According to Sojern’s latest findings, travel to the UAE and Saudi Arabia spikes ahead of major events and peak travel season. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on deck to host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 6 -8th December, and flight bookings from the past 30 days are up 9% overall during December, with regional bookings up 13% compared to 2023 and international travel up 4%. In addition, as Saudi Arabia (KSA) enters its peak travel season, regional and international travel are showing increased demand. Currently, international flight bookings are up 15% compared to 2023, but regional travel is the shining star with a 38% increase. Formula One (F1) events are known to draw large crowds. For example, the 2022 F1 Singapore Grand Prix spiked travel to the country by 63%.

Hong Kong welcomed 19,273 visitors from the GCC region, between January to August 2024 a remarkable 124% increase from the previous year. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) successfully concluded its first GCC 2024 Travel Mission to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), engaging the travel partners from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This year’s mission showcased Hong Kong’s growing appeal among travellers from the GCC, with the city welcoming 19,273 visitors between January and August 2024 – a remarkable 124% increase compared to the previous year. The visitor numbers for the first half of 2024 alone nearly matched the total number of arrivals from the GCC in 2023, reflecting Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury travellers. Key highlights of HKTB’s Travel Mission – The roadshow featured a distinguished delegation of 30 key Hong Kong trade partners, including representatives from iconic attractions, luxury hotels and destination management companies (DMCs). The event attracted over 200 travel agents from across the GCC, providing them with an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s premium offerings tailored for affluent travellers. Exclusive Experiences for GCC Luxury Travellers – The HKTB’s brand-new initiative “Travel in Luxe” especially curated for GCC market captivated attendees with an array of luxury experiences, including helicopter tours over Hong Kong’s skyline, VIP access to Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Momentous Nighttime Spectacular,” private shopping concierge services, and exclusive dining experiences. Attendees were also introduced to bespoke cultural activities like private Cantonese opera at the Xiqu Centre and horse-racing events hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Puneet Kumar, Director of South Asia & Middle East at HKTB, said, “We are pleased with the strong recovery …

flydubai launched its new Business Class check-in at Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). The dedicated space offers flydubai’s Business Class passengers a unique and smooth check-in experience with a personalised Meet and Assist service, seated check-in and a Fast Track service through passport control and security lanes. This is the carrier’s first dedicated check-in facility for Business Class passengers and it is located at the Departures area at Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) near Entrance 3. The new space is designed to elevate the Business Class preflight experience and further underscores flydubai’s commitment to investing in enhancing the overall customer experience both on the ground and in the air. Commenting on the new Business Class check-in, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are excited to be extending to our Business Class customers the personalised service we offer them in our cabin on the ground as well. The new service will ensure our customers’ journey is efficient, hassle-free and enjoyable from the minute they arrive at Terminal 2 until they reach their destination. We continue to listen to our customers’ needs and invest in enhancing our products and services and we hope this is the first of many.” The new Business Class check-in area features design elements that draw inspiration from the serene and timeless beauty of desert dunes. The sweeping arches, warm tones and minimalist aesthetics reflect the undulating landscape of the desert, creating an inviting space for customers seeking efficiency and comfort. The new elevated experience starts prior to Business Class passengers arriving at the terminal with a dedicated Business Team available to assist with enquiries. A Dedicated Kerbside Drop-off Area and a separate Entrance …

Expedia unveiled their latest report for 2025 tilted “Unpack 25” has suggested that there are more travellers looking for a detour destination when taking a vacation. If someone wishes to visit Dubai, they would also allocate time in Abu Dhabi, making it the detour destination. Expedia analyzed first-party travel data, insights from 25,000 travelers, and the latest industry innovation to “unpack” the six noteworthy travel trends for 2025. Expedia has identified Detour Destinations, Goods Getaways and Set-Jetting as the leading travel trends for the coming year, with additional trends also expected to impact the way we travel in 2025. “Expedia continuously works to blend technology with travel, making journeys simpler and more enjoyable. The Unpack report is our opportunity to reflect on what travelers are seeking and how our partners are innovating,” said Rehan Asad, Vice President of Global Markets at Expedia. “From this year’s trends, I’m eager to visit some Detour Destinations for my next vacation.” Expedia – Detour Destinations: Next year, travelers from the UAE and beyond, are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations – they are adding detours. Expedia’s destinations of the year are near popular hotspots, making them ideal day trips while also being attractive as main attractions. In the hunt for the less crowded and less well-known, 49% of UAE travelers say they are likely to visit a Detour Destination on their next trip*.

Etihad Airways is rolling out Skypad, an innovative digital tool designed to enhance the inflight experience for passengers. Developed in-house by Etihad’s Digital Transformation and Innovation team, Skypad represents a significant step forward in personalised, efficient air travel service. Cabin crew serving in premium cabins have begun receiving tablets equipped with the SkyPad application and other key tools. These devices enable crew members to access real-time flight updates, ensuring each guest’s needs are anticipated and addressed promptly. “At Etihad, we’re committed to embracing technology that enhances our guests’ journey,” said Turky Alhammadi, Director of Product Development & Hospitality at Etihad Airways. “Skypad embodies our dedication to excellence, blending innovation with our world-renowned hospitality.” Skypad’s Meal Order Taking feature allows cabin crew to take and complete orders with minimal steps, ensuring a smoother dining experience for passengers. The system’s real-time inventory tracking enables precise management of onboard resources, reducing waste and improving sustainability efforts. “The introduction of Skypad marks a new chapter in our service evolution,” Alhammadi added. “We’re continuously working on new functionalities to make this tool even more effective, always with the goal of providing an unparalleled guest experience.” Etihad Airways is committed to ongoing development of Skypad. Future enhancements will focus on further personalising the guest experience and expanding the system’s capabilities. Looking further ahead, Etihad envisions a fully connected experience across all guest touchpoints – in the air and on the ground. This ambitious goal aims to create a seamless journey for passengers, from booking to arrival at their final destination. As Etihad continues to innovate in aviation technology, passengers can look forward to an ever-evolving, seamless travel experience that sets new standards in the industry.

Emirates announced plans to debut newly retrofitted Boeing 777s featuring its latest Business Class and Premium Economy cabins to Kuwait and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as more aircraft sporting refreshed cabins roll out into scheduled service. The airline aims to offer customers traveling on short flights more opportunities to experience its latest-generation products, in addition to raising the bar for premium travel, with Kuwait and Dammam becoming the second and third cities in the GCC to be served by the refurbished Emirates Boeing 777s. Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777s with the airline’s signature Premium Economy and next generation Business Class will operate as follows:Kuwait: The retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777 will operate on EK855 and 856 from 27 October. Dammam: The refurbished Emirates Boeing 777 will operate on the daily EK823 and EK824 as well as the EK 821 and EK 822 from 22 November*. Dammam becomes the second destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be served with the retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777. The Emirates Boeing 777 entered refurbishment in early July, and so far, six aircraft have fully rolled out into service, flying to Geneva, Zurich, Brussels, Haneda and Riyadh. The four-class configuration features 24 Premium Economy seats set in a 2-4-2 abreast layout. The 19.5-inch-wide cream leather seats consist of a 38-inch pitch, reclining 8 inches to stretch and relax, in addition to 6-way adjustable headrests. The new Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class is inspired by the fresh, open and contemporary design elements of Emirates’ iconic A380 experience, featuring soft leather cream seats accented with champagne trim, lighter wood panelling, a mini-bar, and other technology touches that deliver an elegant and engaging experience. Emirates will offer 38 seats in a 1-2-1 …

Furthering its commitment to sustainable tourism, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) unveiled the ‘Sustainable Tourism AI Assistant,’ an innovative virtual assistant designed to empower travellers, businesses, and institutions to make informed eco-friendly decisions. Launched at GITEX Global, one of the world’s largest and most influential tech exhibitions, this forward-thinking initiative highlights Sharjah’s dedication to environmental preservation while reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable tourism. Supporting more than 40 languages, it offers tailored insights that promote responsible travel choices and support environmental stewardship on a global scale. Commenting on the project, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated: “Sharjah, through its practices, emphasises the importance of sustainability as a key pillar of its developmental operations, particularly in the tourism sector, which is one of the most vibrant sectors contributing to national economy. Amid global challenges related to climate change, the ‘Sustainable Tourism Smart Assistant’ comes as a practical model for applying global sustainable development goals, aligning with the UN World Tourism Organisation’s initiative ‘Towards a Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainability’. The application provides comprehensive information for travellers, tourists, and stakeholders to adopt the best sustainable travel practices, enabling them to make informed decisions that protect the environment and reduce the ecological footprint.” He added: “This project is an advanced technological tool that integrates the concept of sustainable tourism into daily practices. Its objectives are an integral part of Sharjah’s identity, and we are confident that it will contribute to enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors, attracting sustainable investments, and encouraging civil society to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours, thereby reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global sustainable tourism destination.” The Sustainable Tourism AI Assistant …

The inaugural Aviation Future Week (AFW), organised by Emirates Airline and the Museum of the Future, commenced bringing together global aviation leaders, industry experts, and innovators to discuss the future of the industry. The event provided a high-powered platform to explore how the future of aviation is being shaped around the passenger experience. It also spotlights innovative solutions to global operational challenges in the industry by leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking on the occasion of the event, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “Dubai has a thriving aviation and tech ecosystem, which creates the ideal environment to nurture innovation in aviation, particularly through emerging technologies like AI. Aviation Future Week addresses vital issues including the enormous impact of aviation on global mobility and prosperity, and the critical role of technology in mitigating industry challenges. The insightful discussions, diverse perspectives and viable use cases over the next three days will serve as a springboard for envisioning a better future for the industry.” The first day of the event was attended by prominent leaders in the aerospace industry. The gathering of the industry’s elite underscored the event’s role as a key platform for innovation and strategic partnerships. In a fireside chat on, ‘How Dubai is Setting Future Trends in Aviation and Logistics’, His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), emphasised Dubai’s pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation. HE Belhoul said Dubai has the knowledge, experience and innovation-first mindset to leverage advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to stay ahead of the wave of disruption coming to the aviation, cargo …

SPARK, in partnership with Parachute 16 and with the support of Google.org, has launched the Maharat for Tourism programme which aims to train 25,000 individuals across MENA, kicking off the initiative with an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The launch, which took place at the Garage venue in Riyadh, welcomed over 100 guests, including government officials from the tourism sector, MSMEs, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. SPARK’s Regional Programme Director-ME, Dina AlMasaeid, delivered a keynote speech, stating, “Through the Maharat for Tourism programme, we aim to contribute to creating sustainable and impactful job opportunities within the tourism sector by providing training in digital tools, artificial intelligence, and essential soft skills.while also collaborating with governments to help create better regulatory frameworks for tourism, with the goal of building a tourism sector that’s more sustainable, diverse, and prosperous for all.” Charbel Sarkis, KSA Country Director at Google, emphasized the importance of technology in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for everyone. “At Google, we believe in the power of technology to drive economic growth and create opportunities for everyone. Through our partnership with SPARK, we hope to bring the Maharat for Tourism program to 25,000 people in the MENA region and to equip them with AI and digital skills. Our goal is to support the tourism sector and empower a new generation of entrepreneurs with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.” The Maharat for Tourism programme is designed to lead the future of tourism by focusing on green and sustainable practices. It aims to support 25,000 job seekers and small business owners across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, and …

Visit Qatar has unveiled a new version of its stopover campaign in Qatar, the ‘Day of Memories Lasting Experience’, through which it invites passengers transiting through Doha to convert one holiday into two holidays through a stopover in Qatar. The campaign highlighted some of the most popular attractions and diverse tourism experiences that can be enjoyed in Qatar during a short visit of no more than 24 hours. The campaign aims to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading stopover destination, highlight all the moments worth stopping in Qatar, and prove that one short visit can create the most beautiful and unforgettable memories of a lifetime. The campaign uses the popular classic song “What a Difference a Day Makes”, originally sung by Dina Washington, which emphasizes the profound impact a single day can have on life. The campaign is an invitation for visitors to take advantage of their temporary stopover in Qatar, where they can experience exceptional experiences in Doha and close to the airport such as diving in one of the swimming pools, experiencing Doha’s pristine beaches, or even getting relaxation sessions in the latest malls, instead of spending hours waiting for their second flight inside the airport. Due to the country’s close space, there’s plenty to experience in 24 hours, whether you’re travelling to a distant destination or returning from a business trip. Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “As 100% of HIA’s transit passengers are potential guests, this stopover campaign represents a strategic opportunity to highlight the attractions and leisure activities that Qatar has to offer to stopover passengers. Visitors to Doha have endless options to explore the city’s vibrant art and …