Azizi Hospitality advances hotel development in Azizi Riviera
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
Azizi Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Azizi Developments and part of Azizi Group, is moving ahead with the development of its five-star hotel in Azizi Riviera, Meydan, with the property on track to open in mid-2028. ...
Bahrain to host the International Tourism Investment Forum 2027 in January
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF) in January 2027 in partnership with UN Tourism. ...
dnata Travel Group strengthens global growth strategy with 12 partnerships at ATM
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
dnata Travel Group, the travel arm of aviation services provider dnata, signed 12 partnership agreements at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 to further broaden its travel offering and expand its international reach. ...
Aldar launches Saadiyat Grove luxury retail, dining destination
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
Aldar on Friday announced that Saadiyat Grove, a new experiential luxury retail and fine dining destination in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, will open in the fourth quarter of 2026. ...
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi launches ticket sales ahead of December 11 opening
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
The countdown to the December 11 opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has entered its next chapter with the launch of ticket sales for admission to the new museum. ...
Dubai Parks and Resorts to welcome guests from October 7
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
Dubai Parks and Resorts will welcome guests from October 7, 2026, bringing together MOTIONGATE Dubai, Real Madrid World, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort and The World of Riverland for the start of a highly anticipated entertainment season. ...
Global Airports Forum to bring aviation leaders to Riyadh
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
Global aviation leaders will converge in Riyadh in November to discuss industry’s key challenges and opportunities as Middle East airport development spending is expected to reach $180 billion. ...
Confidence, optimism return as ATM 2026 closes on a high note
Fri, 18 Sep 2026
A tangible sense of confidence and optimism ran through Arabian Travel Market 2026, which concluded in Dubai on Thursday with major announcements and deals. ...
Middle East conflict hits tourism as global growth slows to 0.4%
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
The Middle East conflict has dealt a major blow to tourism in the region and begun to weigh on travel demand far beyond its borders, with international tourist arrivals in the Middle East plunging 22% in the first half of 2026 as global tourism managed only modest growth of 0.4%. ...
RTA, Dubai Airports aim to strengthen cooperation to ease traffic flow
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Top officials of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Airports have agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two entities to ease traffic flow and passenger mobility in the Emirate. ...
DCT Abu Dhabi signs new deals to welcome 75,000 Indian visitors
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed nine new joint marketing partnerships with Indian travel companies to bring 75,500 additional visitors to the emirate, widening connections with Abu Dhabi’s number one source market. ...
Emirates closes successful ATM with over 30 partnerships
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Emirates signed more than 30 agreements spanning tourism boards across 16 countries, and organisations at the centre of new customer segments and communities, a the Arabian Travel Market 2026, which closed in Dubai on Thursday. ...
Saudi GACA signs aviation MoUs, grants AlUla cargo handling licence
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has advanced a series of aviation sector partnerships and agreements, including new MoUs with European air navigation organisations and an economic licence for air cargo handling at AlUla International Airport. ...
Visa-free travel could drive Asia-GCC tourism growth, industry leaders say
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Visa-free access, seamless travel experiences and stronger connectivity could make the Asia-GCC corridor a major growth engine for the Middle East’s travel sector, industry leaders said at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai. ...
Abu Dhabi Stopover programme expands to Al Ain as visitor numbers grow
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways are expanding the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to Al Ain as international visitor numbers continue to grow. ...
Flyadeal, Alrajhi Bank partner to integrate Mokafaa loyalty programme
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Alrajhi Bank and flyadeal have announced a strategic partnership integrating the bank’s Mokafaa loyalty programme into flyadeal’s booking experience, allowing customers to earn and redeem points when booking eligible flights. ...
ATM 2026 recognises six exhibitors for stand design, innovation
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 recognised six exhibitors for outstanding stand design, creativity and technology. Dubai DET, Rove Hotels and Agilysys won design awards, Marriott was recognised for business, DCT Abu Dhabi for stand features, and HBX Group for technology. ...
Musafir Holdings to acquire full ownership of FLYCT MEA
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Musafir Holdings has agreed to acquire the remaining 75% of FLYCT MEA Holdings, which operates the Cleartrip.ae and Flyin.com online travel platforms in the Middle East. ...
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. ...
Etihad launches priority support service for corporate travellers
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways has launched Corporate Care, a new enhancement to its Etihad for Business programme designed to provide organisations and corporate travellers with priority support during their journeys. ...
EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup teams arrive in Abu Dhabi
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Olympiacos Piraeus, Dubai Basketball, Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe Tarfin Istanbul have arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of the inaugural EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on September 18 and 19. ...
Abu Dhabi updates holiday home regulations to strengthen sector
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced updated holiday home regulations aimed at clarifying licensing, operational, inspection and compliance requirements for the sector. ...
Fujairah highlights tourism offering at Arabian Travel Market 2026
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
During the final day of Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, the Fujairah stand welcomed Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, who was briefed on the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department’s participation and its showcase of the emirate’s diverse tourism, cultural and heritage offerings. ...
Kempinski unveils 279-unit luxury residential development on Dubai creek
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Kempinski Group, Europe’s oldest luxury hospitality company, has announced the launch of its prime development in Dubai - Kempinski Residences The Creek- featuring 279 luxury apartments surrounded by natural landscapes, offering a serene lifestyle complemented by premium amenities and exquisite services. ...
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. ...
Turkish Airlines, Air China expand codeshare partnership
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Turkish Airlines and Air China have expanded their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Türkiye, China and destinations across their wider networks. ...
Jazeera Airways, CzechTourism launch winter Kuwait-Prague flights
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Jazeera Airways, in partnership with CzechTourism, has announced the launch of its first-ever winter flights from Kuwait to Prague, expanding travel options for passengers seeking a European getaway during the festive season. ...
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. ...
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort becomes first Asian Tour Destinations venue outside Asia
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco has become the first golf venue outside Asia to join Asian Tour Destinations (ATD), expanding the exclusive network beyond the continent for the first time. ...
flydubai Holidays grows portfolio with new destinations, digital upgrade
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
flydubai Holidays is expanding its destination and product portfolio and preparing to launch a refreshed digital experience as demand for travel packages continues to grow. ...
Farnek sees surge in full-department hotel outsourcing enquiries
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Farnek, a UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company, has seen a sharp rise in enquiries in recent months from hotel owners and operators seeking to outsource entire hotel departments end-to-end. ...
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. ...
Reach MENA rebrands as TruReach to expand destination growth offering
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Reach MENA has rebranded as TruReach, marking the company’s evolution from a MENA-founded travel media and technology specialist into a global Destination Growth Solutions company. ...
Dubai unveils ‘Beyond the Ordinary’ citywide destination project
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has unveiled ‘Beyond the Ordinary’, a citywide destination project with XDubai and Red Bull athletes, showcasing the emirate’s skyline, coastline, desert and urban landscape. ...
Abu Dhabi moves to promote healthier food choices across tourism sector
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a collaboration agreement with Healthy Living, Abu Dhabi’s government-led movement supporting longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives, to promote healthier food choices across the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector. ...
Etihad, Uzbekistan Tourism Committee sign cooperation deal
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways has signed a Memorandum of Co-operation with Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee to promote tourism to the country through the airline’s global network. Signed at ATM 2026 in Dubai, the agreement will support joint marketing, promotional and trade initiatives. ...
Emirates partners with Medical Tourism Association to expand healthcare travel
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Emirates has signed an MoU with the Medical Tourism Association to expand its presence in medical, wellness and longevity travel. Announced at ATM 2026, the partnership will leverage Dubai’s healthcare hub status and Emirates’ global network to target international healthcare travellers. ...
Qatar launches over 560 events for 2026/2027 tourism calendar
Thu, 17 Sep 2026
Visit Qatar has launched Qatar Calendar 2026/2027, featuring more than 560 events, festivals and championships across the country, as Qatar seeks to strengthen its position as a year-round tourism destination. ...
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. ...
AlUla Dates Season returns to celebrate farming heritage
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
AlUla Dates Season will return from 18 to 26 September, celebrating the farmers, communities and agricultural traditions that have shaped the Saudi destination’s palm groves for generations. ...
Legacy Hotels expands pipeline with four new hotel deals at ATM 2026
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Legacy Hotels Holding has signed agreements for four new properties across the UAE, Egypt and Georgia at ATM 2026, adding more than 1,200 keys to its pipeline. The deals include Kyriad, Kyriad Prestige and TemptingPlaces properties, supporting its regional expansion plans. ...
Strong aviation infrastructure, data-led decisions key to post-conflict connectivity: ATM 2026
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector must strengthen aviation infrastructure, improve data sharing and accelerate decision-making to prepare for a rapid post-conflict recovery, ministers and industry leaders said at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai. ...
GCC to host six tournaments on DP World Tour’s 2027 schedule
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
The GCC will host six tournaments on the DP World Tour’s 2027 global schedule, including four consecutive weeks of golf in the Middle East at the start of the season and the Race to Dubai finale in the UAE in November. ...
Emirates signs new partnerships to boost tourism, customer reach
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Emirates has signed and renewed agreements with tourism boards, travel platforms, cruise operators, business councils, sports tourism specialists and financial partners, expanding collaborations across key markets including Mozambique, Kenya, China, Spain, Finland and Vietnam to drive tourism, connectivity and customer engagement. ...
Jazeera Airways partners with Trip.com Group to expand global reach
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Jazeera Airways has announced a strategic partnership with Trip.com Group aimed at expanding the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier’s global reach, increasing early bookings and supporting the country’s travel and tourism sector. ...
flydubai welcomes over 850 travel trade visitors at ATM 2026
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
flydubai’s participation in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 drew strong engagement from the travel trade, with the airline hosting more than 850 travel agents and buyers from 50 markets across the carrier's network throughout the Middle East and the GCC, Africa, Central Asia, Europe and Southeast Asia. ...
Qatar Airways expands tourism partnerships, digital offering at ATM 2026
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Qatar Airways has signed Memoranda of Understanding with tourism bodies in Kenya, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, New Port Beach and the Maldives at ATM 2026, aiming to strengthen global travel through Doha and expand tourism promotion across key markets. ...
Etihad Airways to launch new global lounge concept at London Heathrow
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways is set to unveil a new generation of its global lounge experience, beginning with a transformed lounge at London Heathrow in summer 2027 as part of a wider expansion of its premium ground offering. ...
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. ...
HMH expands tech, circular practices across UAE hotels
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) is expanding technology-driven and circular-economy practices across its managed hotel portfolio as the hospitality sector seeks to reduce resource consumption and improve operational efficiency. ...
Dubai launches two new sustainability courses for tourism, hospitality sector
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched two new sustainability courses designed to strengthen practical training for tourism and hospitality professionals as the emirate continues to embed responsible practices across its visitor economy. ...
Mastercard, Trip.com partner to transform travel booking with AI
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Mastercard and Trip.com have partnered to showcase AI-powered booking experiences for the travel sector, demonstrating how consumers could search, book and complete purchases through Trip.com’s AI agent, TripGenie. ...
flyadeal introduces flexible booking, expanded connection options
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal has launched two new customer services, Time to Think and flyadeal Connections, offering greater booking flexibility, full refunds within 24 hours and expanded domestic and international connecting-flight options across its growing network. ...
Bahrain to host 2027 F1 season opener as 24-race calendar unveiled
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Bahrain will host the first race of the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, which will feature 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events. ...
Emirates, KHDA partner to strengthen Dubai’s global education appeal
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Emirates and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global destination for higher education, international students and lifelong learning. ...
Slovakia targets GCC visitors with wellness, nature tourism
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Slovakia is intensifying efforts to attract more visitors from the GCC, highlighting spa and medical tourism, mineral and healing springs, nature and sports as key opportunities, according to Loretta Pinke, Head of the Slovak Tourism Representation – GCC Region, speaking to Gulf Tourism News during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai. ...
Jayasom opens wellness resort on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Jayasom has opened its Jayasom Wellness Resort, AMAALA, on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, introducing a luxury integrative wellness destination focused on personalised programmes for long-term health and wellbeing. ...
flydubai expands global network with Air India, Uzbekistan Airways deals
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
flydubai has expanded its global connectivity through new interline agreements with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, adding access to more than 80 destinations across Asia, Australia and Europe. The deals bring flydubai’s interline network to 46 airline partners, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub. ...
Mideast international visitor spending forecast to rise 57pc by 2030: ATM report
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
International visitor spending in the Middle East is forecast to increase by $116 billion, or 57%, between 2025 and 2030, according to the newly unveiled ATM Travel Trends Report 2026, produced by Arabian Travel Market in association with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company. ...
Etihad Airways, Swissport ink deal to increase service airports from 30 to 40
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways and Swissport signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Arabian Travel Market to expand their partnership. Swissport will increase Etihad’s served airports from 30 to 40, adding 10 locations worldwide. The MoU covers ground handling and cargo services, with potential hospitality expansion through Aspire lounges. ...
Visit Qatar, FUN&SUN sign MOU to launch charter flights from Russia
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Visit Qatar signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with TT-Travel (FUN&SUN) at ATM 2026 in Dubai. The partnership will launch a dedicated charter programme from October 2026, boosting direct air connectivity and aiming to generate more than 22,000 Russian tourist arrivals to Qatar in 2026/2027 winter, from Moscow and Yekaterinburg. ...
New Kerala push to woo more tourists from Bahrain, GCC
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Kerala is launching new tourism initiatives to boost Gulf arrivals, including Bahrain. Culture and Tourism Minister P C Vishnunath said roadshows and information kiosks will be set up with India’s embassy and Bahrain’s BKS. Kerala welcomed 100,000 Arab tourists last year, aiming for 300,000 in five years. ...
Empower supports Dubai’s sustainable hospitality, serving 24pc of hotels
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Empower has reaffirmed its support for Dubai’s sustainable tourism and hospitality growth, highlighting the role of district cooling in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. By end-2025, its services covered 24% of Dubai’s 827 hotel and hotel apartment facilities. ...
Global Village unveils Season 31 VIP Packs with exclusive benefits
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Global Village has announced the launch of its Season 31 VIP Packs, offering guests exclusive benefits and premium access ahead of the new season, which begins on October 14, 2026. ...
Experience, personalisation, AI reshape travel market: ITB China report
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
China’s travel market is becoming more diverse, with travelers placing greater emphasis on quality, authentic experiences and personalised services, while artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing the entire travel journey, according to the ITB China Travel Trends Report 2026/27. ...
HX Expeditions unveils 2028/29 season with 57 voyages, 26 new itineraries
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
HX Expeditions has unveiled its 2028/29 season, featuring 57 voyages across 14 destinations, including 26 new itineraries, two destinations new to the company and five major product innovations. ...
Cloudbeds launches new revenue management system for hotels
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Cloudbeds, the hospitality management system for hoteliers, has launched Cloudbeds RMS, a new revenue management system designed to help hotels make faster and more informed pricing decisions. ...
Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail tie up for air-rail integration
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities to create a seamless air-rail travel experience across the UAE. ...
Emirates continues Starlink rollout at 14 aircraft per month
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
Emirates is installing Starlink satellite internet across its fleet at a rate of 14 aircraft per month, with 53 aircraft now connected. The airline plans to extend the service to 232 aircraft, according to Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim. ...
Air Arabia consortium to begin Dammam operations on September 20
Wed, 16 Sep 2026
An Air Arabia Group-led consortium will commence airline operations from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on September 20, 2026, after receiving its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). ...
Etihad unveils Etihad Escapes travel platform
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Etihad Airways has unveiled Etihad Escapes, a new travel platform that will allow customers to book flights, hotels and other travel services in one digital experience. The platform will launch in October, initially offering hotel bookings through Etihad.com. ...
Jazeera Airways wins IDC award for Mission Barakah operation
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Jazeera Airways has been recognised at the IDC CIO Excellence Awards, Kuwait, for Mission Barakah, a large-scale contingency operation launched to maintain air connectivity for Kuwait during the temporary closure of Kuwait International Airport earlier this year. ...
RAKTDA, Emirates sign MoU to boost Ras Al Khaimah tourism
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase visitor arrivals to the emirate from selected markets across Emirates’ network. ...
ATM 2026: GCC destinations urged to balance collaboration, competition
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Gulf nations should highlight their individual tourism and business events offerings while presenting a more coordinated regional proposition to international visitors, regional industry leaders said at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai. ...
Emirates signs 11 new agreements at Arabian Travel Market
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Emirates signed 11 partnership agreements at Arabian Travel Market, covering tourism promotion, customer experiences, worker welfare and specialist travel services. Agreements were renewed with Sri Lanka, Maldives and tourism bodies, while new deals covered Ras Al Khaimah, Japan, Italy, OWWA, Cisalpina Tours and Kuwait Airways. ...
voco Dubai Monaco appoints Emad Ramzy as Multi-Property General Manager
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
voco Dubai Monaco, The Heart of Europe, has announced the appointment of Emad Ramzy as its new Multi-Property General Manager. ...
InterContinental Abu Dhabi secures five titles at World Travel Awards 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi have secured five titles at the World Travel Awards 2026, recognising their performance across business travel, serviced apartments and hotel residences. ...
Zeal Connect launches AI-first CRM platform for travel industry
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Zeal Connect has launched Zeal CRM, an AI-first customer relationship management platform designed specifically for the travel industry, completing a technology suite that manages journeys from initial enquiry through booking and post-sale resolution. ...
Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 draws hundreds of thousands across the city
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 concluded its 29th edition as one of the festival’s biggest and most dynamic seasons, attracting hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors with 60 days of shopping, dining, entertainment and family experiences across Dubai. ...
SEVEN launches hot wheels e-karting experience in Tabuk
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company, has launched Hot Wheels E-Karting at SEVEN TABUK, bringing the globally recognised Mattel brand to life through an immersive indoor racing experience. ...
Ascott plans 16 new properties across MEAT region by 2028
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
The Ascott has announced plans to open 16 properties across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye (MEAT) by the end of 2028, expanding its regional portfolio as the hospitality group targets 15,000 units by 2030, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. ...
AROYA Cruises adds new Mediterranean destinations,routes
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
AROYA Cruises is expanding its Mediterranean programme for 2026 and 2027, introducing new destinations and routes from Istanbul’s Galataport. The 2027 season will add Antalya and Nafplio, alongside two new 14-night voyages linking the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic seas. ...
Bahrain International Airport wins three Skytrax Awards
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has secured three awards at the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, as passenger traffic returned to normal levels while the airport continued to maintain high standards of service quality and operational efficiency. ...
Shaza Hotels unveils 2027 expansion plans at ATM 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Shaza Hotels is targeting Turkey, Central Asia and North Africa for expansion from 2027, unveiling its international growth strategy at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai as it seeks culturally relevant, family-focused hospitality opportunities beyond its GCC base. ...
Tech, talent, customer focus shape travel industry’s next phase: ATM 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Technology, talent and customer focus will be central to maintaining competitiveness as the global travel industry enters its next phase of growth, according to senior executives at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. ...
flydubai surpasses 100-aircraft fleet milestone with 11 new deliveries
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
flydubai is expanding its fleet beyond 100 aircraft and launching the next phase of its cabin retrofit programme in September, as the Dubai-based carrier strengthens capacity and upgrades its onboard offering. The airline will receive 11 new aircraft in 2026, comprising seven Boeing 737-9 MAX and four Boeing 737-8 MAX. ...
Emirates adds UAE’s Jaywan card to payment options for flight bookings
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Emirates and Al Etihad Payments have signed an agreement to enable the UAE’s national card scheme, Jaywan, as a payment option for Emirates customers booking flights from Dubai. The partnership expands payment choice for UAE-based travellers and supports the country’s wider digital payments ambitions. ...
Dubai Ruler visits ATM 2026, highlights innovation, tourism growth
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, reviewing innovations and trends shaping global travel and tourism. ...
Dubai Airport expands smart services with instant International Driving Permit issuance
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Emirates Automobile and Touring Club and “Amer,” has launched an instant International Driving Permit (IDP) issuance service at a Customer Happiness Centre in the arrivals area of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. ...
Seychelles puts GCC at centre of high-value tourism strategy at ATM 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Seychelles Tourism Board is placing the GCC at the heart of its high-value, sustainable tourism strategy, as around 60% of international visitors transit Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. At ATM 2026, it unveiled plans to deepen regional partnerships and broaden the destination’s appeal. ...
KAFD expands hospitality offering with opening of 214-key Atheel Hotel
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) has announced the opening of Atheel KAFD, expanding the hospitality offering at Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination. ...
Rotana highlights 40 properties in pipeline, next phase of regional growth at ATM 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Rotana is accelerating its regional and international expansion, with 40 properties and 8,334 keys under development alongside 78 operating properties, as the hotel management company outlines its growth strategy at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. ...
Arabian Adventures unveils $2.2m expansion of The Fort – Lisaili
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Arabian Adventures, part of Emirates Group, is investing AED8 million ($2.2 million) to expand The Fort – Lisaili in Dubai, introducing new attractions and hospitality concepts. The redeveloped destination will reopen in phases from October 2026, including the UAE’s first dune-top desert zipline. ...
Emirates, flydubai offer double skywards miles
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is offering members the chance to earn double Skywards Miles on eligible flights across both airlines’ global networks. ...
WTTC announces former Spanish PM, US Tourism Minister for Malta Global Summit
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar and US Tourism Minister Ambassador Nick Adams as speakers at its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta, from October 7–9, 2026. ...
Saudi Entertainment Authority Wins Gold Stevie for workforce upskilling
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has won a Gold Stevie Award at the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, presented recently in Istanbul. ...
Preparedness, cooperation underpin GCC tourism resilience: policymakers at ATM 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Preparedness and multilateral collaboration dominated the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, as policymakers and tourism leaders from the Gulf, Europe, Central Asia and the United Nations examined the resilience and long-term prospects of the region’s tourism industry. ...
Bahrain Tourism Minister highlights sector resilience at ATM 2026
Tue, 15 Sep 2026
Bahrain Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi participated in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, highlighting the event’s role in strengthening international tourism cooperation, showcasing emerging trends and building partnerships, while reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable growth and global tourism competitiveness. ...
Emaar showcases expanding hospitality and leisure portfolio
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Emaar Hospitality is showcasing the continued evolution, growth, and diversification of its hospitality and leisure portfolio - From the refined luxury of Address Hotels + Resorts and Palace Hotels + Resorts to the contemporary, design-led energy of Vida Hotels and Resorts - at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai. ...
Abu Dhabi unveils new islands and water sports guide
Mon, 14 Sep 2026
Abu Dhabi Tourism has unveiled its new Water Sports Guide, a new digital platform designed to help visitors discover and explore the emirate’s more than 200 islands, diverse marine environments and growing range of maritime experiences. ...