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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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voco Bonnington Dubai Targets UAE Staycation Seekers with Flexible 36-Hour Hotel Experience

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No Plans, No Problem: voco Bonnington Dubai Makes the Last-Minute Escape Easy

Voco Bonnington Dubai is proving that a proper break doesn’t need weeks of planning, a packed itinerary or even a flight. Tucked into Jumeirah Lake Towers, the hotel is positioning itself as the escape that’s ready whenever guests are, whether that’s a spur-of-the-moment staycation or an easy Friday night out.

At the centre of the offer is a new 36-hour staycation, designed for anyone who wants more than a rushed overnight stay without the effort of organising one. Guests check in from 9am and check out at 9pm the following day, unlocking a full day and a half at the hotel for the price of one night, with breakfast included on both mornings and children staying free with complimentary kids’ menu meals throughout. It’s a format built for whatever the moment calls for: a long lie-in, an afternoon by the pool, or simply a comfortable space to work from before heading back into the city. The offer is bookable for stays until 6 September 2026, part of a wider IHG Hotels & Resorts initiative across more than 190 properties in the Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia.

For guests looking for something shorter and closer to home, Author’s Lounge offers its own no-planning-required escape with Friday Plot Twist, a weekly evening offer running every Friday from 6pm to 10pm. For AED 99, guests can enjoy three drinks and their choice of bites in the lounge’s stylish surroundings, an easy way to unwind after the week without needing to book ahead or go far.

Location adds to the ease. voco Bonnington Dubai sits minutes from DMCC Metro, Dubai Marina and JBR, giving guests quick access to the beach, marina walk and the city’s business districts, while the hotel itself, complete with pool, gym and food and beverage outlets, offers enough to make staying in just as tempting. Whether it’s a full staycation or a Friday evening out, the hotel is there to be dropped into, no advance planning necessary.

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Bobi Bowl Celebrates Hari Kemerdekaan Indonesia with Free Dessert on August 17

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Dubai-based Indonesian restaurant Bobi Bowl is marking Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia, or Indonesian Independence Day, on August 17 with a sweet thank-you to the UAE community that has supported its journey.

Guests dining in at Bobi Bowl on August 17 will receive a complimentary serving of Klepon Merah Putih, a special edition of the traditional Indonesian dessert created for the occasion. The chewy glutinous rice balls are filled with palm sugar and coated in freshly grated coconut. While klepon is traditionally green, Bobi Bowl has coloured this special version red to reflect the colours of the Indonesian flag.

The celebration comes as Bobi Bowl reflects on the past few months, which have not always been easy, but were made possible by the incredible support of the UAE community. As part of the occasion, Bobi Bowl also hopes to continue sharing the flavours of Indonesia with more people across the country.

Among its Indonesian best sellers are Beef Rendang, tender beef slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices and coconut; Beef Empal Gepuk, a sweet and savoury Indonesian beef dish cooked for 18 hours until exceptionally tender; and Nasi Ayam Geprek, crispy fried chicken served with fiery sambal.

This August 17, Bobi Bowl invites the community to celebrate Indonesia’s independence, one bowl and one sweet ending at a time. Bobi Bowl is located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 12, Wasl Port Views Building 5, Al Mina Street, opposite the Port Police HQ, Dubai.

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Address Jabal Omar Makkah Enhances Summer Pilgrimage Experiences with Night Umrah Stays

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As the summer evenings bring cooler temperatures to the Holy City, Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites pilgrims to experience the tranquility of Night Umrah, where worship, reflection, and comfort come together in one of Makkah’s most sought-after locations.

Located just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the spiritually centered luxury hotel offers guests the opportunity to perform Umrah during the peaceful evening hours before returning to refined hospitality, panoramic Haram-view accommodation, and thoughtfully designed experiences that place spirituality at the heart of every stay. Drawing on its exceptional location and guest-focused hospitality, the hotel continues to offer an experience centered on ease, comfort, and meaningful spiritual connection.

A Peaceful Time for Night Umrah

As temperatures become more comfortable after sunset, many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the evening, when the atmosphere around Al Masjid Al Haram becomes calmer and more serene. With its unrivalled proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, Address Jabal Omar Makkah allows guests to move effortlessly between worship and rest, making the Night Umrah experience both convenient and deeply meaningful.

Whether preparing for evening prayers, returning after Tawaf and Sa’i, or embracing quiet moments of reflection, guests are welcomed into an environment thoughtfully designed around the rhythm of pilgrimage, allowing more time to focus on what matters most.

Moments Above the Holy City

Among the hotel’s most remarkable experiences is the iconic Sky Musallah, an elevated prayer hall set on a skybridge between the 36th and 38th floors. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest suspended prayer hall overlooking the Holy Kaaba, the Sky Musallah offers panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing an extraordinary setting for prayer and quiet contemplation above the city.

As evening falls and Al Masjid Al Haram is illuminated, guests can experience moments of serenity in one of Makkah’s most distinctive spiritual landmarks, creating memories that remain long after their pilgrimage has ended.

An Experience Rooted in Comfort and Spiritual Connection

Following moments of worship at Al Masjid Al Haram, guests can retreat to elegantly appointed Haram-view rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, tranquility, and uninterrupted views of the Holy Kaaba and the city skyline. Dining experiences at The Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge celebrate Saudi and Hejazi flavors, with menus thoughtfully structured around prayer and fasting schedules.

Combining exceptional proximity to Al Masjid Al Haram, refined hospitality, and experiences inspired by the spiritual rhythm of Makkah, Address Jabal Omar Makkah provides an ideal setting for pilgrims seeking a meaningful Night Umrah experience this summer. The hotel’s recent international recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards further reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

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