Jazeera Airways signs MoU with Kuwait Association of Retired Officers
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Jazeera Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait’s Association of Retired Officers to strengthen cooperation and support retired officers and their families. ...
ATM 2026 to bring global travel industry together in Dubai next week
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
RX Global, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has outlined plans for ATM 2026, with the event set to bring the global travel and tourism industry together in Dubai from September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. ...
Emirates to introduce Premium Economy on Dubai-Paris A380 route
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Emirates will deploy its retrofitted A380 on the Dubai-Paris route from October 25, 2026, introducing its Premium Economy cabin and latest products to the French capital. ...
Saudia, Almosafer expand partnership with NDC integration
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, has expanded its longstanding partnership with Almosafer Travel & Tourism through New Distribution Capability (NDC) connectivity, strengthening the airline’s digital distribution and enabling richer, more personalised content across Almosafer’s booking channels and AI-powered tools. ...
Airports risk wasting tech investment without clear requirements, ACI warns
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Airports risk wasting money on technology that delivers only marginal improvements to passenger services and revenue if they fail to establish clear requirements before approaching suppliers, former Airports Council International (ACI) Director General Luis Felipe Oliveira has warned. ...
Travel Tech reveals finalists for travel start-up pitch competition
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Travel Tech Association (Travel Tech) has announced the finalists for its start-up pitch competition, ahead of its Start-Up Summit on October 14, 2026, at Concorde in National Landing, Arlington, Virginia. ...
WTM London invites visitors to book tickets before September 30
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
WTM London is encouraging travel industry professionals to secure tickets before the advance price increases on October 1. ...
Musafir Holdings launches JETT with AI-integrated Visa Intelligence platform
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
UAE-based Musafir Holdings has launched JETT, a standalone technology business bringing travel technology solutions to travellers, travel companies and corporates. ...
Millennium & Copthorne expands MENAT pipeline to 11,736 units
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Millennium & Copthorne, MENAT is accelerating its regional expansion with a 29-project pipeline comprising 11,736 hotel and residence units across six markets. The strategy spans Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iraq, Georgia and Oman, with projects scheduled to open between 2027 and 2029. ...
Global Village extends F&B registration deadline for Season 31
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Global Village has extended the F&B registration deadline for Season 31, giving restaurants, cafés, kiosks and food trolley operators a final opportunity to apply. Registrations for both categories will remain open until September 16. ...
Cheval Collection names cluster sales director for Dubai properties
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Cheval Collection, a UK-based luxury hospitality company with a growing number of properties in the Middle East, has appointed Robert Nicolas, an industry veteran with two decades’ experience in hospitality, as the Cluster Director of Sales for its two serviced apartment properties in Dubai. ...
ITB India 2026 concludes with strong business, international participation
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
ITB India 2026 has concluded at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre following three days of business meetings, networking and industry discussions, bringing together international travel companies and key players from India and South Asia. ...
Explora Journeys unveils Caribbean season across two ships
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Explora Journeys is set to explore the Caribbean’s diverse islands, cultures and landscapes during its 2026-27 season, offering voyages across two ships from mid-October 2026 through March 2027. ...
Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas opens in UAE’s Hajar Mountains
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas has opened at Hatta Resorts, marking the hospitality brand’s debut in the United Arab Emirates. Set in the Hajar Mountains overlooking Hatta Dam, the retreat combines experiential hospitality with a focus on culture, community, nature and wellness. ...
Gulf Air leads Mideast in August on-time arrivals
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Gulf Air delivered a strong operational performance in August 2026, ranking among the world’s most punctual airlines. Cirium placed the Bahrain carrier first in the Middle East for on-time arrivals, while OAG ranked it fourth globally. ...
Tourism leaders call for community-centred development at WTM Spotlight Riyadh
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia has an opportunity to establish a new benchmark for experience-led tourism by putting local communities, culture and heritage at the heart of destination development, tourism leaders said at WTM Spotlight Riyadh. ...
Saudi General Entertainment Authority launches new event marketing service
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched a new “Request to Market the Event on Enjoy Platform” service, allowing GEA-licensed event organisers to promote their entertainment events and activities through the Enjoy platform and app. ...
Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Manila
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Riyadh Air has launched its first direct flights between Riyadh and Manila, making the Philippine capital the airline’s 13th destination and seventh in Asia. The new route, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, initially runs four times weekly, increasing to daily service from October 19, 2026. ...
Saudi Arabia, Delta Air Lines sign agreement to boost KSA-US air connectivity
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
The Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) has signed a cooperation agreement with Delta Air Lines to strengthen direct air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the US and expand the Kingdom’s international aviation network. ...
Saudi Arabia expands AI in aviation while safeguarding safety, enhancing human skills: GACA President
Thu, 10 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia is pursuing a two-track approach to adopting artificial intelligence and automation across its aviation sector, balancing technological innovation with safety and human oversight, according to General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. ...
Sharjah to launch first Jashe and Sahnah Festival in Kalba
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, will launch the inaugural Jashe and Sahnah Festival in Kalba from September 24 to 27. ...
Almosafer Activities partners with Saudi Tourism Authority to expand tourism distribution
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Almosafer Activities, the first tours and activities platform dedicated to the Saudi market, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to integrate its experiences into the Saudi Partner Tourism Exchange Portal. ...
Luxury hotels redefine personalised service with dedicated butler experiences
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Luxury hotels are redefining five-star hospitality as travellers seek more personalised experiences. From the Maldives and Seychelles to Marrakech and Dubai, leading properties are elevating dedicated butler services, offering discreet, intuitive support tailored to individual preferences, itineraries and needs. ...
Etihad introduces wellbeing programme across flights, lounges
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has launched Etihad Wellbeing, a programme bringing together new products and services designed to help passengers travel more comfortably and arrive feeling rested and refreshed. ...
Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis opens in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis has officially opened in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern highlands of Al Baha, marking the Saudi debut of Mantis Collection, Accor’s community and conservation-focused hospitality brand. ...
Jazeera Airways launches direct Kuwait–Addis Ababa flights
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Jazeera Airways has launched direct flights between Kuwait and Addis Ababa, marking the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier’s newest destination in Africa and strengthening air connectivity between the two countries. ...
Vatel Bahrain awarded five-year higher education accreditation
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Bahrain’s Minister of Education and Higher Education Council Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma presented Sheikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, with the college’s institutional accreditation certificate. ...
Emerging Travel launches ETG Marketing Hub as demand doubles
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Emerging Travel Group (ETG), the global travel technology company behind RateHawk, ZenHotels and Roundtrip, has launched ETG Marketing Hub as demand for advertising and promotional opportunities across its platforms continues to rise. ...
Gran Meliá to make UAE debut with J1 Hotel in Dubai
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Meliá Hotels International, Spain’s leading hotel group and Europe’s third largest, will bring its luxury Gran Meliá brand to the UAE for the first time with the opening of J1 Hotel, a Gran Meliá Hotel, in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1 in Q4 2027. ...
UAE Minister to open FHS World 2026 as hospitality investment agenda unveiled
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Al Marri will open Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026, joining more than 100 government representatives, investors and hospitality industry leaders at the event in Dubai from September 29 to October 1. ...
Abu Dhabi Festival returns with global line-up for 23rd edition
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Abu Dhabi Festival will return from October 10 for its 23rd edition, bringing an international line-up of music, opera, ballet and contemporary arts to venues across the UAE capital. ...
Bahrain chairs GCC meeting on tourism cooperation
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Bahrain chaired a virtual GCC tourism meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing joint tourism initiatives. Discussions covered promotion and marketing, tourism data, a unified guide licence, the Gulf Tourism Capital initiative, international cooperation, joint events and hotel classification. ...
AROYA Cruises to mark Saudi National Day with special Red Sea voyage
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
AROYA Cruises, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi and wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will operate a special five-night cruise from Jeddah on September 22 to mark Saudi National Day. ...
UAE National Pavilion draws strong visitor interest at Airshow
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
The UAE National Pavilion, largest pavilion at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026, attracted big interest from official delegations, decision-makers, industry experts, specialists and visitors on the opening day. ...
UK air traffic glitch sparks travel chaos, Gulf airlines face knock-on disruption
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
A major technical failure in Britain's air traffic control system has thrown the country's aviation network into chaos, cancelling around 1,300 flights and raising the prospect of delays to Gulf airline services to and from the UK as carriers struggle to clear a huge backlog of aircraft and passengers. ...
Debut WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens, domestic tourism spend up says STA CEO
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh opened in in the Saudi capital on Monday with the participation of senior tourism leaders and global travel buyers as Saudi Arabia showcased its growing portfolio of destinations, experiences and tourism opportunities. ...
Saudi international leisure tourism set to grow 93% by 2030, says report
Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s international leisure tourism is set to grow by 93% by 2030, outpacing growth across the Middle East and globally, said a report. The leisure's share of international visitor spending in the kingdom increased from 9% in 2019 to 28% last year and is now forecast to reach 31% by 2030. ...
Accor’s subscription loyalty programme drives higher stays and spending
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Subscription-based hotel loyalty is generating higher guest engagement and spending across Accor’s network, according to newly compiled data from ALL Accor+ Explorer, the premium tier of the group’s loyalty subscription programme. ...
Saudi Event Show 2026 to open tomorrow in Riyadh
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Saudi Event Show 2026 will open tomorrow, September 9, at The Arena in Riyadh, bringing together professionals shaping Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing events and entertainment sector. ...
Sharjah to unveil ‘Visit Sharjah’ pavilion at ATM 2026
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Sharjah will showcase its expanding tourism sector and future-focused initiatives at Arabian Travel Market 2026, running September 14–17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Through its new “Sharjah Pavilion – Visit Sharjah,” SCTDA will bring together more than 30 government and private-sector entities. ...
flyadeal showcases expanding network, tourism support at WTM Riyadh
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
flyadeal, Saudia Group’s fast-growing low-cost carrier, will showcase its contribution to Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions at World Travel Market (WTM) Riyadh, taking place from September 8–10, 2026. ...
MICHELIN Guide Dubai to unveil 2026 selection at October Ceremony
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
The MICHELIN Guide will host the fifth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai Restaurant Ceremony on October 6, 2026 at Atlantis The Royal, bringing together leading chefs, restaurateurs, industry figures and media to celebrate the emirate’s thriving culinary scene. ...
HBX Group partners with Vorsee to bring predictive AI to hotels
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
HBX Group, a B2B travel technology marketplace, has partnered with Swiss travel AI company Vorsee, part of ZYTLYN Technologies AG, to bring predictive travel intelligence and agentic AI capabilities to HBX Group’s hotel partners. ...
Time is becoming private aviation’s most valuable luxury
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Time, rather than comfort or exclusivity, is increasingly becoming a key consideration for companies using private aviation, particularly when complex itineraries make scheduled flights costly in terms of working hours and logistics, according to Chapman Freeborn, a British aviation services holding company. ...
The Hoxton to make Mideast debut with Dubai Media City hotel
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
The Hoxton is set to make its Middle East debut with a 230-room flagship hotel in Dubai Media City, following a partnership between Ennismore and regional developer Select Group. ...
Saudi travellers embrace domestic tourism and flexible travel: Almosafer
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Almosafer Travel & Tourism has reported changing travel patterns among Saudi travellers during the first seven months of 2026, with domestic tourism gaining momentum and travellers increasingly seeking flexible, personalised experiences. ...
Qashio to highlight travel spend management solutions at ATM 2026
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Qashio, a MENA-based spend management platform, will showcase its travel-focused payment and financial management solutions at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place from 14–17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre. ...
Three Saadiyat museums launch joint September membership initiative
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will join forces for the first time this September to offer members a month of exclusive benefits, discounts and experiences. ...
MEFCC 2026 brings three days of pop culture to Abu Dhabi
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) will return to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 11–13 September 2026, offering three days of pop culture, entertainment and fan experiences. ...
Kuwait travellers turn to shorter getaways in September: Wego
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Wego reported a 40% rise in short trips of four nights or fewer among Kuwait travellers for September, with Dubai, Cairo, Istanbul, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi leading destinations. Bahrain saw the strongest search growth at 38%. ...
NTT DATA, Red Sea Global sign strategic digital solutions partnership
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
NTT DATA and Red Sea Global (RSG) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate the development of next-generation digital solutions and managed technology services for hospitality, smart cities and connected industries in Saudi Arabia and international markets. ...
First Dubai Mallathon at DXB concludes with over 2,900 participants
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Dubai Mallathon’s first edition at Dubai International (DXB) concluded with 2,900 participants across four events at Terminal 3, bringing together airport employees, passengers and the public to promote fitness, wellbeing and community connection. ...
KEC in deal to develop $184m Madinah mixed-use project
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia's Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has announced that it had signed an agreement with Kaden Investment Company to develop a mixed-use project in Madinah with an estimated gross floor area of about 229,117 sq m. ...
Mauritius records 10.5pc growth in Mideast arrivals, brings 20 partners to ATM
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Tourist arrivals to Mauritius from the Middle East increased by approximately 10.5% between January and July 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, as the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) prepares to target further growth across the GCC at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. ...
SalamAir expands European network with Muscat–Copenhagen service via Baghdad
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has opened ticket sales for a new service to Copenhagen via Baghdad, with flights scheduled to begin on November 15, 2026. ...
Etihad to launch year-round Abu Dhabi–Red Sea flights in October
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways will launch year-round flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport on October 4, 2026, adding a new leisure destination to its network. The route, initially operating once weekly before increasing to twice weekly from October 25. ...
Saudi Tourism Authority appoints new CEO
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
The Saudi Tourism Authority has appointed Ageel Alshaibani as its new Chief Executive Officer. The former Deputy Minister of Tourism brings more than 18 years of experience in strategic planning, business development, consulting, public services and executive leadership. ...
SolitAir expands African network with new Ghana cargo route
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
UAE-based B2B cargo airline SolitAir has launched freight services to Ghana via Accra International Airport, expanding its African network to 21 destinations across 17 countries and providing coverage to more than 30% of the continent. ...
Dubai launches world’s first mobile airport passport control services
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has launched “Click & Travel,” described as the world’s first mobile service allowing passport control procedures to be completed at passengers’ locations inside Dubai airports during peak periods and emergencies. ...
Bahrain Airshow’s eighth edition moved to 2028
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
The Bahrain International Airshow’s Supreme Organising Committee has announced that the eighth edition of the event will be rescheduled from November 18–20, 2026, to November 15–17, 2028, at Sakhir Air Base. ...
Saudi carrier flynas inks strategic equity deal with Swissport
Tue, 08 Sep 2026
flynas and Swissport have entered into a long-term strategic equity transaction and commercial partnership that represents a significant milestone for both companies and further strengthens Swissport's position as a market leader in airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality globally. ...
Unified Gulf tourist visa likely to be implemented soon
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
The long-awaited Unified Gulf Tourist Visa is set to be launched soon, allowing international visitors to travel more easily across the six GCC countries, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi said, according to Saudi Gazette. ...
WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens tomorrow to connect Saudi tourism with global markets
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
WTM Spotlight Riyadh, organised by RX, will open on September 8, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, launching a new platform aimed at connecting Saudi Arabia with international travel markets as the Kingdom accelerates its tourism transformation under Vision 2030. ...
Ink Innovation, solutions by stc partner to develop smarter travel experiences in Saudi Arabia
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Ink Innovation has partnered with solutions by stc to support digital transformation across Saudi Arabia’s travel, tourism and smart city sectors. The agreement will strengthen digital capabilities across key infrastructure, including airports, hotels, public services and major events. ...
Lusail to host 2026 Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Visit Qatar and its partners have unveiled the Lusail course for the 2026 Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, returning to the city from December 10–12. The 100km course will feature a 2km swim, 80km cycle and 18km run. ...
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to add three Harry Potter-themed lands
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Miral, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, has announced three new Harry Potter-themed lands at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park. Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest will span approximately 63,000 square metres, with construction targeted for completion in 2029. ...
Nammos Resort Amaala opens as global hospitality brand’s first resort hotel
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, has announced the opening of Nammos Resort Amaala, the global hospitality brand’s first resort hotel, expanding Amaala’s luxury and wellness offering. ...
PIF launches integrated tourist, residential destination on the Al-Khafji coast
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) today launched Gulf Coast Development Company to create an integrated tourist and residential destination on the Al-Khafji coast overlooking the Arabian Gulf. ...
Cruise Master to showcase seven global cruise lines at ATM 2026
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Cruise Master will showcase seven global cruise lines at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai from September 14-17. Marking 19 years in the region, its dedicated Cruise Platform will highlight contemporary, premium, luxury, ultra-luxury and expedition cruise offerings. ...
Etihad Airways, Khalifa University strengthen aviation skills for Emirati students
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have completed their latest joint internship programme, supporting the development of Emirati talent and advancing the UAE’s aviation ambitions. ...
Bahrain showcases tourism, automotive heritage at UK concours event
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) Chief Executive Officer Sara Buhiji attended the Concours of Elegance 2026 at Hampton Court Palace in the UK, using the event to promote Bahrain as a destination for international tourism and high-profile events. ...
Ministers, travel leaders to discuss future of tourism at ATM 2026
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Government ministers, policymakers and senior travel executives will gather in Dubai next week for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, as the global tourism industry examines the forces shaping the future of travel. The 33rd edition will take place from September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). ...
Emaar Hospitality opens Vida Aljada, marking Vida’s debut in Sharjah
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Emaar Hospitality Group has opened Vida Aljada, marking the Vida Hotels & Resorts brand’s debut in Sharjah and adding a five-star lifestyle destination to Aljada, the mixed-use development by Arada. ...
HSMAI MEA sets November date for 2026 Commercial Strategy Conference in Dubai
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East and Africa (HSMAI MEA) will host the ninth edition of the HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference MEA (CSC MEA 2026) on November 17-18 at Conrad Dubai, bringing hospitality commercial leaders together to address industry trends and strategies. ...
Mideast leads air connectivity growth with 21pc rise in 2025: report
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Air connectivity across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East grew 11% in 2025, led by a 21% increase in the Middle East driven by Gulf carriers. Asia-Pacific connectivity rose 10%, reflecting expanding international networks and continued recovery in city-pair connections across the region. ...
Saudi NCP qualifies six bidders for Prince Naif Airport PPP project
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Matarat Holding, in collaboration with Saudi National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP), has announced that six leading consortia and companies including Egis, Indian group GMR Airports and Turkish group TAV have qualified for the Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport PPP Project. ...
Webook launches Saudi package visa service for seven countries
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Citizens of India, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico can now apply for a Saudi entry e-visa through Webook.com when booking their travel, following the launch of its Saudi Package Visa service. ...
flyadeal launches Madinah-Karachi flights
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
flyadeal, a low-cost carrier of Saudia Group, has launched direct flights between Madinah and Karachi, strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The airline will operate two weekly flights on the new route using Airbus A320neo aircraft configured with 186 Economy Class seats. ...
Oman Airports secures nine global customer experience awards
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport have secured nine global awards under the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme’s “Customer Experience Awards”, presented by Airports Council International (ACI) during its 2026 Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye. ...
KBLT Congress 2026 opens in Riyadh as Saudi luxury travel market surges
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
The fifth annual Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel (KBLT) Congress opens at the Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh on September 6–7, 2026, bringing together more than 100 pre-qualified Saudi buyers and leading international travel brands as the Kingdom's outbound luxury market continues its rapid expansion. ...
Ajman Tourism expands India outreach, launches partner incentive programme
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has concluded a promotional roadshow in India, covering Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, as part of efforts to strengthen Ajman’s presence in key international markets and expand engagement with India’s travel and tourism sector. ...
Saudi Arabia launches Al-Rahhala adventure travel licensing service
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport launched “Al-Rahhala,” a new licensing service regulating organized adventure travel activities inside and outside the Kingdom. Introduced through the Riyadi platform, the service aims to unify procedures and ensure trips are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations. ...
WTM Spotlight Riyadh Unveils inaugural conference programme
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
WTM Spotlight Riyadh has announced the conference programme for its inaugural edition, bringing together tourism leaders from Saudi Arabia and international markets to explore opportunities created by the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding visitor economy. ...
Bahrain International Airport secures four ACI recognitions
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has received four recognitions from Airports Council International (ACI) covering customer experience, arrivals service quality, accessibility, and public health and safety readiness. ...
Barbados expands air links to attract more GCC travellers
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Barbados is strengthening access for GCC travellers this winter with expanded air links via the UK. British Airways will launch daily London Gatwick-Barbados flights from October 25, while Virgin Atlantic resumes seasonal Manchester services, adding flexible one-stop connections from the Gulf. ...
Dubai Culture strengthens accessibility at Al Shindagha, Etihad museums
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme at Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, and Etihad Museum, strengthening accessibility and inclusion across its cultural and heritage sites. ...
UFC 333 set to bring blockbuster fight night to Abu Dhabi
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
UFC 333 will bring another major night of mixed martial arts action to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Saturday, October 24, with 50 days remaining until the event. ...
Culture, short breaks, nature shape Mena’s autumn travel trends: Wingie
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Autumn is emerging as a popular season for travel across the Mena region, with travellers increasingly favouring culture-led city breaks, shorter getaways and nature-focused escapes, according to travel marketplace Wingie. ...
King Abdulaziz Airport joins world’s top 12 for customer experience
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
King Abdulaziz International Airport has received two international accreditations from Airports Council International (ACI) World, recognising its customer experience and public health and safety standards. The airport earned Level 4 Airport Customer Experience (CX) Accreditation, placing it among the world’s top 12 airports to achieve the distinction. ...
Dammam Airports secures six international ACI accreditations
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Dammam Airports Company has secured six international accreditations from Airports Council International (ACI), covering accessibility, health and safety, and customer experience. ...
UAE, Sri Lanka explore stronger investment, tourism ties
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
The UAE and Sri Lanka are exploring stronger investment and tourism ties, including smoother travel and cooperation in hospitality. UAE Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted tourism’s role in economic growth, citing more than 43,333 Sri Lankan visitors in early 2026. ...
Air Arabia adds fourth daily Sharjah-Bangkok flight
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Air Arabia will add a fourth daily non-stop flight between Sharjah and Bangkok from 25 October 2026, increasing its service to 28 weekly flights and strengthening UAE-Thailand connectivity. ...
Etihad Airways, ROX sign MoU to explore travel, mobility collaboration
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways and AI technology company ROX have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration across travel, mobility and technology. The partnership will initially focus on ROX’s Africa Grand Tour S2, featuring the ROX ADAMAS on a journey across Africa. ...
Grovy Developers breaks ground on Ramada boutique branded homes
Sat, 05 Sep 2026
UAE-based Grovy Developers has broken ground on Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands, its boutique branded homes featuring a collection of one- to three-bed apartments along with four-bedroom penthouses. The project is being developed in partnership with USquare Luxe Properties. ...
Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Bangkok
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. ...
Dubai Business Events joins E&L MENA 2027 as Destination Partner
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has joined Entertainment & Leisure MENA (E&L MENA) 2027 as Destination Partner, supporting efforts to expand international participation and attract exhibitors, buyers and investors to Dubai. ...
Emirates introduces electrically powered Premium Economy seat
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Emirates has introduced what it says is the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat. ...
Lawh wa Qalam Museum celebrates M. F. Husain’s legacy in Qatar
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Qatar’s museum landscape has expanded with Lawh wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum, an immersive cultural institution dedicated to the life and work of renowned modern artist M. F. Husain. ...
Equinox Resort AMAALA opens on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, has announced the opening of Equinox Resort AMAALA at Marina Village in Triple Bay, marking the fitness and wellness brand’s second hotel globally and its first outside the US. ...
Saudi Cluster2 Airports earn 36 ACI accreditations, 3 global awards
Thu, 03 Sep 2026
Cluster2 Airports, which operates 22 airports across several regions of Saudi Arabia, has received 36 accreditations and three global awards from Airports Council International (ACI) in 2026. ...