Building on the record 18.72 million international overnight visitors achieved in 2024, Dubai has continued its upward trajectory in 2025, with 15.70 million international visitors welcomed between January and October, a 5% year-on-year increase. Hotel performances have also remained strong, with average occupancy reaching 79.4%, compared to 77% over the same period last year, and the average daily rate rising 6% to AED 531. Revenue per available room stood at AED 421, a 9% YoY growth, underscoring robust demand across all market segments. At the end of October, there were 152,875 available rooms across 820 establishments. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) hosted its second and final City Briefing of 2025 on 9 December, bringing together more than 1,200 stakeholders from across the hospitality, aviation, retail, and F&B sectors, as well as government entities and members of the media, to reflect on the collective progress being made across the destination, and the roadmap for further growth and enhancements. In the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the latest edition began with a comprehensive presentation from His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, which focused on the city’s achievements and growth strategy for 2026. Held at Global Village, courtesy of Dubai Holding Entertainment, the latest edition of the bi-annual stakeholder engagement platform featured an enhanced interactive format that underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. DET and industry leaders participated in presentations, a panel discussion and fireside chat that examined collaborative efforts …

Oman Air hosted an official signing ceremony with Fun & Sun to formalise their new strategic partnership aimed at expanding direct access between Moscow and Salalah. The partnership forms part of Oman Air’s broader commitment to enhancing point-to-point connectivity and supporting Oman’s growing tourism sector. Expected to draw thousands of visitors during its inaugural season, the initiative contributes directly to Oman’s national tourism objectives and supports the continued development of Dhofar as a year-round destination. The seasonal charter flights between Moscow and Salalah will operate between 26 December 2025 and 9 May 2026. Meanwhile, the airline, which flew more than 200,000 guests into Salalah during khareef’s peak period alone – a 15% increase over 2024 – continues to work closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality to promote the destination and support sustainable growth in domestic and inbound tourism. The event brought together senior representatives from both organisations, including Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, and Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun. Journalists from the Russian media and members of the local Omani media were also in attendance. Speaking at the ceremony, Mike Rutter, CCO of Oman Air, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting that strengthening direct routes from high-potential markets such as Russia aligns with the airline’s long-term commercial strategy and ongoing transformation. Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun added, “Salalah is rapidly emerging as one of the most desirable winter-sun destinations for Russian travellers. Through this partnership, we are opening the door to a new chapter of growth and strengthening the bridge between our markets.” Oman Air’s ongoing focus on point-to-point growth has resulted in an increase …

The Arabian Travel Awards concluded its First Edition in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step forward in recognising and honouring top achievers within the Kingdom’s fast-growing travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. The event celebrated trailblazers, innovators, and organisations whose contributions are driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a world-class global destination. With the Kingdom’s tourism landscape evolving at record pace under Vision 2030, the inaugural edition aimed to spotlight excellence across airlines, hotels, travel agencies, technology providers, tourism boards, and service partners — shaping the future of travel in the region. The event was supported by TravTalk Middle East as the official media partner, bringing regional coverage and industry visibility to the award winners, participating brands, and the broader travel community. TravTalk Middle East’s partnership reinforces the shared mission of empowering industry talent, encouraging innovation, and amplifying Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential to global audiences. The First Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia represents the beginning of a new chapter — one that celebrates success stories, elevates standards, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading tourism hub.

Hessa Almazroa, General Manager Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry and the first Saudi woman to launch and manage a hotel in the Kingdom, has been chosen as the DDP Face of the Future. With over 20 years of experience, Almazroa has excelled in hotel operations, strategic marketing, and guest experience enhancement. As General Manager of Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, she led the hotel’s opening and growth with vision, service excellence, and inspired team leadership. Earlier, she also steered Novotel Alanoud, Novotel Suites Olaya, and served as GM, PR & Communication, Al Hokair Group, launching the acclaimed CSR programme “Ataa”. A dedicated advocate for women in leadership, she also serves as Deputy Vice Chairman of the Hotels Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.

Hashim Alshawi, General Manager of Ashraqat, a dynamic business development and sales leader with a track record of exceeding targets, driving growth, and leading high-performing teams, was honoured as the DDP Trailblazer at the First Edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia. As Director of Corporate Travel & Tourism at the Elaf Group, Alshawi excels in strategic planning, sales management, and business expansion, adapting effortlessly to fast-paced environments. Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and building lasting partnerships, Alshawi holds strong interest in government, tourism, investment, and cultural sectors. Multiple certifications from Saudi, British, and American institutions reinforce his expertise across sales, account management, and entrepreneurship.

Daniel Ponzo Group Managing Director of Zahid Travel Group entered the Gallery of Legends at the First Edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia. Ponzo is a distinguished global travel executive with over 30 years of leadership across Europe and the GCC. As Group Managing Director of Zahid Travel Group in Saudi Arabia, he has played a pivotal role in transforming corporate, luxury, and destination management during a defining era for the Kingdom. An Italian-Swiss leader based in Jeddah, he speaks five languages and is known for driving growth, operational excellence, and digital advancement. He built Zahid Travel Group’s destination management arm from inception, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions. Passionate about cultural connection and innovation, Ponzo continues to shape the future of travel across the region.

Saleem Sharif Deputy Managing Director, ATS Travel, a travel industry leader with over 30 years of experience in transforming travel management companies across the Middle East, was recognised as the DDP Gamechanger at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia. Known for his innovative and strategic foresight, Sharif has successfully built and scaled verticals, including Corporate Travel, MICE, Luxury, Leisure, DMC, Charters, Logistics, Automation, and IT Solutions. He is especially recognised for driving market growth in Saudi Arabia, securing prestigious PIF-linked and multinational accounts, and redefining service standards. He has led the shift from traditional models to advanced automated platforms, enhancing cost efficiency and client control. A respected speaker and thought leader, he continues to influence future-focused travel strategy in the region.

For the first time in the capital, TIME hosted the inaugural TIME100 Impact Awards Abu Dhabi during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix weekend. The event celebrated leaders and visionaries shaping the future of their industries and communities, marking another milestone in TIME’s continued expansion in the region. The gala brought together honorees Alexis Ohanian, Jamie Salter, Kate Kallot, and Zak Brown, alongside regional dignitaries, global executives, innovators, and members of the TIME and TIME100 Companies community. Among the honorees was also His Excellency Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Formula One champion driver Mika Häkkinen, Capital.com MENA CEO Tarik Chebib, NMDC Group CEO Yasser Zaghloul, and other distinguished guests. The TIME100 Impact Awards Abu Dhabi was presented in partnership with Capital.com and NMDC Group.

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok continues to shape a new chapter of sustainable luxury in the heart of the city, weaving environmental responsibility into every layer of its architecture, landscape, and guest experience. Conceived as a sanctuary where modern design flows seamlessly into lush greenery, the hotel stands today as a thoughtful balance of style, Thai heritage, and global sustainability standards. Long before the hotel rose above Tonson and Langsuan, three century-old freshwater mangrove trees stood quietly on the land that would become Sindhorn Village. Considered guardians of the neighborhood, these trees were preserved, replanted, and now flourish within Chevaa Garden — a green promenade that anchors the property in Thailand’s natural heritage. From this garden, guests can wander toward Bangkok’s iconic parks, forming a rare corridor of urban biodiversity in the middle of the metropolis. This profound connection to nature is echoed in the hotel’s architecture. The building curves and rises like a sculptural extension of the landscape, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, natural light, and open-air ventilation that encourages breezes to move freely through the lobby and atrium. Triple-layer glazing reduces heat and noise, while thoughtful engineering reduces energy consumption without compromising comfort. This approach has earned the property two respected marks of environmental excellence: LEED, which recognizes buildings designed and operated with high standards of environmental performance, and EarthCheck, a global benchmarking program that evaluates how well a property manages resources, reduces waste, and minimizes its overall impact. Sindhorn Kempinski’s sustainability commitments extend far beyond design. Inside every room, guests find carefully chosen amenities that reduce unnecessary waste, from LED lighting and eco-friendly water cartons to paper straws and resource-efficient fixtures. The Green Artifact program invites travelers to join …

The UAE’s coveted Arabian Travel Awards will debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tonight to recognise the silent contributors of the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors in the kingdom. An invite-only black-tie event is the perfect platform which brings together cities from across the kingdom to network and recognise the individuals and companies that have dedicated their efforts to make the kingdom a tourism powerhouse. The Arabian Travel Awards known as the Oscars of the industry started in the Middle East region in 2017 in the UAE. After eight years of success and the request of the avid readers of TravTalkME, this year it debuts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Convener of the prestigious award San Jeet shares that this award is an honour bestowed on the visionaries, innovators, and leaders who have significantly contributed to the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Arabian Travel Awards is DDP group’s first-ever international initiative to celebrate the best talent from the tourism and hospitality industries in the Middle East. The awards consist of a unique system of jury judgement and internet voting to give out absolutely fair and unbiased results. San Jeet, Convener Arabian Travel Awards and CEO DDP Group, ““With Arabian Travel Awards, we aim at identifying and encouraging talent of all kinds in the tourism sector. Owing to these stars, the graph of the Middle East tourism industry has touched remarkable heights. It is our pleasure to honour them for their achievements. This initiative will help encourage more talent to develop and take this vibrant industry to a much higher level. We celebrate excellence, recognize achievements, and look forward to the continued growth and success of our industry. The …