Tag Archives: UAE

According to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)  international visitor spend in the United Arab Emirates is set to reach a record AED 228.5BN in 2025, 37% above the previous peak of 2019. The global tourism body’s annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows that Travel & Tourism in the UAE is set for another record year in 2025, with the sector forecast to contribute AED 267.5BN to the national economy, accounting for almost 13% of GDP. According to the research, by the end of the year, Travel & Tourism will also support more than 925,000 jobs. Domestic visitor spend is also projected to reach a record high at AED 60BN – 47% above 2019, highlighting the continued strength of the local travel market. These milestones reflect the UAE’s leadership in driving innovation, sustainability, and seamless connectivity across its cities and attractions, powered by initiatives such as smart city development, world-class infrastructure, and a laser focus on visitor experience. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The UAE continues to lead the way in global Travel & Tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth. “With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE’s remarkable tourism success story.” According to the data, in 2024 the sector contributed AED 257.3BN to the UAE economy and supported 898,600 jobs, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the country. Spending from international travellers reach AED 217.3BN, while domestic visitor spend injected …

Etihad Airways and Air Europa celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier’s first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries. The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we’re opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.” Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa’s President, added: ““Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.” The partnership reinforces Etihad’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, …

As the UAE continues to cement its reputation as a global epicenter for both corporate and luxury leisure travel, UTRAVEL is highlighting a significant recognition received at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. At the record-breaking event, which drew over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries, UTRAVEL’s Operations Manager Duleepa Naveen and Holidays Manager Fadi Abu Rashid were honored with the “Excellent Performance in Sales for 2024” award. This accolade celebrates their pivotal leadership and the company’s vital role in the sector’s transformation. This recognition comes as the GCC travel industry experiences unprecedented momentum, driven by surging demand for bespoke luxury holidays and the growing “bleisure” trend, where business and leisure travel seamlessly intersect. UTRAVEL’s standout sales performance in 2024, now validated on ATM’s global stage, directly reflects its ability to anticipate and meet the sophisticated needs of today’s travelers across both its B2B corporate travel solutions and through its dedicated luxury leisure arm, Jovial Travels. “Our recognition at ATM 2025 for ‘Excellent Performance in Sales for 2024’ is a powerful affirmation of our strategic direction and the collective effort behind it,” said Duleepa Naveen, Operations Manager at UTRAVEL. “UTRAVEL’s legacy in B2B travel has always been built on precision and collaboration. This very spirit, encapsulated by our philosophy ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’ has been seamlessly extended to Jovial Travels, allowing us to connect with discerning leisure travelers seeking truly unique experiences.” Fadi Abu Rashid, Corporate Travel Manager, added: “This award is a shared triumph. It validates our team’s commitment to crafting tailor-made journeys that resonate with the evolving preferences of modern travelers in the UAE and beyond. …

According to the latest research by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts it was shared that 54% of Gen Z women in the UAE travelled internationally in the last six months, compared to 34% of men. This trend reflects a growing sense of independence, mobility, and cultural engagement among young women in the region. Notably, more than half (51%) of female respondents said that safety and security risks are a key consideration when planning their travel, indicating that their choices are both adventurous and intentional. This reflects a generation that is confident in exploring, but conscious of the conditions that make them feel secure and supported while doing so.

Ministry of Economy UAE launched a summer hospitality camp to build national capabilities in the hospitality sector. H.E. added: “The Summer Hospitality Camp is an investment in our young Emiratis, designed to equip them with the skills and training needed to thrive in the tourism sector. It reflects our commitment to increasing local participation in this vital industry and aligns with our vision for a dynamic tourism future led by capable Emirati talent. Through this initiative, we are preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators who will enrich the visitor experience in the UAE and serve as true ambassadors of our authentic Emirati identity and globally recognized hospitality.” In the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, the Ministry of Economy launched the ‘Summer Hospitality Camp 2025’. The comprehensive training program places students in real-world hospitality settings such as hotels and tourism facilities to enhance national tourism capabilities, supporting broader efforts to develop human capital in the UAE’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The initiative aligns with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and is being implemented in strategic partnership with academic institutions, tourism and hospitality companies, and leading hospitality providers across the country. The launch event was attended by H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization for the 2026–2029 term, it was also attended by nearly 100 people representing the country’s hospitality sector, along with student leaders, and industry professionals. Speaking at the event, H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that tourism has become a key driver of sustainable development and economic competitiveness, thanks to the vision and support of the UAE’s wise leadership. …

Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company released new research revealing that 85% of the top online travel sites* in the UAE have adopted Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), a key email security protocol that helps protect users from email fraud. However, only 45% of these sites have implemented it at the highest enforcement level of “reject,” which actively blocks unauthorised emails from reaching inboxes. The findings are based on a DMARC adoption analysis of the top 20 online travel sites in the UAE, and across Europe and the Middle East. DMARC is an email validation protocol designed to protect domain names from being misused by cybercriminals. It authenticates the sender’s identity before allowing a message to reach its intended destination. DMARC has three levels of protection – monitor, quarantine and reject, with reject being the most secure for preventing suspicious emails from reaching the inbox. With travel demand in the UAE continuing to rise, a recent KPMG study found that 77% of UAE travellers use mobile apps or hotel booking services, increasing the volume of digital interactions between consumers and travel brands. But as consumers eagerly plan and book their getaways, this surge in activity – coupled with a high volume of emails and promotional offers from travel companies – creates a perfect storm for cybercriminals, turning dream holidays into costly scams through sophisticated email fraud. Key findings include: • The UAE demonstrates stronger foundational email security adoption compared to its European counterparts, with 85% of the top travel sites publishing a DMARC record, reflecting growing awareness of cybersecurity best practices across the country’s travel sector. • However, there is room for improvement with only 45% …

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) highlighted the country’s growing reputation as a premier medical and wellness tourism destination in the Middle East and North Africa region reporting significant growth in international visitations for medical care and wellness therapies. The country’s medical tourism sector witnessed a remarkable increase with 224,740 medical tourists in 2024, building on consistent growth from 191,532 in 2022 and 202,592 in 2023. The first quarter of 2025 has already recorded 51,448 medical tourists, underlining another strong year for the sector. Jordan’s comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, comprising 69 private sector hospitals with approximately 5,500 beds, has positioned the country as a preferred destination for patients seeking advanced medical treatments, particularly from GCC nations and neighboring countries. “Jordan’s medical tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, led by theworld-class healthcare services the country offers, the natural therapeutic sites with first class resorts, and our famed hospitality,” said Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board. “Our healthcare facilities maintain international standards while providing cost-effective treatments, making Jordan an attractive destination for patients seeking high quality medical care.” Jordan’s strong position in regional medical tourism is highlighted by Iraq leading international demand at 257,396 visitations, followed by Saudi Arabia (216,256) seeking both inpatient and outpatient services. More than 31,920 visitors from Kuwait arrived in Jordan for medical tourism followed by Qatar at 15,524, Bahrain (13,856), Oman (8,828), and the UAE (6,584). GCC visitors particularly value Jordan’s cultural resonance, shared language, and understanding of their healthcare preferences. Recent studies show that Saudi and Kuwaiti patients primarily seek comprehensive diagnostic tests, weight loss surgeries, advanced dental care, and cosmetic dermatology. Omani visitors showed strong interest in vision correction and eye health treatments, while Bahraini …

Healthtrip announced a strategic partnership with Satguru Travel Group aimed at expanding inbound medical tourism from Pan-African countries to leading healthcare providers in the UAE, India, Turkey, Germany and Saudi Arabia. Africa is a growing source market for hospitals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Germany and India, offering advanced treatments, proximity, shorter wait times, and cost-effectiveness—making it an ideal choice for patients seeking high-quality care. “Healthtrip’s mission is to connect patients with trusted healthcare providers globally,” said Danish Ahmed, CEO and founder of Healthtrip. “Our partnership with the Satguru Group marks a significant step in creating a connected, accessible health travel ecosystem for African patients. This partnership brings together Healthtrip’s digital-first health travel solutions with Satguru’s trusted on-the-ground travel support, creating a seamless experience for patients across borders.” Mr. Anil Chandirani, Chairman of Satguru Travel Group, stated, “As a home-grown multiplatform travel group with a presence in 80+ countries, we have been addressing travel needs since our inception in 1989. Combined with Healthtrip’s tech-powered platform, this partnership brings added value to African health travelers seeking trusted medical treatments, with a strong track record of success in the Middle East, India, and the United Kingdom. Our partnership offers a seamless experience to patients across their treatment and travel needs.” The partnership supports broader regional goals of positioning the UAE, Turkey, Germany, India, and Saudi Arabia as leading destination markets and global hubs for medical and wellness tourism. Healthtrip and Satguru Travel Group will jointly offer integrated service packages for African patients seeking care across specialties – from health screening to advanced procedures – aiming to expand their reach across the region. The alliance also represents a key milestone in Healthtrip’s …

Air Arabia has announced the launch of a new direct route connecting Sharjah to Sochi, Russia. This latest addition to Air Arabia’s growing network will begin operations on June 27, 2025, with three weekly flights between Sharjah International Airport and Sochi International Airport.  Sochi marks the sixth Russian destination served by Air Arabia from Sharjah, joining Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg. The airline also operates non-stop services from its UAE hubs in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, strengthening ties between the two nations and promoting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. With a modern fleet of 79 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, Air Arabia offers passengers a top-tier experience, including free in-flight streaming with ‘SkyTime,’ affordable catering through ‘SkyCafe,’ and access to the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program for earning and redeeming points.  Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: ” We are delighted to announce the launch of our new route to Sochi, further expanding our presence in Russia and reinforcing the strong ties between the UAE and Russia. This new connection reflects our commitment to providing customers with more travel options and contributing to the growth of tourism and trade between the two countries. We look forward to welcoming customers onboard this exciting new service.” Travelers can now book flights from Sharjah to Sochi through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies.

Minor Hotels is breaking new ground in the Middle East with a collection of luxurious branded residences in the UAE, Oman and Bahrain.  As one of the pioneering forces behind the branded residences concept, Minor Hotels introduced this model in Thailand in the late ‘90s and has since expanded this luxury offering internationally. Building on its strong hotel heritage, Minor Hotels seeks to meet the increasing demand for premium lifestyle residences across the GCC. By embedding the exceptional service standards and luxury offerings of its world-class hospitality brands into these upscale homes, Minor Hotels is not only delivering elevated living experiences but also positioning the Middle East as a global destination for discerning buyers. Key Developments: • Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Recently announced as part of Minor Hotels’ partnership with RAK Properties, Ras Al Khaimah’s leading property developer, Anantara Mina Al Arab Residences will represent a new chapter in luxury coastal living for the emirate with 94 residential apartments and 20 overwater villas. JT&P will spearhead the design process integrating traditional Thai features into sustainable developments that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Residents will relish world-class amenities and direct access to pristine beachfront and lush mangroves while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of Anantara’s signature style. • Anantara Sharjah, UAE Announced in May 2024 and slated to open in 2027, this 100-key collection will be set within the grounds of the upcoming Anantara Sharjah Resort. Offering fully furnished residences designed to established Anantara styles and standards, these striking smart homes feature incredible views across the Arabian Gulf and UAE skyline plus access to the five-star facilities and services of the adjoining hotel. • Tivoli Muscat …