Miral continues its collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) to support local entrepreneurs in the fourth edition of Waterfront Nights at Yas Bay Waterfront. The Ramadan market will run until April 1 and feature 26 local brands, 22 of which are supported by KFED. As part of this strong partnership, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, and Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, visited Waterfront Nights to support the entrepreneurs and learn more about their local businesses and products. “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which continues to empower Emirati entrepreneurs by providing them with opportunities to showcase their exceptional products and services,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. “As we celebrate the Year of Community, this initiative has greater significance, as it not only drives economic development but also strengthens the social fabric of our communities, ensuring a more prosperous and connected future for all.” Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, also added: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Miral for the third consecutive year in this special event, which reflects our commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati businesses by providing a platform to showcase their innovative projects and engage with the community. We hope that this partnership will have a positive economic impact that enhances the competitiveness of national businesses and reflects the innovation and creativity of Emirati entrepreneurs.” The fourth edition of Waterfront Nights is free to enter and offers a bigger and more vibrant experience. The event also features free workshops, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and a variety …

Etihad and Ethiopian have joined forces in a landmark Joint Venture (JV) that will transform connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As part of this collaboration, the airlines are launching new flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, strengthening ties between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines will commence services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, while Etihad Airways will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 1 October. Subject to regulatory approval, the Etihad – Ethiopian JV will enable both airlines to collaborate in developing and expanding routes between the UAE and Ethiopia, as well as enhancing connectivity across their respective networks. This partnership is designed to deliver greater value to passengers by strengthening links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, resulting in a more seamless and comprehensive combined network. Signed at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, this strategic partnership also includes a codeshare arrangement, unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said: “This Joint Venture is great news for customers of both airlines. The start of flights between the two great cities of Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi connects our expanding networks, giving our customers seamless access to a growing list of destinations via our extensive hubs. It also paves the way for deeper discussions on working together across our respective regions on other cooperation, including frequent flyer programmes, training and cargo. “We are excited to extend a warm welcome to Ethiopian travelers visiting Abu Dhabi, where they can experience our renowned hospitality and immerse themselves in the rich culture of our city. From breathtaking beaches …

Book your Voyage wins ‘Fastest growing B2B Travel Portal’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Receiving this award is a tremendous source of motivation and appreciation for all BYV team members. It will boost our confidence to work even better together. The impact has been very positive for me personally, as it has strengthened my capabilities to take the company to the next level. For the company, it has brought significant recognition in the market. As an industry, we proudly express our gratitude to our suppliers and partners for their mutual support and collaboration.”- Ajay Sinh Atalia, CCO, Book Your Voyage

Emirates revealed the next seven cities to be served by its A350. The airline’s summer schedule will include A350 services to Tunis, Amman, Istanbul, Dammam, Ho Chi Minh City, Baghdad and Oslo as the new seven cities. With the latest tranche of planned Emirates A350 deployments, the airline is expanding the list of its short to medium haul destinations served in the Middle East/GCC and Europe. For the first time, the Emirates A350 will make its debut in Africa and Southeast Asia. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Our strategic A350 expansion across diverse geographies in the Middle East/GCC, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia leverages the aircraft’s operational flexibility and efficiency, while offering more customers expanded premium travel options and the opportunity to experience our latest generation interiors like Business Class and Premium Economy along with plenty of thoughtful touches throughout every cabin, now available in more cities than ever before.” He added: “The introduction of this aircraft and layering it on existing route schedules also enables Emirates to maintain a compelling competitive position as the airline of choice for discerning travellers looking for a unique slate of connectivity options and elevated onboard experiences they can’t have with any other carrier.” The airline’s latest A350 fleet additions will start scheduled operations to the following destinations: Emirates will operate the A350 six times weekly (all days except for Tuesday) to Tunis on EK 747/748 from 1 June.* Amman’s EK 905/906 will be served daily by the Emirates A350 from 1 June.* Emirates’ A350 featuring the latest cabins will land in Istanbul for the first time to commence daily operations on EK 117/118 from 1 July.* The …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is expanding its network with two new routes to Beirut, Lebanon and Gabala, Azerbaijan. Offering unbeatable fares and greater accessibility from June with three weekly flights each. Starting 4 June 2025, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will operate flights to Beirut three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays*, with fares starting as low as AED 359**. Starting 19 June 2025 Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will connect the UAE capital to Gabala three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with fares starting as low as AED 169**. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, available in the Arabic language. The national airline of the UAE celebrates this exciting news with a three-day promotion***, offering 20% off ticket fares starting today available to all customers. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the region. By establishing of an ultra-low-cost air connectivity with Lebanon as well as opening a new, previously unserved destination in Azerbaijan. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi continues its mission to grant access to affordable, reliable, and accessible travel for all passengers, making it easier than ever for everyone to connect and explore new destinations. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to expand our ever-growing network with Beirut and Gabala, offering ultra-low fares to these exciting destinations for travellers exploring the Middle East and South Caucasus. Lebanon’s blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it appealing for business and leisure travel while Gabala, our second, and truly a hidden gem destination in Azerbaijan, is an ideal retreat for travellers seeking outdoor adventures, green plains, snowy hills and deep historical heritage. Wizz Air …

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to highlight the thriving luxury tourism sector when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May. According to McKinsey and Company research suggests that luxury tourism and hospitality will reach USD391 billion by 2028, up from USD239 billion in 2023, with Asia gaining significant ground in the market segment. Supporting this trend, data recently issued by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf revealed that GCC states earned USD 110.4 billion in international tourism revenues in 2023. The largest share of tourists came from the Asia-Pacific region (38%), followed by the Middle East (25.1%), Europe (22.9%), Africa (8.8%), and the Americas (4.3%). Bringing together top-tier hospitality brands, influential industry figures, and innovative travel destinations, the event will showcase the latest trends and insights that are shaping the high-end travel segment. According to McKinsey and Company, demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other industry. This is predominantly due to the rising number of high-net-worth individuals globally and a growing segment of aspiring luxury travellers willing to allocate larger proportions of their income to premium experiences. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Markets, said: “The increase in inbound tourism from Asia and the growing wealth in this region create a major opportunity for Middle Eastern tourism, especially in the luxury sector. At ATM, Asia is among our fastest-growing markets for exhibitors, boasting a 27% increase in exhibitors from the region this year. National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) from destinations like Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India and Thailand are driving this growth, alongside regional tourist boards such as …

Tourism Malaysia, Dubai Office was honoured with the title of ‘Best NTO – South East Asia’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award from DDP Group. It reflects our commitment to positioning Malaysia as the premier travel destination in this region. This recognition underscores our dedication to fostering strong partnerships with airlines, agents, and media. Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026, we are excited to enhance our promotional strategies with both new and existing partners. ”- Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director, Tourism Malaysia Dubai Office.

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) is driving significant growth in Saudi Arabia’s coastal tourism sector, supported by ongoing government efforts to position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism destination in line with Vision 2030. With increasing interest in yacht tourism both locally and internationally, SRSA has intensified its regulatory role, issuing comprehensive frameworks such as the Saudi Yacht Regulation, the Visiting Yachts Regulation, the Large Yacht Chartering Regulation, and the Marina Design and Operations Regulation. These efforts aim to enhance marine infrastructure, ensure environmental sustainability, and encourage investment in coastal tourism. In collaboration with its partners, SRSA has accelerated infrastructure development along the Red Sea, issuing 29 tourism licenses that have strengthened the economic landscape for yacht tourism. Among these, 3 licenses were granted to yacht chartering companies, 10 to marina operators, and 5 to technical service providers in leisure and tourism, fostering a thriving marine tourism ecosystem. The Red Sea region, spanning 1,800 km of coastline, is home to over 1,000 islands, 150 pristine beaches, and 3,200 cultural and tourism assets, including heritage villages, vibrant markets, and active maritime ports. Such natural and cultural assets provide a strong foundation for Saudi Arabia’s emerging yacht tourism industry. It was shared by Saudi Press Agency. SRSA has been actively engaged in fostering international partnerships to enhance investment opportunities. It participated in major global yacht and maritime exhibitions, including the Monaco Yacht Show 2023 and the Dubai International Boat Show 2024, with the goal of adopting best practices in yacht tourism and strengthening global collaboration. The authority signed agreements with leading institutions such as the Yacht Club de Monaco and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to advance Saudi …

Wego released exclusive insights into Kuwaiti travelers’ destination preferences for Ramadan 2025.  Top Ramadan Destinations for Kuwaiti travellers are Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan retain their positions as the most-searched international destinations, reflecting cultural ties and family-centric travel. Bangladesh, Jordan, the Philippines, Nepal, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, round out the top 10 with Nepal emerging as this year’s standout growth market. Wego’s Ramadan data reveals a blend of steadfast loyalty and surging interest in different destinations, alongside notable airfare fluctuations shaping travel decisions. Flight searches to Nepal for travels during Ramadan have seen more than a fivefold increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, searches to Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Jordan have more than doubled this year. Even the destination with the most modest growth of the lineup, Türkiye, saw YoY 54.51% increase in searches on Wego. Wego data showed that airfares for top Ramadan destinations from Kuwait have risen by an average of 17.51% YoY, attributed to high seasonal demand. Ramadan airfare spikes for the United Arab Emirates (+64.63%) Nepal (+43.65%), and Pakistan (+36.70%) have been observed to be among the highest compared to last year.

Golden Sands Hotel Creek won ‘Best Luxury Hotel at Dubai Creek’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Golden Sands Hotel Creek is located in one of the world’s most desirable cities, Dubai. Consisting of 150 premium rooms and suites, Golden Sands Creek is a boutique five-star hotel. With bespoke services, premium amenities and unmatched hospitality, Golden Sands Creek is a true representation of the Emirati hospitality.