Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Jordan share Ramadhan plans

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Jordan will be holding iftar buffets with Ramadhan sweets, juices, ambient gathering spaces, traditional games and live music come Ramadhan (around May 6).

“Ramadhan is a special time for us to give back to the community, as well as to reflect on the many things we are grateful for. Wonderful guests and amazing team members of course, but also the opportunity we have to do something we are passionate about: whether it’s creating traditional delicacies in the kitchen, or providing atmospheric gathering spaces,” said Michael Nugent, Accor VP of Operations, Levant and Pakistan.

Among Mövenpick Jordan’s highlights for the month of Ramadhan are:

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

Al Saraya Restaurant’s iftar buffet features seasonal dishes, hot and cold mezzeh, live cooking stations, juices and desserts. A complimentary iftar voucher is given for the purchase of 10 or more prepaid vouchers. Groups can take advantage of the entrance to Ramadan Nights at the Village Square. After iftar, Valley Café continues the Ramadhan spirit with oud entertainment, cards, fresh juices, oriental desserts, and traditional hot beverages.

Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba

A traditional iftar spread complemented with international dishes and Ramadan juices will greet guests who break their fast at Palm Court Restaurant in Aqaba. With views of the shore, Aqaba’s fine seafood restaurant Red Sea Grill will be serving a four-course iftar set menu alongside Ramadhan juices.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba

Fresh shrak bread can be had at Najel restaurant’s authentic iftar buffet. Middle Eastern dishes, international classics and desserts are highlights, with Ramadhan juices are poured by Juice Man himself. For àla carte delicacies, Siraj and Mello will offer background music, live oud tones and argileh (shisha).

Groups of 10 or more can enjoy special iftar and suhoor packages across all Mövenpick’s resorts in Jordan. Mövenpick is also offering value Ramadhan room rates.

Oman Air codeshares with Royal Jordanian, Malaysia Airlines

Source: Oman Air. Plane in Oman Air livery.

Oman Air, the national flag carrier of Oman, has announced a codeshare agreement with Royal Jordanian on flights between Muscat.,Oman and Beirut, Lebanon via Amman, Jordan and vice versa. Under the terms of the agreement, which became effective from June 15, the flights are operated by Royal Jordanian and marketed by both carriers.

Oman Air already has a strong partnership with Royal Jordanian built upon a shared commitment to providing excellent services to guests. This new agreement will further enhance this relationship and offer guests even more options when it comes to destinations and flight times.

Oman Air and Malaysia Airlines have also entered into a codeshare partnership. The agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation between the two airlines on other joint initiatives, including collaboration on frequent flyer programmes, ground handling, customer support, cargo and airport lounge access.

Oman Air passengers who currently enjoy direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will now be connected to more destinations in Malaysia, China and Australia. Malaysia Airlines passengers will also enjoy nonstop, direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Muscat. New destinations now open for Oman Air guests are Singapore, Hanoi in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Darwin and Melbourne in Australia, Auckland in New Zealand, Phuket in Thailand, as well as the Malaysian destinations Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu, Johor Bharu, Kuantan and Miri. Additionally, the existing destinations of Oman Air, namely Jakarta, Indonesia and Guangzhou, China will also be connected through this codeshare.

Oman Air’s Deputy CEO & Chief Commercial Officer Abdulrahman Al Busaidy said, “Apart from Oman Air guests benefiting from the added destinations through this codeshare, it will also present them the opportunity to experience the exemplary services of Malaysia Airlines. We are equally sure this opportunity will be welcomed by the discerning guests of Malaysian Airlines; encouraging them to experience the unparalleled services of Oman Air and visit Oman and other unique destinations in Oman Air’s network.”

Oman Air offers 14 weekly flights between Muscat and Kuala Lumpur, operating on the airline’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Oman Air, based at Muscat International Airport. is currently engaged in an expansion programme which will see the carrier operate 70 aircraft to around 75 destinations by 2023. On the other hand, Royal Jordanian has a vision to be the Airline of choice connecting Jordan and the Levant with the world. It reaches 56 direct destinations on four continents on its 27 young aircraft operated from Queen Alia International Airport.

Petra, Desert Wonder exhibition in Sharjah, brings Nabatean culture to life

Source: Sharjah Museums Department. Sheikh Fahim with Khouri.

Sculptures, architectural relics and more from the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, are on show at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum till March 16, 2017. The exhibition, a collaboration between Sharjah Museums Department and the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, is the first show of its kind in the Gulf and is considered integral in promoting cross-cultural exchange between Arab societies.

Petra, Desert Wonder runs from November 23, 2016, to offering visitors a unique insight into the groundbreaking artistic and architectural heritage of the civilisation of the Arab Nabataeans and their ‘Rose City’.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations. It was attended by HE Jumaa Al Abbadi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UAE, and HE Baraa Al Zoubi, General Consul of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the UAE, HE Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, Dr Munther Jamhawi, Director General of the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, and Samia Khouri, Director of Museums and Public Awareness in the Department of Antiquities in Jordan.

Visitors can explore the relationship and connections that linked Petra as a centre of trade with other settlements in the Arabian Peninsula, including Sharjah’s most significant archaeological site, Mleiha.

Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, said at the time of the launch: "From today, visitors will gain an understanding into one of the most important civilisations in the region and the groundbreaking artistic and architectural heritage integral to their capital.

“Sharjah Museums Department plays a vital role as a vehicle for the promotion of cross-cultural exchange. Exhibiting such a wealth of pieces in this region for the first time helps to greatly expand knowledge of this great city, which in turn preserves the cultural heritage of a major Arab civilisation.”

Petra, Desert Wonder presents a unique collection of rare archaeological finds from the Nabataean city of Petra, which is hidden among steep red rocks of sandstone in the southern Jordan, and also showcases examples of Nabataean achievements in the fields of industry, engineering and art. From 300 BC to 106 AD, Petra was the capital of a wealthy and powerful kingdom, as well as a political and economic metropolis.

The artefacts chosen for the exhibition highlight that the history and culture of the Nabataean kingdom was linked with Mleiha in Sharjah via established trade routes. Thanks to its strategic location, the Petra dominated trade links affiliated with the passage of caravans transporting incense, frankincense and spices. Today, the city stands out as the only Arab archaeological site among the ‘new wonders of the world’, recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

“This exhibition is part of Sharjah Museums Department’s long-term objective to shed light on the history of the UAE and the Arab world,” said Ataya. “It also aims to highlight the ties linking local population centers in the UAE and settlements in the historical city of Petra. Such urban hubs were crucial in enriching human civilisation in ancient times."

Royal Jordanian restarts Amman to Jakarta flights

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has inaugurated a new direct route from Amman to Jakarta. Jakarta is the fourth new RJ destination in 2015, after Ankara in Turkey on December 8, and to Tabuk in KSA and Najaf in Iraq earlier this year.

RJ had operated flights to Jakarta between 1992 and 2002; they were suspended for commercial reasons. RJ President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said that reopening the Amman-Jakarta route comes at a time when Indonesia witnesses growing air traffic, which reflects Indonesia's position as the 17th largest economy worldwide. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with an estimated 255 million population, 10 million of which live in Jakarta.

Captain Obeidat said that this route is ideal for tourists travelling from Jordan and the Levant to Indonesia and to transport Indonesian students studying in Jordan. The route will also serve the Indonesian labour force, cargo and business traffic.

Captain Obeidat added that the feasibility studies conducted by Royal Jordanian showed that this route is important for transit passengers who come to Amman in order to connect to the cities served by RJ network and that of oneworld carriers.

RJ will fly to Jakarta, via Kuala Lumpur, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The wide body Airbus 330 aircraft, which will fly on this route, takes off from Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, at 0130 and reaches Jakarta at 1825; it departs Jakarta at 1955 and lands in Amman at 0415 the following day.

Lockton opens first Jordan office

Lockton, the privately-held, independent insurance broker, has opened a Jordan office in Amman, to be headed by Ahmad Abdo, General Manager. The expansion will enable the business to better serve corporate clients' insurance and risk management needs in Jordan, and regional and international clients with operations in Jordan.

Wael Khatib, Senior Partner & Chairman, Lockton (MENA) commented: "Lockton is a client-focused organisation, passionate about serving our clients. As we continue to grow our business, we need to stay close to them so that we can continue to improve our first-class local service and support."

He added, "Mr Ahmad Abdo is well known and respected in Jordan, with substantial experience in the market. I look forward to working with him and his team in further building the business and supporting our rapidly growing client base in Jordan and beyond."

Ahmad commented, "Lockton is enjoying rapid growth and development within the UAE and broader MENA region, as clients increasingly recognise the benefits of our keen focus on meeting their needs and our ability to create effective solutions. I am very pleased to be joining Lockton at this exciting time and to contributing to the continued success and evolution of the business."

In the coming 12 months, Lockton is planning further expansion in countries across the MENA region, the company said.

Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways launch codeshare agreement

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has further enhanced its ties with oneworld partner Qatar Airways by launching a new codeshare agreement that is set to further expand travel opportunities for the customers of both airlines.

Through the new agreement, which began August 6, 2015, RJ passengers travelling between Amman and Doha on both Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways will benefit from the same airline code and a streamlined level of services from the oneworld partners.

Members of the airlines’ frequent flyer programmes will also be able to collect points on each other’s flights, with this initial route paving the way for additional codeshare expansions in the near future between the airlines across destinations in the US and Asia.

RJ President/CEO Captain Haitham Misto said: “Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways enjoy a strong relationship, and they are both keen on providing superb on-board and on-ground services. This agreement will further enhance the cooperation between our two companies, thus offering our passengers more travel options and frequencies to cities around the world.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Becoming a member of oneworld has enabled Qatar Airways to strengthen its competitive offering, while expanding travel options to passengers around the world within this leading global alliance network. The launch of this new code share agreement with our fellow oneworld member airline Royal Jordanian demonstrates this and will allow passengers to benefit from seamless journeys around the globe.”

Iftar dining and entertainment will feature this Ramadhan at the Corp Amman

Source: Corp Amman Hotel website.

The 4-star Corp Amman Hotel has developed an iftar and suhoor offering for Ramadhan featuring traditional hospitality in Amman. Evenings filled with food and music await for JD18 per person, excluding services and taxes.

The fête begins with an iftar menu served at the all-day dining Boulevard Restaurant & Poolside Terrace, featuring popular Ramadhan juices, dried fruits, Arabic breads, soups, salads, pickles and mezze as well as regional dishes such as chicken shawarma, lamb ouzi, stuffed zucchini and vine leaves, kuffteh, kubbeh, chicken with cashew nuts, plus an array of pasta and fish options. Complete your dining experience with an assortment of seasonal fresh fruits, popular Arabic sweets and pastries.

The rooftop Lebanese restaurant Mood will host Jordanian artist Yousef Al Amir, who will be entertaining diners with oud performances every day throughout Ramadhan from 9.30pm to 1.30am.

Erik Huyer, General Manager of the hotel said popular Ramadhan programmes on leading TV channels would be shown as part of the Ramadhan promotion. “The hotel is set to receive diners in a warm and welcoming ambience perfect to enjoy the wide array of Ramadhan delicacies, as they chill out to the mellow sounds of music offered by a master oud player," he said. 

Lonely Planet's eco-friendly top 10 includes places in Jordan, Papua New Guinea

Lonely Planet has chosen 10 of the most outstanding eco-friendly hotels and hostels from nominations by Lonely Planet authors and travel editors. No. 8 and no. 9 on the list are from the Middle East and Asia respectively.

Dana Guest House in Jordan has "one of the Middle East's most amazing views", Lonely Planet says. The guest house is run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), and is located on the edge of the cliffs of Wadi Dana. 

According to the RSCN, Dana Guest House has facilities for courses and conferences, and can be used for retreats and workshops. It consists of nine comfortable rooms, and can house a maximum of 23 people. 

Eight of the rooms share the external toilets and showers, while a single suite, has a private bathroom, adding character and authenticity to the entire experience. Most rooms also come with private terraces that offer spectacular views of the surrounding wadi and mountains.

Nuli Sapi is ranked no. 9 on Lonely Planet's list. Set in Logeia Island in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, Nuli Sapi is approximately 1.5 hours by dinghy from Alotau. 
 

Source: Nuli Sapi Facebook page. Nuli Sapi at low tide.

Lonely Planet notes that the four bungalows are "simple but comfortable and made entirely of bush materials, with a veranda perched over the water". Each bungalow contains a queen-sized bed, bathroom and a verandah overlooking the China Strait, says the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority.

Guests can learn about the daily life of the community, including clay pot cooking, fishing from a canoe, and hunting for crabs.