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Almosafer’s CEO Shares the Company’s Evolution from Hotel Booking Platform to a Comprehensive Omnichannel Travel Agency

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The Integrator had an exclusive interview with Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer. He sheds light on how the company started and transformed into one of the largest omnichannel travel agency of the Middle East.

What was the main idea behind starting Almosafer?

Almosafer, part of Seera Group, was founded in 2013 with the original intention of creating a travel booking platform for Saudis focused specifically on hotel reservations. As time went on, we experienced significant growth and Almosafer was transformed into a fully-fledged omnichannel travel agency for the Middle East. I have since overseen the amalgamation of all of Seera Group’s travel businesses under the Almosafer umbrella. These businesses include Almosafer, Almosafer Business, Discover Saudi, and Mawasim.

How does Almosafer differentiate itself from other travel brands in the Middle East?

Almosafer stands out in the Middle East market due to our comprehensive suite of products and services, covering the entire travel spectrum from religious tourism to leisure tourism in Saudi Arabia. We also cater to business, corporate, and government travel needs, in addition to our strength in consumer travel. What sets us apart is that all these services are integrated into a single platform, utilizing the same technology and data. This centralized sourcing approach enables us to provide a unique and seamless set of services for the entire travel ecosystem.

Can you give a brief about the four main areas that Almosafer deals with?

We are the Middle East’s leading travel company, catering to every travel vertical. There are four businesses under the Almosafer umbrella.

  1. Mawasim, which focuses on religious travel, specifically Hajj and Umrah into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We collaborate with agents globally, particularly in key markets like Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Europe, and the US. Our aim is to provide B2B packages to these agents, which they can offer to their customers.
  2. Discover Saudi, which caters to inbound leisure tourism. We offer packages, tours, and operations for B2B international agents, covering all of Saudi Arabia. This includes popular destinations like AlUla and the Red Sea, among others.
  3. Almosafer Business, which specializes in corporate and government travel within Saudi Arabia. We work closely with government and corporate agencies to meet their travel needs and provide tailored solutions.
  4. Almosafer, our largest segment that is consumer travel, which includes B2C services through our mobile application, website, WhatsApp, and call center operations. We cater to consumer travel demands not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the rest of the GCC region.

Can you elaborate a little on the Almosafer Concierge that is your luxury travel service, how it caters to VIP and high-end clients?

Almosafer Concierge is an exclusive, invitation-only program that offers tailored luxury trips for VIP and high-end clients. We have established special partnerships and access for our guests at renowned luxury hotels such as Four Seasons and Marriott. Our team, largely comprised of Saudi professionals, understands the preferences and expectations of Saudi travelers. We also have international experts supporting us in delivering exceptional service. In addition to our invitation-only program, we offer a concierge planning service, allowing individuals to access our concierge services through a one-time fee.

What are the company’s future plans?

We have ambitious plans for the future. In 2023 alone, we are targeting 40 to 50% growth. We are excited about our non-binding terms agreement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed in September 2022, that we aim to close in the near future. This agreement is expected to provide us with further growth opportunities. As a company, we remain committed to investing in tourism and technology for Saudi Arabia and the wider region, continually striving to enhance our offerings and services.

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AQAYA INTRODUCES CURATED CHOCOLATE BOXES FOR THOUGHTFUL FESTIVE GIFTING

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This Ramadan, Aqaya Cafe introduces a beautifully curated chocolate collection, crafted to elevate seasonal gifting and Iftar hosting. Featuring artisanal Chocolate Barks, decadent Mendiants, and crunchy Nut Clusters, the thoughtfully curated boxes blend premium ingredients with exquisite packaging, making them the perfect gift for family, friends, or corporate gatherings.

At the heart of the collection are three irresistible selections of:

Chocolate Barks in three assorted flavours:
-Tropical White Chocolate with dried mango, lime zest, and desiccated coconut
-Biscoff White Chocolate Crunch with Lotus Biscoff crumb
-Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate with peanut butter and roasted peanuts

Mendiants in:
-White chocolate with roasted pistachio and dried cranberry
-Milk chocolate with roasted hazelnut and crunchy feuilletine
-Dark chocolate with roasted walnut and dried figs

Nut Clusters in:
-White chocolate with roasted pistachio
-Milk chocolate with roasted pecans
-Dark chocolate with roasted almonds

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted in-house using the finest ingredients, ensuring an authentic yet modern culinary experience making the collection ideal for Iftar tables, Eid gifting, and premium corporate hampers. The artisanal chocolate collection is available in four box sizes.

The collection is available for purchase at both City Walk and Dubai Creek Harbour locations from February 18th onwards.

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CELEBRATE THE EID LONG WEEKEND WITH A FAMILY STAYCATION AND THEME PARK ADVENTURES AT YAS PLAZA HOTELS

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This Eid Al Fitr, Yas Plaza Hotels is bringing extra excitement to the long weekend with a special family stay that includes access to Yas Island’s world-famous theme parks with every booking. With thrilling theme park adventures, relaxing pool time, and plenty of family dining to enjoy, it offers families an Eid getaway filled with fun, celebration, and quality time together.

What makes the stay stand out is that the fun is already built in. With theme park access included as part of the stay, families can spend their days between the thrills of Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the splash-filled rides of Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, favourite characters at Warner Bros. World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and the marine encounters of SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, all just minutes away. It gives families an easy way to fill the Eid break with celebration, adventure, and moments together.

Across the collection, the rest of the experience feels just as easy. With six hotels and more than 1,400 rooms, Yas Plaza Hotels offers plenty of choice for different kinds of family stays, whether that means extra space, suite-style comfort, or a relaxed base for a packed weekend. Guests can also enjoy private access to Cyan Beach, multiple swimming pools and wellness facilities, complimentary shuttle services across Yas Island, and more than 21 dining outlets.

The Yas Plaza Hotels collection includes Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Staybridge Suites Yas Island, Yas Plaza Marina by IHG, Yas Plaza Circuit by IHG, Yas Plaza Mangroves by IHG, and Yas Plaza Bay by IHG, all centrally located on Yas Island within easy reach of major attractions including Yas Marina Circuit and Etihad Arena.

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STAY 301 METRES ABOVE THE SKYLINE THIS EID: ADDRESS BEACH RESORT DUBAI UNVEILS A COLLECTION OF SKY-HIGH STAYCATIONS

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As Eid Al Fitr approaches, a time for celebration, togetherness and well-deserved moments of relaxation, Address Beach Resort Dubai is introducing a collection of exclusive staycation experiences designed for those looking to escape the everyday without leaving the city. From relaxed beachfront breaks and adult friendly getaways to stylish midweek retreats, the resort’s curated offers invite guests to celebrate the spirit of Eid with elevated moments, panoramic views and vibrant dining experiences at one of Dubai’s most iconic lifestyle destinations.

While ideal for celebrating the Eid holiday, the limited-time offers are available throughout March and April, allowing guests to continue enjoying the resort’s experiences long after the festivities have ended.

Perfectly positioned at the end of Jumeirah Beach Residence, the contemporary resort is instantly recognisable for its twin 77-storey towers connected by a dramatic sky bridge, offering panoramic views across the Arabian Gulf, Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai.

Exclusive UAE Residents Offer:

Available for a limited time, the Exclusive UAE Residents Offer invites residents to celebrate the Eid season with a refreshing escape while discovering the resort’s dining, leisure and wellness experiences,while enjoying up to 30% savings on stays. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast at ZETA Seventy Seven or half-board dining, allowing them to savour the resort’s signature culinary experiences overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Families travelling with children can enjoy additional perks, with kids dining free in line with their parents’ meal plan (up to 11.99 years old). Younger guests can also splash free in the resort’s iconic rooftop infinity pool until 1pm, making it the perfect way to start the day with unforgettable skyline views. Guests booking the offer can also take advantage of early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability, allowing extra time to unwind and fully embrace the resort’s vibrant coastal setting during the festive break.

Adult Staycation Offer:

For adults looking to take a well-deserved break, Address Beach Resort Dubai introduces an Adult Staycation Offer, available for stays throughout March and April. Designed for two adults, the experience invites guests to enjoy 30% savings alongside a complimentary floating breakfast at ZETA Seventy Seven once per stay, creating a memorable start to the day against the backdrop of Dubai’s spectacular coastline.

The offer also includes a guaranteed room upgrade to Sea View, daily breakfast, a complimentary minibar once per stay (reduced set), and early check-in and late check-out, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in the resort’s signature experiences.

Infinity After Dark, Midweek Staycation Offer:

Turn the middle of the week into a stylish city escape with the Infinity After Dark Midweek Staycation Offer at Address Beach Resort Dubai, available Sunday through Thursday for stays in March and April.

Guests can check in after 5pm and enjoy a stylish overnight getaway at a fixed rate of AED 850++, including daily breakfast, access to the resort’s iconic infinity pool, and a room upgrade to Sea View. Designed for a maximum of two adults, the experience offers the perfect opportunity to unwind after work while enjoying one of Dubai’s most remarkable views across the city and coastline.

At the pinnacle of the resort lies one of Dubai’s most remarkable lifestyle moments, the Guinness World Record-holding highest outdoor infinity pool in a building, soaring 301 metres above sea level and offering breathtaking views across the coastline and skyline.

Beyond its record-breaking skyline experience, Address Beach Resort Dubai offers a destination-driven setting centred around dining, leisure and wellness. Guests can spend their days relaxing on the beach, enjoying vibrant dining experiences, or exploring the surrounding JBR lifestyle district. Those seeking relaxation can also unwind at Dubai’s highest spa, where restorative treatments are complemented by panoramic sea and city views, creating a truly elevated wellness experience.

With a series of curated staycation experiences available throughout March and April, Address Beach Resort Dubai invites guests to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with sky-high leisure, vibrant dining and relaxed beachfront moments at one of Dubai’s most recognisable lifestyle destinations. Whether planning a festive holiday escape with family, a relaxing couple’s retreat, or a stylish midweek city break, the limited-time offers provide the perfect opportunity to unwind above the skyline well beyond the Eid celebrations.

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