Dubai International (DXB) is set to welcome a surge in travellers as the winter holiday season unfolds, with over 5.2 million guests expected between  13 and 31 December. The daily average is projected at 274,000 guests, with Friday, 20 December, anticipated to be the busiest day of the period, hosting nearly 296,000 guests. The weekend from 20 to 22 December will also see peak activity, with an estimated 880,000 guests passing through. Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “Delivering the exceptional experience that DXB is known for during peak travel periods is always a challenge, but one we are well-prepared to meet with collaboration across the oneDXB family. This year, we are excited to welcome millions of guests while also creating moments of joy through festive activations. The Family Zone at Terminal 3 will transform into a winter wonderland featuring a unique fusion performance of carollers and beatboxers, a Magic Station offering gift-wrapping and photo opportunities, a Nutcracker marching band, and more. These activities are designed to surprise and delight, making every journey through DXB truly memorable.” This season’s traffic surge reflects Dubai’s global appeal, with visitors drawn to its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings, as well as the city’s amazing winter weather. Of the projected traffic, 1.7 million guests will arrive in Dubai, and 1.5 million will depart, underscoring Dubai’s rising position as a premier destination for international travellers. Travel Tips for Guests Dubai Airports is committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience for all guests during this peak period. Here are some tips for those travelling during the coming weeks to make their journey as smooth as possible: • Check-in …

Paramount Hotel Dubai has been honored with the Best 5-Star Lifestyle Hotel award at the prestigious seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. The event celebrated the visionaries and pioneers driving excellence in the Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, underscoring the region’s commitment to becoming a global tourism leader while balancing luxury and sustainability. This award celebrates Paramount Hotel Dubai’s unique approach to luxury, blending Hollywood-inspired artistry with exceptional service to create a cinematic experience that’s both immersive and memorable. It reflects Paramount Hotels’ dedication to building a legacy that redefines hospitality—where every guest is celebrated as a “star” within an ambiance that captures the magic of Hollywood. A statement by Dean, SVP of Hospitality for DAMAC Hotels and Resorts, “It’s a great honor to be recognized among industry leaders. This award is a tribute to the creativity, hard work, and commitment of our exceptional teams at Paramount Hotel Dubai. It reinforces our vision to redefine luxury and elevate the art of hospitality, delivering experiences that resonate long after our guests have left.” Pascal, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai, added, ‘We are proud to be recognized among leaders in travel and tourism. This accolade reaffirms our commitment to ‘for the creative, by the creative’—crafting extraordinary experiences where every detail, from cinematic design elements to immersive moments, transports our guests from the silver screen to real-life wonder. We are thrilled to bring this recognition home and will continue to set the stage for unforgettable stays, where our guests are the stars of their own Hollywood-inspired journeys’. With 2025 on the horizon, Paramount Hotels is set to continue its ascent in the luxury hospitality space. Paramount Hotel Dubai will …

Celestyal marked its maiden call in Dubai this week entering the emirate’s waters with a dhow escort, the line’s newest ship, Celestyal Journey, hosted a plaque exchange ceremony and a star-studded party to kick off the ship’s first week-long ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, which includes sailing roundtrip from Dubai and calling at Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The result of a collaboration between Greek company Celestyal and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that aims to share the region’s extraordinary offerings with the wider world, Celestyal Journey will homeport from the city for the next three years, with passengers already able to book trips. Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season sails until March 2025.

Key industry trends – including innovation, connectivity and customisation – will be front and centre at the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025. Each year, ATM addresses issues reshaping the international travel landscape, and 2025 will be no exception. In line with its theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, ATM 2025’s extensive conference programme and exhibition will explore how contemporary shifts in technology and traveller behaviour can both contribute to and benefit from enhanced connectivity. Commenting on the changing face of global travel, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Connectivity through technology is obviously a key growth area in travel and tourism, but it is also about the seamless flow and interaction of people, goods and ideas, which support businesses worldwide. So, if you are looking to engage with the global trends, cultural shifts and traveller behaviours shaping the future of the tourism sector, there is no better place than ATM.” One of the trends expected to shape the market in 2025 and beyond is so-called nostalgia travel. From remakes of 1990s films to early 2000s music acts on tour, the pull of the past is strong for the Millennial generation. Many of today’s travellers, including those from the UAE, are seeking to reconnect with their youth by recreating special trips or childhood dreams. Some are also looking to connect with their own children by sharing nostalgic experiences in familiar places, providing myriad opportunities for enterprising travel companies. Sports and music tourism is also experiencing significant growth, with the former expected to be worth $1.33 trillion …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced that bookings are now open for its third self-operated property, Desert Rock. Nestled in the heart of an untouched desert landscape where the mountains meet the sands, Desert Rock offers a timeless luxury experience designed to immerse guests in the raw beauty of the natural world. “We are ready to welcome guests to Desert Rock, our third self-operated hotel in the Red Sea Global hospitality portfolio. This is more than just a hotel — it is a unique property, crafted into the rock face, offering a truly immersive experience where luxury and nature come together to create a truly unforgettable escape,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Whether you are looking to explore the desert and mountains with our adventure team at Akun, unwind in total privacy, or indulge in world-class dining and wellness, Desert Rock offers something extraordinary for every guest.” Desert Rock spans 30,000 square meters of unspoiled land, where architectural mastery meets ancient rocky outcrops. The resort is located just 20 minutes from Red Sea International Airport, making it a convenient yet remote escape for those seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a blend of both. Designed with seamless integration into the rugged terrain, Desert Rock features a variety of accommodations, including pool villas, luxury suites, and private retreats, each offering a unique way to experience the splendor of the surrounding landscape. Villas and Suites Each villa and suite at Desert Rock have been thoughtfully crafted to embrace the natural surroundings, offering an atmosphere of serene luxury. Guests can choose from a range of options, including: Wadi Villas: Ideal for families, these spacious, desert-inspired one- and two-bedroom villas offer private pools and expansive …

A Qatari delegation, led by representatives from Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior, and members of the Permanent Committee for the Management of Sea Ports and Passports, Mwani Qatar and the General Authority of Customs, concluded a visit to Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat recently. These meetings provided a platform to explore ways of collaboration, exchange best practices in logistics and port management, and discuss strategies to enhance the cruise tourism experience. Commenting on the visit, Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “Our visit to Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat was an opportunity to network with our Omani counterparts and exchange in-depth knowledge in key operational areas including immigration and customs, terminal logistics and passenger services. By sharing experiences and consolidating best practices, we are committed to improving Qatar’s cruise experience and strengthening regional cooperation to achieve sustainable growth in the cruise tourism sector.” During the discussions, the Qatari delegation addressed key operational areas, including passport and customs procedures, station operations and logistics, and the roles and responsibilities of tour operators and ship agents. The attendees also discussed ways to enhance cooperation, strengthen bilateral relations and develop the cruise sector in both countries. The visit was carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, where the delegation held high-level meetings with Omani officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, the Royal Oman Police and the port operator (Asyad).  Qatar’s cruise sector has become a key focus of Qatar Tourism’s strategy, with consistently strong growth rates in recent years. During the 2024-2025 season alone, Doha Port is expected to welcome …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the inaugural Retrofit Summit, bringing together key stakeholders from the hospitality industry, financial institutions and government agencies, alongside industry experts. The Summit addressed the need for retrofitting existing hotels and venues in the emirate to enhance their energy efficiency. The event also served as a platform for industry leaders to exchange best practices, explore innovative retrofitting technologies, and discuss the growing role of sustainability in hotel operations. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Retrofit Summit is an important milestone in supporting the emirate’s journey towards a more energy efficient future, in line with the ambitions of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. As Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, this Summit accelerates the adoption of solutions that reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. By fostering industry-wide collaboration and drawing from data-driven insights, we are paving the way for the transition to energy-efficient hotels and venues, while advancing our mission to protect and preserve Abu Dhabi for future generations.” The hosting of the Retrofit Summit stemmed from an extensive Energy Audit Assessment project launched by DCT Abu Dhabi last year, which assessed energy consumption across all hotels and five venues in the emirate, offering tailored recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. Each establishment received a detailed report outlining actionable steps to enhance their sustainability, underscoring DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to support the green evolution of its hospitality sector. Representatives from over 20 organisations and six exhibitors participated in the event, sharing success stories from initiatives that have already delivered notable sustainability gains in Abu Dhabi. The Summit featured speeches …

RAK Properties Ras Al Khaimah announced that is has completed the design phase for its upcoming Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Ras Al Khaimah, located in Hayat Island on Mina, the company’s premium waterfront lifestyle destination. The resort will feature 156 elegantly appointed rooms, junior and executive suites, and luxurious sky villas, each offering unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and Ras Al Khaimah’s majestic mountain range. The sky villas, with their expansive terraces and private plunge pools, will provide guests with an elevated experience of privacy and exclusivity, offering a 270-degree view of the surrounding bay and sea. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Ras Al Khaimah marks a key milestone in RAK Properties’ ongoing mission to attract globally recognised luxury brands to the emirate. The collaboration with Nikki Beach, renowned for its signature blend of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art, will bring the brand’s barefoot luxury experience to the heart of Mina, further positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for both relaxation and recreation. The design, developed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Gensler, captures the essence of Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty while echoing the distinctive character of the Nikki Beach brand. Spanning 33,580 square meters, the resort’s architecture is characterised by organic forms and soft textures that reflect the fluidity of the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Inspired by the emirate’s coastal and maritime heritage, the design blends natural materials like sand-hued walls with organic, earthy textures. Local cultural touches, including nautical elements, are thoughtfully woven in to create an authentic connection to Ras Al Khaimah’s rich traditions. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, …

Hilton is accelerating its plans to more than double its portfolio in Morocco with the signing of nine hotels across seven of its global brands, including the debut of its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in the capital city of Rabat, as well as the introduction of its luxury LXR Hotels & Resorts, lifestyle Curio Collection by Hilton, and value-driven Hampton by Hilton brands to the country. Carlos Khneisser, vice president, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “With 13.1 million tourists visiting Morocco in the first nine months of this year, an increase of around two million compared to the same period last year, the country is experiencing significant momentum as a sought-after tourist destination. These nine new signings will add more than 1,300 rooms and around 1,500 Team Members to Hilton’s growing portfolio in Morocco, where we plan to expand our footprint to over 20 hotels in the coming years. The introduction of new brands – and expansion of existing ones – demonstrates our commitment to catering to the different needs of guests visiting the country where we’ve enjoyed a strong legacy dating back almost six decades. We look forward to working closely with our valued owners to deliver Hilton’s globally recognised hospitality to guests at these outstanding hotels.”

Palladium Hotel Group is set to charter new territories following its agreement with Hard Rock International to operate hotels under Hard Rock Hotels and Reverb Hotels in Saudi Arabia. Palladium Hotel Group will be infusing the region’s hospitality market with over 50 years of expertise, following a record-breaking 2023 with an annual revenue of 1.069 billion euros. The group is actively seeking investors and real estate partners with properties that align with the Hard Rock International brand’s bold, lifestyle-focused appeal. Palladium Hotel Group’s impressive portfolio spans over 40 hotels and 13,000 rooms across seven countries, managed under ten distinctive brands, including TRS Hotels, Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotels, and BLESS Collection Hotels. Renowned for delivering exceptional guest experiences and prioritising team wellbeing, the group consistently upholds the highest standards in every venture. This global expertise positions the group as a key player in introducing innovative hospitality solutions to Saudi Arabia’s evolving market. The collaboration builds on a decade-long relationship, with Palladium Hotel Group already managing three standout Hard Rock Hotels in Spain, – Ibiza, Tenerife, and Marbella. The expansion into Saudi Arabia aims to merge Hard Rock International’s signature world-class entertainment and cutting-edge designs with Palladium Hotel Group’s hospitality managing expertise. Together, they aspire to redefine travel experiences for modern guests seeking something fresh and exciting. Jesús Sobrino, CEO of Palladium Hotel Group said, “At Palladium Hotel Group, our vision revolves around creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering sustainable growth and meaningful local partnerships. Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, we see great potential in bringing our expertise in hospitality management to this dynamic market, adding value through innovation and authenticity.” Carlos Ortega, Corporate Global Development Sr. Director of Palladium Hotel Group added, …