JEDDAH, 18 October 2003 — Singapore has eased its visa procedure for Saudis as its national airline reintroduces its three services from Jeddah from Wednesday after a five-month suspension. The Asia-Pacific island state’s visa processing time for Saudis has been reduced to five working days from four weeks that were subsequently reduced to two to three weeks in the recent past. “In fact, triple entry visas valid for five weeks are now being issued to Saudi travelers,” Singapore’s Charge d’Affaires Anthony Chang said during an awards function hosted by Singapore Airlines (SIA) at Al Salam Holiday Inn Jeddah over the weekend. He said there is now no need for a local sponsor to issue a letter requiring him to be responsible for the visitor’s stay, maintenance and repatriation. All that is required is a letter of introduction with details of the applicant and purpose of visit. Singapore is also becoming a center for education and health care. “Over 200,000 people from around the world travel to Singapore for medical care,” he said.

Air-India Launches Madras Service

JEDDAH, 18 October 2003 — Air-India is launching its once-a-week nonstop service from Jeddah to Madras from Oct. 26. The first return flight from Madras will arrive in Jeddah on Oct. 30. The airline’s upcoming winter schedule will bring down the number of weekly services from Jeddah to Indian destinations, from 13 at present to 11, A-I Western Province Manager S.M. Mazharullah said. Indian airports are considering a proposal to locate officials trained in Arabic to read the visas of expats returning to Saudi Arabia. This follows a proposal given by the national airline in the wake of complaints that passengers were being asked to get their visas translated by authorized agencies before taking a flight to the Kingdom. “It’s to solve such problems that official translators are proposed to be located at New Delhi and Bombay airports, to begin with,” he said.

Sheraton Jeddah Observes Safety Week

JEDDAH, 18 October 2003 — Sheraton Jeddah Hotel is observing its annual Starwood environmental, health, safety and security week, which ends tomorrow. Jeddah-based Civil Defense Chief Brig. Saud Al-Kabkabi inaugurated the week during which Starwood Hotels & Resorts Wroldwide, Inc. is highlighting the role of its associates in making its hotels safe, secure and environmentally friendly. “The theme for this year’s activities is ‘How we define safety and security at Starwood — safe in all our actions, trained to be the best, aware of our surroundings, responsive to our customers willing to make the extra effort, observant of best practices, organized to save time and effort, and determined to succeed,” said a spokesman for the hotel, which is part of Starwood. October is the month when all Starwood hotels worldwide participate in a week filled with safety, security and environment related activities. Programs are conducted throughout the week to familiarize local fire department and Civil Defense authorities with the property’s fire protection systems and emergency procedures.

Le Royal Meridien Tops Guest Poll

DUBAI, 18 October 2003 — Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa has topped among 140 Le Meridien hotels and resorts worldwide in a recent guest poll. The results were revealed in a rolling survey of guest service levels at Le Meridien hotels worldwide. The hotel has come out on top for the third consecutive time, maintaining its leading position for a full year. Its general manager Pam Wilby said the results reflected the philosophy that it was the staff of any hotel that gave it a personality. “Our staff are our biggest assets, and this award is validation of their ongoing commitment to guest care.” The independent survey carried out by J.D. Powers assesses each Le Meridien hotel’s performance in all areas from guest arrival to rooms, restaurants and other facilities, and departure.

YO! Sushi Chain Opens First Outlet in Dubai

DUBAI, 18 October 2003 — YO! Sushi, the London-based restaurant chain, has opened its first outlet in Dubai, with four more outlets scheduled to open in the UAE in the next two years. The first outlet has opened in BurJuman, the city’s landmark shopping mall, and is fitted with the sushi conveyor belts and quirky service that identifies the chain in Britain. Behind the move is Omani national Sami Daud, managing director of YO! Sushi Emirates. He said Dubai was ready for a signature restaurant that specialized in hip, convenient dining. “What we offer is excellent food, but with swift service,” he said.