Emirates has officially activated an interline partnership with Bahamasair to provide connectivity to customers travelling to The Bahamas. The unilateral partnership between both carriers enables Emirates to expand its reach in the Caribbean, allowing its customers to connect on The Bahamas’ national flag carrier from two gateways in Florida to two destinations within The Bahamas – Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. The interline partnership came into effect following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both airlines in June. Emirates’ customers can book an entire journey from across its network to Orlando or Miami and connect to Nassau or Freeport – all with the simplicity of a single ticket and with additional benefits including a single baggage policy for both airlines. Florida gateways, Miami and Orlando, are amongst the 12 U.S. destinations that the world’s largest international airline currently flies to. Emirates serves Miami with daily flights utilising its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring four cabin classes, along with five-weekly services to Orlando aboard its Boeing 777 aircraft in a three-class configuration. From the two Florida gateways, customers can connect to the services of Bahamasair, operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, to two major points in the country. Earlier this year, Emirates also signed an MoU with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas to jointly promote tourism to the Caribbean nation.

Etihad Airways launched its inaugural flight to Kazan, establishing a direct link between one of Russia’s fastest-growing cities and Abu Dhabi, the gateway to exceptional travel experiences across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. The new route, operating three times weekly, brings these two dynamic destinations within easy reach, with a flight time of just over five hours. For travellers from Kazan and across Russia, Abu Dhabi offers year-round sunshine, world-class attractions, and seamless connections to Etihad’s extensive global network. Flight EY839 touched down at Kazan International Airport this afternoon, greeted with a ceremonial welcome, marking the start of a new travel corridor for business and leisure travellers. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, the service is perfectly timed for weekend escapes or extended holidays. “We’re delighted to welcome guests from Kazan to discover Abu Dhabi, a city that beautifully blends Emirati heritage with contemporary innovation,” said Natalia Goryunova, Country Manager Russia at Etihad Airways. “Through our Abu Dhabi hub, passengers can enjoy seamless connections to Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the GCC region, and Australia, opening up exceptional travel opportunities across Etihad’s global network. Whether exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, and thriving dining scene, or connecting onwards to destinations throughout our network, this flight opens up a world of possibilities for travellers in both directions.” Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors with its stunning cultural attractions including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside world-class entertainment at Yas Island’s theme parks and the year-round sunshine that makes the UAE capital an ideal winter escape. The city’s blend of traditional Emirati hospitality and modern luxury creates an unforgettable experience for international guests. For Abu Dhabi residents …

Jamaica Tourist Board was recognised as the ‘Most Promising Destination’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Dubai. Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East is the Trade Representative office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This partnership marks an exciting milestone in Jamaica’s efforts to expand its presence and strengthen relationships within the GCC travel market. Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the GCC travel landscape, make them an ideal partner to achieve Jamaica’s overarching tourism goals and communicate its diverse tourism offerings. Jamaica remains steadfast in preserving its rich culture and heritage, offering visitors immersive experiences through community tourism initiatives, further enriching its diverse offerings. From delving into the Rastafarian way of life to engaging in traditional cooking classes, visitors can actively contribute to preserving, respecting and celebrating the islands native culture.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced the completion of the full renovation of its iconic Al Multaqua Ballroom, reaffirming its status as one of Dubai’s most prestigious venues for weddings, conferences, and high-profile events. The transformation marks a new chapter in the ballroom’s distinguished legacy, combining timeless sophistication with contemporary design and advanced technology for unforgettable celebrations and landmark gatherings. Spanning 1,000 square metres, the ballroom now features a comprehensive architectural and interior transformation, enhancing both form and function to deliver a seamless, luxurious experience for every guest. The renovation extends beyond the main hall to include upgrades to the pre-function area, bridal suite, majlis, and support facilities, ensuring every detail reflects DWTC’s hallmark of excellence and service. For more than 30 years, Al Multaqua Ballroom has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s hospitality scene, hosting more than 3,000 weddings, royal celebrations, and distinguished international conferences that have welcomed dignitaries, global leaders, and high-profile guests from around the world. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with DWTC’s role in shaping Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for world-class events. Rami Alaileh, Vice President of Destination Management at DWTC, said: “Al Multaqua Ballroom has long been an integral part of Dubai’s social and business fabric. With this transformation, we are elevating an iconic venue to meet the expectations of today’s guests, while preserving the heritage that makes it so special. This renovation reflects DWTC’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and world-class service, as we honour our legacy and look confidently to the future.” The refreshed design pays homage to DWTC’s storied legacy of hosting milestone moments, integrating modern aesthetics, advanced lighting and audiovisual systems, and sustainable features that align with Dubai’s vision for innovation …

As Abu Dhabi unveils the highly anticipated Zayed National Museum this week, Expedia data reveals an unprecedented surge in traveller interest – with long-haul American travelers leading a global rush to witness another cultural marvel in the UAE. Global searches on Expedia for Abu Dhabi travel have increased 15% year-over-year.* The United States is leading with a staggering 40% increase in searches for December travel**, while both the UK and France show 10% growth***. “The opening of Zayed National Museum represents a landmark moment for cultural tourism in the region,” said an official from Expedia Group. “We’re seeing travelers from around the world eager to be among the first to experience this world-class institution.” The museum honors the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, by keeping heritage alive and cultivating a spirit of learning and belonging. It unites the nation’s diverse community around shared milestones and values, providing a window into the UAE’s history and culture. Designed by the renowned Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, its collection features over 3,000 pieces, with 1,500 currently on display, each telling its own story. Residents as well as international tourists, can expect a groundbreaking blend of archaeological artifacts with cutting-edge audiovisual experiences, sensory installations, and contemporary art. Insider Picks: Opening Week Hotel Stays Abu Dhabi has no shortage of iconic stays across the destination. According to Expedia’s recent data, several hotels have seen a similar spike coinciding with the Zayed National Museum opening****, in proximity to the Saadiyat Cultural District, which includes: Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Millennium Residences Saadiyat Island The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi …

Emirates has unveiled an exciting new way for travellers to explore Southeast Asia with the launch of the Emirates Asia Pass. Designed for travellers seeking cultural discovery and flexible itineraries, the pass simplifies multi-city travel across the region, offering convenience, value, and flexibility on one single booking. With the Emirates Asia Pass, customers can book and customise itineraries across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Laos, all under one ticket. Whether travellers are looking to experience tranquil island retreats, rich cultural landmarks or vibrant cities, the Emirates Asia Pass allows them to seamlessly connect between destinations and explore the region their way. The Emirates Asia Pass offers travellers the freedom to create bespoke journeys, combining their desired destinations, and even revisiting the same city more than once. Travellers can select from one to ten flights within Southeast Asia, making it easy to tailor itineraries to match their travel style and schedule. For the complete list of destinations included in the pass, please visit emirates.com. The pass is available to travellers booking an international Emirates flight arriving in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam or Laos, either directly through Emirates or via their preferred travel agent. The new travel solution eliminates the need for multiple tickets on different airlines and allows customers to manage all flights conveniently on a single platform. From the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the Emirates Asia Pass invites travellers to plan and extend their trip easily. Popular gateways such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur serve as ideal starting points for exploration, with seamless onward connections operated in partnership with Bangkok Airways and Batik Air Malaysia. In addition, Emirates-operated …

Novotel Al Barsha walked away with the ‘Best City Hotel’ accolade at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. The spectacular Novotel Dubai Al Barsha towers over Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the city’s major business hubs and tourist attractions. Hotel that makes every moment matter. The Novotel Dubai Al Barsha is a 4-star hotel located in Dubai’s city centre with convenient access to the city’s major business hubs and leisure attractions. Their state-of-the-art meeting rooms are the perfect place for conferences, trainings and various types of meetings.

400+ delegates, 83 speakers, 55 different discussions across 9 formats, 39 ROCKSTAR award submissions and a 15 percent increase in attendance compared to last year as the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East and Africa (MEA) has successfully wrapped up its 8th annual Commercial Strategy Conference in Dubai. The event brought together the region’s hospitality sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution community for two action-packed days of industry insights, networking, and awards. 83 speakers took the stage across 55 different sessions featuring nine different formats from keynotes and panel discussions to masterclasses and fireside chats. This year saw a 15 percent increase in attendance from the region’s experts in hospitality sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution, with 21 percent of attendees coming from outside the UAE. The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote by globally recognised keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, Nick Santonastasso, who transforms adversity into a framework for leadership, innovation, and growth. Celebrating the bold disruptors and pioneers, the annual ROCKSTAR Awards featured on-stage pitches from the nine shortlisted nominees who have pushed boundaries and set new standards of excellence in the hospitality industry. The audience voted for the top three winners which were Kuda Mukonoweshuro, Director of Sales, Radisson Hotel Dubai Damac Hills, Nawfal Mbamba, Director of Marketing and Communications, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, and Hassan Khan, Revenue Analyst, Radisson Hotel & Apartments Dammam Industrial City. The three winners received prizes sponsored by Wego, HSMAI, Les Roches and Glion Hospitality & Business Education. All shortlisted nominees received a copy of the book by bestselling author and Founder & CEO of Digital and Savvy, Maha Abouelenein, titled ‘Rules of Self-reliance,’ which …

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced updates to the “Hayya” platform for GCC Residents Visa (A2). The new features are designed to make travel to Qatar smoother and more convenient during a season rich in international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events. The updates, which will take effect on 30 November 2025, allows visitors from GCC countries to stay in Qatar for up to two months and offers multiple-entry access. These enhancements are designed to make it easier for visitors to attend a variety of events throughout the season and enjoy a seamless entry experience across all points of arrival. These updates come at a key moment as Qatar prepares to welcome regional visitors for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup alongside a packed events calendar. The new visa features allow GCC residents to move in and out of the country with ease, enabling fans to attend matches and enjoy Qatar’s broader cultural and entertainment offerings. Through the Hayya Platform, Qatar continues to ensure a smooth arrival experience and strong operational readiness for the tournament and other major events during peak periods. Commenting on the new updates, Saeed Al Kuwari, Director of Hayya, said: “These measures go beyond simple procedural changes. They reflect Qatar Tourism’s broader vision to strengthen the country’s openness to the region, facilitate visitor movement during major sports and cultural events, increase arrivals, and enhance tourism’s contribution to the national economy. They also reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading regional destination for tourism and international events.” Hayya offers five distinct visa categories: the Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of …

Rafal Real Estate Development Company and Rove Hotels announced a strategic partnership to develop multiple Rove Hotels properties in the Saudi capital. Rove Hotels is a dynamic, award-winning lifestyle brand that has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in the Middle East. Born in Dubai as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, Rove already boasts over 8,000 keys open or under development. The brand is defined by its smart, vibrant design, seamless and fuss-free service culture, and a robust commitment to sustainability, appealing to the modern traveller seeking both style and substance. The signing ceremony, which took place in Riyadh, officially marks the Rove brand’s expansion into the Saudi Arabian market, with plans for future cities to follow. Under the agreement, the partners will bring Rove’s well-loved lifestyle concept to key, high-growth locations across Riyadh, with the first opening location set to be on Olaya Street. Locations are thoughtfully positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers, catering to the city’s dynamic growth. “This expansion represents a significant milestone and an important step forward. We are proud to be part of Rove and Rafal in shaping a new chapter for lifestyle-driven hospitality in Saudi Arabia,” said Saad Hussain of Alaia Developments. “We are delighted to introduce one of the region’s smartest hotel concepts to Riyadh,” said Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate Development Company. “Our confidence stems from the depth and track record of Rove Hotels in tailoring hospitality for regional guests, and from the strong connectivity between Riyadh and Dubai that underpins sustained demand from both leisure and business travellers. This partnership is a cornerstone of our strategy to bring innovative …