Etihad increases Damascus to daily service as demand grows
Thu, 08 Oct 2026
Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi-Damascus service to daily flights from November 14, 2026, expanding the route from four to seven flights a week as demand grows between the UAE and Syria.
Louvre Abu Dhabi appoints Souraya Noujaim as Director
Wed, 07 Oct 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has appointed Dr. Souraya Noujaim as Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, as the museum prepares to mark its 10th anniversary in 2027.
Air India Express expands winter West Asia network with 135 daily flights
Tue, 06 Oct 2026
Air India Express is expanding its India–West Asia network under its Winter 2026 schedule, with up to 135 daily departures connecting 23 Indian cities with 12 gateways across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Anantara Siniya Island Resort breaks ground in Umm Al Quwain
Tue, 06 Oct 2026
Anantara Siniya Island Resort and Anantara Residences Sobha Siniya Island have broken ground in Umm Al Quwain, marking a step in the emirate’s tourism and real estate development and strengthening its position as an emerging coastal destination in the UAE.
Air Arabia relaunches Ras Al Khaimah-Kozhikode route from October 16
Tue, 06 Oct 2026
Air Arabia will resume daily nonstop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode in Kerala, India, from October 16, 2026, restoring direct connectivity between the UAE and India.
Etihad Airways, Ibom Air sign interline agreement
Mon, 05 Oct 2026
Etihad Airways and Ibom Air have signed an interline agreement expanding connectivity beyond Lagos and Accra to five Nigerian cities. From March 2027, passengers can travel on a single ticket to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu.
Sunset Hospitality unveils social gaming destination at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
Mon, 05 Oct 2026
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has opened Kapitol at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, marking the launch of its dedicated Social Gaming division and introducing a new high-tech entertainment concept to the UAE.
Emirates NBD launches UAE’s first bank-led AI travel assistant
Mon, 05 Oct 2026
Emirates NBD has launched the UAE’s first bank-led AI Travel Assistant, developed in collaboration with Visa and Tripadvisor, as the bank expands its digital offering beyond traditional financial services.
Dubai strengthens position as global superyacht hub at Monaco Yacht Show
Mon, 05 Oct 2026
Dubai highlighted its growing role as a global superyacht hub at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, held from September 23–26. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism showcased the emirate’s expanding yachting ecosystem and efforts to strengthen the UAE’s connected luxury maritime offering.
ADNEC reports record $2.5bn economic contribution in 2025
Wed, 30 Sep 2026
ADNEC Group reported a record AED9.2 billion ($2.5 billion) contribution to the UAE economy in 2025, while supporting more than 70,000 jobs and attracting 6.3 million visitors. The group also cut greenhouse gas emissions, carbon intensity per employee and water intensity per visitor.
UAE, Saudi travellers shift towards flexible, wellness-focused holidays in 2027: Hilton
Tue, 29 Sep 2026
Travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to adopt a more flexible and intentional approach to holidays in 2027, prioritising personal growth, wellbeing, discovery and meaningful experiences over the pursuit of a “perfect” trip, according to Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report.
IHG brings Garner Hotels to Mideast with two new UAE properties
Tue, 29 Sep 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts is bringing Garner Hotels to the Middle East through two UAE properties with Nooa Holdings, adding 285 rooms to its portfolio. The hotels, in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, are expected to open in 2026.
Rove Hotels, IRTH Group expand partnership with new UAE residential pipeline
Tue, 29 Sep 2026
Rove Hotels and IRTH Group have announced a multi-year partnership to develop a new pipeline of standalone Rove Home residential projects across the UAE, expanding a collaboration that has already delivered more than 2,000 sold-out residential and commercial units in Dubai.
Four Seasons advances regional expansion with Saudi, Gulf projects
Sun, 27 Sep 2026
Four Seasons is expanding its Middle East portfolio with new hotels, resorts and residences, including a planned Jeddah opening in summer 2027. The group is also advancing projects in Madinah, the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah and Egypt.
Accor, CITYVIEW Developments sign first Mövenpick Residences project in Dubai Motor City
Wed, 23 Sep 2026
Accor and CITYVIEW Developments have signed an agreement for Mövenpick Residences Dubai Motor City, marking the world’s first standalone Mövenpick Residences. The 408-unit branded development is scheduled to open in 2028, expanding Dubai’s growing hospitality-led residential sector.
UAE-India business travel expands beyond traditional hubs, Vista data shows
Mon, 21 Sep 2026
Dubai-based Vista, the world’s leading private aviation Group, said its latest Member flight data points to a new phase in UAE–India executive mobility, with business travel expanding beyond traditional financial centres to India’s growing industrial, technology and commercial hubs.
UAE earns 25 MICHELIN Keys in 2026 hotel selection
Mon, 21 Sep 2026
The MICHELIN Guide has unveiled its 2026 UAE hotel selection, featuring 83 properties across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, including 25 hotels awarded MICHELIN Keys, recognising the country’s growing hospitality offering.
Etihad Airways partners with UAE Wrestling Federation
Sun, 20 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE Wrestling Federation to become its Official Airline and Strategic Partner, supporting athletes, sport and communities across the Emirates.
UAE online air travel penetration forecast to reach 52pc by 2030: VIDEC
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Online travel channels are expected to play a growing role in the UAE’s travel market, with online air penetration forecast to reach 52% by 2030, according to research from VIDEC presented at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026.
Rove Hotels, IRTH Group announce UAE residential expansion
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Rove Hotels and IRTH Group have announced a multi-year partnership to develop a new pipeline of standalone Rove Home residential projects across the UAE, expanding a collaboration that has already delivered more than 2,000 sold-out units in Dubai.
Etihad Guest partners with Maldivian to expand Maldives access
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has signed a partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, to expand travel options for members heading to the island nation.