Oman Air has entered an exciting new partnership with TUI to offer customers a seamless way to book holiday packages alongside their flights. The collaboration introduces a new digital platform integrated directly with the airline’s booking engine, empowering travellers with access to a diverse array of holiday experiences across Oman Air’s network in just a few clicks. The partnership was unveiled during ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. Launching for the summer holiday season, guests will be able to conveniently book holiday packages to over 22 destinations spanning Oman, Europe, the Far East, GCC, Africa and more, via the newly developed digital booking platform. The seamless online journey will combine flights, hotels, car hire, ground transport, tours, experiences, and more, combined into dynamic packages or as standalone bookings. “We are thrilled to partner with TUI to offer our guests an entirely new way to plan and experience their travels. Designed for those who seek the reassurance of a complete package holiday, our platform will offer unparalleled convenience, quality and affordability, along with the security and bonding requirements specific to each destination,” said Michael Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air. “Not only will we offer all-new travel experiences for our guests from Oman, but we will also simplify inbound tourism into Oman, encouraging more international travellers to visit. The partnership also marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance digitalisation and deliver seamless, end-to-end travel experiences for our guests.” David Schelp, CEO TUI Markets + Airline, added, “We are excited to work with Oman Air as a new partner for our platform. This collaboration will offer a unique possibility for travellers to experience the wonderful …

The Middle East’s premier cruise trade event, Cruise Travel Mart 2025, returns for its fourth edition on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, at the Al Bader Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises. Cruise Travel Mart is the Must-Attend Cruise Trade Event Dedicated Cruise Focus – Unlike broader travel trade shows, Cruise Travel Mart is solely dedicated to cruise tourism, ensuring tailored discussions and strategic collaborations. High-Quality Networking – The event attracts key decision-makers from leading travel agencies, providing exhibitors with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen industry relationships. Strategic Brand Exposure – Cruise lines will showcase their unique offerings through interactive exhibits, presentations, and direct engagement with stakeholders. Exclusive Industry Insights – Participants will gain valuable perspectives on market trends, customer preferences, and sales strategies shaping the cruise sector. Market Expansion & Growth – Cruise Travel Mart serves as a gateway for cruise brands looking to enhance their presence and operations in the Middle East. Extensive Media Exposure – Through partnerships with leading travel trade media, the event will feature press releases, media interviews, and comprehensive coverage before, during, and after …

Emirates has revealed that for the first time ever My Emirates Pass will be available all year round with seasonal summer and winter offers; giving customers access to over 600 exclusive offers across Dubai – an opportunity to make the most out of their visit. Customers flying from, through or to Dubai can now unlock discounts on top culinary experiences, world-class shopping experiences, unmissable leisure attractions, and tranquil luxury spas any time of the year. Whether it’s an unforgettable family trip, a relaxing couples retreat, or a solo adventure, My Emirates Pass will offer those visiting Dubai unforgettable experiences no matter the season. Using My Emirates Pass will remain as easy as ever, passengers will simply need to show their physical or digital boarding pass along with a valid ID at participating venues to enjoy the benefits. Passengers who checked in online and downloaded their boarding pass to the Emirates App or Wallet should remember to screenshot it before landing, as it will no longer be accessible afterward. Emirates will roll out exclusive seasonal summer offers, running from 1st April through to 30th September, making it easier than ever to experience the best of Dubai, including the return of the much-anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises. Dubai Summer Surprises From 27th June to 31st August 2025, visitors can take advantage of Dubai Summer Surprises, a deal-packed season filled with exciting offers and unforgettable experiences. Emirates passengers flying to Dubai can look forward to luxurious shopping, spectacular entertainment, and exceptional dining. With countless offers and surprises in store, summer in Dubai is the perfect time to enjoy incredible value and create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. An unforgettable summer of memories Whether passengers are …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced a new collaboration to train 5000 Saudi nationals in the next six months in travel, tourism and hospitality. As Oracle technologies are integral to hotels and resorts at RSG destinations, the program will also help students increase their chances of securing employment across RSG’s growing portfolio of luxury tourism destinations. The new initiative compliments Oracle’s goal to train 50,000 people in the Kingdom. The program also highlights RSG’s commitment to empower local communities and nurture Saudi talent through its regenerative approach. The training program will educate and upskill local people through Oracle’s Mostaqbali learning platform, delivered through Oracle University. This is a free educational initiative which helps Saudi nationals gain the IT skills needed for the most in-demand, technologically enabled jobs. This initiative forms part of our commitment to support the growth and development of young Saudi talent across the Kingdom and help them achieve their potential. Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence shared, “The program builds upon our existing training initiatives through which young Saudis have been offered employment with RSG and our partners. By equipping young Saudis with technical skills through a program run by a global technology leader, we believe that we can create a strong pool of qualified candidates for the hospitality sector within the Kingdom, aligning with the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.” “Oracle is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by empowering local talent with the skills needed for the Kingdom’s rapidly growing digital economy,” said Reham AlMusa, vice president – Business Applications, Public Sector, and managing director – Saudi Arabia, Oracle. “Our collaboration with RSG will help create a strong local talent pipeline …

With three weeks remaining until Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the event is on course to attract a record number of high value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to the same time last year, reinforcing its position as an essential platform for travel trade professionals around the world. International markets account for a substantial 52% of total visitor registrations, highlighting the event’s global appeal and underscoring the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, visitors from the UAE and GCC contribute significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48% of registrations. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events. This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.” The top five registered countries for ATM 2025 to date include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UK. India, with its thriving outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector, remains a significant source of demand for the travel industry. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached US$15.3 billion in 2024, representing a more than 100% increase over the last decade, with the government setting a target of 30 million tourists by 2032. Major tourism investments in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have positioned the Kingdom as a strong player in the global travel market. The UK remains a crucial hub for both inbound and outbound tourism, with a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators. Last year, ATM …

Jannah Hotels & Resorts unveiled Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments, an exquisite blend of comfort, convenience, and signature Bedouin hospitality. Perfectly catering to business travellers, families, and long-term guests, this latest addition to the UAE’s hospitality scene is set to redefine serviced apartment living. Located in the heart of the capital, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments boasts 230 elegantly designed apartments, offering guests a choice between Deluxe Studios, spacious One-Bedroom Apartments, and Family Two-Bedroom accommodations. Whether soaking in cityscape views or unwinding with serene sea panoramas, every unit is meticulously crafted with plush furnishings, a fully-equipped kitchen, and premium amenities—delivering the perfect home-away-from-home experience. “We are thrilled to introduce Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments to the Abu Dhabi market,” said Ossama Charrouf, Head of Commercial and Development and Executive Committee Board Member “This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering sophisticated comfort and impeccable service, offering both long-term residents and short-stay visitors a truly elevated hospitality experience.” With this opening, Jannah Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its presence in the UAE’s hospitality sector, reaffirming its mission to provide innovative, guest-centric luxury across its growing portfolio.

Makkah Hotel and Towers was recognised as the ‘Best 5 Star Hotel KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Makkah Hotel and Towers is the closest hotel to holy Haram situated in prime central location in Makkah right a few steps away from the Holy Mosque. The Makkah Millennium Towers offers a prime location over the Haram piazza in front of King Fahd gate with unique features, including rooms and suites with stunning views, a wide variety of culinary options, and a shopping mall.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcomed 2.65 million event participants in 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The results were driven by a robust calendar of 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events reflecting a notable 26% year-on-year growth. DWTC’s flagship Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. These events collectively attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting an impressive 30% year-on-year growth. International participation at MICE events soared to over 942,000 attendees, representing 46% of the total MICE attendees, reinforcing Dubai’s global appeal as a top global business destination. These sector-leading exhibitions and events saw participation of 58,665 exhibiting companies, representing a 9% increase over last year. A significant 77% of these exhibiting companies were international, further reinforcing Dubai’s ability to consistently draw international companies and businesses. The surge in foreign business participation to MICE events in Dubai furthers the aspirations of the Dubai Economic Agenda “D33”, to cement Dubai’s position as one of the top three cities for business and tourism, globally. Commenting on the outstanding results, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai’s global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC’s role in fostering meaningful commercial connections. Our continued success in attracting new-to-market events across diverse sectors reaffirms Dubai’s unique appeal as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity. This momentum fuels our confidence as we drive forward with our ambitious venue expansion strategy to …

British Airways is improving connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the UK by increasing its Riyadh to London Heathrow service from seven to 13 flights per week for the summer season. Starting from 30 March 2025, customers will benefit from nearly double the number of flights, with more than 80,000 additional seats versus last year. This expansion will strengthen connections between the UK and Saudi Arabia, supporting growing demand from both business and leisure travellers, who can now take advantage of the added frequencies for business trips, family getaways or reconnecting with loved ones. The new flight additions will operate nearly every day of the week (excluding Tuesdays), strategically timed to offer customers more flexibility for onward connections within British Airways’ extensive global network from London Heathrow to more than 200 destinations. The airline consistently has Arabic speaking cabin crew on its flights to and from Riyadh enabling them to offer a more comfortable and personalised experience on board, reinforcing the airline’s deep understanding of its Saudi Arabian customers’ requirements. With fares starting only from SAR 1956, travellers will have the option to choose from British Airways’ four-cabin configuration*, First, Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and World Traveller (economy), ensuring a tailored experience to suit every travel preference and budget, all while enjoying world-class service and comfort. British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said: “We are delighted to be increasing our services from Riyadh to London Heathrow, giving customers more options to travel between both regions, connecting families, friends and businesses. “This addition to our schedule not only benefits our many business and leisure customers, but also strengthens our long-standing connection and cultural ties between …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurated new routes to Varna, Bulgaria, and Bucharest Băneasa Airport, strengthening its Eastern European network and commitment to accessible, affordable, and reliable travel. In addition to the exciting news, the national airline has launched a two-day promotion*, offering up to 20% off selected ticket fares starting today, exclusively for WIZZ Discount Club members, and available to all customers starting Tuesday 1 April. These exciting new routes offer smart travellers convenient, direct access to two culturally rich cities at unbeatable prices. Flights to Varna operate three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), and flights to Bucharest Băneasa operate four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, available in Arabic. The launch of the new route to Varna marks a significant milestone in the region’s aviation industry, as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is the only carrier operating this route between the UAE and Bulgaria. Connecting these two major cities opens new opportunities for passengers, offering an affordable and reliable service. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to expand our ever-growing network with Varna and Bucharest Băneasa, two vibrant European cities offering a unique mix of culture, history and adventure. These routes provide travellers with greater choice, unbeatable value and more opportunities to explore both familiar and undiscovered destinations. Our new route to Varna provides a new travel option for the region, allowing passengers to visit destinations they have never been to before and making commuting easier than ever. In addition to the exciting news, we are offering up to a 20% discount today on selected flights for …