Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) has received four highly coveted awards at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony. These accolades include World's Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue 2025; World's Best MICE Event Venue 2025; Middle East's Best MICE Event Venue 2025; and Bahrain's Best Convention Centre 2025. This recognition solidifies EWB’s status as one of the world’s most versatile and competitive venues for global events.

Dusit Thani College has launched a new phase of global expansion by introducing its fast-track Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Alkhaleej Training and Education. Delivered exclusively in Riyadh, the six-month programme combines intensive practical training with a guaranteed internship at four- and five-star hotels, preparing Saudi talent for entry-level hospitality roles. Set to launch in January 2026, TOP marks Dusit Thani College’s first international licence partnership and the first non-Swiss, internationally benchmarked skills-based hospitality pathway in the Kingdom. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism sector and aligns with Vision 2030 workforce development goals.

Pop icon Katy Perry headlined the final Emirates NBD After-Race Concert at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, performing to a sold-out Etihad Park. The high-energy set marked both the close of the race weekend and the final show of Perry’s Lifetimes Tour. Fans were treated to hit tracks including California Girls, Last Friday Night, Wide Awake, and a show-stopping finale of Firework with full pyrotechnics. The concert followed the final race of Formula 1’s 75th season and capped four nights of live entertainment at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which also featured Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone and Metallica.

Oman Air has formalised a strategic partnership with Fun & Sun to expand direct connectivity between Moscow and Salalah, supporting Oman’s tourism growth. Signed in Muscat, the agreement aligns with Oman Air’s point-to-point strategy and aims to attract thousands of visitors in its inaugural season, strengthening Dhofar as a year-round destination. Seasonal charter flights are operating until May 9, 2026. The initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 and follows Oman Air’s transformation, which has driven a 50 per cent rise in passengers staying in Oman and is projected to generate up to OMR 90 million ($234 million) annually in additional economic activity over five years.

Turkish Airlines and South African Airways have signed a codeshare agreement, effective March 1, 2026, to strengthen connectivity between Türkiye, South Africa and key African markets. Signed in Geneva, the partnership allows Turkish Airlines to place its TK code on South African Airways flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls and Mauritius. South African Airways will place its SA code on selected Turkish Airlines flights between İstanbul and Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris and London.

Rocco Forte Hotels has announced the opening of Masseria del Cardinale, its second hotel in Puglia, scheduled to debut in 2028 in Fasano’s Itria Valley. Following the success of Masseria Torre Maizza, the new estate will feature 86 rooms and suites, restaurants and bar, event spaces, an Irene Forte Spa, and a large swimming pool.

Shaza Hotels has officially opened Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, marking its first branded property in the Kingdom of Bahrain and expanding its footprint across the GCC. Located in Juffair, the contemporary lifestyle hotel is designed for families, business travellers and long-stay guests. The 15-storey twin-tower property features 118 modern suites, including one-, two- and three-bedroom residences and four penthouses, alongside fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, family-friendly amenities and flexible meeting spaces. Owned by Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., the hotel will undergo a phased transformation to enhance interiors and guest experiences. 

Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the global debut of its new lifestyle brand, The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, with its first property signed in Nairobi. Scheduled to open within 12 months, the four-star hotel will feature 155 guest rooms, two dining venues, a gym, rooftop pool, ladies’ sauna, and meeting facilities. Located in Kilimani, opposite Yaya Centre, the property targets corporate and leisure travellers and forms part of a mixed-use development with retail, offices and a mosque, underscoring Swiss-Belhotel International’s expansion across Africa.