema theater. Eight dining options offer a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisines. The crescent-shaped island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Doha or a 10-minute helicopter ride from the Doha airport.

The Banana Island resort is one of more than 120 hotels and service apartment blocks under construction in Qatar. The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is playing a major role in this growth and development, as well as Qatar's commitment to become a regional tourism destination.

UrbaCon Trading & Contracting has been involved in several huge projects over the last few years and has become one of the most respected building contractors in Qatar. In addition to the Banana Resort, included among its projects are the Mall of Qatar, the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Convention Center, and the Lekhwiya Stadium at Al Duhail.

UrbaCon is one of 17 companies owned by Mr. Al-Khayyat. The companies include general contracting, commercial and residential developments, building materials, various trading companies, hospitals and restaurants with operations in Syria, Morocco and Qatar. After the start of the Syrian revolution in 2011, Mr. Al-Khayyat joined the Syrian opposition and because of that decision, the regime confiscated all his assets in Syria as well as his family's assets. Mr. Al-Khayyat now operates his enterprises from Qatar. He is committed to fostering and supporting humanitarian efforts in the Near East.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Takes Away The 2014 Travelers' Choice Award For Top All-Inclusive Resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts group is proud to announce its recent success at the Traveler's Choice Awards, where its Grand Island Resort & Spa was recognized as Top All Inclusive Resort.

“We've worked hard to make the Grand Island Resort & Spa live up to visitor's expectations when they come to the Maldives, and I'm happy that the Travelers' Choice Awards have recognized the unique qualities of the resort,” Mr Voytek Klasicki, Centara's Area General Manager commented. The awards, one of the travel and tourism industry's most prestigious, are based on millions of reviews created by savvy and experienced TripAdvisor travelers and so accurately reflect the appeal that the Grand Island Resort & Spa has for its guests.

The popularity of holiday in the Maldives is growing, and it's easy to see the perennial appeal. With dazzling sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this Indian ocean destination is viewed by many as the quintessential tropical get-away.

The Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is located in the South Ari Atoll, and was conceived by Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts as a priority when it came to opening the group's first overseas property. The South Ari Atoll is a haven for marine life and offers resort guests an unmatched chance to get up close and personal with manta rays, reef sharks and colourful fish, while for divers the resort is in close proximity to famous sites such as Broken Rock, Kudarah Thila and 5 Rocks.

Surround by a glorious white sandy beach and the only Resort in the Maldives designed in a colonial style with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks, the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers both stunning beachside and over-water accommodation, and in a relatively short time it has gained considerable market share.

Mr. Klasicki went on to say that he is not surprised that reviews and opinions from Trip Advisor have been so positive, given the resort represents the ultimate in all-inclusive experiences and is truly unique in its totally immersive appeal. One of the truly innovative ways in which the Resort manages to be so relaxing is its 'cash-free policy' in which guests enjoying the “Ultimate All Inclusive” programme will find everything they desire already paid for – including champagne breakfasts, a choice of three lunch and dinner venues with themed international buffets and an open bar service which provides a scintillating array of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

Adding further, he sums up the Resort experience as a total experience for all the senses. We have a totally unrestricted dining concept so guests may book a table to dine in any or our specialty restaurants as often as they like. When it comes to leisure, we’ve included both non-motorised and a selection of motorized water sports as well as 5 excursions during the guests’ stay comprising of whale shark snorkeling, sunset cruises, local island visits, night fishing, and boats for snorkeling on other reefs. Other benefits such as in room mini bar, wifi, tennis and gym are also included. The cherry on our ‘Ultimate All Inclusive cake’ is that each and every guests can also enjoy a daily spa treatment in our SPA Cenvaree and this is something that no other resort in Maldives can boast.

The Grand Island Resort & Spa has a choice of 112 suites and villas suitable for individual travellers, honeymoon couples and family groups, all ranging from 76 to 146 square metres. One truly distinctive feature of the Resort is that it offers guests access to the Club - a "resort within a resort" accommodation experience.

All guest suites have bedroom and living room, a generous private terrace, and all of the amenities travelers expect from a premier beach resort including satellite TV and high-speed internet access. Guests opting for the Club level of accommodation also have access to the exclusive Club Lounge with private pool area and complimentary breakfasts, snacks, cocktails and dinner. The Club also serves premium wines and beverages and what’s more we provide an upgraded mini bar and will take care of the guests laundry.

The resort also is unusual in that it features a variety of dining options, including the all-day venue Reef, authentic Suan Bua and Azzuri Mare Italian & Seafood restaurant, plus the Aqua and Coral Bars for nightly entertainment. For those seeking day-time activity, the Resort offers recreation options, sports and fitness facilities and a professionally-managed Kids’ Club, while those looking to relax are welcome at Spa Cenvaree, The resort is easily accessible from Male International Airport or from the recently-opened Maamagili Airport, handily located close to the Resort in the South Ari Atoll.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 48 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

A further 26 resorts in Maldives, Vietnam, Bali, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Qatar, Laos and Oman brings the present total to 74 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs. Centara operates 30 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, together with 7 branches of the value brand Cense by Spa Cenvaree, which provides core spa services for busy travellers. The company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens have their own leisure zone. Centara also operates three state-of-the-art convention centres in Bangkok, and two in northeastern Thailand, one being located in Udon Thani and the other in Khon Kaen. The latest Centara brand is named COSI Hotels, an affordable lifestyle brand designed for travellers who predominantly make their bookings via the internet and who want comfort and convenience at affordable prices; the brand is under development with the first property due to open in 2016.

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