Hidden gems thrive in Abu Dhabi as 73pc of residents share local favourites
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
Abu Dhabi residents are leading the way in uncovering the emirate’s hidden gems, with half able to instantly name a secret spot. A Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) study found 73% of UAE residents recommend lesser-known destinations by word of mouth.
Arabian Adventures unveils up to 50pc off summer desert experiences
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has unveiled a range of exclusive summer offers, giving UAE residents and visitors up to 50% off selected desert experiences until August 31, 2026.
Confidence is the catalyst for tourism’s next chapter
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director–UAE at RX Global, Dubai and the GCC are reinforcing tourism resilience through innovation, collaboration and long-term planning, with ATM 2026 highlighting AI and travel technology as key drivers of future industry growth.
Dubai Customs gears up for 3m summer travellers
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Dubai Customs expects three million passengers in early July and has launched a coordinated summer travel plan featuring advanced baggage screening, seven-second manual inspections, dedicated pet inspection rooms, and enhanced customs awareness.
dnata Travel brings back ‘Secret Stays’ as demand for curated escapes grows
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
dnata Travel has relaunched its Secret Stays campaign, offering UAE travellers curated luxury escapes with surprise resorts. The Maldives package includes accommodation, meals, transfers and premium benefits, reflecting strong demand for convenient summer holiday experiences.
Emirates Group wins UAE’s top sustainability award for second time
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
The Emirates Group has received the UAE’s highest recognition for corporate sustainability, earning the Platinum Impact Seal Award 2025–2027 from the UAE National CSR Fund, Majra, for the second time.
JA Resorts & Hotels welcomes UK guests following travel advice update
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
JA Resorts & Hotels is welcoming international guests after the UK Foreign Office lifted its advice against all but essential travel to the UAE. Visitors can now enjoy stays at JA Beach Hotel, JA Palm Tree Court, JA Lake View Hotel and JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
Global Muslim travel to reach 208m arrivals in 2026: report
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Global Muslim travel is forecast to reach 208 million arrivals in 2026, driven by AI-powered trip planning and digital trust. GMTI says destinations must digitise Muslim-friendly services, while the UAE ranks sixth globally among leading Muslim-friendly destinations.
Air Arabia starts Sharjah–London Gatwick service
Sun, 05 Jul 2026
Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, launched its new double daily non-stop service between Sharjah International Airport and London Gatwick Airport. The inaugural flight departed on July 4.
Airport Show 2026 to spotlight biometrics for seamless passenger experience
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Airport Show 2026, taking place from October 12–14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will highlight biometric and passenger innovations, as Middle East airports accelerate digital identity adoption to improve efficiency, security, and travel flow amid projected 240 million passengers in 2026.
InteleTravel launches UAE operations, marking first Mideast expansion
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
InteleTravel has launched UAE operations, its first Middle East expansion, offering local advisors access to global travel products, supplier partnerships, training and support. The company aims to recruit 1,000 UAE-based advisors initially.
Etihad expands Brussels, Dhaka, Kraków, Palma, Zanzibar services
Wed, 01 Jul 2026
Etihad Airways is increasing capacity across its network in response to strong demand, increasing frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a year-round route, and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca.
Six Senses The Palm, Dubai focuses on sustainability
Tue, 30 Jun 2026
Ahead of its UAE debut, Six Senses The Palm, Dubai is integrating sustainability across its design, operations and guest experiences.
UAE nationals can now travel to Lebanon
Tue, 30 Jun 2026
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has announced that UAE nationals are now permitted to travel to the Lebanon.
Maldives tops UAE summer travel destinations: dnata Travel
Sun, 28 Jun 2026
The Maldives has emerged as the leading destination for UAE travellers this summer, accounting for one in five international hotel bookings, according to dnata Travel’s latest data. Thailand, Mauritius, Canada and Australia complete the top five most-booked destinations.
UAE visa on arrival programme covers six more countries
Fri, 26 Jun 2026
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members.
Etihad Rail to launch inaugural passenger service from June 30
Wed, 24 Jun 2026
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, is set to launch its first passenger service between Abu Dhabi and the northern emirate of Fujairah on June 30, thus marking a new chapter in the country’s infrastructure development.
flydubai invites Emirati applicants for flight dispatcher training
Mon, 22 Jun 2026
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has opened applications for its newly launched Flight Dispatcher Programme aimed at developing Emirati talent, with the first group of trainees set to begin studies in September 2026.
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy partners with Waldorf Astoria DIFC for training programme
Mon, 22 Jun 2026
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches has signed a memorandum of understanding with Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre to strengthen hospitality education through hands-on industry training in the UAE.
Etihad extends award-winning streak with major industry honours
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, continued its award-winning streak after securing the titles of Best Economy Class and Best Cabin Crew at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards in Dubai.
UAE's Al Ain region to be global hub for advanced air mobility solutions
Fri, 19 Jun 2026
The UAE’s Al Ain region will serve as a global hub for design and regulatory activities in the advanced air mobility solutions sector. Supporting infrastructure, technical expertise, and international partnerships will be developed to ensure safe and sustainable operations.