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Oman Air’s new direct service between Muscat and Amsterdam, launched on July 1, 2025, is expected to strengthen tourism and business ties between Oman and the Netherlands while improving travel opportunities across Europe. The route, operated four times a week using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, links Muscat International Airport with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest gateways. For Omani travellers, the connection offers easy access to Amsterdam’s renowned museums, cultural landmarks, and canal-lined streets, as well as smooth onward connections to major European cities. At the same time, Dutch visitors will find it easier than ever to explore Oman’s dramatic deserts, mountains, and coastline. His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the Netherlands is a key market for Oman. “This route is a strategic step to increase tourist flows, position Oman as a leading destination for European travellers, and enhance our economic and trade links with the EU,” he noted. The Ministry has been focusing heavily on the Dutch market, running targeted promotional campaigns and participating in key travel exhibitions. These include Vakantiebeurs, the ANVR Congress, and upcoming events such as Reisprof Event and TravDay later this year. In addition, familiarization trips for Dutch tour operators and journalists are being organized to showcase Oman’s varied tourism experiences. With more than 40 destinations in Asia and Africa connected through Oman Air’s network, the new flight is expected to benefit travellers in both directions. For Dutch tourists, the direct service offers a comfortable, time-saving way to discover Oman’s heritage and natural beauty. For Omanis, it creates a convenient entry point into Europe, with Amsterdam serving as a hub for further travel. Travellers looking to take advantage of the new Muscat–Amsterdam service can book their journeys through Zahara Travel, ensuring a seamless experience from ticketing to tailored travel support.
Travel isn’t what it used to be — and that’s not a bad thing. Technology has completely changed how we dream up, plan, and experience travel today. When you sit down to think about it it fascinating to see how much technology has effected a change in our travel habits. Some of these being: Booking from your couch No more endless calls or visiting multiple agents. Today, your next holiday is just a few clicks away. Platforms like Zahara Travel’s online booking system let you search, compare, and confirm your trip in minutes — all while sipping coffee at home. Instagram made me do it Ever booked a trip after seeing a jaw-dropping beach on Instagram? You’re not alone. Travel influencers and content creators inspire millions every day, turning once-hidden gems into viral must-visits. It’s like window-shopping the world from your phone. No surprises, just honest reviews Thanks to online hotel reviews, you know exactly what to expect before you arrive. Real traveller photos and ratings help you skip the guesswork — and the disappointment. Pre-booking = stress-free exploring Want to see a popular landmark? Many now require advance tickets or timed entry. Pre-booking tours, activities, and even restaurant tables means less waiting and more doing. Your phone is your travel buddy Navigation, language translation, currency conversion, flight updates — your smartphone is now the ultimate travel companion. Everything you need is literally in your pocket. At Zahara Travel, we bring these tech-driven conveniences together so your trip is smooth from start to finish. All you have to do is choose where you want to go — the rest is just a tap away.
Travel opens the door to unforgettable adventures, diverse cultures, and unique experiences. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, these fun travel facts will inspire wanderlust and leave you in awe of the world’s wonders! 1. The shortest commercial flight in the world lasts just 57 seconds! It’s between two Scottish islands, Westray and Papa Westray. 2. Monaco is smaller than New York City’s Central Park. It covers only 2.02 km²! 3. Japan has over 1,500 earthquakes every year – most of them are so mild they go unnoticed. 4. Russia spans 11 time zones, making it the largest country by area. 5. You can drive across the entire country of Liechtenstein in about 30 minutes. 6. The world's most remote post office is in Antarctica! The Penguin Post Office lets visitors send letters from the icy continent. 7. There are more sheep than people in New Zealand, with a ratio of 6 sheep per person. 8. The Great Wall of China isn't a continuous wall – it's made up of various segments built by different dynasties over thousands of years. 9. Greenland is actually not green; it’s mostly covered in ice. Meanwhile, Iceland is greener than Greenland. 10. The deepest postbox in the world is located in Susami Bay, Japan – it's 10 metres underwater! 11. France is the most visited country in the world, attracting over 89 million tourists per year. 12. Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is struck by lightning multiple times a year. 13. There’s a town in Norway called Hell – and in winter, “Hell” freezes over! 14. Saudi Arabia has no rivers. It is the largest country in the world without any natural river systems. 15. You can visit three countries at once at the tripoint between Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. 16. Mount Everest grows about 4 millimetres every year due to shifting tectonic plates. 17. South Africa is home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, the Bloukrans Bridge at 216 metres. 18. The Sahara Desert is larger than the entire United States. 19. The most expensive hotel room in the world is the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, costing $100,000 per night! 20. There are more than 6,000 languages spoken in the world today. 21. In India, there’s a temple dedicated to rats. Karni Mata Temple is home to thousands of holy rodents. 22. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, both by area and population. 23. Hawaii is moving closer to Japan by 10 centimetres every year due to tectonic movement. 24. The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, making it a true tropical paradise. 25. Australia is wider than the moon! The country spans about 4,000 km, while the moon's diameter is around 3,500 km. 26. The famous Hollywood sign originally read “Hollywoodland” when it was first erected in 1923. 27. The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a man-made geothermal spa, filled with seawater rich in minerals like silica. 28. Canada has the world’s longest coastline, stretching over 202,000 kilometres. 29. In Switzerland, it’s illegal to own just one guinea pig. They get lonely and need companionship! 30. Bhutan measures its success not by GDP, but by Gross National Happiness. 31. There is a lake in Australia called Lake Hillier, known for its bright pink colour. 32. The Eiffel Tower can grow up to 6 inches in the summer due to the expansion of iron in the heat. 33. Finland has more saunas than cars, with over 3 million saunas in a country of about 5.5 million people. 34. Papua New Guinea is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with over 800 languages spoken. 35. Antarctica is the only continent without a native human population. 36. Alaska is the westernmost, northernmost, and easternmost state in the U.S. due to the Aleutian Islands crossing the 180° meridian. 37. In Italy, there is a fountain that flows with red wine 24 hours a day! It’s located in the town of Caldari di Ortona. 38. Madagascar is home to about 5% of all known animal and plant species, most of which can’t be found anywhere else. 39. The United States has no official language at the federal level. 40. The Panama Canal allows ships to travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic without having to go around South America. 41. The world's oldest continuously operating hotel is the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan, which has been running since 705 AD. 42. Mexico City is sinking at an alarming rate due to over-extraction of groundwater – up to 9 inches per year. 43. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. 44. Canada is home to 20% of the world's fresh water. 45. The world’s largest cave, Son Doong in Vietnam, has its own river, jungle, and climate. 46. In Turkey, you can find "Pamukkale," natural terraces of hot springs formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate. 47. Argentina is home to the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. 48. The Maldives is the flattest country in the world, with an average elevation of only 1.5 metres above sea level. 49. The longest place name in the world is in New Zealand: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu. 50. Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world, with just 2 people per square kilometre. 51. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, sitting 430 metres below sea level. 52. Cuba is the only Caribbean island with a railroad. 53. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and can be seen from space. 54. Norway is home to the world’s longest road tunnel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which stretches 24.5 kilometres. 55. Spain has a festival called “La Tomatina,” where thousands of people gather to throw tomatoes at each other! 56. Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres. 57. South Korea has a "nap café" trend where people go to take power naps during the day. 58. In Bolivia, there’s a hotel made entirely of salt blocks called the Palacio de Sal. 59. Thailand is home to the longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years. 60. Costa Rica has no army – it was abolished in 1949. 61. There's a pub in London that's older than the United States! Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was rebuilt in 1667. 62. Croatia has over 1,200 islands, making it a boating paradise in the Adriatic Sea. 63. Mount Fuji in Japan is actually three separate volcanoes stacked on top of one another. 64. In Malaysia, the Penang Hill Railway is one of the world’s steepest funicular systems. 65. The world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, is in Hawaii and covers an area larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. 66. Ethiopia uses a different calendar from the rest of the world – it’s currently seven years behind the Gregorian calendar! 67. The world's longest flight lasts over 18 hours and operates between Singapore and New York. 68. In Italy, you can find the "Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte," a stunning, 142-step staircase decorated with intricate hand-painted tiles. 69. Canada’s national parks are so vast that some have their own time zones. 70. The word “travel” comes from the Old French word “travail,” meaning work, as travel was often arduous in the past. 71. The Nile River is the longest river in the world, spanning 11 countries. 72. There's a park in Austria that transforms into a lake during the spring due to melting snow from the mountains. 73. In Japan, cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” symbolise the ephemeral beauty of life. 74. Austria is home to the world’s oldest zoo, Schönbrunn Zoo, which opened in 1752. 75. In Oman, you can find some of the most stunning cave systems in the world, including Al Hoota Cave, famous for its underground lake. 76. Venice, Italy, is built on 118 small islands and has over 400 bridges connecting them. 77. Africa is the only continent to stretch across all four hemispheres: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. 78. The world’s largest snow maze is in Manitoba, Canada, and covers over 2,789 square metres. 79. The driest place on Earth is the Atacama Desert in Chile, where some areas have never recorded rainfall. 80. The town of Oymyakon in Russia holds the record for the coldest inhabited place on Earth, with temperatures dropping as low as -67.7°C (-89.9°F). 81. The Leaning Tower of Pisa took nearly 200 years to build and started leaning shortly after construction began due to its unstable foundation. 82. The Amazon Rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen and is often called the "lungs of the Earth." 83. In Qatar, there is a 9-kilometre crescent-shaped sand dune known as the "Singing Sand Dunes" because the sand makes a low humming sound when disturbed. 84. Japan is home to the world’s busiest train station, Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, which handles over 3.6 million passengers every day. 85. Machu Picchu in Peru was built in the 15th century and was rediscovered in 1911 after being hidden for centuries. 86. Luxembourg has the highest rate of car ownership in the world, with around 662 cars per 1,000 people. 87. Finland has a National Sleepyhead Day, where the last person to wake up in the household is thrown into a lake or the sea. 88. Australia is home to more kangaroos than people. 89. The city of Petra in Jordan is half-built and half-carved into the rock, earning it the nickname "Rose City" for its pink sandstone cliffs. 90. In Singapore, chewing gum is banned except for medicinal purposes. 91. The largest castle in the world, Malbork Castle in Poland, covers 143,591 square metres and was built by the Teutonic Knights. 92. The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 56.7°C (134°F) in Furnace Creek Ranch, California, in 1913. 93. In Bhutan, the national sport is archery, and traditional tournaments are a common sight during festivals. 94. The Philippines is home to the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier, which can fit in the palm of your hand. 95. The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world is the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in Switzerland, which stretches 494 metres and stands 85 metres above ground. 96. In Iceland, it’s common to leave babies outside in prams to nap, even in cold weather, as it’s believed to promote better health. 97. The Galápagos Islands are home to the world’s only marine iguanas, which have the unique ability to swim and dive for food. 98. The Czech Republic is home to over 2,000 castles and chateaux, making it one of the most castle-dense countries in the world. 99. You can visit a volcano inside a volcano at Iceland’s Þríhnúkagígur volcano, where you can descend into its dormant magma chamber. 100. The Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan is often referred to as "Mars on Earth" for its red, otherworldly landscape, and it has been used as a filming location for many space-themed movies. 101. Norway has a village called “A” – the shortest place name in the world. 102. Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is the largest salt flat in the world, and after it rains, it becomes a stunning natural mirror. 103. India’s Kumbh Mela is the largest human gathering on Earth, with millions attending the festival to bathe in the holy rivers. 104. Norway gives a Christmas tree to the United Kingdom every year as a symbol of gratitude for support during World War II. 105. The Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean is the only sea in the world without a coastline, as it is defined by ocean currents rather than land boundaries. 106. The Philippines hosts an annual giant lantern festival in San Fernando, where massive, intricately designed lanterns light up the night sky. 107. In Dubai, you can go skiing indoors in the middle of the desert at Ski Dubai, a massive indoor ski resort. 108. Scotland has more than 790 offshore islands, but only 94 of them are inhabited. 109. South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative). 110. Lake Baikal in Russia is the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake, containing about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater. From ancient wonders to natural marvels, these fun travel facts remind us how incredible our world is. At Zahara Travel, we’re passionate about helping you explore these destinations and more. Your next great adventure awaits – where will you go next?
Business travel can be a balancing act between staying organized and being prepared for any professional scenario that might arise. Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or new to the business travel scene, packing efficiently is key to a smooth journey. Here are some essential packing hacks to help you streamline your travel experience and ensure you arrive at your destination ready to succeed. 1. Make a Packing List Before you start packing, create a detailed list of everything you need. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget any essentials. Include items like business attire, toiletries, tech gadgets, and any documents you might need. Having a checklist can also help you streamline your packing process for future trips. 2. Choose Versatile Clothing Opt for clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Neutral colors like black, white, navy, and grey are ideal because they can be easily paired. Bring a few key pieces that can transition from day to night, such as a blazer that can be worn with dress pants for meetings and with jeans for a casual evening out. 3. Invest in Quality Luggage A good quality carry-on suitcase and a sturdy laptop bag or briefcase are essential for business travelers. Look for luggage that is lightweight, durable, and has plenty of compartments to keep your items organized. Spinner wheels can make navigating through airports much easier, and a laptop bag with padded compartments will protect your tech devices. 4. Pack Smart with a Rolling Method The rolling method is a great way to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to fit more into your suitcase and keep them looking fresh. For suits and dresses, consider using a garment bag to prevent creases. 5. Utilize Packing Cubes Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your suitcase organized. They allow you to separate different types of clothing and accessories, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire bag. Use smaller cubes for items like socks and underwear, and larger cubes for shirts and pants. 6. Keep Toiletries Minimal Minimize your toiletries by using travel-sized bottles and containers. Many hotels provide basic toiletries, so you can skip packing items like shampoo and conditioner. Use a clear, TSA-approved toiletry bag to keep your liquids organized and easily accessible during security checks. 7. Tech Essentials Ensure you have all your tech essentials packed and ready. This includes your laptop, charger, phone, portable battery pack, and any other devices you need for work. Keep all your cables and chargers in a separate pouch to avoid tangles. Consider carrying a universal power adapter if you're traveling internationally. 8. Portable Office Supplies Carry a few portable office supplies to help you stay productive on the go. A compact notebook, a pen, and a portable mouse can make working from anywhere much more comfortable. If you need to present or sign documents, a small folder can keep everything neatly organized. 9. Snack Smart Traveling can be unpredictable, and having a few healthy snacks on hand can keep you energized and focused. Pack items like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit that are easy to carry and won't spoil. This is especially useful if you're caught in long meetings or have a tight schedule. 10. Personal Comfort To make your travel experience more comfortable, pack a few personal comfort items. A neck pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask can make a big difference on long flights. If you have room, a lightweight blanket or shawl can keep you warm and cozy. Efficient packing is all about being prepared and organized. By following these packing hacks, you can streamline your business travel experience and focus on what truly matters: your work and the opportunities that await you at your destination. Safe travels and successful meetings await especially when you book your travel with Zahara Travel!
In a monumental leap forward for sustainable aviation, the world witnessed the successful maiden flight of the first of its kind zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft. This groundbreaking achievement marks a pivotal moment in the aviation industry's quest for greener and more environmentally friendly air travel solutions. The historic flight took place at ZeroAvia's research and development facility at Cotswold Airport in Kemble, UK. During the 10-minute test flight, the hydrogen-powered aircraft successfully completed taxi, take-off, a full pattern circuit, and landing, demonstrating the viability and potential of hydrogen-electric technology in commercial aviation. This achievement is not only a significant milestone for ZeroAvia but also for the broader aviation industry, showcasing the feasibility of achieving true zero-emission flight in the near future. The successful flight of the hydrogen-powered Dornier 228 marks a significant step forward in reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint and demonstrates the possibility of true zero-emission commercial flights being only a few years away. Unlike traditional aircraft, which rely on fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases, hydrogen-powered aircraft produce only water vapor as a byproduct. This technology has the potential to revolutionize air travel, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional jet engines. Beyond the realm of aviation, sustainable travel is a growing focus across all sectors of the travel industry. As travellers become more environmentally conscious, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly travel options that minimize carbon footprints and preserve natural environments. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs), electric public transport, eco-friendly accommodations, carbon offsetting, use of renewable energy is catching on. These days travellers are increasingly seeking information about eco-friendly destinations, ethical wildlife encounters, and sustainable travel tips. By making informed choices, travellers can contribute to positive environmental outcomes wherever they go. In conclusion, the successful maiden flight of the world's first zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft represents a significant achievement for both aviation and sustainability. It heralds a new era of sustainable air travel, where innovative technologies like hydrogen-electric powertrains pave the way for a greener and more environmentally responsible aviation sector. This milestone is a testament to human ingenuity and our collective commitment to addressing climate change through technological innovation. As we celebrate this historic achievement, we look forward to a future where zero-emission flight becomes the new standard, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable planet for generations to come.
Thu, 12 Jul 2018
Sun, 23 Dec 2018