Emirates boosts Manila service with 4 new weekly flights
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
As part of its ongoing growth strategy in Southeast Asia and commitment to the Philippines, Emirates will introduce four additional weekly flights between Dubai and Manila from April 2. ...
Tsitsipas, Auger-Aliassime, Medvedev headline line-up for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Men's Week at the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships returns from February 23 to 28 with a standout ATP 500 roster led by defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, World No 7 Félix Auger-Aliassime, and former winners Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev. ...
Ultra by Private Luxury Events unveils 2026 programme
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Private Luxury Events has revealed the programme for Ultra 2026, an invite-only gathering hosting the pinnacle of luxury travel. Taking place from January25–29, 2026 at Atlantis The Royal, Ultra will bring together 300 of the industry’s most renowned luxury brands and travel designers. ...
TIME Hotels accelerates AI-led strategy for 2026
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
TIME Hotels has announced a strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital transformation as a key pillar of its growth strategy for 2026, supporting operational scalability, enhancing guest experiences, and advancing its ambitious international expansion pipeline. ...
Ras Al Khaimah hits 1.35m overnight visitors in 2025
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces another year of record-breaking results for the Emirate, welcoming 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025 – a 6% year-on-year increase – alongside a 12% growth in tourism revenues. ...
Six Senses to debut in UAE
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Six Senses, the globally recognised hospitality brand, will make its UAE debut with Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, opening in early Q3 2026. Located on the quieter West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 61-suite boutique resort offers a thoughtful approach to beachfront living. ...
Hilton ties up with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners to open two Riyadh hotels
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Hilton has signed a deal top open two new hotels in Riyadh 0in partnership with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners Co, strengthening its midscale portfolio in Saudi Arabia’s capital. ...
Emirates returns to Hero Dubai Desert Classic as Official Partner
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Emirates has announced a significant six-year partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, further strengthening the airline's long-standing commitment to supporting golf in Dubai. ...
Sharjah Chamber concludes Sharjah Shopping Promotions 2025-2026
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) concluded the 2025–2026 edition of Sharjah Shopping Promotions, marking the successful culmination of 46 days of vibrant activities that drive commercial and tourism growth across the emirate. ...
voco Dubai Nice The Heart of Europe opens doors at The World Islands
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Kleindienst Group has announced the official opening of voco Dubai Nice The Heart of Europe, marking the second property of IHG’s fastest growing premium brand, voco hotels, on the World islands. ...
flynas welcomes its latest Airbus A320neo aircraft to fleet
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
flynas has announced taking delivery of its 61st Airbus A320neo, the latest addition to its fleet and the first flynas aircraft equipped with next-generation cabin and passenger seats, designed to enhance passenger comfort and care in the low-cost aviation sector. ...
MALT 2026 to host 250 senior travel decision-makers in Abu Dhabi
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Abu Dhabi will host the 14th annual Meetings Arabia & Luxury Travel (MALT) Congress, an exclusive congress that connects senior travel buyers with global brands to shape the future of luxury, business, and MICE travel, in February. ...
Al Arabia lands Saudi Cluster 2 Airports digital billboard contracts
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Arabian Contracting Services Company (Al Arabia) has announced that it has won Cluster 2 Airports Company's bid for setting up billboards (digital interactive and digital screen structures) at 18 airports across the kingdom in addition to its operation and maintenance for a 10-year period. ...
Startups drive tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector is the emirate’s fastest growing, driven by diversified services, competitive markets, and leisure projects leveraging mountains, beaches, and deserts. These features enable distinctive experiences and create strong opportunities for startups, supported by world-class hospitality infrastructure. ...
RoomPriceGenie tops Best Revenue Management System award
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
RoomPriceGenie has announce the independent recognition of its RMS as the “Best Hotel Revenue Management System (RMS)” in the 2026 HotelTechAwards, based on the verified reviews of its global hotel clients and partners. ...
Qatar Tourism HQ relocates to Msheireb Downtown Doha
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Msheireb Properties announces the relocation of Qatar Tourism headquarters to Msheireb Downtown Doha. ...
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach reaches 40pc women in leadership
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach celebrates a key milestone, with women comprising over 40% of its leadership team, reflecting a strong culture of inclusion and opportunity. ...
Ras Al Khaimah Airport surpasses 1m passengers in 2025
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recorded a milestone by surpassing the one-million-passenger mark during the past year, with total passenger numbers reaching 1,000,303, achieving notable growth compared to the previous year. ...
GCC international tourism revenues surge to $120bn in 2024
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
International tourism revenues in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states rose to $120.2 billion in 2024, up 39.6 per cent from 2019 and 8.9 per cent from 2023, the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf-Stat) said. ...
Saudia, Air India sign codeshare agreement
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, and Air India have signed a codeshare agreement that will take effect in February. ...
RTA completes Dubai airport Terminal 1 bridge expansion work
Sat, 17 Jan 2026
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of Dubai International Airport Terminal I bridge expansion work. The scope of work included increasing the number of traffic lanes from three to four in a bid to raise the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 vehicles per hour to 5,600 vehicles per hour. ...
AlUla International Airport terminal expansion project inaugurated
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
The AlUla International Airport terminal expansion project, which increases the airport's annual capacity from 400,000 to 700,000 passengers, has been inaugurated. ...
Etihad Airways, Tunisair sign codeshare accord
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Etihad Airways and Tunisair on Friday signed a codeshare agreement strengthening air links between North Africa and Abu Dhabi and supporting growing demand for travel, tourism, and business between the two regions. ...
Works of 11 top artists adorn dramatic AlUla landscape
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Desert X AlUla 2026 welcomed its first visitors during the pre-opening day of its fourth edition yesterday (15th January), with guests from around the world exploring monumental, site-responsive earthworks, sculptures, and installations set within AlUla’s dramatic landscape. ...
Loop Luxury Travel Fair brings top German-speaking travel designers to Madeira
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Portugal's island paradise Madeira will host Loop, one of Europe's most prestigious luxury travel fairs, welcoming leading luxury travel buyers and designers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the DACH region) in March. ...
AeroGulf Services in deal to buy 20 SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
SkyDrive, a leading eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has reached a general understanding with AeroGulf Services Company regarding the potential purchase of the 20 SkyDrive (type SD-05 model) eVTOL aircraft. ...
GCC’s Unified Civil Aviation Authority: A strategic leap forward
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has taken a landmark step: the creation of a Unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority. This initiative isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping — it’s an effort that we all hope will build a stronger, safer, and more efficient air transport system for the GCC. ...
Radisson to develop landmark mixed-use hospitality project in RAK
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Radisson Hotel Group, in partnership with BNW Developments, has announced the signing of its landmark mixed-use hospitality project in Ras Al Khaimah - Radisson Blu Hotel, RAK Central and Radisson Blu Residences, RAK Central - set to open in 2029. ...
The Meydan Hotel in Dubai opens its doors
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
The Meydan Hotel, owned by Dubai Holding Hospitality, opens under Kerzner International’s Rare Finds brand on January 15, 2026. Located minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, the hotel sits adjacent to the Meydan Racecourse and features a modern design with 284 rooms and suites. ...
Mideast overseas travel spending to surpass $60bn by 2030: ATM report
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Overseas travel spend by Middle East residents is expected to grow by 6% per year until the end of the decade, when it will top $60 billion, according to the latest ATM Travel Trends Report. ...
Al Qimmah Hospitality, Marriott to add over 2,700 hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Al Qimmah Hospitality and Marriott International signed five new hotel projects, adding over 2,700 rooms in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The move reinforces their commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector, featuring four of Marriott’s well-known brands. ...
flynas launches new Abha operations base
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
flynas announced the establishment of a new operations base at Abha International Airport in cooperation with leading airports operator Cluster2 Company, becoming the first Saudi airline to operate flights from five different hubs across the Kingdom. ...
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to launch augmented reality experiences
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Snap, is introducing a suite of augmented reality (AR) experiences that transform the museum’s narrative into an immersive journey through the universe and Earth’s natural history. ...
Alef, Emaar unveil Palace luxury branded project in Sharjah
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Alef Group, a premier developer in Sharjah, has announced the official launch of Palace Residences Al Mamsha, a luxury branded project developed in collaboration with Emaar Hospitality. The key development offers a mix of one- to three-bedroom apartments with a range of amenities. ...
Global travel leaders in Salalah to redefine luxury tourism
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Opulence by Ahlan Arabia 2026, a key event hosted by dnata Representation Services, kicked off in Oman's green paradise Salalah bringing together 28 exhibitors of luxury hospitality offering as well as 55 hosted luxury buyers from across the region. ...
Egypt leads warm winter travel
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
TBO Academy equips travel professionals with structured destination knowledge and practical selling insights for Egypt. During the global winter, Egypt stands out for its warmth, clear skies, and rich culture, offering mild temperatures and diverse experiences from December to February for travellers seeking sun. ...
Yalago posts 25pc growth in 2025, UAE, Maldives lead
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Yalago, part of the Emirates Group, recorded its strongest year to date in 2025, with total sales rising 25% year on year and surpassing previous records four months ahead of schedule. The UAE, Maldives, US, Thailand, and Spain ranked as the top booking destinations. ...
Emirates reveals Grand Slam A380 livery
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Emirates has unveiled a special Airbus A380 livery celebrating its long-standing commitment to tennis and sponsorship of all four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. ...
Network, flydubai enhance seamless passenger payments at DXB
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Network International (Network), a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa, and flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, have announced a collaboration to deliver an enhanced, seamless payment experience for passengers at Dubai International (DXB). ...
Alike launches customisable digital city tourist passes
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Alike, the AI-powered unified social travel platform, has launched its customisable digital tourist passes for Dubai, London, Paris and Singapore. ...
flyadeal tops Mena low-cost airline punctuality in 2025
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline, scored an unprecedented 12 months of consistent operational punctuality topping the 2025 On-Time Performance (OTP) charts among low-cost carriers in the Middle East and North Africa. ...
Dubai hotels record strongest December in almost 20 years: CoStar
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Dubai’s hotel industry posted its strongest December since 2007, driven by the holiday season. In December 2025, occupancy hit 84.3% (+3.4%), ADR reached AED 1,042.11 ($283.76) (+11.1%), and RevPAR rose to AED 878.19 (+15%), showing strong year-on-year growth, according to preliminary data from CoStar. ...
UAE passport ranks 5th globally on Henley Passport Index
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
The UAE has recorded the strongest long-term rise of any country on the Henley Passport Index, climbing an unprecedented 57 places over the past two decades to rank 5th globally in 2026. UAE passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide. ...
Dubai Airports, Salik to enable E-Wallet parking payments at DXB
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Salik, Dubai’s exclusive toll-gate operator, and Dubai Airports, the operator of Dubai International (DXB), have signed a 10-year agreement to enable seamless E-Wallet parking payments. ...
Emirates to launch flights to Helsinki, Finland
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Emirates will launch a daily flight between Helsinki and Dubai from October 1, 2026, expanding its footprint in the Nordics. The new service introduces the only year-round, direct link between Finland and the UAE, and unlocking expanded opportunities for both international leisure and corporate travellers. ...
Boeing Commercial Airplanes delivers 600 planes in 2025
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Boeing Commercial Airplanes delivered 63 airplanes in December 2025, including 45 737s and 14 787 Dreamliners. ...
Arada launches fitness-led hospitality and residences project in Dubai
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Arada, a leading regional developer, has unveiled Inaura, an urban fitness-led hospitality and residences concept in Dubai. ...
ESG Emirates Stallions unit to develop Rotana Residences on Al Reem Island
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Royal Development Holding, a subsidiary of ESG Emirates Stallions Group, has signed an agreement with leading hospitality group Rotana to develop new premium residential towers on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, under the Rotana Residences brand. ...
SKH Family Office buys Rotana's RAK resort from Orascom
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
SKH Family Office, registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), said it has completed the acquisition of The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah from Orascom Development Holding, following the fulfilment of all contractual, financial, and regulatory requirements. ...
Parsons lands New Murabba infrastructure lead design consultancy contract
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Parsons Corporation has secured the infrastructure lead design consultancy contract from Saudi PIF-owned New Murabba Development Company for its mega project in the kingdom. The scope of work includes provision of design and construction technical support for New Murabba project. ...
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah completes heritage restoration
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Just 25 kilometres from Dubai, Sharjah is undergoing a cultural revival through the Heart of Sharjah initiative, blending Islamic heritage with contemporary life. At its heart, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, a 65-key luxury hotel, transforms seven historic manor houses into an immersive Emirati experience. ...
Norwegian Cruise Line debuts new brand platform
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled a refreshed brand identity inspired by its iconic 1990s tagline, “It’s Different Out Here,” reaffirming its long-standing reputation as an industry disruptor. ...
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait hosts Paris Saint-Germain team
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait had the honour of hosting Paris Saint-Germain during the team’s stay in Kuwait for the French Super Cup final. The hotel welcomed the players, technical staff, and official delegation, delivering its signature luxury hospitality and bespoke services throughout their visit. ...
ICCA brings CICS professional development programme to Saudi Arabia
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
ICCA has announced the official approval of its Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) programme in Saudi Arabia. The programme is designed to equip emerging professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical competencies required to operate successfully in the international meetings industry. ...
Dubai’s upcoming hotels, dining hotspots
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Dubai is entering a new era of luxury with upcoming hotel and dining openings, from wellness-led beachfront resorts and boutique lifestyle stays to Michelin-starred restaurants and global dining favourites. Among the most anticipated hotel launches is Six Senses The Palm, opening in 2026 on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent. ...
Nala Maldives by Jawakara Islands opens its doors
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has just launched Nala Maldives by Jawakara Islands. Located a brief 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, the resort sits on a 10-hectare island in Lhaviyani Atoll. ...
flydubai adopts Amperity platform to enhance customer data management
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has partnered with Amperity, a leading AI-powered customer data cloud, as part of its ongoing transformation journey, reinforcing its commitment to driving innovation and investing in enhancing its customer experience. ...
Visit Qatar new headliners for 25N51E Music Festival
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
Visit Qatar has announced a second wave of headline artists joining the 25N51E Music Festival, taking place on January 30 at the iconic Stadium 974. ...
Global demand for winter city breaks in UAE soars: Wego
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
Wego, a leading travel app and online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has released new seasonal insights showcasing a rise in searches to the UAE for winter city breaks, driven by cooler weather, retail-led travel, and short-stay urban experiences. ...
Maximalisation travel trends to take centre stage in 2026: report
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
HBX Group has released its 2026 Travel Trends Report, revealing a shift from 2025’s focus on wellness and digital detox to ‘maximalisation’, highlighting luxury stays, modular itineraries, and creative, experience-driven escapes. ...
Dubai Airports CEO to spearhead Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020 when he was Prince of Wales, has appointed Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, as the new CEO Champion of its flagship Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Pathfinder Initiative. ...
Etihad Airways delivers a record - 22.4m passengers in 2025
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 21% year-on-year and the highest annual total in the airline’s history, underpinned by sustained demand and disciplined capacity growth across its expanding global network. ...
Royal Jordanian ranked Top 5 worldwide for on-time arrivals
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Royal Jordanian Airlines has been ranked second in on-time performance across the Middle East and Africa for 2025 by global aviation analytics firm Cirium. This ranking places RJ among the top five airlines worldwide in one of the aviation industry’s most critical indicators: on-time arrival performance. ...
Oman, Rwanda sign MoU on airport, aviation cooperation
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Oman and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Oman Airports Company. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the field of airport development and management, exchanging expertise and exploring opportunities for joint investment in the aviation sector and related infrastructure. ...
Saudia to launch Riyadh-Kozhikode flights in February
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Saudia Airlines has added Kozhikode, India, to its network of scheduled international destinations, marking its seventh destination in the country. Flights to Kozhikode will begin on February 1, 2026, with four weekly departures from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. ...
Oman Air announces new direct flights to Rwanda
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Oman Air, the national airline of Oman, has announced the launch of direct flights to Kigali, Rwanda. The flightsare scheduled to commence in June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. ...
Gulf Air eases January travel with enhanced baggage options
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has introduced more flexible baggage options to support passengers’ travel plans during January, as demand is expected to rise during the school holiday period. ...
Vatel Bahrain showcases hospitality opportunities to St. Christopher’s students
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Vatel Bahrain organised a workshop for students from St. Christopher’s School who are enrolled in the BTEC Travel and Tourism pathway. ...
Riyadh Season records 12m visitors
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Board Chairman and Advisor Turki Alalshikh announced that the number of visitors to the sixth annual Riyadh Season has reached 12 million. ...
Vietnam tourism accelerates green transition to power 2026 growth
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Vietnam’s tourism sector is shifting toward green development, emphasising service quality, workforce training and promotion. Growing 21% in 2025, it aims to sustain momentum in 2026 through enhanced competitiveness and improved visa policies supporting sustainable travel. ...
Etihad Airways first Mideast airline to fly to Luxembourg
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to serve the country. When services commence on October 29, 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi. ...
Ardee breaks ground on $544m Fairmont Residences & Hotel project
Sat, 10 Jan 2026
UAE-based Ardee Developments has broken ground on its AED2 billion ($544 million) Fairmont Residences & Hotel on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Set for completion in 2028, the project boasts 519 branded residences in addition to four signature sea villas and an integrated 250-key hotel. ...
Central Hotels & Resorts targets high-yield CIS, European markets
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
Central Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its 2026 growth strategy, prioritising high-yield demand from the CIS and key European markets, alongside a dedicated plan to accelerate growth from France. ...
Ithra Cultural Days returns on Jan 12 to celebrate Spain
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced this year’s Ithra Cultural Days featuring Spain, taking place from January 12 to 31, 2026. ...
flydubai selects ZestIoT to digitise turnaround operations
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has selected ZestIoT to deploy its state-of-the-art Turnaround Management Platform at Dubai International (DXB) and across the airline’s expanding network. ...
Middle East carriers' passenger demand soar 9.6% in November
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
Middle Eastern airlines’ passenger demand rose 9.6% year-on-year in November 2025, with capacity up 9.2% and a load factor of 81.4% (+0.3 ppt). Globally, passenger demand grew 5.7% versus November 2024, per IATA data. ...
Air passenger demand grows 5.7pc in November 2025: IATA
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data on global passenger demand for November 2025, showing continued growth across the aviation sector. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), increased by 5.7% compared to November 2024. ...
Turkish Airlines launches new $2.23bn investment initiatives
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Turkish Airlines has launched a comprehensive investment initiative that will strengthen Türkiye’s aviation infrastructure and further advance its competitive edge. ...
Global Village unveils January guide
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Global Village kicks off the New Year with a dynamic lineup of cultural, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences throughout January. ...
Emirates extends Premium Economy reach with expanded city rollout
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Emirates will continue rolling out its retrofitted Boeing 777 and new A350 aircraft to key destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, bringing Premium Economy and its latest onboard products to more cities across its network. ...
AlUla’s trail race returns this January
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
AlUla will host the AlUla Trail Race 2026 from 22–23 January, offering a fitness challenge amid stunning heritage sites. The event features six race categories for all ages and abilities, from the 1.6km Kids Run to the grueling 100km Hegra ultra marathon, passing landmarks like Elephant Rock and Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. ...
Gulf Air resumes flights to Geneva, Nice in summer 2026
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, confirmed the return of its seasonal services to Geneva (GVA) and Nice (NCE), operated with a stop in Milan (MXP), as part of its 2026 summer network. ...
Cartoon favourites arrive at Ras Al Khaimah festival
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Mina, RAK Properties’ master-planned waterfront community, will host the inaugural ‘Motion of the Mina’ festival from January 9–25, bringing family-friendly fun to Ras Al Khaimah. ...
Shaza Hotels teams up with IDeaS to boost revenue
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
IDeaS, a leading provider of hospitality revenue management software, has signed a preferred partner agreement with Shaza Hotels, a luxury hotel management company. ...
NCL unveils upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay in Bahamas
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled major enhancements to its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas, highlighting the nearly 6,000-square-metre Great Life Lagoon. ...
Sohar International advances tourism through strategic events
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Sohar International is supporting Oman’s tourism and economic growth through strategic partnerships, nationwide platforms, and flagship events, including roadshows in Sohar, Ibri, and Musandam, engaging communities and local teams to boost regional activation and audience participation. ...
Etihad Airways marks 20 years of Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg flights
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Etihad Airways marks 20 years of service between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg, having carried nearly two million passengers since 2005. ...
Qatar Airways launches first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787, completes A350 rollout
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Qatar Airways has become the first carrier globally to enable Boeing 787-8 with Starlink. The airline has also equipped its entire Airbus A350 fleet within record-breaking eight months in December 2025. ...
Saudia ranks second worldwide for on-time arrivals in 2025: Cirium
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Saudia ranked second globally for on-time arrival performance in 2025, according to aviation analytics website Cirium, marking the airline’s second consecutive year in the global top two. ...
Jeddah Airports launches app to enhance coordination for staff
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Jeddah Airports Company launched the “Airport View” app for all King Abdulaziz International Airport personnel to enhance coordination, unify performance monitoring, and improve operational efficiency and service quality through a smart digital platform. ...
Diriyah-Midad JV to build $827m Four Seasons hotel, residential project
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Diriyah Company has announced a new joint venture with Midad Development and Real Estate to build the $827 million Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences within its mega development. It will boast a 159-key luxury hotel as well as Four Seasons Private Residences. ...
Damascus to boost tourism with five-star hotel, large mall
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
The Syrian Ministry of Tourism finalised contracts with Rotana Star Contracting and Westfield Sons for a major Kafr Sousa project in Damascus, featuring a five-star hotel and Mall Alarab, set to be the city’s largest commercial and service mall. ...
ATM unveils 2026 conference programme
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which will take place from May 4 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will feature a multi-stage conference under the theme “Travel 2040,” offering insights, data-driven perspectives, and debates across travel sectors on the Global, Future, and Experience Stages. ...
Dubai College of Tourism marks 5 years, licenses over 2,400 guides
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, celebrates five years of its online Dubai Tour Guide Programme, which has trained over 2,400 licensed guides from over 50 nationalities to deliver exceptional visitor experiences. ...
Tourism sector's contribution to UAE GDP hits $79.24bn
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
The UAE tourism sector delivered a robust performance last year, with its contribution to the national GDP rising to 15 per cent, compared to six per cent in 2021, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. ...
Tickets for Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh available now
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Board Chairman and Advisor Turki Alalshikh announced that tickets for the “Fanatics Flag Football Classic” are now available through the WeBook platform. The inaugural edition of the tournament will take place on Saturday evening, March 21, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh as part of Riyadh Season 2025. ...
Visa, Museum of the Future renew partnership with new pass
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, announced the renewal of its partnership with Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Tourists using their Visa cards will receive curated offers at the museum, including a 10% discount on Pioneer (VIP) Passes and guaranteed general admission entry. ...
Khan Suleiman Pasha Hotel opens in Damascus Old City
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
The five-star Khan Suleiman Pasha Hotel opened in Damascus Old City. The opening reflects the return of refined, culturally rooted hospitality to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, a Unesco World Heritage Site. ...
Ethiopian Airlines to launch new service to Lyon, France
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Ethiopian Airlines has announced its plan to launch a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Lyon, France, via Geneva, Switzerland, starting from July 2, 2026. With the addition of Lyon, Ethiopian Airlines will expand its network in France to three destinations, alongside Paris and Marseille. ...
Red Sea Global, Bunat VC launch fund to empower AI innovations
Tue, 06 Jan 2026
Red Sea Global, the Saudi developer behind regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has joined hands with Bunat Ventures (Bunat VC) to launch an investment fund - a first of its kind in the kingdom - dedicated exclusively to empowering startups specialised in artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies. ...