Tag Archives: UAE

Zayed National Museum will open for visitors in December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. The museum will provide visitors with an immersive journey through the history and heritage of the UAE, complementing existing landmarks such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Travel trade partners and destination management companies are expected to benefit from increased demand for cultural itineraries and experiential travel packages. Designed by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum’s opening reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to position itself as a global cultural destination, attracting both leisure and business travellers. Through immersive exhibitions, active research and public and community programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed’s vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and the preservation of Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum’s collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations related to the heritage of the UAE, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today’s expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National …

Dubai will host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 on 27 October at Madinat Jumeirah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Part of FHS World 2025, the summit will bring together over 350 leaders, ministers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries to explore sustainable tourism development and investment  opportunities. Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and The Bench, the summit aims to strengthen UAE-Africa tourism ties and open avenues for investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and innovative tourism projects. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, will lead discussions focused on sustainable and digitally driven tourism growth. The agenda features six panel discussions highlighting investment opportunities, public-private collaboration, fintech integration, and enhanced logistical connectivity to boost cross-border travel. A high-level ministerial roundtable will also convene more than 20 African ministers to explore ways tourism can drive economic growth and sustainable development. With Africa’s tourism sector expanding over 13% annually and attracting more than 74 million international visitors, the summit underscores the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in fostering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact tourism investment across the continent.

Middle Eastern travellers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are increasingly embracing cross-generational travel, with families spanning grandparents, parents, and children exploring destinations together. The trend reflects a growing desire to create lasting memories, combining leisure with meaningful experiences, said Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination Partnerships APAC, Skyscanner, at ITB Asia. Mountain escapes are emerging as a major draw, with 89% of Saudi travellers planning summer or autumn trips to mountainous regions. Destinations like Hokkaido in Japan, Turkey, Armenia, and Da Nang in Vietnam are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional ski-season holidays and appealing to travellers seeking escapism. Younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, are driving demand for diverse and adventurous experiences. Searches for Shanghai surged 285% year-on-year, while Da Nang rose 260%, reflecting growing interest in culturally rich destinations. Faster visa processing for countries like China is making Asian destinations more accessible, further boosting travel trends. With strong connectivity from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Europe and Asia, Middle Eastern travellers are expected to continue exploring a wide range of destinations in 2026, blending family bonding with adventure, culture, and immersive experiences.