
Pilgrims begin arriving in Saudi Arabia as Hajj preparations gather pace
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Tourism Breaking News
17 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
flynas to launch a new route between Jeddah and Prishtina, starting 1 October
Post Views: 45 flynas announced launching a new route between Jeddah and Prishtina in Kosovo, further consolidating its position as pioneering air carrier connecting the two countries, in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title 'We Connect the World to the Kingdom,' in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030. Starting 1st October, three weekly flights will be operated between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prishtina International Airport 'Adem Jashari' on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. flynas is the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents


Gulf Business
18 hours ago
- Gulf Business
No visa renewal in Dubai without clearing traffic fines, says GDRFA
Image: Getty Images Dubai authorities have launched a pilot system that ties traffic fine settlements to residency visa services, requiring residents to clear outstanding fines before they can renew, cancel, or transfer their visas. The new initiative, led by the Khaleej Times , the system electronically links visa-related transactions with the Dubai Police Traffic Fines System. 'The goal is not to restrict people,' said Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA. 'It's about reminding residents to pay their fines. The system allows for flexibility depending on each case.' Read: Authorities clarified that the system does not halt the visa process entirely but prompts residents to settle dues — either in full or via instalment plans — before continuing with residency procedures. GDRFA officials said the system is currently in the trial phase and has been implemented in specific departments, with thousands of cases reviewed prior to its rollout. Notably, it does not apply to the GDRFA centre at Dubai International Airport. Abide by law At a media briefing held on Wednesday, officials confirmed that no residency renewal, cancellation, or status change requests made from within the UAE will be processed unless all traffic fines have been paid. Lt Gen Al Marri also reminded residents to adhere to local regulations: 'Abide by laws, settle outstanding fines,' he urged, reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility and civic compliance as part of living in the UAE. The pilot is expected to be evaluated for broader implementation after its initial phase.


Harpers Bazaar Arabia
a day ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Zanzibar's White Sand Villas & Spa Resort: Where Total Relaxation Awaits
Nestled on the shores of the Indian Ocean lies a serene oasis known as White Sand Villas & Spa, a luxury resort unlike any other. At first glance, it may appear to be just another lavish destination, but look deeper, and you'll discover an experience that redefines the very meaning of luxury… Your journey begins with a distinctive touch: a private driver greets you with a warm smile, a representative handles check-in seamlessly, and cold lemon-scented towels instantly melt away your travel fatigue, preparing you to totally decompress in the days ahead. The drive to the resort takes about an hour through poetic scenery: swaying palm trees brushing the skies, children laughing as they pedal home from school, while the only music you'll hear is the rustling of the leaves… and the island's magic phrase: 'Pole Pole… Slowly Slowly.' The resort features 18 villas scattered across lush tropical gardens, embraced by palm trees that shield it from the outside world. The beachfront villas offer direct sea views, private pools, and enclosed gardens that promise absolute privacy. Garden villas give you the option of a private pool or jacuzzi, tailored to your preference. For families, larger villas with warm, home-like touches and spacious common areas create chic spaces to unwind. It's the smallest details that elevate the stay, like a curated pillow menu, and a personal butler who knows what you need before you ask. Here, hospitality is not a service, but a philosophy. At the heart of the resort lies a place where time truly stops: Senses Spa. Guests from neighbouring resorts have crowned it the best spa in Zanzibar—and it's easy to see why. Your spa journey begins with a massage of your choice: warm oil relaxation, hot stone therapy, or deep tissue massage. Signature rituals like' Luminous Indulgence' include a body scrub, facial treatment, jacuzzi session, a sparkling drink, and fresh fruit—leaving you renewed from the inside out. Perhaps most special is the 'Mwani' natural range, where hand-harvested seaweed is used in treatments that nourish the skin and refresh the body. For those seeking spiritual healing, Reiki and energy-balancing sessions reconnect you with your inner self. Just beside the spa lies a peaceful beauty salon where every treatment is performed to perfection—from custom hair treatments to manicures, pedicures, and waxing—all offered within a serene, ultra-luxe space. Every Tuesday and Friday, at sunrise or just before sunset, open-air yoga classes are held on a sea-facing terrace. As you flow through each movement and listen to the instructor's voice, it feels like layers of stress peel away – consider it a pause for the soul. Near the reception, a cosy and colourful game room awaits—filled with games, movies, and board games to delight both children and grown-ups alike. For all guests, a wide array of complimentary daily activities is available—from Swahili cooking classes to starlit movie nights. There's never a dull moment. You can always enjoy games like table tennis, darts, chess, billiards, and volleyball. The resort also offers a surprising boost of energy for fitness enthusiasts. There's a fully equipped open-air gym, while the tennis court is lit until 10 p.m., and electric beach bikes let you explore the surroundings with ease and freedom. But the real magic unfolds on the water. Set sail on a traditional ngalawa boat—comfortably kitted out with cushions, drinks, and Bluetooth speakers. Or take a more adventurous route with glass kayaks, paddleboards, and catamarans. Dining at White Sand is not only a feast for the senses—it's a celebration of Zanzibar's culinary spirit. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering organic, fresh ingredients straight from farm to plate. Lunch runs from noon to 3 p.m., but dinner is the main event. From 7 to 10 p.m., beneath a starry sky and atop an open terrace, guests savour dishes that blend local and international flavours: fresh tuna, grilled octopus, the famous Kachumbari salad, and steak with black olive sauce. Don't miss the sunset hours between 6 and 8 p.m., when complimentary cocktails are served as the sky paints itself in shades of gold and orange. Finally, the resort recommends a trip to Stone Town, Zanzibar's old soul of stories, spices, and shadows. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll wander narrow alleys past historic homes, visit the Freddie Mercury Museum, and stop by spice markets for Zanzibari coffee and handmade souvenirs. Whether you're seeking a soul-deep retreat, a lavish celebration, or an unforgettable family escape—White Sand Villas & Spa is Zanzibar's ultimate retreat. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa.