flynas has launched a dedicated check-in counter for children and their families, making it the first and leading family-friendly airline in Saudi Arabia by creating a fun, stress-free, and engaging travel experience for kids and their families as part of flynas’s commitment to inclusivity in travel and serving all segments of society. Under the slogan “Make Them the Stars of the Journey”, the first check-in counter located at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, in the domestic terminal has been inaugurated for the first phase. It has been designed to enhance the overall customer experience, featuring a dedicated area for children during the check-in process that offers a range of engaging activities tailored to families. The pioneering initiative offers a custom-built, child-height counter with colorful branding and visuals of Fernas mascot. The area features branded barriers with fun illustrations and welcoming signage designed to greet children. Flynas-trained staff offer warm, playful interactions and personalized service tailored to families. Additionally, kids are privileged with customized boarding passes, specifically designed for children. flynas is committed to inclusivity in travel and serving all segments of society in line with its growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”, in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030, and with the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights …

Etihad Airways is set to enhance its Kolkata service with the introduction of the next-generation Airbus A321LR, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market. Starting 26 September 2025, all Etihad flights between Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU) will be operated by the state-of-the-art A321LR, offering guests an upgraded travel experience across all cabin classes. The aircraft is equipped with luxury First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, and a cutting-edge Economy class featuring ultra-modern 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the journey. The Airbus A321LR is designed to bring wide-body comfort to a single-aisle aircraft, offering enhanced space, privacy, and premium amenities. The First Suites provide an exclusive experience with forward-facing fully-flat beds in a 1-1 configuration, while Business Class features 14 lie-flat seats, ensuring maximum comfort on medium-haul routes. Economy Class passengers will enjoy next-generation seating, complete with advanced in-flight entertainment and connectivity, making every journey more enjoyable. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “India is a key market for Etihad, and we are delighted to elevate our Kolkata service with our latest A321LR aircraft. With this upgrade, our guests can now enjoy a superior travel experience, whether in our luxurious First Suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, or next-generation Economy cabin. This investment underlines our ongoing commitment to providing world-class service and greater connectivity across the Indian subcontinent.” The new A321LR aircraft brings enhanced efficiency and comfort, making Etihad the premier choice for travellers between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata. The airline continues to strengthen its footprint in India, offering passengers greater access to Etihad’s growing global network. For bookings and more information, visit etihad.com.

As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and investing in the latest technologies, flydubai has partnered with emaratech to implement smart border control solutions for its pilots and cabin crew. Located at the carrier’s Airport Operations Centre, the new smart gates utilise advanced biometric technology, AI-driven verification and real-time data integration to streamline immigration processes. This provides a faster and more efficient immigration experience for its flight operations, supporting the carrier’s commitment to operational efficiency, especially during busy travel periods. His Excellency Thani Alzaffin, Group Chief Executive Officer of emaratech, said: “we are proud to partner with flydubai in pioneering a next-generation, paperless immigration experience for their crew members. Through the integration of AI-powered facial recognition technology, our smart gates seamlessly connect with both flydubai’s and immigration’s platforms, enabling real-time validation and a truly frictionless journey.” “This initiative reflects emaratech’s continued commitment to redefining border control processes—making them smarter, faster, and more secure. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we are shaping a future where innovation drives convenience and trust at every checkpoint. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with flydubai across future initiatives that further enhance the travel experience for both passengers and crew,” added Alzaffin. Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, Chief Procurement & Technology Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to have partnered with emaratech to implement this innovative solution for our pilots and cabin crew. We always look for opportunities to harness the latest technologies that support our growth and operational efficiencies and with the introduction of these biometric smart gates, this marks another step towards fostering a more seamless, punctual and secure operation as we future-proof our systems.” The carrier continues to invest in technologies …

25hours Hotel One Central is delighted to announce the appointment of Izzatbek Mambetov as Front Office Manager. With a decade of hospitality experience and a proven track record in guest satisfaction and operational excellence, Izzat steps into his new role ready to elevate the guest arrival experience at one of Dubai’s most creatively charged destinations. Izzat joins the team from Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City, where he held dual leadership roles as Rooms Division Manager and previously Front of House Manager. Over his four-year tenure, he drove substantial improvements across guest satisfaction metrics, introduced new onboarding and feedback programs, led system migrations, and helped push the property to regional performance highs — including increased Radisson Rewards enrolment and a leap in online reputation scores. His leadership was integral to the successful rollout of new systems such as EMMA and Fiori PMS, as well as initiatives that boosted F&B upselling revenue and public review scores on Booking.com and TripAdvisor. Originally from Uzbekistan, Izzat holds a Diploma in International Hospitality Management from the London School of Business & Finance in Singapore, where he also trained with Accor Hotels. He is fluent in English, Uzbek, and Russian, and is known for his attention to detail, solution-focused mindset, and people-first approach. Izzat is the newest addition to our tribe, and we have great expectations for him as he leads the Front Office team,” said Evita Chidiac, Director of Rooms, 25hours Hotel One Central. “He brings a passion for genuine hospitality and a strong commitment to excellence. His dedication to delivering outstanding guest service will ensure every guest feels valued, welcomed, and truly cared for.” In his role as Front Office Manager, Izzat will …

IDeaS announced a new partnership with Elaf Group for the implementation of IDeaS’ G3 Revenue Management System across an initial four hotels in the Elaf Group portfolio. With this agreement, IDeaS continues to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia whose ambitious Vision 2030 goals include 362,000 new hotels rooms by 2030 under the Kingdom’s US$110 billion hospitality expansion initiative. Currently, IDeaS’ solutions have been implemented in 144 hotels across the Kingdom, with strong and growing demand projected for the future. Elaf Group is preparing to double the size of its hotel portfolio in the coming years. By partnering with IDeaS, they will be able to scale their operations effectively and optimize their revenue strategies. The partnership will enable Elaf Group to leverage advanced data-driven insights, enhance their decision-making processes, and ultimately achieve their growth objectives more efficiently. The Group Pricing capabilities of G3 RMS, with its ability to quickly determine a group’s entire value and the value of any potential business being displaced, are a key component of Elaf Group’s decision to partner with IDeas. As hotels in Madinah rely heavily on both pilgrimage-driven groups and leisure business, the ability to accept the most profitable business is crucial. Balancing their demand needs helps hotels optimize occupancy and revenue, ensuring sustainable growth and guest satisfaction. Mohamed Abbas, Commercial & Revenue Director at Elaf Group said: “We have chosen IDeaS because of their system’s accurate forecasting capabilities, strong pricing tools and inventory controls that can all be managed by a small, centralized team. IDeaS is a reliable partner who will help us drive the revenue growth needed for us to continue our planned expansion in Saudi Arabia.” Ibrahim Saba, Principal Sales Director – Europe, …

Emirates has deployed its retrofitted Boeing 777 on flights EK656/657 and EK660/661 between Dubai and Malé. Services on the enhanced aircraft, featuring newly configured and refreshed cabins throughout, include the highly-acclaimed Premium Economy offering for an elevated travel experience. Emirates will also deploy its retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 on flights EK650/651 operating between Dubai and Colombo from 18 July, becoming the airline’s second daily flight in Sri Lanka to feature Premium Economy seats. Currently, over 40 destinations in Emirates’ expansive network offer Premium Economy. Travellers from select points offering Premium Economy and planning trips to the Maldives or Sri Lanka can book their entire journey and enjoy the comfort and elevated experience along the way. Emirates’ flight EK656 departs from Dubai at 02:30 hrs and arrives in Malé at 07:40 hrs. The return flight EK657 departs from Malé at 09:15 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 12:15hrs. Emirates’ other daily service to the Maldives with four cabin classes, flight EK660, departs from Dubai at 10:10 hrs and arrives in Malé at 15:30 hrs. The return flight EK661 departs from Malé at 18:25 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 21:25 hrs. Emirates’ flight EK650 to Colombo departs from Dubai at 02:40 hrs and arrives at the destination at 08:35 hrs. The return flight EK651 departs from Colombo at 10:05 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 12:55 hrs. All times are local. Tickets to both destinations can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as at Emirates retail stores. Emirates operates four daily flights to Malé, three of which are served with the retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline will also now serve customers traveling to Sri Lanka with …

Hilton announced the signing of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Al Musbah Group – marking the debut of the lifestyle Tapestry Collection brand in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open later in 2025, the new signing reinforces Hilton’s continued expansion in the Kingdom and adds to its growing presence in one of the world’s most significant religious tourism destinations. With this addition, Hilton remains on track to reach its milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia. Strategically located north of the central Haram area in Madinah, Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will offer direct pedestrian access and views of Al Masjid Al Nabawi, providing guests with a convenient and comfortable stay. The property will benefit from strong transport links, including proximity to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and connectivity via the Haramain High-Speed Rail, which links Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Mohammed Almusbahi, Director, Al Musbah Group, commented: “We are proud to partner once again with Hilton to introduce the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the Kingdom. With its unique identity rooted in local heritage, this hotel will offer visitors and pilgrims an authentic and memorable stay in the heart of Madinah. Our continued collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision to support the Kingdom’s hospitality goals and deliver world-class offerings across key cities.” The hotel will offer 221 guest rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant, a café, and a fitness centre. The property’s design narrative will be inspired by the revered Ajwa date, grown exclusively in Madinah, adding a rich cultural touch to the guest experience. Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is partnering for the first time with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, to launch the 2025 edition of its Tourism Youth Summer Camp. The Academy is managed under the stewardship of Les Roches, a globally acclaimed hospitality and leisure higher education institution, with the objective of providing hospitality skills and academic knowledge to nurture homegrown talent in the UAE and the region. The two-week immersive programme for Emirati students aged 17 to 21 will run from 14-24 July 2025, nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders in tourism and hospitality through hands-on training and cultural engagement. The partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches brings an elevated level of academic and practical expertise to the programme while integrating elements that celebrate Emirati culture and heritage. The camp combines global hospitality standards with local traditions to foster a new cohort of Abu Dhabi-grounded, globally minded professionals. H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our Tourism Youth Summer Camp continues to grow in impact as we partner with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to empower the next generation of Emirati tourism and hospitality leaders. By combining world-class expertise with a foundation of Emirati hospitality, rooted in a spirit of welcoming and warmth, we are preparing young talent to lead confidently in the global tourism landscape. Strengthening the tourism and hospitality sectors is key to Abu Dhabi’s future growth, and as we support and inspire our Emirati youth to enter into this industry, they will be a key part of our mission to both progress the emirate and share …

Dubai Airports has launched DXB Greet & Go, a new smart pickup service at Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3. Designed for guests arriving in Dubai with pre-booked hotel, limousine, or tour operator services, this new solution replaces traditional guest paging with a seamless, technology-enabled experience. With DXB Greet & Go, guests arriving at Terminal 3 can simply scan a unique QR code at the designated kiosk to view details of their assigned driver and vehicle, including parking location and car registration number. They are then guided by multilingual employees directly to their assigned driver and vehicle, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pickup. Located in the Arrivals area of Terminal 3, DXB Greet & Go offers a secure, organised meeting point aligned with DXB’s service and security standards. The new process reduces congestion, improves the flow of guests, and creates a more professional welcome experience. Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said, “DXB Greet & Go is part of our continued efforts to make every step of the journey at DXB more efficient and enjoyable. By modernising the way guests are received in the Arrivals area, we are helping our partners deliver a smarter and more personalised welcome, while easing footfall and improving operational flow within the terminal.” The service is available to licensed hotels, limousine service providers, and tour operators in Dubai. Businesses can register their drivers and vehicles on the DXB Greet & Go portal and send guests a personalised QR code before their arrival. Upon scanning the code at DXB, guests are verified and assisted by on-ground staff to reach their designated pickup with ease. Licensed hotels and tour operators can email contact@dxbgreetandgo.ae …

The Experience Store (TES) one of the UAE’s first digital lifestyle marketplaces for curated luxury experiences and wellness services, has officially launched, ushering in a new era of premium, wellness-driven offerings. TES stands as Dubai’s premier platform for transformative journeys, seamlessly blending holistic wellness, personalised indulgence, and curated adventures – setting a new benchmark for luxury, active, meaningful living. From private yacht escapes, sound healing, and IV therapy to Michelin-starred dining, desert retreats, and adventure sports, TES brings together a handpicked selection of services under one seamless digital interface. The platform enables users to browse, book, and personalise premium experiences at their fingertips. It is particularly designed to serve individuals and businesses looking to elevate how they live, celebrate, and connect. Anand Nair, CEO of The Experience Store, shared the inspiration behind TES “Dubai inspires us to think bigger and live bolder. TES is our answer to that spirit—built not just for luxury, but for intentional living. We’re designing experiences that inspire people to move, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves and the world around them with immersive wellness community programs. It’s about making every moment count.” TES launches at a pivotal time: the UAE’s travel and tourism sector contributed Dh220 billion to GDP in 2024, with the luxury travel market projected to surpass Dh617 billion by 2030. At the same time, the global wellness economy is expected to reach Dh33 trillion by 2028. Against this backdrop, TES delivers exactly what today’s audiences seek – active, emotionally resonant, tech-powered experiences that blend luxury with intention. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, a mindfulness session in the desert, or a last-minute adrenaline escape, TES curates moments that are both memorable and …