A new survey by Skyscanner, in partnership with OnePoll, reveals that fashion is becoming a major factor in how UAE residents plan their leisure travel. The study shows that 86% of adults who travel for leisure and are interested in fashion consider a destination’s fashion culture and activities when making their choices, while Gen Z travellers are increasingly seeking out local designers abroad. Key findings indicate that 77% of respondents use social media to discover fashion hotspots, and 50% rely on influencers or fashion/travel magazines. Europe remains a preferred choice for 69% of travellers, followed by Asia at 63%, while 74% say they would shop for fashion items and 70% would visit local clothing markets. The survey highlights Paris as the city with the most stylish residents (46%), followed by Dubai (37%), with the UAE capital emerging as a hub for streetwear and emerging talent (82% for Dubai, 12% for Abu Dhabi). To guide travellers, Skyscanner partnered with stylist and DJSita Abellan, who curated a ‘Top 10 Off-Runway Destinations’ guide, highlighting cities globally where visitors can explore distinctive fashion culture beyond major Fashion Weeks. Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “Our survey shows travellers in the UAE are prioritising immersive experiences, with fashion a major driver. With many cities globally embracing fashion shopping, activities and events, Skyscanner is making the searches easier and simpler through its ‘Savvy Search’ app feature, unlocking new cultural style local insights that will help them influence their decisions for their future trips.”

Sun Siyam Resorts marked 35 years of island hospitality by unveiling their rebrand in Dubai to the travel trade. The rebrand introduces The Home of the Maldivian Spirit as the group’s guiding philosophy, reflecting a renewed commitment to authentic Maldivian experiences while embracing modern luxury and creativity. All six resorts, including the group’s Sri Lankan retreat, are now unified under The House of Siyam and organised into three collections. The Luxury Collection, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, offers exclusivity and indulgence. The Lifestyle Collection, featuring Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World, focuses on adventure and entertainment for families, couples, and groups. The Privé Collection, including Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah, prioritizes privacy and personalized comfort. A highlight of the rebrand is the introduction of Signature Experiences that immerse guests in Maldivian culture. These include culinary and heritage journeys, the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, vibrant social evenings at Sun Siyam Beach Club, Moonlit Cinemas, Hidden Treasure Chests, and plant-based dining adventures. The launch of Siyam Rewards, a digital membership program, offers tailored itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets, strengthening guest relationships while supporting sustainability initiatives through Sun Siyam Care. Founder Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed said their goal was to share the warmth of the islands and its people with the rest of the world. CEO Deepak Booneady added that the rebrand is not just about design but about the experience, cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality, and creating moments that spark joy.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announced the launch of non-stop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Assiut in Egypt, starting 4 November 2025. The new service will operate twice weekly, every Tuesday and Friday, offering passengers a convenient and affordable option between Zayed International Airport and Assiut International Airport. With the addition of Assiut, the airline now connects Abu Dhabi to three Egyptian cities- Cairo, Alexandria, and Assiut, strengthening ties and boosting connectivity between the UAE and Egypt. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to launch our newest service to Assiut, extending our reach into Upper Egypt directly from the UAE capital. This addition strengthens our network between the UAE and Egypt, offering customers more convenient and affordable options to travel between the two countries.” Air Arabia Abu Dhabi currently operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, serving more than 30 destinations from Abu Dhabi. The airline is set to further expand its fleet and routes before the end of the year, enhancing connectivity and travel options. Passengers can enjoy value-added services such as free in-flight streaming with SkyTime, affordable catering through SkyCafe, and benefits from Air Rewards, the airline’s loyalty program. Tickets are available via Air Arabia’s website, call centre, and travel agencies.

The wait is over as Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG announced its opening is set for November 2025. It will be the world’s tallest all-hotel tower, featuring the highest infinity pool on the planet. Soaring 377 metres across 82 floors, the hotel promises a new era of luxury hospitality with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai skyline. Managed by The First Group Hospitality, Ciel Dubai Marina offers 1004 rooms and suites, eight distinctive dining venues, and a sky-high luxury spa on the 61st floor. Highlights include Tattu Dubai, with its sky pool on level 76 and sky lounge & terrace on level 81, offering 360° views, world-class cuisine, and an unforgettable rooftop experience. Guests can explore diverse culinary experiences at West 13, East 14, and Risen Cafe, while enjoying premium amenities including a state-of-the-art gym, Soluna Beach Club access, and family-friendly spaces such as a kids club and splash pad. Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, called it a landmark development that will redefine upper-upscale hospitality in Dubai, blending innovation, design, and luxury.  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism, solidifying its position as a global tourism leader at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit held for the first time in South Africa (Mpumalanga and Cape Town, respectively). Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, represented the Kingdom at the events, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism. “Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and embedding sustainability at the heart of our efforts. The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created TOURISE – the first-ever global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership,” said Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud during her address to G20 delegates. Her Highness further added: “Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Vision 2030, we are demonstrating that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.” As the only permanent Gulf Cooperation Council member of the G20, Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading role on the global stage. Through its active participation in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting, the Kingdom has helped shape the final Ministerial Declaration ensuring its priorities – sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development – are reflected in global tourism policy. …

Messe Berlin (China) officially launched the China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) at the Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, officially kicking off preparations, while more than 120 honored guests joined peers from the industry to witness the creation of this new platform and celebrated together with the organizer. The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX)  inaugural edition is scheduled from 3-5 November 2026. Preceding the launch, Zheng Fang, Deputy Director-General of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and David Axiotis, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (China), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen international collaboration and accelerate the development of China’s MICE sector. The MOU outlines long-term collaboration between the two partners, including: advancing the launch of CIMX in Beijing; highlighting Beijing as “Guest City of Honor” to showcase its international profile; • working jointly on global promotion and hosted buyer recruitment; and strengthening the integration of global MICE resources with the Chinese market.

The Sommet Education Foundation and Les Roches announced their partnership with UN Tourism in launching the Social Innovation Challenge, a global call to accelerate startups and scaleups that deliver sustainable, inclusive, and green solutions with measurable social impact. The initiative is powered by strategic partners: Sommet Education Foundation as the education partner, the non-for-profit entity from Sommet Education, world leader in Hospitality Education, and with the involvement of its world-leading hospitality school, Les Roches. With tourism contributing 10.4% of global GDP in 2023 and supporting 319 million jobs worldwide, the challenge comes at a pivotal time. As the sector recovers from global disruptions, new models are needed to address climate change, inequality, accessibility gaps, and the need for regenerative growth. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, says: “Innovation is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people, preserving our planet, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for global tourism. Globally, social enterprises contribute over 5% of GDP in many countries and employ millions, with a significant focus on tackling inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development. This challenge is a call to action for solutions that place social innovation and equality at the heart of tourism.” Anouck Weiss, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Sommet Education Foundation, said: “At Sommet Education Foundation, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers through access to world-class hospitality education. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge, we aim to not only foster inclusive and sustainable tourism—but also to provide the skills and knowledge needed to shape bold ideas into innovative products and services. These scholarships will enable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter prestigious institutions like Les Roches, equipping them with …

flyadeal has been recognised for eight consecutive months for its exceptional punctuality, according to CIRIUM’s August 2025 report. The airline recorded an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 87.84%, reaffirming its commitment to reliability and timely operations. This consistent performance places flyadeal among the region’s most punctual carriers, reflecting its focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The airline’s dedication to maintaining high standards of service has made it a preferred choice for travellers seeking reliability across its growing network. flyadeal emphasised that maintaining punctuality is a core part of its strategy, reinforcing trust and confidence among passengers while supporting the Kingdom’s broader aviation ambitions. The achievement highlights the airline’s operational excellence and positions it as a key player in the UAE and Middle East aviation sector.

This marks the airline’s third route connecting the Syrian capital with the Kingdom. The airline will operate three weekly flights between King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Damascus International Airport, enhancing air connectivity between the two countries. This initiative supports flynas’ broader expansion strategy while aligning with national objectives in aviation and tourism. The move forms part of the airline’s “We Connect the World to the Kingdom” growth plan and complements Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to link the Kingdom with 250 international destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. It also supports the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. Since resuming flights to Damascus in June, flynas has steadily increased its presence in Syria, now operating 17 weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, including daily services from Riyadh and Jeddah.

The inaugural MICE Meeting Point 2025 kicked off in Beijing with TravTalkME as media partner. Two key MICE agents from the UAE attended with other agents from across the globe. Speaking at the opening David Axiotis, Managing Director, Messe Berlin – China shared, “China accounts to 25% of global business travel spending with conferences, exhibitions, incentive travel and events of all kind continuing to grow at an unprecedented pace. This two day event brings together organisations and companies from across the world, covering all segments of the MICE industry including conferences, event organisations, incentive travel, association meetings, overseas exhibition organisation, corporate travel and many others. It provides a unique platform to foster international collaboration, exchange industry insights and explore new business opportunities contributing to the growth and success of the MICE sector and its stakeholders.”