Tag Archives: KSA

Jazeera Airways has commenced operating flights between Kuwait and Istanbul via Qaisumah Airport (AQI) in Hafar Al Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Following the temporary suspension of operations at Kuwait International Airport for safety reasons, Jazeera Airways is currently the only airline operating from Kuwait. Passengers are transported safely between Kuwait and Qaisumah by bus for both departures and arrivals. In addition, they are operating connections to Alexandria, Assiut, Cairo, Luxor, and Amman, with their opening flights to Colombo fully booked. Since launching these operations on 11 March, they have safely transported more than 6,000 passengers through Qaisumah. Over their LinkedIn they shared, “We will continue to gradually add more frequencies and new destinations, including India, the UAE, and others. As Kuwait’s national carrier, maintaining connectivity for the country during this period remains a priority. We continue to work closely with the Kuwait DGCA, Saudi GACA, and operational partners across both countries to ensure safe, coordinated, and efficient operations.”

Philippine Airlines wins ‘Best Airline – South East Asia’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia 2025. “Winning at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a tremendous honour and a proud recognition of our team’s dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence. This award reflects the hard work of everyone involved and reinforces our mission to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests. Being part of the first edition of these awards makes this recognition even more special. We thank TravTalk for organising this event and look forward to seeing it grow in the future”- Ricky Solomon L Pacquing, Country Manager-KSA, Philippine Airlines, Saudi Arabia

Scheduled to open this month (February 2026), the new resort marks the latest addition to Rixos Hotels’ portfolio, one of the world’s fastest growing luxury hospitality brands, offering guests a distinctive and fully integrated all-inclusive experience. The resort features 488 rooms and suites, many with sea views, alongside 33 villas, supported by a diverse range of hospitality, leisure, and wellness facilities. Elevating world-class hospitality standards, Rixos Murjana brings together Murjana Waterpark, the award-winning Anjana Spa, one of Saudi Arabia’s best equipped kids and teens clubs, the longest swimming pools in the Middle East, a collection of signature dining destinations, and a wide range of entertainment offerings within a single destination. Enabled by the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) – the national enabler of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia – Rixos Murjana is preparing to open its doors in King Abdullah Economic City, positioning itself as the largest ultra all-inclusive resort in Saudi Arabia and a new benchmark destination on the Red Sea coast. The resort represents a qualitative addition that contributes to diversifying tourism experiences along the Red Sea while elevating the overall quality of these experiences. Designed as an ideal destination for families and leisure seekers, Rixos Murjana offers a harmonious blend of vibrant energy and serene moments along the Red Sea shoreline. Commenting on the opening, Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Fund, said: “Rixos Murjana embodies the Fund’s vision to empower the private sector and attract foreign direct investment, and represents a qualitative step in developing exceptional tourism destinations along the Red Sea coast. The project reflects the strength of national and international partnerships in delivering developments that elevate hospitality standards and enrich guest …

Nammos, the global cultural landmark of Mediterranean glamour is set to disrupt the status quo. Opening its first-ever resort this spring at AMAALA’s Triple Bay, Nammos Resort AMAALA is set to launch a full-spectrum destination built on the brand’s core philosophy of Endless Joy. The resort will feature 110 guest rooms and suites, alongside pool bungalows, villas, and 20 private residences, crowned by the exclusive Cliff Villa, which offers AMAALA’s most exclusive viewpoint. Anchored by a private islandand a dedicated wellness hub, the destination will feature a collection of infinity pools, the Blu Kids Club for younger guests, and three signature dining venues, including the iconic Nammos Restaurant. Recognising the regional desire for absolute privacy without boredom, the resort’s architecture ensures that while the energy is communal, the sanctuary is personal, drawing the entire property towards the water, capturing sunlit mornings and the Red Sea’s dramatic sunsets. Part of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, Nammos Resort marks the first new opening under the global expansion plan for the brand. For more than twenty years, Nammos has set the rhythm for the world’s most discerning travellers, creating destinations where energy, connection, and celebration come naturally. Now, the brand brings that instinctive sense of atmosphere into a resort environment, unveiling a new vision of luxury, one where wellbeing is shared, social and effortlessly immersive. Carolyn Turnbull, CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts said: “For years, the global ultra-luxury landscape has been divided into two worlds: the social energy of the world’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations and the silent isolation of the resort. At Nammos Resort AMAALA, those worlds collide. We are bringing our signature social connection into a destination built on regenerative luxury, creating a …

Hilton announced the opening of two new properties in Makkah, nearly doubling its presence in the Holy City and expanding its hospitality offerings for the millions of pilgrims and travelers who visit each year. The openings include DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah, bringing the brand’s signature warm welcome to the Al Aziziyah district, and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking both the brand’s debut in Makkah and the largest Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel worldwide. Both properties are owned by Wirgan Hospitality. Mohamed Lotfy, Cluster General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, said, “We are delighted to open these two exceptional properties in Makkah, each thoughtfully designed to offer guests comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere during their stay in the Holy City. Our teams at DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, are committed to delivering a warm, memorable experience for every guest.” Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton With 1,386 guest rooms and suites, Wirgan Al Noor marks a major milestone as Tapestry Collection’s first hotel in Makkah and its largest operating property globally. Located near the historic Hira Cave and less than a 15-minute drive from Masjid Al Haram (the Sacred Mosque), the hotel offers serene views of the Holy City and serves as a comfortable retreat within easy reach of Makkah’s most significant sites. True to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, the hotel blends contemporary style with a strong sense of place, celebrating the authentic character of the destination. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant with diverse culinary offerings, a coffee shop, …

Crowne Plaza Al Jubail is now open, welcoming guests to a contemporary hotel experience in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The opening further strengthens IHG’s premium offering in the Kingdom and showcases the Crowne Plaza brand’s continued momentum. The new property caters to modern business and leisure travellers seeking a blend of productivity and comfort in one of KSA’s most important industrial and commercial cities. Since launching the first business-class hotel in 1983, Crowne Plaza has remained a bold, inventive leader in the hospitality industry. Reflecting its global focus on evolving travel needs, the hotel brings the brand’s three key differentiators – Crafted Connections, Purposeful Gatherings, and Blended Travel – to life through its spaces, services and overall guest experience. Ideally located close to the city centre and key business districts, Crowne Plaza Al Jubail provides convenient access to Al Jubail’s commercial hubs, while also being within easy reach of leisure attractions such as Al Nakheel Beach, Fanateer Corniche, and Deffi Park. This central positioning allows guests to stay connected to work while making time to explore the city. The hotel features 190 guest rooms and suites and seven meeting rooms, following Crowne Plaza’s modern design approach and offering clearly defined zones for work, relaxation, and sleep. Thoughtfully designed layouts enhance comfort and functionality, supporting productivity while allowing guests to unwind with ease. Dining at Crowne Plaza Al Jubail is designed for flexibility and everyday enjoyment. Al Basatin Restaurant offers international and local cuisine in a relaxed all-day dining setting, while Le Monde Café serves specialty coffee, pastries, and light bites ideal for informal meetings or moments on the go. La Palma Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant overlooking …

Diriyah Company announced a new joint development agreement with Midad Development and Real Estate Investment Company to build the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Diriyah. The new partnership formalizes the collaboration between the two companies to develop the 159-room luxury Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah and Four Seasons Private Residences within Diriyah’s masterplan, spanning 235,938 square meters. The total value of the project stands at $827 million (SAR 3.1 billion), encompassing both land acquisition and construction costs. Midad is a prominent real estate developer, steadily expanding its luxury portfolio through a growing pipeline of high-end projects and strategic brand partnerships, reinforcing its position as a trusted name in premium residential and hospitality development across the Kingdom. This collaboration marks the first major partnership between Diriyah Company and Midad, supporting the delivery of one of the nearly 40 luxury hotels planned across Diriyah’s two main masterplans, the 14 square kilometer Diriyah project and the neighboring 62 square kilometer Wadi Safar project – the exclusive luxury destination adjacent to Diriyah, blending lifestyle, culture and leisure. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to set new benchmarks in destination development, and Diriyah stands at the forefront of this evolution. Partnerships such as this enhance the Kingdom’s global tourism offering and reinforce our position as a leading destination.” Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO Diriyah Company, commented: “The Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah will be one of our largest luxury hotels and we are proud to announce this joint development agreement with Midad, one of the Kingdom’s leading real estate developers. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to participate …

His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayaf bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Eastern Region, officially inaugurated Global City Dammam, and will open its doors to everyone soon to explore the exclusive experience. Brought to life by Vega International Co. (KSA), the official developer of Global City Dammam, this landmark destination draws on over 20 years of experience in creating memorable cultural, commercial, and tourism projects across the Kingdom. Located between the Arabian Gulf and Saihat Lake, Global City Dammam offers a world of culture, shopping, dining, and entertainment where families and friends can gather, discover, and enjoy new experiences together. According to SPA, Prince Saud emphasized that the Global City project reflects a modern investment approach and highlights Eastern Region’s strong economic and tourism potential. He noted that such initiatives diversify economic activity, enhance cities’ appeal, create new investment and employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. He further highlighted the region’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and extensive investment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for major projects and capable of drawing local, regional, and international investors. The project aligns with urban development initiatives to strengthen private-sector participation in high-quality projects and attract domestic, Gulf, and international investment. These efforts are expected to enhance the region’s competitiveness and improve the efficiency of tourism and entertainment services, leveraging its strategic geographic position and the significant progress in quality-of-life indicators. The Global City project features a distinctive cultural and entertainment concept, bringing together civilizations from around the world in a single destination. International pavilions showcase participating countries’ identities through architecture, cuisine, and heritage products, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural experience for all ages. The project spans more …

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.