The UAE’s real gross domestic product (GDP) reached AED 1,776 billion in 2024, marking a 4 per cent increase compared to that of 2023.Hospitality sector, encompassing hotels and restaurants, rose by 5.7 per cent. This growth was primarily driven by the exceptional performance of UAE airports, which handled 147.8 million passengers—an increase of approximately 10 per cent. Non-oil GDP grew by 5 per cent, totaling AED 1,342 billion, while oil-related activities contributed AED 434 billion to the overall economy. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, emphasized that the latest GDP figures released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) reflect a renewed and positive momentum in the national economy. They further underscore the new milestones achieved by the UAE in economic diversification and competitiveness, guided by the vision and directives of its wise leadership. With non-oil sectors accounting for 75,5 per cent of the UAE’s GDP by the end of last year, H.E. emphasized that these indicators reflect the sustained success of the nation’s economic strategies, which are driving the transition toward an innovative, knowledge-based, and sustainable economic model aligned with global trends and emerging technologies. H.E. said: “Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and guidance from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, we continue to strengthen our national efforts to achieve the objectives of ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. With each milestone, we are moving closer to achieving the UAE’s target of raising GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade, while reinforcing its position as a global hub for the new economy, driven by sustainable development, international competitiveness, and forward-looking …

Air Arabia announced the expansion of its existing service between Sharjah and Maldives to twice daily non-stop flights starting 27 October 2025. The increase in frequency comes after a year from operating the service between Sharjah International Airport and Velana International Airport in Malé will now offer customers greater convenience and flexibility to explore the tropical paradise of the Maldives. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, stated, “We are glad to further strengthen our presence in the Maldives with this increased frequency, offering travellers even greater connectivity and flexibility. The step to double our flights reflects the growing demand for air travel to this popular destination. We remain committed to providing our customers with reliable, affordable, and value-driven air travel, while expanding our network to meet the evolving needs of our passengers.” 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 a variety of delicacies between snacks, meals, and sandwiches from the on-board ‘SkyCafe’ menu at affordable prices. Customers can now book their direct flights from Sharjah to the Maldives by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company released new research revealing that 85% of the top online travel sites* in the UAE have adopted Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), a key email security protocol that helps protect users from email fraud. However, only 45% of these sites have implemented it at the highest enforcement level of “reject,” which actively blocks unauthorised emails from reaching inboxes. The findings are based on a DMARC adoption analysis of the top 20 online travel sites in the UAE, and across Europe and the Middle East. DMARC is an email validation protocol designed to protect domain names from being misused by cybercriminals. It authenticates the sender’s identity before allowing a message to reach its intended destination. DMARC has three levels of protection – monitor, quarantine and reject, with reject being the most secure for preventing suspicious emails from reaching the inbox. With travel demand in the UAE continuing to rise, a recent KPMG study found that 77% of UAE travellers use mobile apps or hotel booking services, increasing the volume of digital interactions between consumers and travel brands. But as consumers eagerly plan and book their getaways, this surge in activity – coupled with a high volume of emails and promotional offers from travel companies – creates a perfect storm for cybercriminals, turning dream holidays into costly scams through sophisticated email fraud. Key findings include: • The UAE demonstrates stronger foundational email security adoption compared to its European counterparts, with 85% of the top travel sites publishing a DMARC record, reflecting growing awareness of cybersecurity best practices across the country’s travel sector. • However, there is room for improvement with only 45% …

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Discover Qatar announced the return of Whale Shark tours for the 2025 season. The tours offer residents and visitors a rare opportunity to witness one of Qatar’s most unique natural experiences. Qatar’s northern waters host one of the world’s largest aggregations of whale sharks. The Whale Shark Tours aim to promote ecotourism by allowing guests to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, while ensuring minimal disturbance to the marine environment. The tours also provide educational insights into whale shark behaviour and Qatar’s conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals. The return of the Whale Shark Tours has been made possible through close coordination with key entities from both the private and public sectors, including Qatar Energy, the Ministry of Municipality, Mawani Qatar, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar Airways, and the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security. These partnerships strengthen the tour’s operational framework and contribute significantly to enhancing the service delivery and overall visitor experience. Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are proud to welcome the return of the Whale Shark Tours, one of Qatar’s most distinctive ecotourism experiences. This initiative highlights our dedication to sustainable tourism and showcases the richness of Qatar’s marine biodiversity. Our preparations for the upcoming Whale Shark Tours have been greatly strengthened by the valuable contributions of our government and semi-government partners, whose collaboration reflects a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional and environmentally responsible visitor experience.” Operated by Discover Qatar, the tours promise a unique adventure aboard a premium catamaran, led by expert marine guides. Guests will enjoy a truly immersive and informative journey, learning about …

Etraveli Group, the leading global technology provider for flights announced an eight-year extension of its existing and long-standing commercial partnership with Booking.com. Building on a successful collaboration first established in 2019, this renewed commitment will leverage Etraveli Group’s advanced technology to further strengthen and accelerate Booking.com’s global flights offering, today live in 57 countries. The extension reflects both companies’ ambition to deliver more ease, choice, and value to travelers and partners worldwide. “We’re excited to build on our collaboration with Booking.com, a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual benefit, and a commitment to innovation,” said Mathias Hedlund, Chief Executive Officer, Etraveli Group. “Together, we’ll continue to bring our deep flight expertise and advanced technology to further refine the flight booking experience and help shape a smoother, more rewarding travel experience for customers.” “We’re pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with Etraveli Group, a trusted collaborator as we continue to enhance how people discover and book flights around the world,” said Glenn Fogel, Chief Executive Officer, Booking Holdings. “This next chapter will help us go further and faster in delivering the intuitive, flexible travel experience today’s travelers expect.”

AROYA Cruises began its journey to the Mediterranean ahead of the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean season on 28th June. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA’s Mediterranean homeport, on 20th June via the popular Turkish coastal towns of Kaş and Bodrum. She will then undergo routine maintenance ahead of the first commercial sailing a week later. Until mid-September, AROYA will explore the wonders of the Eastern Med with six and seven-night voyages to ports in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, blending iconic destinations with the cruise line’s Arabian inspired experience. In addition to Kaş and Bodrum, AROYA will sail to Marmaris in Turkey as well as Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes and Souda Bay in Greece, and Alexandria in northern Egypt. Since its maiden voyage in December 2024, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, welcoming more than 70,000 passengers aboard sailings that visited Egypt, Jordan and the Saudi Red Sea private island of Jabal AlSabaya for Saba Beach. The move to the Mediterranean marks a strategic next chapter for the AROYA Cruises as it expands its itineraries and brings a taste of Arabian culture and hospitality to Europe. Dr Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises, commented: “We’re excited to be bringing AROYA to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer. AROYA Cruises first set sail just six months ago and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests aboard this season.”

Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond. The MoU, signed at the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting by Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air and Benjamin Smith CEO of Air France-KLM Group, sets the foundation for a dynamic partnership. Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will focus on strengthening network connectivity, with both partners working together to maximize future opportunities through Riyadh Air’s hub in the capital of Saudi Arabia and Air France-KLM’s Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airport hubs. The recent launch of Air France’s Paris Charles de Gaulle–Riyadh service, alongside KLM’s established Amsterdam–Riyadh operations, reflects the shared commitment to expanding travel options for guests. Beyond route connectivity, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will collaborate to enhance the guest experience, exploring opportunities in reciprocal loyalty program rewards, operational support, and lounge access. The partnership also extends to areas such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), digital transformation, sustainability, and cargo services—ensuring a comprehensive approach to delivering value. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented, “We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM – a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realization of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services. This partnership not only strengthens our international …

Qatar Airways announced a new global partnership with Art Basel. This long-term alliance reinforces Qatar Airway’s role as a global connector of people, places, and culture. As Art Basel’s Premium Partner, Qatar Airways will support all of the fair’s prestigious annual exhibitions – in Basel, Paris, Hong Kong, Miami, as well as its newly launched edition in Qatar. This partnership goes beyond sponsorship and aims to deepen the airline’s connection with a culture- and art-forward global demographic through one of the world’s most respected names in the art world. The collaboration also marks the exciting introduction of Art Basel into the Middle East, with a new edition launching February 2026 in Doha. This will be the fair’s first presence in the region and highlights Qatar’s growing stature as a regional arts and cultural hub as the nation continues to evolve as a destination that inspires and connects the world through its National Vision 2030 roadmap. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our long-term collaboration with Art Basel goes beyond being just a partnership – it is a strategic alignment between two globally respected brands and a statement on Qatar’s contributions to cultural development and exchange around the globe. Art Basel represents the highest calibre of international artistry and sophistication, and its audience of artists, collectors, and cultural influencers reflects the premium customer base that we serve every day. We are proud to support a platform that shares our values and aspirations on a global scale and in connecting the region with art and ideas from all over the world.” Art Basel Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Noah Horowitz, said: “We are honoured to partner with Qatar Airways, …

Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal announced that they are expanding their existing codeshare partnership. As part of the recently expanded agreement announced during the IATA Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi, both carriers will now provide their guests with a broader range of seamless travel options beyond their current global networks. Brazil, Morocco, Qatar, and Mauritius are new and exciting destinations entering the scope of cooperation. Additionally, Dalaman and Bodrum, Türkiye’s prominent summer destinations, have also been added to the agreement, further augmenting travel options between Türkiye and Portugal, enhancing access to sought-after leisure destinations. Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “We are pleased to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with TAP Air Portugal. Enhanced scope of the new arrangement offers greater flexibility and a wider range of travel options, while contributing to the development of commercial and tourism relations between our countries. We look forward to continuing this valuable collaboration in the years ahead.” TAP Air Portugal CEO Luís Rodrigues also commented: “Because of our network structure we need to find intelligent ways to connect us to the east. Cooperating with great partners is our way forward to do that. This will provide our global passengers and our Portuguese community with increased options to visit new and exciting places using our Turkish Airlines partner.” This enriched cooperation not only enhances the network presence of both carriers but also fosters increased tourism and business traffic between Türkiye and Portugal, as well as to key destinations across South America, Africa and the Middle East.

Dubai Safari Park officially concluded its sixth and most successful season with the park’s highest ever visitation with 16% year-on-year growth. The park, which is now closed for its annual summer break, announced a series of milestones achieved over the past eight months, spanning immersive educational experiences, high-impact conservation efforts and record-breaking attendance, captivating hundreds of thousands of visitors and marking its most successful season yet. From sold-out weekends to record turnouts during national and regional holidays, Dubai Safari Park saw continuous demand for its experiences, with over 52,700 safari tours conducted. Hundreds of thousands of nature lovers, conservation advocates, residents, and tourists of all ages chose to spend their leisure, and many of their most memorable moments, immersed in wildlife. The Eid Al Etihad break alone attracted over 43,000 visitors in just a four-day weekend, setting a new park record. Seasonal activations, including a mix of newly introduced experiences and returning visitor favourites such as Wild Fiesta, Wild in the Night, and Iftar in the Wild, also saw strong engagement. The region’s only Night Safari, launched in Season 6, attracted 17,000 visitors in one month only, with guests eager to experience the magic of nocturnal wildlife. The newly introduced live presentation, ‘Echoes of the Wild’ was a standout success, drawing over 80,000 attendees and adding to the park’s immersive offerings. Additionally, the deepening bond between the community and nature was powerfully reflected in the Baby Rhino Naming Campaign, one of the park’s most engaging initiatives to date, offering a true glimpse into the spirit of the season. More than 13,000 people took part in naming ‘Onyx’, the park’s newest rhino calf and a powerful symbol of hope for a …