Wednesday, 17 September 2025
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QIFF 2026 Set to Return as Qatar’s Premier Food Festival; Kiosk Registration Opens

Vendors and food enthusiasts gear up as the Qatar International Food Festival 2026 opens kiosk registrations for its grand return.
Published: Saturday, August 30, 2025
QIFF 2026 Set to Return as Qatar’s Premier Food Festival; Kiosk Registration Opens

QIFF 2026, Qatar’s largest and most anticipated food festival, is making its grand return from January 14 to 24 at the iconic 974 Stadium precinct, with kiosk registration now officially open for restauranteurs, home businesses, and international food outlets.

Culinary Event of the Year

Organised by Visit Qatar, QIFF (Qatar International Food Festival) stands as a flagship celebration of the nation's vibrant food, beverage, and hospitality industries, promising visitors a rich culinary journey across local and global flavours. Each edition draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands, making it a focal point on Qatar’s events calendar.

A scene from the Qatar International Food Festival
A scene from the Qatar International Food Festival

What to Expect in 2026

This year marks QIFF’s 15th edition, featuring daily fireworks, live entertainment, and special food competitions like watermelon eating and spice challenges at the entertaining QIFF Ring. The festival also spotlights gourmet dishes in the MICHELIN Guide Village plus engaging workshops and activities for both adults and children.

A scene from the Qatar International Food Festival 2025

Visitors can roam through themed food districts, sampling dishes from 100+ kiosks and nearly 30 restaurants, representing every major culinary region from Arabian to Mediterranean to Asian cuisines. Family zones and outdoor activities ensure there is something for everyone throughout the 10-day event.

Registration Now Open for Food Vendors

Home-grown businesses, established restaurants, and innovative food startups are encouraged to register for a booth at QIFF 2026 by applying online on the Qatar Tourism website. Participation requirements include company details and valid health certification, with the opportunity to reach a diverse and international audience.

Spotlight on New Experiences

While organisers haven’t yet revealed the complete programme for 2026, they have teased new surprises and special exclusive experiences like VIP dining packages, food workshops, and cooking demonstrations by top chefs. Returning crowd-pleasers such as Dinner in the Sky and lively chef masterclasses are also expected.

A scene from the Qatar International Food Festival 2025

QIFF 2026 is not only a grand stage for delicious eats but a festive, family-friendly celebration guaranteed to kick off Qatar’s new year in style.

Applications for kiosks and participation at Qatar International Food Festival 2026 are now open and available through the Qatar Tourism official site. Interested parties should submit their details, including company registration and health certification, directly via:

Official registration link: Qatar Tourism registration for QIFF 2026

Anyone looking to showcase their culinary offerings at Qatar’s premier food event should complete registration as soon as possible to secure their place.

Two International Airlines to Resume Operations at Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram, Bangladesh

Published: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Two International Airlines to Resume Operations at Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram, Bangladesh

SalamAir and flydubai are set to resume international flights from Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram, signaling renewed confidence in the airport after years of service reductions and foreign airline departures.

This comeback is driven by increased passenger demand and record-breaking revenue in the latest fiscal year, positioning the airport once again as a crucial gateway for Bangladesh’s southeastern region.

Airline Resumptions and Schedules

SalamAir, based in Oman, will relaunch its Chattogram–Muscat direct flights on September 18, 2025. This route will see three flights weekly, up from two previously, enhancing options for travelers and supporting increased regional connectivity.

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will restart flights on October 26, 2025, after ceasing operations in late 2024 due to logistical and commercial challenges. Both carriers plan to expand services to additional Middle Eastern destinations, reflecting strong demand from Bangladeshi travelers and guest workers.

This marks a turn in fortunes for Shah Amanat Airport. Over the past decade, airlines like Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Oman Air, Spice Jet, Jazeera Airways, Malindo Air, Rotana Air, Himalayan Airlines, Ras Al Khaimah Airways, and Tiger Airways exited Chattogram, citing insufficient infrastructure, limited passenger flows, and operational losses.

Passenger and Revenue Growth

Shah Amanat Airport posted its highest ever revenue for the 2024–25 fiscal year, earning 270.49 crore taka—33 crore higher than the previous year. This jump stems from effective management, overdue revenue collection, and a rise in international travel numbers.

The airport handled about 392,456 international passengers up to June 2025, a reduction from the previous year’s near one million, but still indicating robust demand. Domestic passenger numbers remained low, with only 6,690 travelers recorded during the same period, continuing a multi-year decline.

Airport Development and Changing Prospects

Shah Amanat International Airport has undergone significant upgrades, including a new apron area that can serve more than 20 aircraft at once, and infrastructure improvements funded partly by international donors. These improvements have made Chattogram a more attractive destination for foreign airlines seeking to capitalize on the region’s economic growth and increased travel demand.

The airport, which was elevated to international status in 2000, now stands at a strategic crossroads. Recent profitability and passenger increases demonstrate its resurgence, with local officials and aviation analysts projecting that the resurgence of SalamAir and flydubai could encourage other carriers to follow suit.

Outlook for Travelers and Aviation

Travelers from southeastern Bangladesh will benefit from more options and greater connectivity, especially for travel to the Middle East—critical for business, labor mobility, and family reunification. Airport authorities remain optimistic, forecasting further revenue increases and positioning Shah Amanat as an indispensable hub in the region’s aviation network.

The renewed flight operations signal a turning point for Chattogram, reflecting both infrastructural progress and revitalized demand for international air travel from the region. 

SalamAir Launches Record-Low Fares from Doha to Dhaka and Chattogram

Published: Monday, September 15, 2025
SalamAir Launches Record-Low Fares from Doha to Dhaka and Chattogram

SalamAir, Oman’s leading low-cost carrier, has introduced a special promotional offer for passengers flying from Doha to Bangladesh. Travelers can now book flights to Dhaka starting at just 400 QAR and to Chattogram from 377 QAR, marking some of the lowest fares of the season.

This exclusive promotion is valid for travel through September 2025, making it a perfect opportunity for the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Qatar and budget-conscious leisure travelers.

As part of its strategy to expand affordable travel options to South Asia, SalamAir also offers customizable add-ons, including flexible baggage options and pre-selected seats, allowing passengers to tailor their journey while keeping costs low.

With these unbeatable fares, SalamAir continues to strengthen its network and provide seamless, cost-effective travel between Qatar and Bangladesh.

Qatar Airways Unveils Limited-Time Global Fare Offer for Travel Until March 2026

Published: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Qatar Airways Unveils Limited-Time Global Fare Offer for Travel Until March 2026

Qatar Airways has announced a limited-time global fare promotion, offering travelers discounted return tickets across its extensive network. The promotion runs from 7 to 14 September 2025, with travel valid between 7 September 2025 and 10 March 2026.

Wide Range of Fare Options

The offer applies to flights originating from Doha in Economy, Business, and First Class, excluding First Class on select three-cabin routes.
Discounted fares will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis under the following booking classes:

  • First Class: A

  • Business Class: R

  • Economy Class: O, T, Q

Seats are limited and subject to availability.

Blackout Dates and Exclusions

Certain blackout periods apply to high-demand travel dates:

  • Departures from Doha: 16–21 December 2025

  • Returns to Doha: 2–5 January 2026

The promotion does not apply to Middle East Airlines codeshare flights to Beirut or Royal Jordanian-operated flights to Amman. It also cannot be combined with other public offers, and retiree discounts do not apply.

Conditions and Limitations

  • Maximum stay: 6 months

  • Standard child and infant discounts apply

  • Discounts apply only to the base fare; taxes and fees remain unchanged

  • Tickets are non-transferable and non-endorsable

  • Cancellations or changes made less than three hours before departure will be treated as no-shows, with penalties enforced.

Qatar Airways has stated that the promotion may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Passengers are urged to review the airline’s fare rules and Conditions of Carriage before finalizing bookings.

If you’re interested in booking this offer, click here now.

Important Details:

  • This offer is only for Privilege Club main members residing in Qatar as per their Privilege Club account.

  • Booking Period: 7 – 14 September 2025

  • Travel Period: 7 September 2025 – 10 March 2026

  • Members must quote their Privilege Club membership number at the time of booking or check-in to be eligible.

  • Not a member? Join for free at qatarairways.com or through the Qatar Airways mobile app, then update your booking with your membership number to earn bonus Avios.

  • Existing tickets issued before the booking period are not eligible for this promotion, even if reissued during the offer dates.

  • Members will earn bonus Avios in addition to base Avios earned on Qatar Airways flights during the offer period.

    • Note: Tier bonuses, family accrued Avios, and other promotional bonuses will not be included in this calculation.

  • Bonus Avios are based on booking date, flight date, cabin, and fare family purchased.

  • The offer is valid only for flights marketed and operated by Qatar Airways.

  • In case of overlapping promotions, the highest bonus will be awarded.

  • Members can use this offer multiple times within the offer period.

  • Tickets booked before 7 September 2025 or after 14 September 2025 will not qualify.

  • For assistance or inquiries, quote the offer code: 2508QA070 when contacting the Qatar Airways Member Service Centre or Contact Center.

 

Oman Air Offers Up to 50% Savings on Pre-Purchased Extra Baggage

Published: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Oman Air Offers Up to 50% Savings on Pre-Purchased Extra Baggage

Oman Air has introduced a new promotion allowing passengers to save up to 50% when purchasing additional baggage in advance.

Travelers can pre-book extra baggage allowances of 5kg, 10kg, or 20kg through the airline’s official website, omanair.com, or via its mobile app.

The offer is designed to make travel more convenient for passengers carrying gifts, souvenirs, or simply seeking extra comfort by packing more for their trips.

Oman Air encouraged customers to plan ahead and secure extra baggage space early to take advantage of the discounted rates.

Flynas Launches Special Offers for Saudi National Day Travel

Published: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Flynas Launches Special Offers for Saudi National Day Travel

In celebration of Saudi National Day, Flynas has announced a limited-time promotion through its travel platform, nasholidays. Travelers can now save up to 50% when booking flight and hotel packages together.

As part of the deal, customers will also receive a 100% bonus in nasmiles, Flynas' loyalty program, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers.

The promotion covers a wide range of both domestic and international destinations, encouraging travelers to explore new cities during the holiday period.

Flynas confirmed that the special sale will run until September 23, 2025, urging customers to book early to take advantage of the discounts before the offer ends.

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