The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reaffirmed its readiness for Dhofar Khareef 2025, as part of its integrated national strategy to promote the season in coordination with public and private partners. Dhofar Governorate currently boasts 83 licensed hotel establishments, offering a total of 6,537 rooms, prepared to welcome tourists throughout the season. The 2025 Dhofar Khareef season will officially run from 21 June to 20 September, transforming the southern region of Oman into a lush and temperate destination. Known for its misty climate, rich greenery, and cultural ambiance, the season attracts more than one million visitors annually. The Ministry’s efforts include participation in regional tourism exhibitions and campaigns across traditional media and social platforms. These efforts are further supported through collaborations with travel influencers and content creators, as well as the organization of familiarisation trips for travel agencies and media representatives from the Gulf and Arab regions. The Ministry is also leveraging its official digital channels to promote Oman’s offerings and is working closely with domestic and international travel agencies to design attractive tourism packages. Oman continues to be recognized as one of the region’s most diverse tourism destinations. The country offers dramatic natural contrasts—from towering mountains and sprawling deserts to long coastlines and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sumhuram, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, and a number of historical forts. The government remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and visitor services across all governorates. H.E. Dr. Al-Kharousi highlighted that this year’s calendar will launch with the official astronomical start of the season and will include a rich mix of main and accompanying events across both established and newly enhanced venues to deliver exceptional experiences to …

Les Roches unveils its new Master of Science in International Hospitality Management to meet the global demand for highly qualified hospitality leaders. The program will be introduced across its international campuses in a phased rollout: September 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and March 2026 in Crans-Montana and Marbella offering students the chance to experience some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and luxury tourism hubs. This new one-year full-time or 18-month part-time degree is designed for university graduates and career changers seeking leadership, operational, and strategic expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Combining the heritage of Swiss hospitality, experiential learning, and a global perspective, the program bridges the gap between academic rigor and industry demands, preparing students to become innovative leaders in hospitality and luxury tourism. This program launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade. That is one in three of all new jobs set to be created within the industry requiring an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 new managers by 2030, with 400 to 700 managerial positions added each year. “By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we aim to prepare graduates to seamlessly integrate themselves into leadership roles, thereby addressing the pressing talent shortages and contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth” said, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO Les Roches. “Les Roches’ commitment to academic excellence extends across its global network, bringing Swiss educational standards to diverse cultural and business landscapes. While deeply rooted in Swiss hospitality tradition, each campus integrates local expertise and …

Almosafer has announced a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The agreement will expand Almosafer’s global hotel portfolio, giving travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond direct access to over 9,300 Wyndham properties across 95 countries. This collaboration strengthens Almosafer’s mission to offer seamless travel experiences in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a premier global tourism hub. As part of the direct connectivity agreement, Almosafer will integrate Wyndham’s extensive portfolio of 25 iconic brands into its omni-channel platforms. This includes beloved names like Ramada, Days Inn, and La Quinta, offering travellers a diverse range of accommodations—from budget-friendly stays to upscale resorts. The partnership allows Almosafer’s customers to access real-time hotel inventory, competitive pricing, and streamlined booking through its digital platforms. With the largest and widest collection of hotel experiences in the world, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ mission of making hotel travel possible for all aligns with Almosafer’s aim to cater to the travel needs of people from Saudi Arabia and beyond as the Middle East’s leading travel brand. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “Strategic partnerships and collaborations are key to our global reach and resilience. By integrating the offerings of the world’s largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to Almosafer’s omni-channel platform, we seek to enhance the travel experience for our customers. Hospitality brands are integral to the overall travel experience. Almosafer prides itself on offering a seamless booking process encompassing one-touch access to world-class hospitality and airlines, providing a comprehensive package to customers.” Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said; “At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, our mission goes beyond making travel possible for all—it’s about …

Fairmont Ramla Riyadh announces the launch of its new ultra-luxury penthouse collection, setting a bold new standard for elevated living in the Kingdom. Located on the 33rd and 34th floors, the Fairmont Royal Penthouse spanning the top floors of Riyadh’s first branded luxury serviced residences, these exclusive duplex penthouses offer sweeping city views, exceptional design, and world-class amenities tailored for those who expect nothing less than the extraordinary. The three newly introduced penthouses—Fairmont Privilege Penthouse, Fairmont Harmony Penthouse, and the crown jewel, the Fairmont Royal Penthouse—offer between 500 to 718 sqm of refined living space across two floors. Each residence features four master bedrooms with king-sized beds, six bathrooms, a private home theater, a state-of-the-art gym, a Jacuzzi, an executive office, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious two-bedroom maid’s room, and expansive living and dining areas. Every detail has been carefully curated to provide seamless comfort and privacy in the heart of the capital. Located on the 33rd and 34th floors, the Fairmont Royal Penthouse epitomizes grandeur. This 718 sqm residence showcases expansive lounges adorned with hand-selected furnishings, a private outdoor swimming pool, multiple balconies with panoramic views, and a cinema room. A private elevator connects both floors, ensuring discretion and ease of access throughout the home. The experience is akin to a private villa suspended above Riyadh’s skyline. “Fairmont Ramla’s new penthouse collection is a statement of prestige and refinement,” says General Manager Muhieddine Zok. “It reflects the city’s growing appetite for uncompromising luxury and places Fairmont Ramla firmly at the top tier of serviced living in Riyadh.” Fairmont Ramla Riyadh remains the first branded luxury serviced residence in Saudi Arabia, ideally located with direct access to the King …

Etihad Airways is reporting significant growth in travel demand between Italy and Abu Dhabi. Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport. The uplift is supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions and reinforcing broader commercial and cultural links between Italy and the UAE. Jurriaan Stelder, SVP Network, Alliances and Industry Affairs, Etihad Airways, said: “The consistent growth we’re seeing from the Italian market highlights Abu Dhabi’s appeal as both a destination and global hub. Italian travellers are responding well to our offering, with steady demand across both leisure and business segments. This connectivity is strengthening tourism and supporting deeper ties across trade, culture and investment.” Italy has emerged as one of Etihad’s fastest-growing European markets, with travel between Italy and Abu Dhabi increasing by 76% compared to 2023. This reflects the growing appeal of the UAE capital as a destination for Italian visitors. This sustained demand has prompted Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport, providing Italian travellers with convenient options to visit Abu Dhabi. The third daily frequency on Milan will be operated by Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR, offering a premium experience that includes a dedicated First class cabin, fully lie-flat Business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an enhanced onboard dining service. This aircraft brings Etihad’s signature long-haul comfort to short- and medium haul travel, further elevating the travel experience for Italian guests. From November, Etihad will be offering more than 10,000 weekly seats between Italy and Abu Dhabi per direction, representing an 80% capacity increase compared to November 2023. The number of premium …

ASFAR announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minor Hotels. This milestone builds on ASFAR’s growing portfolio of hospitality investments and reinforces its commitment to shaping vibrant tourism destinations across the Kingdom. The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa. This agreement marks another pivotal step in ASFAR’s strategic drive to transform promising Saudi cities into vibrant tourism destinations. The MoU sets the foundation for introducing Minor Hotels’ distinctive international brands into several high-potential locations across the Kingdom. The collaboration aims to deliver hospitality experiences that seamlessly fuse Thai service excellence with the richness of Saudi culture—enhancing guest journeys while reinforcing ASFAR’s commitment to culturally grounded, globally competitive destinations. Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, said: “This agreement with Minor Hotels is a strategic leap forward in our mission to unlock the full tourism potential of Saudi Arabia. By bringing globally respected hospitality brands into promising destinations, we’re not only enriching our investment portfolio — we’re also introducing unique guest experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the depth and authenticity of Saudi culture. Together, we are shaping destinations that deliver on the promise of Vision 2030 and leave a lasting impact on communities, visitors, and the tourism landscape at large.” Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa, commented: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key global destination for tourism, and we are proud to partner with ASFAR to support the Kingdom’s bold vision for the future. With more than five decades of hospitality expertise and a portfolio of distinctive …

Hilton and WestF5 signed an agreement to launch DoubleTree by Hilton Residences, Dubai Jumeirah Garden City – a sophisticated new branded residential project. The signing ceremony took place at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah ahead of the project’s upcoming launch later this month. The total project value is estimated at nearly AED 500 Million. WestF5 is a strategic alliance between the retail powerhouse West Zone Group and real estate investment and development leader Fortune 5. Together they bring decades of proven expertise across retail, hospitality, and property development, with a forward-looking vision to position the DoubleTree by Hilton Residences, Dubai Jumeirah Garden City as a landmark development in an emerging urban hub poised to redefine central Dubai living. By anchoring a globally recognized hospitality brand in one of the city’s most promising new localities, WestF5 is not just meeting demand for branded residences—it is actively shaping the evolution of community-centric urban living in the UAE. Strategically located behind Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Garden City is rapidly transforming into one of Dubai’s most desirable residential communities. Positioned between the coastline and the city’s business core, the area offers unmatched convenience, with easy access to top destinations such as DIFC, Downtown Dubai, and Jumeirah Beach. As Dubai continues to attract investment across sectors, branded residential real estate remains a key growth driver, drawing new players and established names alike. By partnering with WestF5, Hilton gains a foothold in a high-potential urban enclave through a partner that brings unmatched retail connectivity, local market intelligence, and development agility. This partnership not only reinforces Hilton’s strategy to expand its branded residential footprint in fast-growing global cities but also ensures quality, consistency, and long-term brand …

Sumou Investment and Abu Dhabi Capital Group announced a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in investment and development. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership designed to unlock high-impact opportunities across key sectors, including hospitality, real estate, and infrastructure. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to sustainable growth and economic diversification, aligning with long-term strategic visions in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.  Both parties view this MOU as a pivotal step toward launching transformative projects that will enhance value creation and drive investment momentum across the Region. As part of the wider Abu Dhabi Capital Group ecosystem, STORY Hospitality — the Group’s hospitality arm — is expected to play a supporting role in hospitality-related initiatives arising from the partnership.

Sabre Corporation signed a global distribution agreement with Riyadh Air. This strategic partnership positions Sabre as the first global distribution partner to collaborate with Riyadh Air, building on an already strong IT partnership and further solidifying Sabre’s role as a key enabler of the airline’s retailing and distribution strategy. The collaboration will enable Riyadh Air to utilize Sabre’s advanced technology solutions, including its multi-source approach to content distribution, which seamlessly integrates both New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) and traditional content to advance its retailing and distribution strategy. This partnership enables Riyadh Air to deliver dynamic, personalized travel offers, reaching a global network of travel agents, corporate buyers, and customers. By tapping into Sabre’s extensive global marketplace, Riyadh Air gains access to powerful tools for driving efficiency, increasing market reach, and providing customers with tailored, real-time travel experiences. “Sabre is well-positioned to support Riyadh Air’s retailing and distribution strategies,” said Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President, Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Through our multi-source content approach, which integrates NDC alongside traditional content, we can deliver personalized and scalable solutions that align with Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth plans. Our strategy ensures seamless access to the most relevant content, helping Riyadh Air to modernize the travel experience and meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers.” Since its launch, Riyadh Air has been at the forefront of innovation in aviation, aiming to become the first native digital airline in the world. This partnership underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences through advanced technology and seamless retailing strategies. “Collaborating with Sabre is a pivotal step in our mission to redefine travel retailing and distribution,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. “Sabre’s extensive global reach …

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, attended the World Tourism Forum 2025  in Prague, organised by the UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Czech Republic under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Tourism through Innovation and Technology.’ H.E. Bin Touq highlighted how the UAE has prioritised the tourism sector as a key strategic pillar of the national economy. The country continues to strengthen its position as a leading global destination by investing in innovation, adopting latest digital solutions, and forging strategic partnerships with various countries and leading global institutions. H.E. added: “The UAE has successfully established its position on the global tourism landscape, strengthening its role in the growth and prosperity of the sector as a global hub for sustainable tourism. This was achieved through developing advanced infrastructure, enhancing innovation and integrating technology into tourism policies, and actively contributing to shaping the future of global tourism through greater international collaboration.” The Minister of Economy highlighted that participation in the Global Tourism Forum offers a significant opportunity to enhance international collaboration and exchange expertise with industry leaders and key decision-makers from around the world. H.E. added that the Forum is an ideal platform for showcasing the UAE’s success in developing smart and sustainable tourism offerings and leveraging cutting-edge technology including AI and other digital tools to drive innovation and sustainable growth of the sector. H.E. bin Touq added: “We believe that forging global partnerships and developing national talent are key to ensuring a prosperous future for tourism. We look forward to enhancing collaboration with our international partners to achieve shared goals in this vital sector.” His Excellency …