IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of two new hotels, Kimpton and EVEN Hotels Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) – in partnership with Koushan Real Estate Development Company. Located within the masterplan of King Abdullah Sports City, a landmark district surrounding the stadium that will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the new properties are set to open in 2028, marking a significant milestone in IHG’s growth in the Kingdom’s fast-evolving hospitality landscape. The dual-branded development brings together Kimpton, IHG’s boutique luxury lifestyle brand, and EVEN Hotels, IHG’s premium lifestyle wellness-focused brands. Together, they will cater to a wide spectrum of guests, from international sports fans and athletes to wellness-conscious travelers and high-end business guests, while enhancing the Kingdom’s hospitality offering in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Strategically located in northern Jeddah, both hotels offer seamless access to major infrastructure, including the stadium, retail and leisure zones, as well as King Abdulaziz International Airport. This prime location ensures a dynamic, connected, and lifestyle-forward experience for all visitor segments. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Koushan Real Estate Development Company once again to bring Kimpton and EVEN Hotels to a location as iconic and strategically important as King Abdullah Sports City. This dual signing not only expands our luxury and lifestyle footprint in the Kingdom, but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to create world-class destinations ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Our Kimpton brand leads the way with individually designed boutique hotels and restaurants that focus on self-expression, world-class design, and genuinely warm service. With EVEN Hotels, we’re reimagining wellness hospitality by seamlessly …

Etihad Airways kicks-off the summer season with six hot destinations, including the airline’s new seasonal flights to Al Alamein. As part of its expanding network, Etihad is launching flights to Al Alamein (DBB) from 17 July with two weekly flights to Egypt’s hidden gem on the Mediterranean coast. Offering the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural history, Al Alamein will become a popular choice for guests seeking relaxation and adventure, just a short flight away. In addition to the new destination, Etihad has resumed its five seasonal routes to European summer hotspots, giving direct access for holiday-makers to some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, Santorini and Antalya. Nice (NCE) in the French Riviera, is an ideal entryway for exploring the Côte d’Azur France, while flights to Malaga (AGP) offers a gateway to Andalucía and popular holiday destinations on the Mediterranean coast, including Marbella, and further inland to the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. For guests seeking a Greek island getaway, Etihad resumed its convenient flights direct to the enchanting islands of Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK). From crystal-clear waters, white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets, both islands offer an excellent escape. Etihad also relaunched flights to the popular Turkish resort, Antalya (AYT), on 17 June. Set on the turquoise coast of the Turkish riviera, this is a Mediterranean gem for holiday-makers seeking sun and relaxation. Onboard the first flights of all six seasonal routes, guests received a limited-edition Summer Fun Kit which includes: a branded cooler bag, an inflatable beach ball, a microfibre beach towel, a Voss water bottle and a gift booklet. Guests were able to step off the plane beach-ready and well-equipped to step straight on to the …

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence directed for the ‘World Sports Summit’ to be organised in Dubai from 29-30 December. The event is anticipated to draw the largest global gathering related to the sports sector, with the participation of leading sports stars, experts and decision-makers from around the world. His Highness said: “This summit will bring together top officials, coaches, specialists and current and former sports stars from around the world in Dubai to shape the future of the sports sector globally. Through this unique gathering in Dubai, we aim to harness new opportunities in the sector, while addressing current and future challenges, so that sport continues to play a vital role in bringing people together, inspiring generations, supporting the economy, developing talent, and becoming more enjoyable and beneficial for its fans and followers.” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan added: “This summit will discuss the future of both team and individual sports and will explore ways to support national teams and sports clubs to enhance their performance. We also place emphasis on the important role educational institutions and sports academies in preparing talents of all ages and across various sporting disciplines.” The World Sports Summit will be organised by the Dubai Sports Council. To be held at the Madinat Jumeirah, the event will feature a comprehensive programme including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops and meetings. Participants representing various sporting bodies, teams and federations will discuss the future of the industry in the context of economic, legislative, regulatory, and social frameworks. Key topics of discussion at the summit will include avenues to enhance audience engagement and economic viability …

Emirates will be layering on more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on its existing schedules to Shanghai and Zurich; expanding Milan, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires schedules; and upgrading its services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments. Emirates’ latest schedule, capacity enhancements and newly retrofitted aircraft deployments are in response to increased demand across the airline’s network and offer opportunities for more customers to enjoy the airline’s signature onboard experience, especially its highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin. The airline’s ambitious retrofit programme is progressing with remarkable momentum, as one aircraft undergoes a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh every three weeks. Emirates’ engineering teams have retrofitted 60 aircraft since the start of the programme in November 2022. Emirates’ latest schedule enhancements, all effective from 26 October, include: • Ramping up operations to Milan with the addition of a third daily flight, EK 101/102. The third daily flight will be served with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. • Emirates’ linked services to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, EK247/248 will become daily flights. • After being served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 from 20 July, the airline will upgrade its services to Shanghai on the EK302/303 to the iconic Airbus A380, and the airline’s second daily flight to the city, EK 304/305, will be served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. • From this winter, the third daily flight between Dubai and Singapore will be served with the airline’s flagship A380 on the EK 314/315. Emirates will upgrade its second daily Zurich flight, EK 85/86, from 1 February 2026 to an A380, replacing the current retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. Premium Economy will debut on Emirates flight EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, …

Etihad Airways is preparing to welcome more than seven million guests at Zayed International Airport over the busy summer travel period.  Shaeb Alnuaimi, Director of Airport Operations, Etihad said: “We are looking forward to hosting millions of guests at Zayed International Airport as they head off on their summer holidays, including those flying on our seasonal routes to Malaga, Antalya, Santorini, Nice, and Mykonos. At every stage of the journey, we’re focused on delivering the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service. Whether it’s our modern fleet, award-winning hospitality, or thoughtful travel experiences, our guests can expect a smooth and enjoyable journey from the moment they check in.” Etihad Airways has compiled essential tips to help guests prepare for their travels: Staying informed is essential during busy travel periods. Guests can easily access the latest flight information through the Manage My Booking section on etihad.com or via the mobile app, where they can view or modify flight details, select seats, and access various other services. To avoid potential queues, guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure during peak periods. For added convenience, Etihad offers multiple early check-in options: Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure and is available through etihad.com or the mobile app. After checking in online, guests can use the many automated self-service bag drops at the terminal, allowing them to weigh and tag their bags and collect their boarding pass in under a minute. Several off-airport check-in and bag-drop facilities are also available at: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24 hours) The Fountains – YAS Mall (open from 10am to 10pm) Mussafah (open from 10am to 10pm) at 38 …

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 …

oneworld welcomes Oman Air as its 15th member airline. As the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Air strengthens the alliance’s presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel. “We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld’s position as the premium alliance for international travellers.” Effective 1 July, oneworld customers can access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air’s growing global schedule — including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat–Amsterdam service. As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air’s top tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon Airports. “Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travellers want to experience,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate of Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.” Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key …

DCT Abu Dhabi welcomed over 100 agents and executives from Designer Travel for a curated itinerary as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the Designer Travel UK Annual Conference  at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental hotel. The event brought together travel agents and trade partners from the UK to experience the diversity of Abu Dhabi as a premier tourism destination. As part of the conference programme, DCT Abu Dhabi welcomed over 100 agents and executives from Designer Travel for a curated itinerary, including a gala dinner and immersive experiences across the emirate, introducing them to Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions and renowned hospitality. Established in 2008, Designer Travel is one of the UK’s leading bespoke travel specialists, with a network of 170 expert travel advisors across the country. The renowned travel agency has gained recognition for crafting highly personalised, tailor-made holiday experiences for discerning clients. Hosting the annual conference in the emirate aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic focus on the UK as a key source market. As of year-to-date 2025, the emirate has welcomed over 219,000 UK hotel guests, marking a 46% year-on-year increase. UK visitors are also staying longer, with an average stay of 4.2 days, and are showing increased engagement with Abu Dhabi’s growing portfolio of cultural and leisure experiences. DCT Abu Dhabi remains committed to building strong industry partnerships through continuous engagement with the UK travel trade. The Designer Travel UK Annual Conference, alongside initiatives such as the Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow and the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts digital training platform, reflects this commitment. These efforts support the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030, fostering long-term tourism growth by introducing new …

Dubai’s short-term rental and boutique hospitality professionals gathered at Mama Shelter for the official launch of Short Stay Circle, a new industry-driven community initiative built to inspire collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation across the UAE’s growing STR sector. The launch event brought together operators, hosts, tech providers, consultants, and founders from across the hospitality ecosystem to explore the evolving landscape of guest experience, operations, and sustainable growth. From panel talks to breakout discussions, attendees gained insight into the real-time challenges and emerging trends shaping the future of short stays in the region. The event spotlighted key voices from the hospitality space, including Farida Ahmed, Co-Founder & General Manager, Frying Pan Adventures, Sandy Muirhead, Director, No More Bottles, Giulia Figliuzzi, Group Marketing Director, Hero Experiences and Lauren Hamilton, Founder & General Manager, Ride Skipper. From eco-conscious operations to cultural preservation, each speaker shared the tangible ways their businesses are embedding sustainability into both back-end systems and guest-facing experiences. Frying Pan Adventures emphasised a zero-waste food approach, alongside efforts to re-educate guests and teams on the value of “going back to basics.” Ride Skipper discussed how its salaried driver model supports consistency, care, and longer-term environmental thinking. No More Bottles championed the use of Purezza premium filtered water systems to reduce plastic dependency in hospitality venues. Hero Experiences Group shared its work with archaeologists and local authorities to create immersive, low-impact guest experiences that preserve the region’s heritage and protect fragile desert ecosystems. The conversation also explored how innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand, with speakers noting the growing importance of tracking eco-impact, encouraging mindful consumption, and using technology to reward sustainable behaviours. More than just a networking event, Short …

Archer announced a strategic partnership with Jetex focused on developing infrastructure across Jetex’s international portfolio of private terminals to support Archer’s planned commercial air taxi network. This collaboration, planned to focus initially on infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, is expected to expand to additional sites around the world across Jetex’s global portfolio, which includes 40 private aircraft terminals in more than 30 countries. Building upon Archer’s prior partnerships with other leading infrastructure providers, this approach advances Archer’s plans to scale a vertiport network that can support the growth plans for Archer’s air taxi operations globally. Under this partnership, the two companies plan to enhance Jetex’s strategically located fixed base operator (FBOs) locations to better suit Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Archer plans to work with Jetex to design the passenger experience and integrate eVTOL aircraft into daily operations.These upgrades will be paired with Jetex’s luxury service standards to deliver an efficient, tech-enabled customer journey. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex commented: “eVTOL technology is an instrumental part of our industry, designed to transform urban mobility and shape the future of business aviation. We are proud to work with our partners at Archer on making this ambitious vision a reality at Jetex Abu Dhabi and our other global destinations.” Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said, “Building a beautiful, safe and high-performing aircraft is only one aspect of our business. To succeed in the UAE and beyond we need to pair Midnight with strategic infrastructure that allows us to operate by delivering a premium experience for our passengers. With their wide-ranging global portfolio, and deep expertise with high-end customer service, Jetex is a perfect fit as a partner in Archer’s …