Jordan to Host Regional World Ocean Summit at the Dead Sea

Jordan to Host Regional World Ocean Summit at the Dead Sea

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 5, 2024

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is gearing up to host a significant edition of the World Ocean Summit, scheduled from 14th to 16th May 2024 near Amman at the Dead Sea. This regional conference, under the esteemed Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and in cooperation with the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) initiative, is sponsored by the Government of Jordan and the Jordan Tourism Board. It marks a pivotal event in advancing discussions on ocean health and sustainable economic practices in the Middle East.

The summit is poised to attract over 200 distinguished attendees, including heads of state, political leaders, corporate executives, investors, and academics from around the globe. They will engage in robust discussions, share actionable insights, and explore sustainable solutions to balance oceanic preservation with economic interests.

An impressive lineup of speakers will grace the event, including Raed Abu-Soud, Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation; Fanny Douvere of the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Programme; Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a renowned professor from the University of Queensland; and Philippe Cousteau, co-founder of EarthEcho International. Their combined expertise will highlight crucial sustainability challenges and opportunities within the region’s marine ecosystems.

The agenda is meticulously crafted to cover critical topics such as climate change mitigation, innovative financing in marine conservation, the blue economy, and the latest in ocean-related technologies. This Middle Eastern edition of the summit is especially significant due to Jordan’s strategic location at the nexus of the Red Sea, providing a unique platform to propel the region’s blue economy forward.

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In conjunction with the Aqaba Marine Park initiative, the summit also emphasizes education and technological applications to address broader oceanic and climate challenges. This includes the conservation of the resilient coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Jordan’s rich natural and cultural heritage through optional tours to significant sites like the Holy Baptism site, Wadi Rum Protected Area, and the Aqaba Marine Nature Reserve. These excursions are designed to enrich the delegates’ experience, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Reflecting on the importance of this summit, His Excellency Mr. Nayef Al Fayez, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, stated, "The Regional World Ocean Summit in Jordan is a testament to our proactive approach in environmental stewardship and sustainable development. It serves as a model for transforming regional challenges into opportunities that benefit the global community."

The Regional World Ocean Summit not only underscores Jordan’s role as a leader in marine conservation but also sets the stage for future collaborative efforts to safeguard the world’s oceans for generations to come.


Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.

Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.

Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.

  • Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure. 

  • SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.

  • All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.

List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:

Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.

According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.

Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.


A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.


Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.

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