June 11 - Gulf Air’s restructuring plans are nearly complete and will dramatically transform the airline into a regional airline serving primarily major and secondary cities within a few hours flying time from Bahrain. Chief executive, Samir Majali explained tat all unprofitable routes will be cut and orders with Boeing and Airbus are currently being renegotiated to bring the airline on sound financial footing.
Gulf Air was established in the 1940s and in 1973 became jointly owned by Bahrain, Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, all of which left, except for Bahrain, to foram their own airlines. Several management regimes over the last ten years have tried to shape a new identity for Gulf Air, but the airline has never turned a profit consistently, and in 2007 was losing US $1 million (Dh 3.67m) a day. Mr. Majali said that up to 10 underperforming routes a day will be cut, and the carrier will increase services to the region. He said Gulf Air will probably fly to 55 destinations by 2012, up from about 45 today.
Sadu House was established in 1979 in order to safeguard local Bedouin handicraft traditions. This museum display woven works, art, jewellery, wall-hangings, antiques and ceramic goods all handmade by Bedouin tribes of Kuwait. The area has now been converted into a major tourist attraction with family areas, childrens play section, dining area and shopping. It is open from Saturday to Thursday and...
The heart of old Riyadh, this was the fortress stormed by King Abdul Aziz and his men in their daring conquest of Riyadh in 1902. It was completely renovated in 2008 and the historic mud brick structure now appears brand new, but the museum inside recreates the story of the raid and has some excellent photos of old Riyadh. It was originally built in the late 19th century and, as the Al-Musmak Fort...
With over 60,000 visitors on weekends, it is by far one of the most popular places in the city. Spread out on 230,000 square meters, it is also one of the largest. It has a traditional Korean forest as well as a concert area and several paths for cycling, or walking. The hundreds of trees on the grounds offer shade to the thousands of visitors that throng the park. The three ponds in the park are ...
Located on Hang Duong Street in the Old Quarter, the communal house dates back to the 13th century and still functions as a temple, with altars to deities and small shrines in niches on the wall. Address: 38 Hang Duong Street ...