JEDDAH, 20 March 2004 — Malaysia Airlines says there was an enthusiastic response to its offer of a special return fare for Malaysians returning home for the country’s election, which is taking place tomorrow. The offer was applicable for Malaysians who are residing in the Kingdom and was available for Jeddah-Kuala Lumpur-Jeddah sector at SR1,500, excluding all applicable taxes, according to Ibrahim Tengku Abdullah, regional general manager of the airline for the Middle East and South Africa.

Lufthansa Announces Special Roundtrip Fare

JEDDAH, 20 March 2004 — Lufthansa is offering special summer fares on all roundtrip economy flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to Europe for travel between this month and August. The special fare is SR2,800 and is valid for all Lufthansa destinations in Europe up to March 25. It also has attractive offers for those registering for online miles and booking online. Registration for online miles earns additional 500 miles and booking online earns a separate award.

Emirates Adds New Destinations

DUBAI — Emirates Airline is adding new destinations to its network that include Melbourne, Sydney and Shanghai. Its passenger route between Dubai and Shanghai is being launched next month. The new nonstop flights to the largest Chinese city with a population of over 17 million will be its first direct air passage between Dubai and China. Initially from April 10, Emirates will operate three flights a week between the two cities. The airline’s new service to Melbourne will commence on June 10, initially as a thrice-weekly service, doubling to a six-weekly service on Aug. 1. The non-stop flights are in addition to the current daily services via Singapore. From November, it will start offering double services four days a week between Dubai and Sydney. The frequencies will become double daily a year from now.

Le Gulf Meridien Alkhobar’s Royal Club

ALKHOBAR, 20 March 2004 — Royal club, an exclusive area situated on 7th and 8th floors of Le Gulf Meridien here is in full operation. It is specially designed for business executives and guests. “The object of the club is to attract and ensure the loyalty of high-yield individual business travelers who seek special attention, personalized service and recognition of their status,” Chakib Lahlou, the hotel’s director of business development, said. The club floor rooms are equipped with latest facilities and amenities, and a full range of services, said revenue manager Prashant Sharma.

Skywards Draw Set at Dubai World Cup

DUBAI, 20 March 2004 — The winner of the annual Skywards “Thanks a Million” draw at Dubai World Cup on March 27 at Nad Al Sheba Club will gain much more than ever before with the program’s latest enhancement. This year, one million Skywards Miles means much more than previous years because the number of Skywards Miles required for free flights to lots of popular destinations has been reduced. That means the winner can exchange one million miles for 25 return economy class flights between Dubai and any Western European destination or 20 economy flights between Dubai and the Far East. In addition to the grand prize, Skywards offers two runners-up a prize of 250,000 miles each — enough for six return tickets to Europe. Tickets, priced at 20 dirham each, or six for 100 dirhams, are now available at Emirates offices around Dubai, at main branches of Spinneys Supermarket, Rivoli outlets and Magrudy’s.

Dubai Hotels Remain Buoyant

DUBAI, 20 March 2004 — While the Dubai Shopping Festival has brought the predictable boom in visitor numbers to the emirate, the hospitality industry is expected to continue with increased room occupancies “The signs are positive that this boom will be consolidated for the rest of the year due the emirate’s year-round activities,” said Naif Zureikat, general manager of Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien. Located close to the Dubai International Airport in the Deira shopping and business district, Al Sondos Suites offers accommodation suited for the needs of GCC and long-stay visitors. It has 106 studios, bedroom suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities, large-screen TV sets, Internet access, interactive games and 24-hour concierge and room service. Zureikat also oversees Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien.