UAE online air travel penetration forecast to reach 52pc by 2030: VIDEC
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Online travel channels are expected to play a growing role in the UAE’s travel market, with online air penetration forecast to reach 52% by 2030, according to research from VIDEC presented at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026.
Rove Hotels, IRTH Group announce UAE residential expansion
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Rove Hotels and IRTH Group have announced a multi-year partnership to develop a new pipeline of standalone Rove Home residential projects across the UAE, expanding a collaboration that has already delivered more than 2,000 sold-out units in Dubai.
Etihad Guest partners with Maldivian to expand Maldives access
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has signed a partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, to expand travel options for members heading to the island nation.
Dubai K-Fest 2026 to bring Korean culture to the city
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Dubai will celebrate Korean culture this September with the inaugural Dubai K-Fest 2026, a 10-day citywide festival featuring K-pop concerts, Korean cinema, K-beauty, fashion, food, shopping and cultural experiences.
ENOC, Landmark Group partner to enable loyalty points exchange in UAE
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
ENOC Group, an integrated global energy player, and Landmark Group, an omnichannel retail and hospitality business, have announced a strategic partnership allowing members of their YES Rewards and Shukran loyalty programmes to exchange points between the two platforms in the UAE.
UAE unveils unified tourism identity, grand tour at ATM 2026
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a global tourism destination, including the launch of the UAE’s first unified national tourism identity and a new platform promoting multi-emirate travel.
Miral to invest more than $3.3bn in Yas Island over five years
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Miral will invest more than AED12 billion ($3.3 billion) in Yas Island over the next five years, funding new developments and expanding existing attractions as Abu Dhabi seeks to strengthen its position as a leading global tourism and entertainment destination.
Czechia highlights “feel free” travel experiences at ATM 2026
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
CzechTourism, in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UAE, is showcasing the country’s latest tourism offerings at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place from September 14 to 17.
Marriott maintains positive outlook for UAE, Mideast tourism
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
The UAE’s tourism sector remains well positioned for long-term growth, supported by continued investment, strong infrastructure and expanding air connectivity, according to Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Luxury, Europe Middle East & Africa and Global Leader, Design Hotels, Marriott International.
NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta opens following hotel transformation
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Dubai’s Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel has entered a new chapter with the launch of NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta, following the phased transformation of the 396-room property.
Wynn Al Marjan Island reveals Mayfair, Paris luxury apartments
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Wynn Al Marjan Island has unveiled two ultra-luxury accommodations, the Mayfair Apartment and Paris Apartment, positioned as the largest and highest residences within Enclave, the resort’s boutique hotel concept.
Ski holidays, arctic escapes drive UAE winter travel demand: dnata Travel
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
UAE residents are increasingly opting for ski holidays and Arctic adventures this winter, with demand for cooler-climate destinations rising across Europe and Asia. Japan has entered dnata Travel’s top five most-booked international destinations for winter 2026/27.
Atara Development advances Sheraton Residences project on Al Marjan Island
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Atara Development is advancing the next phase of The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort, refining its residential offering as Al Marjan Island strengthens its position as an emerging tourism, hospitality and real estate destination in the UAE.
Royal Jordanian launches direct Abu Dhabi-Aqaba service
Sun, 13 Sep 2026
Royal Jordanian Airlines has launched a new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Aqaba, strengthening air connectivity between the UAE and Jordan and providing travellers with easier access to the kingdom’s Red Sea coast and key tourist destinations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.