The first low fares flights to Dubai from Europe are to start in October as Scandinavian no frills airline Norwegian begins direct flights from Oslo and Stockholm.
Norwegian will offer two flights a week from Oslo to Dubai and three flights a week from Stockholm using new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Prices will start from 129 euros one way including taxes and charges and go on sale on 5 March.
"We see no reason not to launch long haul routes based on our low cost model. Our new fleet of 737-800s from Boeing enables us to look even further when analysing future markets and we aim to make good use of the opportunities the extra range gives us," says Norwegian CEO, Bjorn Kjos.
Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) has signed an agreement with property developer Nakheel to create four new theme parks in Dubai - SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove.
The new theme parks will be built on a section of The Palm Jebel Ali island called the Crown which will resemble a giant killer whale. Nakheel will build the parks, while BEC will license its brands to Nakheel and operate the parks under a management contract.
"Dubai has become one of the world's leading tourist destinations and a key part of the strategy has been attracting world-class entertainment brands to the emirate," says Nakheel CEO, Chris O'Donnell. "We are extremely honoured that The Palm Jebel Ali will become home to the first Worlds of Discovery theme parks outside the USA," adds O'Donnell.
The first phase of the new tourist attraction is expected to open in 2012.
Written by: Nick Purdom