Hotel Management Company “Adeera” signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to open new horizons for developing the hospitality and tourism sector in the Kingdom. This agreement aims to enhance national capabilities, creating new opportunities, exchange expertise and knowledge, and launch specialized training initiatives. These efforts align with the national tourism strategy and Adeera’s goals to strengthen the commitment of developing exceptional hospitality experiences and elevating Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector in line with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Through this partnership, Adeera seeks to strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the global tourism map and transform Saudi Arabia into an exceptional tourist destination sought by the world, highlighting the Kingdom’s hospitable nature with national expertise capable of providing exceptional services and experiences. The memorandum includes key pillars to developing the tourism sector in the Kingdom, including: Workforce Planning: Building clear career paths and quality job opportunities, enhancing national capabilities and efficiency. Training, Development, and Localization: Designing specialized training programs to prepare Saudis for work in the hospitality sector, with incentives to promote employment through attractive support packages. Quality Improvement: Collaborating with leading educational institutions to provide innovative educational programs that ensure the highest standards in tourism education. Supporting Tourism Projects: Facilitating procedures and promoting the growth of tourism projects, enhancing the presence and visibility of Adeera in the sector. On this occasion, Mr. Stefan Leser, CEO of “Adeera,” expressed his affirmation of the importance of this strategic partnership in supporting and empowering the tourism infrastructure. He added: “At Adeera, we believe in the importance of developing qualified national talents equipped with the skills and expertise to compete on the global stage.” He further stated, “Our aim is not …

Select Group announced the acquisition of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, in a landmark transaction valued in excess of AED 200m+.  The Radisson Blu Hotel occupies a prime location in Dubai, surrounded by global corporate headquarters, including META, Pfizer, Samsung, and Mastercard. Select Group plans to embark on a comprehensive refurbishment of the property, with a focus on enhancing its food and beverage offerings to address a critical gap in the area’s hospitality landscape, as well as enhancing all the accommodation and other public areas to cater to the strong demand generators through the corporate catchment. Commenting on the acquisition, Rahail Aslam, Founder & Chairman of Select Group, said:  “We are excited to announce the acquisition of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, marking a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to securing prime assets in strategic locations.  This addition to our hospitality portfolio signifies a key step in our growth journey. As part of our vision, the property will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment program for rooms, public areas and food & beverage venues to enhance the experience for travellers and residents. Our upgrades aim to create dynamic offerings that meet evolving demands, solidifying our dedication to excellence in hospitality.” The deal, brokered by Andrew Love, Regional Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Knight Frank MENA, represents the highest recorded hotel sale transaction in Dubai’s Media Free Zone. Andrew Love, Regional Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Knight Frank MENA, added:“The sale of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is a testament to Dubai’s continued evolution as a global hotspot for hotel investment. As the highest recorded hotel sale transaction in the Media Free Zone, it demonstrates …

Bird Travels (Bird Group, India) announces the appointment of Bird Aero Services FZCO, Dubai, U.A.E as the General Sales Agent of VietJet Thailand in the United Arab Emirates. Bird Aero Services FZCO, the second Middle Eastern arm of Bird Group, complementing Bird Travels Private Limited, India’s largest airline management company, is serving successfully as the Passenger Sales Agent of VietJet in the UAE market since July 2024. It will now represent VietJet Thailand and support the airline in establishing its footprint in the UAE market, providing inter alia, airline management and representation services.

Emirates clenched yet again ‘Best Airline’ award at the seventh edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “We’re honoured to be recognised for our efforts and the wider work being done in the industry, particularly in our region, which is progressing rapidly and achieving milestone after milestone. Such awards are a way to express gratitude to the industry, its individuals, corporations, and companies that have contributed to creating these milestones.” Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates

Wipro Limited announced that it has been selected by Etihad Airways to lead its comprehensive technology modernization. Wipro will ensure seamless migration of legacy systems and improve operational efficiency across key areas, including workplace, network, infrastructure, and service management. As part of the five-year contract, Wipro FullStride Cloud will deliver a customized cloud-based solution that will provide Etihad Airways real-time insights into their resource utilization and improve operational agility and scalability for their global operations. Wipro will also integrate Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) modules across the IT framework – from automation of data centers to conversational support to end-users. GenAI will also provide intelligent device management and GenAI-based insights that will optimize performance and resolve potential disruptions proactively. Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We look forward to working with Wipro to prepare for the AI era, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization. Together, we aim to elevate our customers’ experiences through advanced automation, intelligent operations, and enhanced observability.” Vinay Firake, CEO – Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Wipro Limited, said, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Etihad Airways and enable them to adapt to the dynamic needs of the aviation industry. Through our proven expertise in digital transformation and AI-powered solutions, we will deliver seamless, efficient and innovative services to their customers.” Additionally, Etihad Airways will gain access to Wipro’s Innovation Lab in the UAE, which will play a pivotal role in enhancing their technology to meet the evolving demands of their global operations. For more than two decades, Wipro has operated in the Middle East with thousands of employees and providing opportunities for local talent to effectively serve …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has launched its promotional campaign ‘Live The Vibe’ to highlight the heritage and tourism assets of Al Batinah South Governorate. This campaign coincides with the activities of ‘Explore Al Batinah South 2025,’ organised by the Office of the Governor of Al Batinah South. Raiya bint Salim Al Maskeri, Assistant Director of the Tourism Marketing Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The campaign aims to boost tourism activity in Al Batinah South Governorate, introduce its heritage and tourism sites, and enhance tourist visits during the event period. This is expected to positively impact the partners of the tourism sector in the governorate.” She added, “The campaign’s objectives include promoting the governorate’s tourism sites, such as Bald Sayt Village in Wadi Bani Awf, Wakan Village, Al Ulya, Ain Al Kasfa, Ain Al Thowarah, Wadi Al Hoqain, Wadi Al Sahtan, and Wadi Bani Kharus. It also aims to introduce the governorate’s castles and forts, including Al Hazm Fort, the Wall and Tower of Al Khamis, Rustaq Fort, Nakhal Fort, Al Awabi Fort, and Bait Al Ghasham Museum, among others. Additionally, the campaign highlights the governorate’s beautiful beaches, such as Al Musannah Beach, Barka Beach, and more, as well as destinations for marine excursions and adventure tours.” Al Maskeri emphasised that the Ministry’s participation in the ‘Explore Al Batinah South 2025’ activities seeks to promote the governorate culturally and touristically. The ministry plans to offer a diverse range of events to attract visitors from within and outside Oman, aiming to position Al Batinah South as a distinctive tourist destination. The initiative also aims to achieve synergy by enhancing diversity, attracting more visitors, and boosting tourism …

Tourism 365, the tourism arm of ADNEC Group, announced a groundbreaking partnership with Liv designed to elevate the travel and leisure experiences for customers across the UAE.  Josep-Anton Grases, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism 365, stated, “This strategic partnership with Liv, UAE’s first digital bank, aligns with our vision to provide unparalleled travel and leisure experiences to our customers. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we aim to create unique value propositions that will benefit our customers.” For his part, Pedro Sousa Cardoso, Chief Digital Officer, Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, commented, “We are pleased to partner with Tourism 365, a key player in the travel and leisure sector. This collaboration will not only enhance our service offerings but also provide our customers with exclusive benefits and a seamless travel booking experience. As UAE’s first and largest digital bank, Liv is committed to offering customers access to products and services that align with their interests and preferences, and our partnership with Tourism 365 reflects this commitment.” The agreement was formally signed by Josep-Anton Grases, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism 365 and Pedro Sousa Cardoso, Chief Digital Officer, Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD. The Liv app will feature Tourism 365’s travel deals, enabling seamless cross-promotion and enriching customer experience. Liv customers will gain access to exclusive travel and leisure deals through Tourism 365’s offerings, adding value and incentives for choosing their services, while joint marketing campaigns will promote the use of Liv credit cards, enhancing their visibility and usage. Liv will also offer a 0% instalment payment plan for Tourism 365 leisure customers, making travel more affordable and accessible.

Hawar Resort by Mantis opens on Bahrain’s premier eco-tourism destination welcoming guests to an extraordinary island escape set on Bahrain’s UNESCO-recognised Hawar Island. Located just 20 kilometres from Bahrain’s mainland, this beachfront resort is designed as a haven for eco-conscious travellers blending luxury and sustainability. Hawar’s pristine environment has been virtually untouched, resulting in a vibrant ecosystem that will appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers. Guests begin their journey at the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion, the resort’s dedicated arrival hub, where they are greeted with warm hospitality and a seamless check-in experience. From there, a short 25-minute boat ride takes them directly to the resort. The resort has 104 stylish accommodations, including guest rooms, two tented suites, beach villas and overwater villas – many with private pools and direct access to the beach. The resort caters to a wide range of guest preferences, from families and couples to solo adventurers. Commenting on the opening, Andre Erasmus, General Manager of Hawar Resort by Mantis, said: “We are thrilled to open the doors of Hawar Resort by Mantis and invite guests to experience the unmatched beauty of Hawar Island. This resort reflects a deep respect for the environment and Bahrain’s cultural heritage, offering an island retreat that is both luxurious and sustainable.” On Hawar Island guests can immerse themselves in a variety of land-based activities, such as camel and horseback riding, and watching the graceful Socotra cormorant birds in their natural habitat. For those with an interest in local culture, the resort also offers captivating falconry. Water sports enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, paddle surfboarding, jet skiing, house reef snorkelling, and at a later stage scuba …

VFS Global won ‘Best Visa outsourcing company – KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “On behalf of VFS Global I would like to thank Arabian Travel Awards for this honour. Being named the Best Visa Outsourcing Partner in KSA not only applauds our achievements so far, but also encourages us to keep putting our best foot forward every day while serving our applicants and clients alike. We will continue to innovate and offer best-in-class services through our operations.” Sumanth Kapoor, Business Head – KSA and Bahrain, VFS Global

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel in partnership with AirOWater Global unveiled the region’s first 100% water from air sustainable water bottling plant. This innovative initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing critical environmental challenges while setting a new benchmark for water logistics, water security & plastic free environment & sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. The launch event was graced by His Highness Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Department of Tourism Development and His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Ahmed Alsayed Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Department of Tourism Development. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, expressed his pride in leading this transformative project. “We are proud to launch this sustainable initiative with this bottling plant, which promotes the concept of plastic-free reusable glass bottles. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste in landfills but also leverages an untapped resource – water from air. We believe this solution is a game-changer and will inspire other hotels to adopt similar sustainable practices,” said Hamdani. Shubhojit Mahalanobis, Co-Founder and Partner at AirOWater Global, highlighted the significance of this partnership. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and commend their unwavering commitment to sustainability. Our water-from-air technology and reusable glass bottle model have empowered the hotel to go plastic-free while boosting their ESG credentials. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and exploring new opportunities in the Northern Emirates.” The state-of-the-art bottling plant at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel produces an impressive 365,000 liters of pure drinking water annually by harnessing atmospheric moisture. This revolutionary “water-from-air” technology eliminates the need for plastic bottles, providing a plastic-free solution for the hotel’s water requirements. The plant …