Qatar Airways will commence three weekly flights to The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia from 21 October 2025. This will be the airline’s 12th destination in the Kingdom. Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the new route extends the airline’s global network, offering travellers more Middle East destinations through Hamad International Airport. Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano called the initiative a major step towards promoting The Red Sea as a luxury destination. The route will make it easier for visitors to experience the region’s luxury hotels, cultural heritage, and explore tourism initiatives. The Red Sea is known for over 90 pristine islands, ancient landscapes, rugged canyons, and one of the world’s largest coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy wellness, adventure, history, and luxury stays, including Shura Island’s upcoming resorts, golf course, and cultural attractions.

Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Misrata, Libya, marking its third destination in the country after Tripoli and Benghazi. Previously, the national carrier had suspended services to Misrata in January 2015 and now operates three weekly flights using B737-78D aircraft on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Currently, the airline serves 62 destinations across Africa, making it a key connector of the continent to global markets. Commenting on the launch, Turkish Airlines SVP Sales (Region II) Mahmut Yayla said, “We are glad to once again fulfil our mission of connecting continents, this time in Misrata, Libya’s third largest city with which we share deep historical ties. We will continue diversifying Africa’s gateways to the world in line with rising travel demand and economic growth.” Travellers booking by 9 September 2025 can fly from Istanbul to Misrata from USD 349 and return from USD 249, with travel valid until 30 November 2025.

Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with Marka, a prominent local event management company specialising in high-impact corporate, cultural, and business events. This collaboration reflects Almosafer’s ongoing commitment to enriching the Kingdom’s growing event and tourism landscape and delivering world-class experiences that resonate with both domestic and international audiences.  

Since April 2023, the platform has processed an average of more than 60,000 applications per month until today, while the number of active users on the Hayya mobile app has reached 2.7 million to date. The Hayya platform, which has recently moved under the umbrella of Qatar Tourism, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing two million successfully processed e-visa applications in the period following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, from 2023 to the date. During that period, more than 1.5 million individual applications have been submitted, highlighting its capacity to handle large volumes efficiently. This achievement reaffirms Hayya’s position as a primary tool for facilitating visitor entry to the State of Qatar and enhancing the overall tourism experience. Continuing to advance its digital services, the Hayya platform is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading global destination for tourism and businesses by streamlining travel procedures and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda. Commenting on the milestone, Saeed Al-Kuwari, Director of Hayya, said: “Following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, we enhanced the Hayya system to accommodate and manage multiple types of visas. By implementing the right technologies and aligning them with security requirements, the system has proven highly effective, as reflected in recent statistics. These improvements have greatly supported the tourism sector by streamlining processes and elevating the overall visitor experience.” The Hayya platform has consistently demonstrated its scale and efficiency. During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, it received over 2.4 million applications and recorded a peak of 50,000 applications in a single day, with 49,155 visitor entries processed in just 24 hours. This milestone underscores Qatar’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure in …

Etihad Airways has achieved its highest-ever passenger traffic in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong demand and network growth. The airline carried 10.2 million passengers, a 17 per cent increase year-on-year, supported by a 14 per cent rise in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and an improved load factor of 87 per cent (+2pp). In July, Etihad surpassed 20 million passengers over the past 12 months, doubling the figure recorded in 2022, further cementing its position as the fastest-growing carrier in the region. The growth underscores rising demand across both leisure and business segments, with the airline’s expanding network and enhanced customer experience attracting more travellers. With strong operational efficiency and a focus on delivering seamless journeys, Etihad continues to strengthen its footprint in global aviation while setting new benchmarks in passenger traffic.

China Southern Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Dubai and Urumqi starting 25 September, restoring a vital air link between the Middle East and western China. China remains one of Dubai’s top source markets, bringing strong passenger traffic to the city and boosting tourism and business travel. The resumption of flights comes as demand for travel between the UAE and China continues to grow, reflecting strengthening economic and cultural exchanges. With Dubai serving as a major global hub, the direct connection is anticipated to attract passengers from across the GCC and beyond. The new service will provide travellers with greater convenience and connectivity, offering seamless access to Urumqi, a key gateway city that bridges Central Asia and China. The route is expected to support both business and leisure travel, while also boosting trade and tourism ties between the two regions. The airline’s return to the route underlines its commitment to expanding international operations and meeting the rising demand for travel between China and the Middle East.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in air transport based on mutual benefit and respect, following all relevant laws and regulations. It updates the rules for air traffic between the two countries, supports the Aviation Programme’s goal of building international partnerships, and boosts Saudi Arabia’s global civil aviation ties. The governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed an air transport services agreement. Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the GACA, signed for Saudi Arabia, while Muhammad Ali, Secretary of Defence, signed for Pakistan, according to Saudi Press Agency.

Visa’s latest travel data highlights how family travel is taking center stage in the UAE’s outbound tourism landscape, with children increasingly influencing how and where families spend their holidays. Outbound leisure travel spend surged 48% compared to the rest of the year (RoY), as UAE residents took advantage of school holidays to combine visits to family abroad with international leisure trips. The study also found that 40% of leisure travelers took multiple trips this summer, averaging 14 days per trip, with premium cardholders driving 88% of spend and a 17% rise in premium segment spending. Summer 2025 marked a strong increase in family travel, which accounted for 20% of outbound trips, nearly double the RoY average of 12%. Ticketing spend grew 48% compared to RoY, with families of two to five people spending an average of $2,195 on tickets alone. London remained the leading international destination, with 7% traveler share, followed by Muscat (7% traveler share). Riyadh followed with 6% of traveler share, alongside Istanbul (5%) and Bangkok (5%). Brasilia, 12,000 km away, was the farthest destination visited by UAE travellers. The study underscores the rising influence of children on family itineraries. Spending on amusement parks soared 150% by UAE-issued cards. On average, UAE travelers spent $145 per card on entertainment and $925 per card on accommodation, while spending at toy merchants surged 70% globally. “Summer travel has always been a family affair, but it is interesting to see how children are increasingly shaping where and how families spend their holidays,” said Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for UAE. “These insights help us, as well as our partners across banks, governments, and merchants, design travel experiences that are more …

Highlighting the hotel’s commitment to sustainable operations and environmental stewardship Two Seasons successfully received the Green Key certification. Green Key is instrumental in verifying the hotel’s environmental performance, focusing on its sustainable practices, environmental awareness among stakeholders, and efforts to reduce utility consumption. The hotel adheres to a sustainability policy and action plan that guides its activities annually. In addition, a monthly meeting with the sustainability committee ensures that objectives and activities remain on track and up-to-date. Relevant information about sustainability is shared with guests through various channels, including social media, the hotel’s website, pre-stay emails, check-in interactions, elevator screens, and on guestroom TVs. The hotel also encourages guests to use green transportation and visit green areas. Among the hotel’s environmental facilities are a water bottling station to reduce plastic bottle usage, a composting machine that transforms food waste into fertilizer, and an online system designed to reduce paper usage. As a corporate member of the Emirates Environmental Group, the hotel participates in environmental activities, including recycling, clean-up efforts, and tree planting campaigns. The hotel actively contributes to the “UAE’s Zero Food Waste” goal by donating Ramadan food boxes to the UAE Food Bank and Dar Al Ber Society. Signage in the restaurants reminds guests to take only the amount of food they can consume. Vegetarian options offered in the restaurants are locally sourced, and food is served in bite-sized portions and small containers to further minimize food waste. Guests who book for meetings and social events are given the option to host green events. The hotel encourages participation in sustainability activities and welcomes feedback and suggestions from guests and staff. Guest feedback is gathered from online reviews, including the …

In partnership with Diriyah Company, Chedi Hospitality announces the launch of The Chedi Residences Wadi Safar, an exclusive collection of 20 branded villas set within the cliffs of Diriyah’s Wadi Safar masterplan. Homeowners will enjoy a five-star resort lifestyle with access to signature dining, tranquil wellness sanctuaries, fitness studios, curated retail, and serene gathering spaces. Each four- and five-bedroom villa is thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, offering privacy, harmony, and sweeping views over the Greg Norman-designed Signature Golf Course. An exclusive residents’ club complete with lounge, business corner, billiard room, and spaces for private events enriches the lifestyle, combining exclusivity with a refined sense of community. The unveiling of The Chedi Residences Wadi Safar marks a defining chapter in Chedi Hospitality’s growth, expanding its portfolio of branded residences into the Kingdom for the first time. Renowned for service excellence, The Chedi brand is steeped in timeless hospitality craftsmanship, cultivated over decades in iconic destinations such as Oman, Switzerland, and Montenegro, and now carried into private residences ensuring homeowners experience the same hallmarks of care, authenticity, and elegance that have long defined the Chedi name. Nestled within the highly coveted Wadi Safar masterplan and adjacent to a forthcoming 85-key Chedi hotel, the residences embody the understated elegance that defines Chedi, blending Najdi traditions with contemporary sophistication. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 calls for destinations that honor heritage while embracing the future. At Diriyah, we are proud to partner with Chedi Hospitality to bring this vision to life. The Chedi Residences Wadi Safar will not only be an address of prestige, but a lifestyle defined by cultural connection, architectural excellence, and soulful living. The Chedi brand has long been admired for its …