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Mbeki to pay state visit to Qatar
Monday, 05 May 2008
TRADE RELATIONS: Thabo Mbeki will lead a high-level business and government delegation on a two-day visit to Qatar. (AFP)
South African president Thabo Mbeki leaves Monday on a state visit to Qatar where he will discuss economic, political and trade relations with the gas-rich Gulf emirate, the government said.
Foreign affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said Mbeki would lead a high-level business and government delegation on the two-day visit which will include a meeting with Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
"President Thabo Mbeki and his high-powered government and business delegation will visit Qatar within the context of South Africa's priority to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Qatar with a view to advancing South-South cooperation," Mamoepa said in a statement.
Qatar, with its oil reserves of 15.21 billion barrels and its huge natural gas reserves is of great strategic importance to South Africa, with several large contracts and projects underway between the two nations.
Mbeki will also brief the emir on the status of conflict resolution and peacekeeping in Africa. The two are also expected to discuss issues of mutual interest such as reform of the United Nations.
influence of low cost carriers
Posted by jaykrishnan, sharjah, u.a.e. on 17 August 2008 at 11:05 UAE time
LCCs play a major role in increasing Gulf states air travel. an average employee who used to travel to home country once in two year is travelling in every year. A person was flying once in a year has doubled or tripled his trip after the arrival of Low cost carriers.
travel has become in an affordable way to common people.
cannot hide the fact that most of the regions airlines have slashed their ticket price almost to half if not less than that due to increase of seat capacity and competition.
The recent fuel price hikes did not massively effect the price structure of most of the regional carries except very few.
Posted by jaykrishnan, sharjah, u.a.e. on 17 August 2008 at 11:05 UAE time
LCCs play a major role in increasing Gulf states air travel. an average employee who used to travel to home country once in two year is travelling in every year. A person was flying once in a year has doubled or tripled his trip after the arrival of Low cost carriers.
travel has become in an affordable way to common people.
cannot hide the fact that most of the regions airlines have slashed their ticket price almost to half if not less than that due to increase of seat capacity and competition.
The recent fuel price hikes did not massively effect the price structure of most of the regional carries except very few.
Islamic Travel Sector in Europe
Posted by Step in Time Tours, Birmingham, England on 14 May 2008 at 15:58 UAE time
Although we can see a burgeoning Muslim travel trade increasing in the Middle East. Unfortunately this has overshadowed the importance of re-discovering certain destinations that have been oblivious to the Muslim world. European destinations such as Spain, was a part of the Islamic Empire in the medieval period of history and as a result of this its culture is infused totally with Islamic insertions.
Indeed traveling to Spain and looking at this history provides solutions for many of the ideological problems we have today especially in terms of the so called Clash of Civilisations.
This also provides clearer solutions behind resentment that has increased after 9/11 across the world. Which has lead to the UK's FCO and US State Department earmarked warnings.
Posted by Step in Time Tours, Birmingham, England on 14 May 2008 at 15:58 UAE time
Although we can see a burgeoning Muslim travel trade increasing in the Middle East. Unfortunately this has overshadowed the importance of re-discovering certain destinations that have been oblivious to the Muslim world. European destinations such as Spain, was a part of the Islamic Empire in the medieval period of history and as a result of this its culture is infused totally with Islamic insertions.
Indeed traveling to Spain and looking at this history provides solutions for many of the ideological problems we have today especially in terms of the so called Clash of Civilisations.
This also provides clearer solutions behind resentment that has increased after 9/11 across the world. Which has lead to the UK's FCO and US State Department earmarked warnings.
Show all comments
Unskilled Workers
Posted by george thomas, dubai, united arab emirates on 13 May 2008 at 02:07 UAE time
"To stem soaring unemployment among nationals". Good idea - but will thousands upon thousands of nationals be queuing up to work on the construction sites?
Posted by george thomas, dubai, united arab emirates on 13 May 2008 at 02:07 UAE time
"To stem soaring unemployment among nationals". Good idea - but will thousands upon thousands of nationals be queuing up to work on the construction sites?
Most preferred destination
Posted by harsha, dubai, uae on 11 May 2008 at 10:47 UAE time
I had participated in the travel survey. I wanted to know the results of the most preferred destination for holidays. How can I see the same results.
Editor's reply We will release this information shortly.
Posted by harsha, dubai, uae on 11 May 2008 at 10:47 UAE time
I had participated in the travel survey. I wanted to know the results of the most preferred destination for holidays. How can I see the same results.
Editor's reply We will release this information shortly.
Travel data
Posted by Zobia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 11 May 2008 at 09:00 UAE time
Hi I participated in the survey can I see the results of the survey. We sell travel insurance and this will be useful to know how frequently people travel and what is the travel market in UAE.
Editor's Reply Yes, of course. Please visit the results of the survey here.
Posted by Zobia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 11 May 2008 at 09:00 UAE time
Hi I participated in the survey can I see the results of the survey. We sell travel insurance and this will be useful to know how frequently people travel and what is the travel market in UAE.
Editor's Reply Yes, of course. Please visit the results of the survey here.
Rewards Program holds the Key....
Posted by H.Nair, Dubai on 11 May 2008 at 08:49 UAE time
Am a frequelent traveller in Emirates. To bare it all, there is nothing fantastic about travelling in Emirates. Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines every other airline is almost the same. But how these airlines carry themselves (the Marketing strategies) in the eyes of the common traveller, makes them different. If not for the Skywards Flying returns program of Emirates, I dont think i would have travelled with Emirates so often. Just an illustration, my hometown is in the South Coast of India. And as part of my job profile in dubai, i am expected to travel outside dubai at least 10 days a month (and i clock at least 8,000 Miles a month), which means, if i travel in Emirates in economy, for all my business travels, for 3 months, i get a free ticket to my hometown.....that hopefully explains the penchant of almost a majority of Emirates passengers. In my opinion Emirates is an arilines which simply have a superb flying-returns program.
Posted by H.Nair, Dubai on 11 May 2008 at 08:49 UAE time
Am a frequelent traveller in Emirates. To bare it all, there is nothing fantastic about travelling in Emirates. Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines every other airline is almost the same. But how these airlines carry themselves (the Marketing strategies) in the eyes of the common traveller, makes them different. If not for the Skywards Flying returns program of Emirates, I dont think i would have travelled with Emirates so often. Just an illustration, my hometown is in the South Coast of India. And as part of my job profile in dubai, i am expected to travel outside dubai at least 10 days a month (and i clock at least 8,000 Miles a month), which means, if i travel in Emirates in economy, for all my business travels, for 3 months, i get a free ticket to my hometown.....that hopefully explains the penchant of almost a majority of Emirates passengers. In my opinion Emirates is an arilines which simply have a superb flying-returns program.
Emirates
Posted by Greg Hodge, Dubai, UAE on 11 May 2008 at 07:28 UAE time
I would agree that Emirates has very good service but only until something goes wrong. They lost my luggage over a month ago and have been very ordinary in their attempts to resolve the issue. A word of warning to travellers make sure that you read all the terms and conditions before you fly with them.
Posted by Greg Hodge, Dubai, UAE on 11 May 2008 at 07:28 UAE time
I would agree that Emirates has very good service but only until something goes wrong. They lost my luggage over a month ago and have been very ordinary in their attempts to resolve the issue. A word of warning to travellers make sure that you read all the terms and conditions before you fly with them.
comment
Posted by patrick abou chedid, dubai, uae on 10 May 2008 at 16:28 UAE time
It is true that Emirates Airlines has a high price, but I do have to admit that they have the best service ever...
Posted by patrick abou chedid, dubai, uae on 10 May 2008 at 16:28 UAE time
It is true that Emirates Airlines has a high price, but I do have to admit that they have the best service ever...
To Be or Not To Be
Posted by Ferdinand, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 10 May 2008 at 16:05 UAE time
Emirates flies to over 100 destination in 62 countries, most of the travelers know this airlines in Dubai and yet this airline is not the best airline when it comes to service. Most well known, yes.
Its staff really need to be trained for a multi-cultural environment.
Posted by Ferdinand, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 10 May 2008 at 16:05 UAE time
Emirates flies to over 100 destination in 62 countries, most of the travelers know this airlines in Dubai and yet this airline is not the best airline when it comes to service. Most well known, yes.
Its staff really need to be trained for a multi-cultural environment.
Emirates popularity not surprising
Posted by John on 9 May 2008 at 11:16 UAE time
Must hand it to Emirates for ensuring it is still the most popular airline despite having one of the worst on-board service and ridiculously high prices. Just goes to show that we still live in a world where consumers choose brand image over comfort and service. Nonetheless, all other aspects of the airline are pretty decent.
Posted by John on 9 May 2008 at 11:16 UAE time
Must hand it to Emirates for ensuring it is still the most popular airline despite having one of the worst on-board service and ridiculously high prices. Just goes to show that we still live in a world where consumers choose brand image over comfort and service. Nonetheless, all other aspects of the airline are pretty decent.
Re: Poor Service from Emirates
Posted by Nadeem Raza, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 8 May 2008 at 14:49 UAE time
I do not agree completely here as I travel very frequently with emirates/luftansa/thai/saudi airlines/swiss air etc. and from my experiences, I can say that Emirates is outstanding with Thai as the worst.
Emirates have well maintained aircrafts and hospitable staff, whereas Thai have old aircrafts along with rude staff.
We all differ with our likes and dislikes, and that's why everything sells in this world.
Posted by Nadeem Raza, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 8 May 2008 at 14:49 UAE time
I do not agree completely here as I travel very frequently with emirates/luftansa/thai/saudi airlines/swiss air etc. and from my experiences, I can say that Emirates is outstanding with Thai as the worst.
Emirates have well maintained aircrafts and hospitable staff, whereas Thai have old aircrafts along with rude staff.
We all differ with our likes and dislikes, and that's why everything sells in this world.
Emirates
Posted by Ajith, UAE on 8 May 2008 at 13:49 UAE time
Emirates may be the popular airline, but the worst in service. The ground and air staffs' attitude borders on arrogance esp towards passengers whom they consider non worthy. I was offloaded once at the boarding gate in Dubai airport as, as per Emirates staffer i wasn't eligible for visa on arrival in Qatar.
The person asked me 'do you live in dubai?' and when I said yes, the reply was 'you can at least go home'. I called up Qatar airways airport office and the person there accommodated me in the next Qatar airways flight after getting authorization for a visa on arrival in Doha!
I never travel Emirates, prefers Qatar or Sri Lankan which are much better airlines.
Posted by Ajith, UAE on 8 May 2008 at 13:49 UAE time
Emirates may be the popular airline, but the worst in service. The ground and air staffs' attitude borders on arrogance esp towards passengers whom they consider non worthy. I was offloaded once at the boarding gate in Dubai airport as, as per Emirates staffer i wasn't eligible for visa on arrival in Qatar.
The person asked me 'do you live in dubai?' and when I said yes, the reply was 'you can at least go home'. I called up Qatar airways airport office and the person there accommodated me in the next Qatar airways flight after getting authorization for a visa on arrival in Doha!
I never travel Emirates, prefers Qatar or Sri Lankan which are much better airlines.
Poor service from Emirates
Posted by Satish, Durban, South Africa on 8 May 2008 at 11:46 UAE time
I've flown with Emirates in January 2008, was very disappointed.
All flights were delayed, the service was not what I expected on-board.We were flying with our 1 year old baby and the hostesses never considered our situation, all meals were brought at once. Friendliness - can't comment on that, I had better response flying SAA and Delta.
Posted by Satish, Durban, South Africa on 8 May 2008 at 11:46 UAE time
I've flown with Emirates in January 2008, was very disappointed.
All flights were delayed, the service was not what I expected on-board.We were flying with our 1 year old baby and the hostesses never considered our situation, all meals were brought at once. Friendliness - can't comment on that, I had better response flying SAA and Delta.
Length of vacations
Posted by Mohammed Azizi, Dubai, UAE on 5 May 2008 at 18:34 UAE time
Really interesting to see the average length of a vacation seems now to be around two weeks. I guess those long summer months when there was little point to be in the region have gone. I am not sure if that's a good thing or not... but I will certainly miss that stress free month....
Posted by Mohammed Azizi, Dubai, UAE on 5 May 2008 at 18:34 UAE time
Really interesting to see the average length of a vacation seems now to be around two weeks. I guess those long summer months when there was little point to be in the region have gone. I am not sure if that's a good thing or not... but I will certainly miss that stress free month....
LCCs play a major role in increasing Gulf states air travel. an average employee who used to travel to home country once... 
