Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to explore ways to integrate Crypto.com Pay within its payments systems, while maintaining the highest security and compliance standards. Integration is expected to take effect next year.  The MoU was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group and Michael Doersam, Emirates’ Chief Financial & Group Services Officer, by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com’s UAE operations. Adnan Kazim said: “Partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into our digital payments system reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences, in addition to tapping into younger, tech-savvy customer segments who prefer digital currencies. This strategic move is in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation while at the same time providing our customers with greater flexibility and choice in how they transact with Emirates.” “We’re delighted to complete the signing of this important MoU with Emirates Airline. As we continue to expand the everyday use case for crypto, integration with exceptional partners such as Emirates will bring real momentum to the digital asset industry and enable both companies to offer genuine innovative finance solutions for our customers. We look forward to working together as we continue to build our crypto offering in the GCC”, said Eric Anziani, President and COO, Crypto.com. In addition to exploring Crypto.com Pay integration, Emirates and Crypto.com will explore leveraging promotional marketing campaigns to create awareness and encourage adoption of this new payment solution. The airline’s latest partnership comes as Dubai positions itself as a global cryptocurrency hub, supported by …

Seychelles Tourism, in partnership with TravTalk Middle East, hosted an exclusive power breakfast in Dubai, bringing together leading figures from the UAE’s travel trade sector. The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen ties with the region’s key industry stakeholders. Ahmed Fathallah, Regional Manager for Tourism Seychelles, revealed strong performance figures, stating that “the GCC region has recorded an increase of 16% in visitor numbers during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.”  The informal gathering allowed for open dialogue, networking, and alignment on future collaboration between Seychelles and GCC travel partners.

Jordan rolls out the red carpet this year to an eclectic lineup of activities that will delight visitors and residents alike. Revel in the rhythm of memserising concerts by world-renowned artists. Celebrate the richness of culture and have unlimited fun with family. Transcending the realm of music, poetry and art, Jordan is bringing a never-before-seen lineup of artists and cultural programmes that are not just designed to inspire hearts and minds. There is an extraordinary breadth of events, including the Jordan International Food Festival and the Amman International Film Festival, which will bring a horde of celebrities to the city. No celebration of Jordanian culture would be complete without honoring the kingdom’s extraordinary culinary heritage. The Jordan International Food Festival, from 6 to 11 August brings together the finest flavors of the Levant and beyond. And with such a delectable range of food comes soulful melodies by Ahmed Saad (on 7 Aug ), who blends modern pop with traditional Arabic music and evokes the pangs of love, heartbreaks and separations through his renditions. “The extraordinary lineup is an open invitation to experience Jordan’s soul. In venues where our rich history lives and breathes, under skies that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, contemporary artists will find their perfect stage. This underlines our commitment to providing seamless and rich cultural experiences for all visitors in 2025,” said Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board. “The country’s diverse attractions and easy access ensure that whether visitors come for leisure, business or cultural exploration, they will discover our kingdom’s extraordinary hospitality and vibrant cutlural experiences.” Headline acts include musical performances by Sami Yusuf – performing for the first …

Sojern is joining forces with PubMatic to enable agencies and advertisers to access and activate Sojern’s extensive real-time travel data insights, with PubMatic’s premium inventory, to target travellers more accurately and in a privacy-compliant way. Creating personalized, targeted campaigns requires finding the right mix of audiences and inventory supply. Curation is a preferred option, enabling real-time optimization and measurement so brands can create relevant ads that drive results. By using a multi-ID approach, curation enables advertisers to work directly with supply-side platforms (SSPs) to strategically combine first-party data, Sojern travel segments, and premium inventory. “It’s clear that curation offers an exciting future for programmatic advertising, and while we’ve worked with PubMatic for many years, this partnership shows that we’re committed to delivering vertical-specific curated advertising to our clients,” said Josh Beckwith, Vice President, Global Corporate Sales at Sojern. “This relationship will fuse Sojern’s best-in-class travel data and multi-ID audiences with PubMatic’s best-in-class inventory, and allow us to optimize both in real time, creating curated campaigns using our clients’ preferred supply path.” The partnership unlocks new opportunities for advertisers to activate Sojern’s real-time vertical-specific traveler insights directly within PubMatic’s curation and data solution, Connect. This integration enables more precise targeting and transforms audience curation into a powerful tool for programmatic advertising and performance. “Today’s advertising needs to work for everyone. Consumers want privacy and relevant ads, while brands need quality advertising space and brand safety,” said Amélie Grenier-Bolay, Country Manager, Italy & MENA, PubMatic. “Strategic curation brings together advertisers, publishers, and audiences by filtering content for quality and relevance. This partnership with Sojern is a perfect example, providing marketers with access to travel data for more effective targeting while ensuring privacy …

Flight searches for summer travel have climbed 7% compared to last year, with France leading the charge, experiencing a remarkable 35% increase in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also seeing strong momentum, highlighting robust travel intent across key markets. As international travel reaches a fever pitch this summer, Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data* and search patterns reveals where travellers are dreaming of and escaping to in July and August, with a shift towards new cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-track locales. In 2025, a few breakout stars have emerged as the top summer destinations for Emirates, and they’re largely concentrated in the Far East, Indian Ocean and Europe. Vietnam has emerged as this summer’s ‘it’ destination, stealing the spotlight with a robust 61% leap in interest, and an uplift in booking demand. Emirates flies to three points in Vietnam with 25 weekly flights: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and in June this year, the airline launched services to Da Nang via Bangkok, with flight times that offer seamless connections to/from major European cities and key American hubs. Vietnam’s vibrant third metropolis is a gateway to a trio of UNESCO World Heritage treasures and over 3,000km of untouched coastline. For culinary adventurers, Vietnamese cuisine is a story in every bite. From bustling street food markets to hidden local gems, the country’s dining scene promises an unforgettable experience. Close behind, the island nation of Mauritius continues to charm travellers, with searches for flights rising 41% as the second most in-demand destination on the Emirates network this summer. The airline offers two convenient daily flights on its iconic A380s; while …

Wego’s latest search trends reveal that Cairo continues to lead as the most sought-after global destination for Kuwaiti travellers. The Egyptian capital combines cultural richness and accessibility, remaining a consistent favorite for short stays. Other popular nearby destinations this summer include Amman, Istanbul, Baku, and Tbilisi. Amman offers easy access to Petra and the Dead Sea, while Istanbul captivates with its bazaars and Bosphorus charm. Baku blends futuristic flair with Old City allure, and Tbilisi enchants with thermal baths, rich cuisine, and great value for money. Among these cities, airfares remained stable or declined in several destinations. Baku and Tbilisi recorded double-digit drops in average fares compared to last year’s summer, while Istanbul saw a decline of 8.28% year-on-year. Amman fares also edged down slightly, reflecting more accessible pricing for summer travellers. Wego unveils the most popular and budget-friendly short-haul destinations for Kuwait travellers seeking a quick summer escape. All featured cities offer visa-free entry or seamless e-visa applications, making them especially convenient for last-minute getaways.

Signature Cave Cappadocia is Wyndham’s latest addition in one of Türkiye’s most visited regions, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience with all spaces including guest rooms, restaurant and lobby- located within a cave complex. Each of the 27 suites of the hotel highlights the region’s architectural traditions through stone interiors, antique carpets, and handcrafted furnishings, enhanced with modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTVs, and, in select suites, private pools, hot tubs, or fireplaces. Nestled in the heart of Türkiye’s enchanting Cappadocia region, the newly opened Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham, marks the debut of the first cave hotel by a global hospitality brand. Blending centuries-old architecture with modern comfort, the 27-suite property is the latest example of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to creating one-of-a-kind, experience-led stays in the world’s most captivating destinations. With approximately 9,300 hotels across more than 95 countries, Wyndham continues to expand its global footprint while offering travellers something truly unique. The hotel offers diverse dining options through its 68-seat cave restaurant, breakfast room, and terrace bar. Guests can enjoy authentic local specialties such as Sineson Tava and St. Theodoros Köfte made with recipes exclusive to the Ürgüp region or take in panoramic views of Mustafapaşa from the bar’s terrace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its world-renowned fairy chimneys, awe-inspiring landscape, rock-cut churches and underground dwellings, Cappadocia has welcomed over 4 million visitors last year, including over 1 million staying guests. Owned and operated by Honest Holding, Signature Cave Cappadocia represents the group’s second Wyndham-branded property, following last year’s opening of Ramada Resort by Wyndham Pamukkale Thermal. “The Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham isn’t just another hotel opening, it’s a …

The growth of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) is redefining the hospitality industry by blending luxury, entertainment, and culture into immersive destination experiences, as reported by experts at Arabian Travel Market. Experts predict that annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the UAE could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the introduction of integrated resort developments. The upcoming launch in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to significantly boost tourism, with the emirate aiming to attract 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, generating thousands of employment opportunities. The highly anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027 marks a significant milestone for the region, reflecting a broader shift towards diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, the upcoming opening of a casino at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka signals a shift toward regulated gaming as part of a holistic resort offering. At ATM 2025, panellists from across the hospitality, research and technology sectors, including Judith Cartwright, Founding & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Darren Bishop, SVP, Market Research and Strategy Consultant, Heart+Mind Strategies; and Edward Batrouni, Founder and Executive Director, Zenitech discussed how these resorts are shifting perceptions and driving demand from key source markets, including India, China, the GCC and Europe. Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO, Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, also part of the expert panel, commented: “A sense of place is critical to making a successful integrated project and not making the casino the centre. You’ve got to really tap into the surrounding destination and not just centre yourself in the place you are. It makes the fabric, the texture, and …

Air Arabia announced the launch of its latest route connecting Sharjah with the German city of Munich. Starting 15 December 2025, the new non-stop service will connect Sharjah International Airport and Munich International Airport with daily non-stop flights, offering travelers convenient and affordable travel options between the UAE and one of Europe’s leading economic and cultural hubs. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “The launch of our new non-stop service to Munich marks another important step in expanding our European network from the United Arab Emirates to key global destinations. Munich stands as one of Germany’s leading economic and cultural centers, offering strong appeal for both business and leisure travelers. This new route reflects our continued commitment to delivering affordable, value-driven travel options while advancing our long-term growth strategy. We look forward to welcoming our passengers onboard and offering them a seamless and comfortable travel experience”. The addition of Munich marks a strategic expansion of Air Arabia’s growing European network directly from its hubs in the UAE, which already includes key destinations such as Vienna, Athens, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, Warsaw (Chopin and Modlin), and Prague. This new route not only strengthens the airline’s footprint in Europe but also opens up greater opportunities for both leisure and business travelers seeking affordable and convenient connectivity. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Munich by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call centre, or through travel agencies. Air Arabia operates a modern fleet comprised of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft. The airline offers a value-added onboard experience with ‘SkyTime’, its complementary in-flight streaming service, and ‘SkyCafe’, its onboard menu. Passengers …

Air Arabia announced the launch of new daily non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport to Warsaw Modlin Mazovia Airport, starting 20 December 2025. The addition of this new airport complements the airline’s existing service to Warsaw Chopin International Airport, offering passengers even greater flexibility and convenience when travelling to the Polish capital. “We are glad to introduce a new service to a second airport in Warsaw, offering daily non-stop connectivity between the UAE and Poland,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “This new service reinforces our commitment to providing customers with more travel choices and underscores the growing demand for affordable air travel between the two countries. The additional service at Modlin Airports alongside our existing service at Chopin Airport, enables us to further expand our reach across the Polish capital and its surrounding regions, providing even greater convenience to our passengers.” The new service marks Air Arabia’s continued growth in Poland, complementing its existing service to Warsaw Chopin International Airport and its direct flights to Kraków from Sharjah. Air Arabia now offers travellers even more flexibility and choice. The airline’s expanded network provides seamless, direct connectivity between the UAE and key cities in Poland, making it easier for business or leisure travellers. Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy …