In line with Dubai’s continued vision for innovation and guest-centric excellence, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has approved the rollout of the Dubai Digital Hotel initiative – a pioneering transformation that reimagines the future of hospitality across the emirate. As one of the city’s flagship luxury destinations, Address Downtown is proud to be among the first hotels to bring this vision to life with the debut of its new Digital Check-In Experience. Seamlessly integrated, elegantly designed, and thoughtfully crafted around the needs of the global traveller, the new system ensures that every arrival begins with ease, comfort, and a sense of quiet luxury. Guests may now complete their pre-arrival verification from anywhere in the world, allowing the hotel to prepare their stay with greater precision and personalised attention. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an environment where the transition from travel to tranquillity is effortless – reflecting Address Downtown’s enduring commitment to hospitality that is both intuitive and refined. This milestone marks a significant step towards Dubai’s ambition to set new benchmarks for digital excellence. Address Hotels + Resorts is honoured to contribute to this movement, elevating the guest journey through technology that enhances – rather than replaces – the warmth and authenticity of its service. With Digital Check-In now live, Address Downtown invites its guests to experience a stay where innovation and hospitality coexist in perfect harmony, reaffirming its position as a leader in luxury hospitality in the region.

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in today 16 December at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients. Register in the link below : https://event.webinarjam.com/n7kng/register/6v7qri5xg

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai won ‘Best Destination Wedding Resort at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards held recently at Embassy Suites by Hilton business bay. An idyllic island escape, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai is a distinctive beach resort nestled on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, set against the sparkling Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s shimmering skyline. Leave the world behind and sink into the welcoming embrace of ‘Tajness’ and an array of exotic experiences. With luxurious accommodations, seven outstanding restaurants and bars, an award-winning spa and the longest pool on the East side of the Palm island, a stay at our resort is a constant voyage of discovery, serenity and celebration. Our 258 elegant guest rooms are tranquil retreats with breath-taking views from their own private balconies, and subtly decorated in hints of blue and gold to reflect the colours of the sea. For the ultimate in luxurious hideaways, pick one of our 67 lavish suites – some with Jacuzzis on panoramic private terraces.

flydubai celebrated the launch of its inaugural service to Vilnius, marking the start of direct flights between Dubai and the capital of Lithuania. The new route reinforces flydubai’s growing footprint in Central and Eastern Europe and opens an important new gateway for travel, tourism and trade. With the start of operations to Vilnius, flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to offer nonstop connectivity between Dubai and Lithuania, giving customers more choice and convenience for business and leisure travel. The route will operate three times per week, providing seamless links to Dubai’s global aviation hub. Her Excellency Noora Juma, the non-resident Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Lithuania, said: “Today, we celebrate a new link between two cities and two countries. flydubai’s decision to connect Vilnius and Dubai is not just about launching a new route; it’s about opening doors to endless possibilities for two nations with much to offer each other.” Juras Taminskas, Minister of Transport and Communications, said: “I am pleased that over the past two years, a fourth new airline is beginning operations in Lithuania. This shows that Vilnius Airport remains a safe, attractive, and reliable partner for international carriers. The arrival of this company marks a new stage in our country’s aviation. A direct connection with one of the most important hubs in the Middle East not only increases Lithuania’s accessibility and expands connecting-flight opportunities, but also opens entirely new travel destinations for all of us, as well as for business and the tourism sector. In the first year of operations alone, around 40,000 passengers are expected to be carried.” Beyond improved connectivity, the Dubai and Vilnius route is expected to support stronger economic cooperation, attract visitors …

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in tomorrow 16 December at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients. Register in the link below : https://event.webinarjam.com/n7kng/register/6v7qri5xg

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia has announced the appointment of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy as the new Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), effective 8 December 2025. He takes over from Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood and will lead the board’s strategic direction at a crucial time as the industry aligns its efforts for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. With over 30 years of public service and tourism leadership, Datuk Manoharan brings deep experience across international promotions, advertising, digital strategy, product development and corporate communications. His tenure as Director-General of Tourism Malaysia and his long-standing role driving Malaysia’s tourism growth in South Asia—particularly India, one of the country’s strongest inbound markets—position him well to strengthen global partnerships ahead of VM2026. His appointment is expected to enhance coordination across trade stakeholders and accelerate Malaysia’s promotional activities as the country prepares for a major tourism push in 2026.

Al Ain has been named the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026’ by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism during its 28th session in Baghdad, Iraq. The announcement was made during the participation of a high-level UAE delegation led by His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, representing His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The selection highlights the growing international appeal and competitiveness of the UAE’s tourism ecosystem, reaffirming Al Ain’s position as a premier heritage and cultural destination. Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Bin Touq said: “Being named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 is a significant milestone for the UAE. It reflects the qualitative progress achieved through our leadership’s strategic vision, which recognized early the importance of investing in tourism as a driver of future economic growth. This recognition further strengthens the UAE’s standing on the global tourism map.” He added: “This achievement supports the goals of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aimed at strengthening the national tourism identity, attracting 40 million hotel guests annually, and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion by 2031. We remain committed to building a more diversified and sustainable tourism ecosystem – driven by innovation, service excellence, and strong public-private partnerships.” H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The selection of Al Ain as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026 reflects its rich heritage, inspiring cultural sites, and exceptional natural landmarks, which solidify its position as a unique regional and global destination. This achievement gives us an additional boost to move forward in achieving …

Ethara, the organisers of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced that the 2025 race week broke attendance records with a combined total of 339,000 fans across events. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 featured the three-way title battle between the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, contributing to the record 203,000 attendance at Yas Marina Circuit – a near 6% jump from 192,000 in 2024. In addition to the on-track drama — ending with with Verstappen winning the race and Norris claiming his first drivers’ title — the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme drew a record 136,000 fans (an increase of nearly 9% from 2024 attendance of 125,300) across four nights of Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts featuring Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry, and Official After-Parties with Idris Elba, Calvin Harris and Keinemusik. Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO, Ethara, said, “This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be remembered for decades with the F1 title battle unfolding under the floodlights of Yas Marina Circuit. At Ethara, we’re proud to have delivered the weekend befitting such a historic occasion. We welcomed more fans than ever, underpinned by a world-class entertainment programme and innovations to the fan experience including the introduction of new hospitality concepts, new on-site activations, and enhanced Abu Dhabi-wide ticket inclusions – all contributing to an unforgettable event. Abu Dhabi has once again proven it’s the ultimate destination for the F1 season finale.” Among the new offerings this year was extended track access for the fans, including two public pit lane walks and FAB Track Walks on Thursday. Capped by Benson Boone’s dazzling performance at the After-Race Concert, Thursday became …

Shaza Hotels has announced the official opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, marking the group’s first branded property in the Kingdom of Bahrain and expanding its growing footprint across the GCC. Designed for families, business travellers, and leisure guests, the contemporary lifestyle hotel brings a fresh and distinctive hospitality experience to one of Bahrain’s most dynamic districts. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co, a prominent Bahraini investment company and owning entity of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, senior leadership from Shaza Hotels, valued corporate partners, travel trade professionals, and key business associates. Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated: “The opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain represents a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy and underscores our long-term commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain. As one of the region’s most dynamic markets, Bahrain continues to demonstrate strong demand for differentiated hospitality experiences. With Mysk Al Fateh, we are introducing a contemporary lifestyle product that reflects our brand’s dedication to thoughtful design, cultural resonance, and exceptional guest experiences. We believe this property will not only elevate our presence in the GCC but also contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s vision for a diverse and thriving tourism sector. We look forward to working closely with our partners to establish Mysk Al Fateh as a leading address for families, business travellers, and long-stay guests.” Commenting on the partnership, Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain in collaboration with Shaza Hotels. This property represents our shared vision of developing hospitality assets that combine quality, comfort, and innovation. …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched two new e-learning modules for its Experience Abu Dhabi Experts Platform. The Official Abu Dhabi Pass and Ramadan in Abu Dhabi online modules are designed to equip travel trade industry professionals with the insights and tools they need to deliver exceptional travel planning and guest experiences and further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading year-round destination.  The e-learning platform provides travel trade industry professionals with an extensive range of destination-related information about the emirate and has become one of DCT Abu Dhabi’s most successful trade engagement initiatives. The new Abu Dhabi Pass and Ramadan content has a strong focus on destination insights that ensure agents have the necessary understanding they need to promote the region and what it has to offer. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “These new modules reflect how the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts Platform continues to evolve and how we prioritise providing our partners with practical, hands-on tools that make a real difference to how they sell the destination. Whether it’s helping them package the emirate’s leading attractions through the Abu Dhabi Pass or giving them the cultural insight to guide visitors respectfully during the holy month, this expansion ensures the knowledge they gain translates directly into stronger product design, more memorable experiences, and greater visitor satisfaction.” Issued by DCT Abu Dhabi’s official digital pass for Abu Dhabi offers guests savings of up to 50% across more than 70 of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. The module provides an overview …