Dubai hotel claims kosher food first

Habtoor Hospitality will introduce a kosher food and beverage service to its UAE kitchens. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 04 September 2020
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Dubai hotel claims kosher food first

  • Habtoor Hospitality has partnered with Ellis Kosher Kitchen to introduce Kosher food and beverage services to its UAE kitchens
  • Hotels offering Kosher Catering will include Hilton Dubai, V Hotel, Habtoor Palace Dubai and others

LONDON: Dubai-based Al-Habtoor Group said it has become the first UAE hotel operator to offer kosher food to its guests.

It comes just days after the first flight between the UAE and Israel and warming relations between the two countries following the historic Aug. 13 agreement to establish diplomatic ties.

Habtoor Hospitality has partnered with Ellis Kosher Kitchen to introduce kosher food and beverage services to its UAE kitchens. Under the deal meals will be prepared in accordance with the OU Kosher Certification (Orthodox United), an established form of certification when it comes to handling kosher meals globally. 

Guests with kosher meal preferences will be able to select from an assortment of dishes packaged and sealed with an OU certified stamp.

Hotels offering kosher catering will include Hilton Dubai, V Hotel, Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotel and Resorts, Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, Metropolitan Hotel and Habtoor Polo Resort.

Earlier this week an El Al airliner completed the first official flight between Israel and the UAE after the Gulf state became only the third Arab country in the region to recognize Israel.

Ellis Kosher Kitchen was established by South Africa-born Elli Kriel, who moved to the UAE in 2013 with her family.

Kriel set up her business in 2019 during the inauguration of the Year of Tolerance, to offer kosher and Jewish foods in the UAE.

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Kosher food

Kosher food is prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 35 min 4 sec ago
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Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.