Vatel Bahrain honoured for advancing Saudi talent
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
The Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia honoured Vatel Bahrain during the graduation ceremony of the Apprenticeship and Secondment Programme held in Riyadh. The recognition reflects the College’s contributions to supporting the programme and advancing the development of Saudi talent in the tourism, hospitality and hotel sectors. ...
UN Tourism, IB partner on high school tourism education
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) have agreed to work together to increase access to tourism education at high school level. A new Memorandum of Understanding will see the two organizations work together on a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the provision and quality of tourism education in schools globally. ...
Berlin misses 30m overnight stays amid 2025 visitor decline
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Berlin’s tourism sector declined in 2025, becoming Germany’s only major city to record a year-on-year drop. Visitor numbers fell 3.5%, with overnight stays down to 13.9 million in H1, and full-year totals expected just below 30 million. ...
Saudi Arabia’s Hail region attracts over 3m visitors in H1 2025
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Hail Region’s strategic location, diverse terrain, and mild climate are driving rapid tourism growth. Over three million visitors arrived in H1 2025, supported by heritage sites, festivals, and SAR179 million ($4.7 million) in investments across rural and hospitality projects. ...
Etihad welcomes 2.1m passengers in November 2025
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Etihad Airways welcomed 2.1 million passengers in November 2025, achieving a 28% year-on-year increase, marking a new peak in the airline's traffic for 2025. The airline maintained strong operational efficiency with passenger load factor 89% for the month. During November, Etihad continued to expand its network with the launch of new services to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong and Medina. ...
flydubai launches direct flights to Vilnius
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, celebrated the launch of its inaugural service to Vilnius, marking the start of direct flights between Dubai and the capital of Lithuania. The route will operate three times per week, providing seamless links to Dubai’s global aviation hub. ...
Kobe Tourism Bureau showcases Japan’s multicultural port city in Dubai
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Kobe Tourism Bureau (KTB), supported by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Dubai Office, hosted a luncheon for leading media and content creators at TOMO Dubai to showcase Kobe’s distinctive tourism appeal. ...
flydubai starts three weekly flights to Latvian capital Riga
Sat, 13 Dec 2025
Dubai's low-cost carrier flydubai has announced the launch of its inaugural flights to the Baltic nation of Latvia. With this thrice-a-week service to Riga Airport, the airline has expanded its footprint in Europe to 35 destinations across 20 countries. ...
Turkish Airlines launches debut fights to Cambodian capital
Fri, 12 Dec 2025
Turkish Airlines has announced the launching of its inaugural flights to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, in line with its strategic goals. With this new destination, Cambodia has become the 7th country to be served by the flag-carrier in Southeast Asia. ...
Saudi Arabia opens new facilities at King Salman Air Base
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia has announced the opening of new facilities at the King Salman Air Base in the Central Sector. These include 115 buildings ( technical, administrative, and residential) covering 126,000 sq m area along with runways, aircraft parking aprons, helicopter pads and hangars. ...
Mideast to lead global aviation in 2026 with top profits: IATA
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2026 forecast predicts the Middle East will lead global airline profitability, with carriers achieving a 9.3% net profit margin and $28.6 profit per passenger, far exceeding global averages of 3.9% and $7.9, highlighting the region’s strong aviation performance. ...
Central Hotels closes 2025 with 84pc occupancy, revenue growth
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
The UAE-born group, Central Hotels & Resorts, has reported one of its strongest trading years to date, closing 2025 with an average occupancy of 84% across its portfolio and record-high Average Daily Rate (ADR), driving exceptional revenue growth. ...
Moment Factory expands to Abu Dhabi for cultural, tourism projects
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
Moment Factory, a global entertainment studio known for creating immersive experiences in airports, museums, and public spaces, is opening a regional office in Abu Dhabi. With 25 years of multimedia expertise, it aims to support the UAE’s growth through high-profile collaborative projects. ...
Saudi TDF unlocks $1bn in partnerships to boost tourism MSMEs
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) signed six agreements and one MoU with public and private partners, unlocking over SAR 4 billion ($1 billion) in support. These deals expand financing access through TDF’s Tourism Empowerment Programs for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). ...
Saudia uses sustainable fuel for Red Sea Airport flights
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, begun operating domestic flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) uplifted from Red Sea International Airport in September 2025, conducted in partnership with Red Sea Global. ...
Emirates ends 2025 with five awards at World Travel Awards
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
Emirates ends 2025 with five major wins at the World Travel Awards in Bahrain, securing titles for World’s Leading Airline Brand, Inflight Entertainment, Rewards Programme (Skywards), First Class, and First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport’s Emirates Terminal 3. ...
Turkish Airlines opens first European lounge abroad in Edinburgh
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Flag-carrier Turkish Airlines has opened its first-ever European lounge at Edinburgh Airport, thus bringing another dimension of its renowned hospitality to travellers in Scotland. Spanning 673 sq m, the lounge can accommodate 149 guests. ...
Saudi Events Investment Fund forms JV with Legends Global
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
The Events Investment Fund (EIF) — launched under Saudi Arabia's National Development Fund (NDF) — has announced the formation of a strategic joint venture with Legends Global, the world’s leading operator of event and sports venues. ...
Etihad for Business enables clients to purchase carbon-offsets
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Etihad Airways has introduced a new enhancement to its Etihad for Business (EYB) platform, enabling corporate clients to redeem EYB credits for carbon-offsets directly through the Etihad for Business portal. ...
Mary Poppins musical to debut in Doha May 2026
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Visit Qatar has announced that Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group’s multi award-winning West End musical Mary Poppins will be staged in Doha for the very first time, with performances scheduled from May 11 to 30 2026 at Al Mayassa Theatre, Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). ...
DXB welcomes 1,500 athletes for 2025 Asian Youth Para Games
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Dubai International (DXB) welcomed more than 1,500 young athletes and participants from 35 countries arriving for the Asian Youth Para Games 2025, demonstrating the airport’s operational excellence in delivering its continuous commitment to world-class accessibility and inclusive services. ...
$1.2bn airline funds blocked, mostly in Africa & Middle East: IATA
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.2 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of the end of October 2025. ...
Technoheaven wins four titles at World Travel Tech Awards 2025
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Technoheaven, a leader in end-to-end travel technology solutions, has been recognised in four major categories at the World Travel Tech Awards 2025, held in Bahrain. ...
INJAZ Bahrain, Boeing open new STEM Hub in Manama
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
INJAZ Bahrain and Boeing opened a dedicated STEM Hub at INJAZ Bahrain’s new headquarters in Manama, creating a hands-on learning space designed to equip Bahraini youth with practical science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. ...
Al Ain hotel guests up 12pc in during first six months of 2025
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
DCT Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy is boosting Al Ain’s performance, with hotel guests rising 12% to 228,000 in H1 2025 and revenue up 5.8%. Cultural sites also surged, with Al Ain Oasis visits up 40%, Qasr Al Muwaiji up 49%, and Al Qattara Arts Centre up 42%. ...
Vatel Bahrain students shine at Jewellery Arabia 2025
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Students from Vatel Bahrain participated in the thirty-third edition of Jewellery Arabia 2025, held over five days at Exhibition World Bahrain. The students joined the Rue Catering team in the designated service areas of the exhibition, reflecting the College’s commitment to offering high-quality practical training within some of the largest regional events hosted annually in the Kingdom. ...
Dubai hotels roll out contactless check-in
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Dubai has launched a citywide, one-time contactless hotel check-in system that lets guests complete all check-in steps on their phones before arriving, bypassing front-desk procedures entirely. ...
Qatar hotel occupancy reaches 83.9pc in November 2025
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Qatar’s hotel sector posted its strongest November since 2014, supported by major events like Formula 1. Preliminary CoStar data shows November 2025 occupancy at 83.9%, with ADR rising to QAR 578.58 ($158.53) and RevPAR climbing to QAR 485.26, reflecting significant year-over-year growth across all metrics. ...
SalamAir partners with WCS to expand global cargo network
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has signed a 5-year agreement with World Cargo Solutions DMCC (WCS) to provide Total Cargo Management Services for its entire cargo network. ...
Dar Global awards enabling works contract for 80-floor Trump tower
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Dar Global has awarded the enabling works contract for its ambitious 80-floor Trump International Hotel & Tower project in Dubai. The scope of work includes ground engineering, deep enabling systems and provision of logistical mobilisation services. ...
Airline profitability stabilises with 3.9pc net margin expected in 2026: IATA
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) latest outlook projects global airlines to earn $41 billion in net profit in 2026, up from $39.5 billion in 2025. Despite the record profit, the net margin remains 3.9%, with net profit per passenger at $7.90, unchanged from 2025. ...
Aerospace supply chain bottlenecks continue to constrain airlines: IATA
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) updated its analysis of aerospace supply chain bottlenecks noting that aircraft availability remains one of the most significant constraints on industry growth in its just released global outlook. ...
AVIAREPS honoured as World's Leading Airline GSA
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
AVIAREPS has been awarded “World’s Leading Airline GSA” at the World Travel Awards 2025. The award ceremony took place in Bahrain on December 6th and celebrated outstanding achievements across all sectors of the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. ...
Hilton, Explora Journeys launch Luxury ocean travel partnership
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury ocean travel brand, partners with Hilton to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, letting members earn and redeem points on Explora Journeys voyages. ...
DoubleTree Dubai M Square lights up festive season
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences kicked off the festive season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5. ...
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai spreads festive cheer at Al Noor Centre
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai celebrated the festive season by volunteering at the Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination. ...
Dead Sea Marriott named Jordan’s Best Incentive Hotel 2025
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
The Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa has been being awarded Jordan’s Best Incentive Hotel 2025 at World MICE Awards. The World MICE Awards recognise outstanding contributions across all sectors of travel worldwide. ...
Royal Development, Radisson partner for residences on Reem Island
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Royal Development Holding (RDH) has partnered with Radisson Hotel Group to develop Radisson Residences Reem Island, a premium waterfront residential project in Abu Dhabi, enhancing RDH’s portfolio of branded residential developments and redefining luxury waterfront living. ...
Etihad brings home three awards from World Travel Awards 2025
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, was awarded World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World's Leading Airline Lounge Business Class for the Etihad Airways Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 held in Bahrain. ...
IHG, SEDCO Capital partner to launch Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with an investment fund managed by SEDCO Capital, a global multi-asset management and advisory firm, to launch Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah. ...
flynas launches dedicated family check-in at Dammam Airport
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
flynas announced that is launching a dedicated "Kids & Family" check-in counter at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The "Kids and Family" check-in service features new, brightly branded counters designed to streamline the check-in process for passengers travelling with children, minimisng queue times and allowing families to begin their journey with ease. ...
InterContinental introduces The Red Sea Resort
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
InterContinental, a luxury hotel brand, has introduced InterContinental The Red Sea Resort as one of the first luxury destinations to open on Shura Island. The 210-room, LEED Platinum–certified resort blends coral-inspired architecture, protected marine settings and sustainable design by Foster + Partners. ...
Arab Tourism Council selects Al Ain as 2026 Tourism Capital
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Baghdad, named Arab Tourism Capital for 2025, hosted the 36th Executive Office and 28th Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism sessions. Delegations and tourism bodies attended, issuing key decisions including selecting Al Ain as the 2026 Arab Tourism Capital and Tunis for 2027. ...
Oman Air to launch fifth destination to Saudi Arabia
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Oman Air announced the launch of its first new route for 2026 to the city of Taif, effective from January 31, 2026. This new route represents its fifth destination to Saudi Arabia, marking a new step in expanding its regional network. The new route will operate with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. ...
Riyadh Air, IBM partner to launch world's first AI-native airline
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
IBM said it has collaborated with Riyadh Air to set up the world’s first AI-native airline. Designed from the ground up without legacy patchwork, these AI-driven operations provide the foundation to transform guest and employee experiences. ...
DTC becomes official limousine partner of Coca-Cola Arena
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) has partnered with Coca-Cola Arena to provide exclusive limousine and taxi services for event attendees. ...
Emirates NBD launches Voyager Mastercard Credit Card
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, announced the launch of the Emirates NBD Voyager Mastercard credit card. ...
Exhibition World Bahrain secures four World Travel Awards
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) has been honoured with four highly coveted awards at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony. ...
30pc of Saudi travellers surprised by roaming charges: Airalo
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
A recent survey conducted by Airalo, an eSIM platform, revealed that 30 per cent of Saudi travellers were hit with unexpected roaming charges after their international trips last year. ...
NBB signs up as key sponsor for Celebrate Bahrain 2025 season
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has signed up as a key sponsor for Muharraq Nights, one of the landmark events taking place under the Celebrate Bahrain 2025 season. The festival transforms the houses and streets of old Muharraq into a vibrant destination for culture, art, food, and music. ...
Turkish Airlines carries 7.4m passengers in November 2025
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Turkish Airlines, which announced its passenger and cargo traffic results for November 2025, carried a total of 7.4 million passengers in this month, increasing its passenger capacity in terms of available seat kilometers by 10.3% compared to 2024. ...
Cebu Pacific to launch direct service between Riyadh-Manila
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, is enhancing air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines with the launch of its direct flights between Riyadh and Manila. ...
Aleph Hospitality, Hilton announce Tapestry Collection Hotel in Dammam
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Aleph Hospitality, an independent hospitality management company in Mena, has secured the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand for an upcoming 84-key hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate. ...
Naumi Soul launches Autism-Friendly collaboration in Dubai
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Naumi Hotel Dubai, the Singapore-based group’s first Middle East property, is now Autism-Friendly Certified in partnership with the Dubai Autism Centre. ...
Riyadh to host largest hospitality, culinary week in 2025
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, Saudi Elite Chefs and Host Arabia will unite from December 15–17, 2025 to create the kingdom’s largest hospitality and foodservice week, hosting 50,000 professionals and 500 exhibitors. ...
Star Alliance named World’s Leading Airline Alliance once again
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Star Alliance has once again been recognised as the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards 2025, continuing its six-year winning streak. ...
IATA unveils 2026 events calendar
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled its 2026 event calendar, bringing together industry and government leaders to focus on the air transport industry’s most pressing challenges. ...
EU's number of air passengers up 8pc to over 1bn in 2024
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The total number of passengers travelling by air in the EU in 2024 was 1.1 billion, an increase of 8.3% compared with 2023 (973 million). Data published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, show that in 2024, all EU countries registered an increase in the number of passengers carried by air compared with 2023. ...
Arab Tourism Organisation launches Sustainable Destinations 2030
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The Arab Tourism Organisation has launched the “Inclusive and Sustainable Arab Tourism Destinations 2030” initiative to develop the tourism sector in Arab countries through a comprehensive, sustainable approach that balances economic growth, environmental preservation, and the safeguarding of Arab cultural identity. ...
16 global tourism leaders discover UAE’s tourism sector
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The UAE has welcomed 16 senior tourism leaders from nine countries as part of its Global Tourism Leadership Programme, organised by the Government Knowledge Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs in collaboration with the Dubai College of Tourism. ...
AlUla named World’s Cultural Tourism Project 2025
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
AlUla’s status as a global hub for culture, heritage, exploration, and discovery has been further strengthened following its designation as the World’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards. ...
Jordan Airport maintains 4-star rating in SKYTRAX World Airport Audit
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Airport International Group announced that Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) (Jordan Airport) has maintained its 4-star airport rating following the latest SKYTRAX World Airport Audit. ...
Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle opens its doors
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The First Group Hospitality has rebranded Hotel Avalon as Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, marking expansion of its partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. ...
Turkish Airlines, South African Airways sign codeshare agreement
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye have signed a codeshare agreement with South African Airways, the national flag carrier of South Africa. ...
Rosewood Doha debuts outdoor ice rink for festive season
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Rosewood Doha is celebrating the festive season with a curated lineup of experiences across the property, highlighted by the debut of Doha’s first outdoor ice rink. ...
Zayed International Airport launches Touchpoints loyalty programme
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Abu Dhabi Airports introduces TouchPoints as its exclusive loyalty programme at Zayed International Airport (AUH). The programme will enable TouchPoints users to earn and redeem TouchPoints cross participating retail and restaurants at the airport. ...
Etihad Guest rewards 10 Extraordinary Challenge winners at Formula 1
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, celebrated the winners of The Extraordinary Challenge during a special ceremony held at the Etihad Guest Terrace during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over the weekend. ...
Pegasus signs deal to acquire Czech Airlines, Smartwings
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Pegasus Airlines is set to acquire Czech Airlines and its subsidiary Smartwings for €154 million ($179 million), aiming to expand its European presence and global growth. ...
Sheikh Zayed Festival to host 2026’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Al Wathba will host one of the UAE’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring a 62-minute fireworks show, the world’s largest drone performance, and diverse cultural and heritage events by participating countries, sponsors, and strategic partners, finalised by the Sheikh Zayed Festival committee. ...
Vatel Bahrain partners with Radisson Blu for luxury hospitality training
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Vatel Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration with leading hospitality institutions in Bahrain. ...
Oman Air, Fun & Sun partner to boost Russia–Salalah links
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Oman Air hosted an official signing ceremony with Fun & Sun, a leading tour operator, to formalise their new strategic partnership aimed at expanding direct access between Moscow and Salalah. ...
St. Petersburg roadshow expands ties with Muscat tourism market
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
On December 7, St. Petersburg’s tourism potential was showcased in Muscat, Oman, at the “Welcome to St. Petersburg!” roadshow, organised by the City Tourist Information Bureau with support from the Tourism Development Committee. ...
Etihad Airways’ A380 launches Formula 1 in style
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, thrilled thousands of racegoers and spectators worldwide as the A380 Superjumbo took to the skies to mark the start of the Formula 1 racing season finale. ...
ACI Asia-Pacific & Mideast welcomes creation of Gulf Civil Aviation Authority
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East welcomed the GCC’s decision to establish the Gulf Civil Aviation Authority, calling it a historic step for regional aviation. The group said the new body will boost integration, improve global competitiveness, and support coordinated aviation development across Gulf countries. ...
Red Sea Museum opens its doors in Historic Jeddah
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The Museum Commission has opened the Red Sea Museum in the restored Bab Al Bunt building within Historic Jeddah. The museum showcases over 1,000 artifacts across 23 galleries, celebrating the Red Sea’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage. ...
Jeddah Airport records 4.86m passengers in November
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah Airport) saw strong November 2025 growth, with 4.86 million passengers (+8.6%) and 25,900 flights (+10.6%). The peak day handled 176,800 passengers. Baggage hit 5.6 million. Year-to-date totals reached 48 million passengers and 273,700 flights, representing continued annual expansion across key metrics overall. ...
Kuwait low-cost carrier Jazeera celebrates 20 years of flying
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways celebrated its 20th anniversary with an exclusive partner recognition event. Today, it operates a fleet of 23 Airbus aircraft and serves 70 destinations across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Europe, and Africa. ...
Dar Global, Art District unveil $4.2bn new coastal destination in Oman
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Dar Global has partnered with Art District Real Estate for the development of its new coastal destination - Muscat Marine, Art & Digital District (MAD) - being set up in Oman. The RO1.6 billion ($4.2 billion) project integrates oceanfront living, luxury hospitality and future-focused digital industries. ...
Oman to drop tourist visas for citizens of Philippines next year
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
A spokesperson for the Consular Department at Oman’s Foreign Ministry affirmed that the Philippines will be added to the list of countries exempt from tourist visa requirements starting next year. ...
World Travel Tech Awards reveals 2025 winners
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
World Travel Tech Awards – the global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in the travel tech sector – has unveiled the winners of its 2025 programme at a glittering gala reception held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. ...
World Travel Awards honours global innovators in Bahrain
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Tourism royalty from across the globe convened in Bahrain for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 to recognise the travel organisations pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation. ...
flynas begins Dammam–Turaif direct service
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
flynas celebrated launching direct flights between Dammam and Turaif on December 4, adding a new domestic destination to flynas' ever-expanding network, in line with the company's expansion plan and the national objectives in the aviation sector. ...
flynas launches its first direct flight between Madinah-Baghdad
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
flynas celebrated the launch of its first direct flight between Madinah and Baghdad. The inaugural flight ceremony at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah was attended by representatives from flynas and Tibah Airports Operation Company, the operator of Madinah Airport. ...
Qatar Executive announces full-fleet Starlink installation
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of the Qatar Airways Group, announced a milestone in private aviation connectivity. By early 2026, every Gulfstream and Bombardier aircraft type in the Qatar Executive fleet will be equipped with Starlink. ...
UN Tourism advances climate action at COP30
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Tourism reaffirmed its growing role in global climate action at COP30, building on the momentum from COP29. Over two dedicated Tourism Thematic Days (November 19–20), UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism of Brazil convened a broad range of tourism stakeholders to advance solutions for a low-carbon and climate-resilient tourism sector. ...
Riyadh Airports hits 25m safe hours
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Riyadh Airports Company, which operates King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, has achieved milestone by completing 25 million safe-man hours across its capital projects. The company set a Guinness World Record by creating the world's largest word with safety helmets, spelling out "Safety First" using 2,560 helmets. ...
Abha Airport opens duty-free shop
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Cluster2, the company operating Abha International Airport, Saudi Arabia, inaugurated a duty-free shop in the airport’s international departures hall. ...
Cruise Saudi celebrates first visit of 'Celestyal Discovery’
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Cruise Saudi welcomed the Celestyal Discovery ship of the Greek cruise line Celestyal Cruises at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking its first visit to Saudi Arabia in a step that reflects the growing presence of Saudi Arabia on the map of Red Sea cruise tourism. ...
Three Dammam Airports advance in Carbon Accreditation
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Dammam Airports Company (DACO) announced significant progress in environmental sustainability as its international airports received certifications under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Programme by Airports Council International (ACI). ...
Etihad celebrates inaugural flight to Kazan
Sun, 07 Dec 2025
Etihad Airways, the national airline of UAE, launched its inaugural flight to Kazan, establishing a direct link between one of Russia's fastest-growing cities and Abu Dhabi. The new route, operating three times weekly, with a flight time of over five hours. ...
Etihad, Condor seal strategic partnership for new Abu Dhabi routes
Sat, 06 Dec 2025
UAE national airline Etihad Airways has announced a strategic partnership with German carrier Condor that will see the launch of new daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting from next summer. ...
Russia's Azimuth Airlines to launch Saudi flights
Fri, 05 Dec 2025
Russia's Azimuth Airlines will land in Saudi Arabia for the first time on December 6, following the General Authority of Civil Aviation's granting of an economic license to the airline. ...
H&H unveils new ultra-luxury destination in Jumeirah
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Leading developer H&H has announced the launch of Dubai Peninsula, a rare enclave along the Jumeirah coastline that is set to redefine the future of ultra-luxury living in the region, introducing an unprecedented waterfront destination. ...
Etihad Airways set for record winter travel period
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Etihad Airways is preparing for one of its busiest winter travel seasons to date, with December expected to welcome more than 2 million guests through Abu Dhabi as travellers celebrate the festive season. ...
Dubai ranks 12th among top 100 city destinations for 2025
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Dubai ranks 12th globally, boosted by strong visitor numbers, major events and high-value hotels. It leads the Middle East and Africa, with Abu Dhabi and Doha driving regional growth. A planned GCC visa will enhance connectivity. Paris remains the world’s top destination, followed by Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Milan, revealed data analytics company Euromonitor International. ...
Hero Experiences Group unveils reimagined adventures in AlUla
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Hero Experiences Group has returned to AlUla with upgraded adventures that go far beyond traditional sightseeing, offered through Hero Balloon Flights Saudi and Platinum Heritage Saudi. ...
Global Village transforms into winter wonderland
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Global Village, the region’s leading multicultural family destination, will celebrate the festive season from December 10–28 with spectacular shows, immersive decorations, new family activities, themed lighting, Dragon Lake, iconic gates, and a 21-meter-high Festive Tree, offering a magical holiday experience for all ages. ...
Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island names Hotel Manager
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island has promoted Manas Lal to the position of Hotel Manager, recognising his strong leadership, operational expertise and commitment to enhancing guest experiences. ...
dnata Travel Group wins 10 awards at World Travel Awards Middle East
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
dnata Travel Group brands across the GCC have won ten accolades at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2025. ...
Dubai Duty Free reports $240m in November sales
Thu, 04 Dec 2025
Dubai Duty Free has announced a landmark performance for November 2025 with sales reaching AED876.56 million ($240.16 million) – marking the highest monthly sales in the retailer’s 42-year history and a 16.77% increase over November 2024. ...