Versa Hospitality launches loyalty programme across global properties
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Maldivian-owned hospitality group Versa Hospitality has launched Versa Keys, a tiered loyalty programme designed to reward guests for their stays and engagement across its growing international portfolio of hotels and resorts. ...
Japan tops luxury travel demand as Virtuoso forecasts stronger spending in 2027
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Japan has overtaken Greece as the top international destination for luxury travellers in the UK and Ireland, while Thailand enters the top five for the first time, according to Virtuoso’s 2027 Luxe Report, highlighting growing demand for Asian travel destinations. ...
Bo House expands into St Barts with luxury villa, concierge offering
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Luxury villa and concierge brand Bo House has expanded into St Barts for the first time, bringing its portfolio of high-end holiday properties and personalised hospitality services to the Caribbean island ahead of the busy winter and New Year season. ...
Capella Hotel Group to open 115-key luxury hotel at Dubai Peninsula in 2030
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Capella Hotel Group has announced plans to open Capella Dubai in 2030, introducing its luxury hospitality brand to the UAE with a 115-key hotel at Dubai Peninsula, a major waterfront development along Dubai’s Jumeirah coastline. ...
Etihad Rail attracts 120,000 passengers in first 30 days of national network launch
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Etihad Rail recorded 120,000 ticket sales during the first 30 days of its UAE passenger network launch, connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah, signalling growing demand for intercity rail travel across the country. ...
SEVEN Abha introduces interactive 12-hole indoor mini-golf attraction
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
SEVEN Abha has introduced Golfi, an interactive indoor mini-golf attraction featuring a 12-hole course designed to combine precision putting, physical obstacles and interactive elements. ...
WTTC praises London’s tourism growth strategy ahead of World Travel Market
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has praised London’s tourism growth strategy following Oxford Street’s pedestrianisation, forecasting 3.1% growth for Europe’s travel sector in 2026 as global industry leaders gather for World Travel Market (WTM). ...
Oman Airports, RESQTEC partner to launch aircraft recovery training
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Oman Airports Management Company and RESQTEC have signed an agreement to establish a specialist training framework for the recovery and removal of disabled aircraft at Muscat International Airport, strengthening operational preparedness and aviation safety. ...
Saudi Tourism Minister unveils Northern Trail identity under winter 2026 programme
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has launched the official identity of the Northern Trail, a 1,200-kilometre tourism route connecting Riyadh to Jubbah in the Hail Region under the Saudi Winter 2026 programme. ...
Emirates expands Vietnam services with additional A350 flights
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Emirates is strengthening its Vietnam network with additional Airbus A350 frequencies between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City, while introducing Premium Economy on Hanoi services as part of its latest expansion. ...
Global air passenger demand falls 0.5pc in September amid Mideast weakness
Sun, 01 Nov 2026
Global air passenger demand declined by 0.5% year-on-year in September 2026, reflecting continued weakness in the Middle East and North America, according to the latest figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ...
Jazeera Airways resumes daily flights to Riyadh
Sat, 31 Oct 2026
Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced the resumption of daily flights to Saudi capital Riyadh, following the recent disruptions to operations at King Khalid International Airport. The decision follows a careful assessment of operational conditions, with passenger safety remaining the airline's priority. ...
ADNEC kickstarts November with top energy, tourism events
Sat, 31 Oct 2026
Adnec Group, a Modon company, kicks off November by hosting two of most significant international events - ADIPEC 2026, the world’s largest energy event, in Abu Dhabi and World Travel Market (WTM) London, one of the global travel industry’s leading gatherings, at the Group’s Excel London venue - in the same week. ...
Red Sea Global announces opening of 430-key luxury resort
Sat, 31 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced the opening of Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, a landmark premium resort on Shura Island that introduces its largest purpose-built events venue. It features 430 rooms, suites and villas offering an extensive collection of dining venues and family-focused amenities. ...
Oversee targets leisure travel market with AI technology
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
Oversee, a leading travel technology company specialising in AI solutions for travel agencies, has announced the expansion of its full technology suite into the leisure travel market. ...
Travelsoft Pay now integrated into six Travelsoft platforms
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
Travelsoft Pay, the payment technology company of Travelsoft, is now integrated into six of the group’s travel technology platforms. ...
Cheval Maison The Palm Dubai takes luxury to new heights
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
Cheval Collection has unveiled a stunning, 4,200 square foot penthouse at Cheval Maison The Palm Dubai, taking luxury living to new heights at its award-winning, flagship property in the Middle East. ...
OZEN COLLECTION offers luxury of not having to think on vacation
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
THE OZEN COLLECTION, an award-winning ultra-luxury hospitality brand in the Maldives owned by Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (Atmosphere Core), offers the new luxury of not having to think on vacation. ...
Chedi Hegra introduces exclusive gathering place Al Majlis
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
The Chedi Hegra introduces Al Majlis, a destination dining and events venue set within Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. ...
Gulf Air Gardens launched to mark National Tree Week
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has launched “Gulf Air Gardens,” its largest green project at the airline’s headquarters, spanning an area of 2,900 sq m. Launched in conjunction with National Tree Week, the garden is scheduled to open in November 2026, reflecting the airline’s commitment to environmental sustainability and supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to expand green spaces. ...
Etihad Guest, STARLUX COSMILE expand frequent flyer tie-up
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and STARLUX Airlines have announced the expansion of their loyalty partnership, introducing two-way mileage redemption and accrual services for members of both frequent flyer programmes. ...
Dubai hotels make strong progress in digital services accessibility
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
Digital accessibility across Dubai’s hotels has increased to 90% in 2026 compared to 83% in 2024, said the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) citing an evaluation by the Dubai Digital Authority (DDA). ...
RXV Wellness Village unveils restorative wellness experiences ahead of new year
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
RXV Wellness Village, located in Suan Sampran just outside Bangkok, is inviting travellers from the GCC to prioritise rest, recovery and stress management through its tailored wellness experiences as the year draws to a close. ...
AI, biometrics reshape passenger experience, but visa complexity remains barrier: IATA
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported growing passenger demand for artificial intelligence (AI), biometric identification and digital passports, while warning that complex immigration and visa procedures are increasingly discouraging international travel. ...
InterContinental Muscat hosts breast cancer awareness session with OCA
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
InterContinental Muscat hosted a breast cancer awareness session in collaboration with the Oman Cancer Association (OCA) on 26 October 2026, reinforcing its commitment to colleague wellbeing, community engagement and corporate social responsibility. ...
FCM report highlights rising business travel costs ahead of 2027
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
FCM Consulting has identified four gaps businesses should address in 2027 to maximise corporate travel value as costs rise. Its latest report highlights travel purpose, AI governance, hotel savings and disruption readiness, amid a 21% increase in economy airfares this year. ...
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island invites guests to give back through chocolate making
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is inviting guests to take part in an interactive Chocolate Creation Experience at Dar Zellij, combining a hands-on culinary activity with charitable giving as part of the hotel group’s global Kilo of Kindness campaign. ...
IATA urges airlines to accelerate digitalisation for better passenger experiences
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on airlines to turn advances in digitalisation across retailing, payments and digital identity into improved passenger experiences and greater financial resilience. ...
Air India Express launches Amritsar flights, resumes Goa route from Abu Dhabi
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
Abu Dhabi Airports has welcomed Air India Express’ new services linking Zayed International Airport with Amritsar and the resumption of direct flights to Goa. Both routes launched on October 25 and operate three times weekly. ...
BWH Hotels unifies global portfolio under WorldHotels masterbrand
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
BWH Hotels has announced a major brand transformation, bringing more than 4,000 hotels across 18 brands under the WorldHotels masterbrand and a unified loyalty programme, as the hospitality group seeks to strengthen global recognition, improve digital engagement and expand growth opportunities for hotel owners. ...
Abu Dhabi to host EuroLeague Final Four in 2027, 2029
Wed, 28 Oct 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Euroleague Basketball have announced that the EuroLeague Final Four Presented by Experience Abu Dhabi will return to the UAE capital in 2027 and 2029. ...
Airline payment processing costs reach $24.5bn in 2025, IATA says
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that airlines worldwide incurred $24.5 billion in payment processing costs in 2025, highlighting growing financial pressures as transaction expenses rise faster than travel sales. ...
talabat, Qatar Airways Privilege Club launch Avios rewards programme in Kuwait
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
talabat has partnered with Qatar Airways Privilege Club to introduce a new Card-Linked Offers (CLO) programme in Kuwait, allowing customers to earn Avios on everyday purchases through the food delivery platform. ...
Asha Enterprises, ITL World launch premium hospitality concept at Muscat Airport
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
Asha Enterprises and ITL World have inaugurated The Majlis – Experience Oman, a premium airport hospitality concept at Muscat International Airport designed to provide travellers with a personalised welcome and an introduction to Oman's rich cultural traditions. ...
dnata launches operations at Western Sydney International Airport
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
dnata has launched operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), supporting the opening of Australia’s newest international aviation gateway with ground handling, inflight catering and passenger hospitality services. ...
RAK Properties expands Mina’s culinary offering with three new restaurant brands
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
RAK Properties is expanding Mina’s dining and lifestyle offering in Ras Al Khaimah with the addition of tashas, Hunter & Barrel and Antonia, further strengthening the waterfront destination’s position as a growing hospitality and culinary hub. ...
TOURISE urges tourism brands to prioritise creativity amid AI shift
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
TOURISE has released IDEAS That Travel, a new report developed with LIONS Advisory, highlighting how tourism brands must adapt to a fragmented, socially driven and increasingly AI-mediated landscape as global travel demand rises. ...
Emerging Travel Group, Traveloka join forces to expand accommodation offering
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
Emerging Travel Group, a global travel tech company operating RateHawk, ZenHotels and Roundtrip brands, and travel tech platform Traveloka have launched a strategic partnership to expand their global distribution and broaden their accommodation offerings. ...
Dubai expands winter camping season capacity by 120pc in Al Ruwayyah
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
Dubai Municipality has opened registration for the 2026–2027 winter camping season in Al Ruwayyah, increasing capacity by approximately 120% to accommodate 600 camps and introducing new facilities, recreational activities and flexible accommodation options. ...
Qatar Airways launches codeshare partnership with WestJet
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
Qatar Airways has announced its latest codeshare partnership with WestJet. The national carrier of Qatar will add its (QR) code onto WestJet’s flights across Canada, providing passengers greater options and seamless connectivity to new markets across Canada. ...
Four Seasons announces 52 luxury private residences in Dubai’s DIFC
Tue, 27 Oct 2026
Four Seasons, in partnership with Dubai-based real estate investment company Bright Start, has announced plans for Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at DIFC, expanding its luxury residential portfolio in the emirate. ...
Umm Al Qura inks land sale deal for Makkah hotel apartments
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Saudi-based Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company has announced that it has signed a land sale agreement with Methak Investment Holding for the development of a hotel apartments complex and rooms tower in Zone 3 of its mega Masar Destination in Makkah. ...
Dubai to celebrate Diwali with citywide festivities
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Dubai is set to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, from November 2 to 12 with a citywide programme of cultural events, shopping promotions, entertainment and dining experiences. ...
Etihad marks first non-stop Abu Dhabi–Calgary flight
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Calgary, marking a milestone as travellers can now fly non-stop between Abu Dhabi and Calgary for the first time. ...
NUQAIM Holdings, TMTC partner to develop UK-Africa medical travel corridor to UAE
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Dubai-headquartered healthcare enterprise NUQAIM Holdings and London-based healthcare concierge The Medical Travel Company (TMTC) have signed a strategic partnership to establish a medical travel corridor connecting patients from the UK and Africa with healthcare services in the UAE. ...
Abu Dhabi to establish dedicated institution for youth orchestra, opening in 2027
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced a dedicated institution for Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi, set to open in January 2027 in Mina Zayed, featuring a 600-seat concert hall and 18 rehearsal and practice rooms. ...
Etihad Engineering launches Abu Dhabi’s first MRO-led GCAA CAR-147 training programme
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Etihad Engineering has launched Abu Dhabi’s first MRO-led GCAA CAR-147 Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Programme, delivered by Etihad Engineering Technical Training at the company’s aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility adjacent to Zayed International Airport. ...
UAE winter travel demand to Europe rises 25pc: musafir.com
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
UAE residents are increasingly choosing European destinations for National Day breaks and winter holidays, with demand rising approximately 25% year-on-year, according to travel platform musafir.com. ...
Saudi Red Sea Authority issues first marina operator licence in KAEC for Bay La Sun Marina
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued its first marina operator licence in King Abdullah Economic City to Emaar, the Economic City, for Bay La Sun Marina, supporting safety, environmental protection and service standards while expanding the Kingdom’s network of licensed Red Sea tourist marinas. ...
CIMX 2026, China’s MICE Committee join forces to boost industry collaboration
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) has announced a strategic partnership with the MICE Committee of the China Association of Travel Services to strengthen industry insight, professional exchange and international business connections. ...
Etihad’s A380 touches down in Bangkok for the first time
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 landed in Bangkok on October 26, marking the aircraft’s first arrival in Thailand and the launch of daily services between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and the Thai capital. ...
Mallside Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, set to open in Dubai Q1 2027
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Royal Development Holding, a boutique premium real estate developer and subsidiary of Emirates Stallions Group, has announced that Mallside Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027, with the project now in its final stages of development. ...
Spain’s tourism sector set to exceed $302bn in 2026, WTTC forecasts
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Spain’s travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute more than €269 billion ($3.2 billion) to the national economy in 2026, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. ...
Oman’s North A’Sharqiyah strengthens tourism infrastructure for 2026/2027 season
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Oman’s North A’Sharqiyah Governorate is preparing for the 2026/2027 winter tourism season, with government institutions and private-sector partners working to improve tourism sites, expand accommodation options and enhance visitor services. ...
Global City Dammam expands attractions ahead of second season
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Global City Dammam is preparing to launch its second season with new attractions and expanded facilities, targeting approximately 5.2 million visitors, up from more than 3 million during its inaugural season. ...
Saudi Arabia to host Red Sea Yacht Show under 10-year agreement
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia is set to host the Red Sea Yacht Show under a 10-year agreement signed between Sela, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Tahaluf, in a move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global yachting and marine tourism sectors. ...
UFC 333 draws record crowd to Abu Dhabi
Mon, 26 Oct 2026
UFC 333: VOLKANOVSKI vs EVLOEV made history at Etihad Arena on Saturday night (October 24), recording the highest attendance and gate for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi. The sold-out event featured two title fights and attracted thousands of fans, more than half of whom travelled from outside the UAE. ...
InterContinental Muscat talent recognised across three categories at Hotelier Middle East Awards 2026
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
Three InterContinental Muscat team members have been shortlisted for the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2026, recognising their hospitality expertise and commitment to excellence. Ali Rady, Matthew Piercy and Viji Kunjachan earned nominations across housekeeping, food and beverage, and sustainability categories. ...
GCC tourism revenues reach $131.9bn in 2025, up 9.7pc
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
Tourism revenues across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached $131.9 billion in 2025, marking an annual increase of 9.7 per cent, while tourist arrivals rose 4.9 per cent to 75.7 million, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-STAT). ...
Gulf Air CEO stresses collaboration to drive aviation growth at Routes World 2026
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss highlighted the importance of collaboration, adaptability and strategic investment in supporting Middle East aviation growth at Routes World 2026 in Germany, citing the region’s infrastructure, connectivity and established hub networks as key competitive advantages. ...
Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation registrations rise 29pc in Q3 2026
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management registrations rose 29 per cent year-on-year to 20,560 by Q3 2026, with Makkah leading at 8,075, followed by Riyadh and Madinah, according to Ministry of Commerce figures. ...
AI raises the bar for travel tech start-ups, investors say
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
Travel technology start-ups must demonstrate clear differentiation, solve specific customer problems and prepare for lengthy enterprise sales cycles as artificial intelligence reshapes the industry, according to speakers at the Travel Tech Association’s second annual Start-Up Summit. ...
CONNECT.XCITE 2026 MENA concludes in Abu Dhabi, strengthening luxury travel ties
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
CONNECT.XCITE 2026 MENA concluded its third edition in Abu Dhabi, bringing together selected Chinese luxury travel buyers and premium tourism partners from across the Middle East and Africa for business meetings, networking and destination discovery. ...
Rose Rayhaan by Rotana wins two 2026 Haute Grandeur Awards
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
Dubai’s Rose Rayhaan by Rotana has won Best City Hotel Globally and Best Hotel View in the Middle East at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Awards, marking its strongest performance to date on the international hospitality stage. ...
Sugee, Wyndham to build world's first Vienna House residences in RAK
Sat, 24 Oct 2026
Sugee Group, a leading international real estate developer with nearly four decades of experience, has announced a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to develop the world’s first Vienna House branded residences on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. ...
flydubai’s $190m Aircraft Maintenance Centre nears completion at Dubai South
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
flydubai’s purpose-built Aircraft Maintenance Centre (AMC) at Dubai South is nearing construction completion, with the multimillion-dollar facility scheduled to be finalised by the end of 2026 and expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027. ...
The Gulf's mobility market is premium but increasingly distinctive
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
The Middle East's travel story is often told through regional growth: rising visitor numbers, expanding aviation capacity and sustained investment in tourism infrastructure. But Amadeus booking data points to another important evolution- the emergence of distinct mobility behaviours within the Gulf itself. ...
Abu Dhabi to host Hexagon World Series padel final in October 2027
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
Abu Dhabi will host the Hexagon World Series padel season finale in October 2027, marking the competition’s first appearance in the emirate. Organised by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and International Padel Federation (FIP), the international series will feature four events across three continents. ...
SalamAir celebrates launch of flights to Erbil, Damascus
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
SalamAir celebrated its expanding regional network with new routes from Muscat to Erbil and Damascus. Flights to Erbil will begin on October 25, 2026, while services to Damascus will launch on October 28, marking the first time an Omani airline has operated the route. ...
IATA, OneVasco simplify visa application process for travellers
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and OneVasco are integrating visa concierge services into IATA’s Timatic Solutions, allowing travellers to move directly from checking entry requirements to applying for visas through a streamlined digital process. ...
Istanbul, Munich, Krakow lead UAE travellers’ October getaway searches: Wego
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
Wego’s latest travel data shows growing interest among UAE travellers in October city breaks, with Istanbul, Munich and Krakow recording year-on-year increases in searches as demand evolves beyond the peak summer season. ...
BAA Training partners with Jazeera Airways to train pilots for fleet expansion
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
BAA Training has partnered with Kuwait-based low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways to provide integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training, supporting the airline’s growing demand for qualified pilots as it expands its fleet and network. ...
Asia Pacific tourism reaches 96.3pc of pre-pandemic levels, PATA data shows
Thu, 22 Oct 2026
The Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Annual Tourism Monitor 2026 reports that Asia Pacific international visitor arrivals reached 239 million in early 2026, up 2.9% year-on-year and equivalent to 96.3% of the corresponding 2019 level, as growth moderates. ...
Etihad Airways launches nonstop flights between Luxembourg, Abu Dhabi
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, launched the only nonstop service between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi on October 21, becoming the first Middle Eastern airline to fly to Luxembourg. ...
Oman Air signs deal bringing 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Oman Air and Adhwaa Al Ardh Al Satiaa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring 30,000 visitors from Indonesia to Salalah in 2027, supporting Oman’s tourism growth and strengthening its position as a leading destination. ...