UAE, Egypt to gradually expand air services over five years
Thu, 30 Jul 2026
The UAE and Egypt have agreed to gradually expand bilateral air traffic rights over the next five years under a phased framework aimed at meeting rising travel demand, creating new opportunities for airlines and strengthening economic integration between the two countries.
DAE posts $229.9m H1 profit as global aircraft portfolio grows
Wed, 29 Jul 2026
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) reported strong first-half 2026 results, with revenue rising to $865.9 million and profit before tax reaching $229.9 million, reflecting continued growth and a 26.6% pre-tax margin.
UAE hotel occupancy down 27.7%, Dubai sees steepest decline
Tue, 28 Jul 2026
The UAE’s hospitality market experienced a challenging first half of 2026 as regional disruptions impacted international travel demand and airline operations. The hotel occupancy rates across the country plunged 27.7% with Dubai recording the sharpest declines, said a report.
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort named UAE’s Best Destination at Haute Grandeur Awards
Tue, 28 Jul 2026
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort has been named Best Destination in the UAE at the Haute Grandeur Global Awards, recognising its blend of wildlife, adventure, hospitality and family-friendly experiences.
DC Aviation Al-Futtaim secures San Marino maintenance approval to expand MRO capabilities
Tue, 28 Jul 2026
DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) has secured CAR-145 maintenance approval from San Marino’s Civil Aviation Authority, expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and enabling support for T7-registered private and commercial aircraft.
flydubai to resume direct Dubai–Budapest flights from July 31
Mon, 27 Jul 2026
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will resume direct flights between Dubai International (DXB) and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) from July 31, restoring non-stop air links between the UAE and Hungary.
Etihad Airways, Africa World Airlines sign strategic partnership
Sun, 26 Jul 2026
Etihad Airways and Ghana-based Africa World Airlines have signed a strategic partnership to expand passenger, cargo and loyalty cooperation, linking Etihad's global network with West Africa ahead of the launch of direct Abu Dhabi–Accra flights in March 2027.
Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah added to Unesco Heritage List
Sun, 26 Jul 2026
The UAE has achieved a new global milestone after Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. The recognition, approved during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, highlights the site’s international importance as a significant natural heritage area.
UAE passport the world's second strongest in latest Henley Index
Wed, 22 Jul 2026
The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its position as one of the world's most travel-friendly nations, with its passport climbing to joint second place in the latest Henley Passport Index, giving Emirati citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide.
UAE outlines eligibility for five-year multiple-entry tourist visa
Tue, 21 Jul 2026
The UAE has clarified the eligibility criteria for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, which allows visitors of all nationalities to enter the country repeatedly without requiring a local sponsor or host.
Hidden gems thrive in Abu Dhabi as 73pc of residents share local favourites
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
Abu Dhabi residents are leading the way in uncovering the emirate’s hidden gems, with half able to instantly name a secret spot. A Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) study found 73% of UAE residents recommend lesser-known destinations by word of mouth.
Arabian Adventures unveils up to 50pc off summer desert experiences
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has unveiled a range of exclusive summer offers, giving UAE residents and visitors up to 50% off selected desert experiences until August 31, 2026.
Confidence is the catalyst for tourism’s next chapter
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director–UAE at RX Global, Dubai and the GCC are reinforcing tourism resilience through innovation, collaboration and long-term planning, with ATM 2026 highlighting AI and travel technology as key drivers of future industry growth.
Dubai Customs gears up for 3m summer travellers
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Dubai Customs expects three million passengers in early July and has launched a coordinated summer travel plan featuring advanced baggage screening, seven-second manual inspections, dedicated pet inspection rooms, and enhanced customs awareness.
dnata Travel brings back ‘Secret Stays’ as demand for curated escapes grows
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
dnata Travel has relaunched its Secret Stays campaign, offering UAE travellers curated luxury escapes with surprise resorts. The Maldives package includes accommodation, meals, transfers and premium benefits, reflecting strong demand for convenient summer holiday experiences.
Emirates Group wins UAE’s top sustainability award for second time
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
The Emirates Group has received the UAE’s highest recognition for corporate sustainability, earning the Platinum Impact Seal Award 2025–2027 from the UAE National CSR Fund, Majra, for the second time.
JA Resorts & Hotels welcomes UK guests following travel advice update
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
JA Resorts & Hotels is welcoming international guests after the UK Foreign Office lifted its advice against all but essential travel to the UAE. Visitors can now enjoy stays at JA Beach Hotel, JA Palm Tree Court, JA Lake View Hotel and JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
Global Muslim travel to reach 208m arrivals in 2026: report
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Global Muslim travel is forecast to reach 208 million arrivals in 2026, driven by AI-powered trip planning and digital trust. GMTI says destinations must digitise Muslim-friendly services, while the UAE ranks sixth globally among leading Muslim-friendly destinations.
Air Arabia starts Sharjah–London Gatwick service
Sun, 05 Jul 2026
Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, launched its new double daily non-stop service between Sharjah International Airport and London Gatwick Airport. The inaugural flight departed on July 4.
Airport Show 2026 to spotlight biometrics for seamless passenger experience
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Airport Show 2026, taking place from October 12–14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will highlight biometric and passenger innovations, as Middle East airports accelerate digital identity adoption to improve efficiency, security, and travel flow amid projected 240 million passengers in 2026.
InteleTravel launches UAE operations, marking first Mideast expansion
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
InteleTravel has launched UAE operations, its first Middle East expansion, offering local advisors access to global travel products, supplier partnerships, training and support. The company aims to recruit 1,000 UAE-based advisors initially.