BRUNEI is a hassle free destination for Middle Eastern guests – there are no worries about halal issues, no visa requirements for Oman and UAE citizens and visas are given upon arrival for Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait citizens.
In addition, it is a wholesome, family environment for travellers seeking a destination that offers a Malay Islamic society experience in a pristine tropical environment, coupled with peace and stability resulting from a respected centuries old sharifian dynasty, according to Brunei Tourism. The only remaining sovereign Malay Islamic Monarchy, it has a tolerant and outward looking Islamic way of life, and offers modern infrastructure, high end accommodation and nature and culture orientated day excursions.
Brunei is a new destination for the Middle East market, one that few people from that area have visited, so there is a strong element of novelty and curiosity for the market, said Jean Christophe Robles Espinosa, director of marketing for Brunei Tourism.
Brunei is only about two hours flight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, connected daily to these hubs by Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Thai Airways on code share.
The country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo is also connected daily to Dubai via Royal Brunei Airlines, and can make an stopover on the way to Australia or New Zealand, or as part of a twin destination trip combining Brunei with Sabah or Sarawak, Manila or Ho Chi Mihn City, all destinations served by Royal Brunei Airlines.