Tag Archives: UAE

Legacy Hotels Holding announced an agreement to invest in Earth Hotels to support the brand’s impressive growth across KSA, UAE, Portugal and Spain. Earth Hotels, the region’s first homegrown experiential hospitality and living brand, is expanding its footprint across Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Lisbon, Porto, and Marbella. The brand, which develops and manages it community-driven hotels and residences, has an impressive pipeline valued at over USD 320 million. The investment in Earth Hotels underscores Legacy’s dedication to building partnerships that redefine modern hospitality through creativity, sustainability, and meaningful guest experiences. The agreement was officially signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2025 in Dubai. FHS is one of the world’s leading platforms for investment, innovation, and leadership in the hospitality sector. The signing marked a defining moment in Legacy Hotels Holding’s strategic expansion. It underscored its growing influence as a partner of choice for transformative hospitality ventures across global markets. Founded in 2019, Earth Hotels stands as a pioneering lifestyle-driven brand. It celebrates individuality, community, and conscious living. Designed to do good, the brand integrates sustainability and digital innovation. It creates uplifting and joyful spaces that connect people with one another and with the world. With a secured portfolio of around 750 keys and 180 branded residences, this close collaboration with Legacy will enhance Earth’s platform capabilities to deliver on the servicing and operation of these exciting properties. It also marks a defining milestone in expanding Legacy’s experiential portfolio while empowering a new generation of travelers who seek authenticity, inspiration, and impact. “Legacy Hotels Holding is committed to investing in the future of hospitality, one that blends purpose, creativity, and sustainability,” said Fahad Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Hotels Holding. …

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025. The summit, held in Dubai under the theme ‘Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth,’ witnessed extensive participation from over 350 leaders, ministers, senior government officials, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries. The summit, held as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) and in collaboration with The Bench, was attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council; His Excellency Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of Angola; His Excellency Amadou Ba, Minister of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism of Senegal; His Excellency Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism and Arts of Zambia; Her Excellency Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of South Africa; Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy of Nigeria; His Excellency Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire; His Excellency José Luís Sá Nogueira, Minister of Tourism and Transport of Cabo Verde; Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for the term 2026–2029; Her Excellency Yomna Elbahar, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt; His Excellency John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya; Jonathan Worsley, Chairman and CEO of The Bench; along with a number of senior investors and global chief executives in the tourism and hospitality sectors at regional and international levels. In his opening speech at the summit, H.E. Abdulla …

Zayed National Museum will open for visitors in December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. The museum will provide visitors with an immersive journey through the history and heritage of the UAE, complementing existing landmarks such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Travel trade partners and destination management companies are expected to benefit from increased demand for cultural itineraries and experiential travel packages. Designed by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum’s opening reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to position itself as a global cultural destination, attracting both leisure and business travellers. Through immersive exhibitions, active research and public and community programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed’s vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and the preservation of Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum’s collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations related to the heritage of the UAE, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today’s expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National …

Dubai will host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 on 27 October at Madinat Jumeirah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Part of FHS World 2025, the summit will bring together over 350 leaders, ministers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries to explore sustainable tourism development and investment  opportunities. Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and The Bench, the summit aims to strengthen UAE-Africa tourism ties and open avenues for investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and innovative tourism projects. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, will lead discussions focused on sustainable and digitally driven tourism growth. The agenda features six panel discussions highlighting investment opportunities, public-private collaboration, fintech integration, and enhanced logistical connectivity to boost cross-border travel. A high-level ministerial roundtable will also convene more than 20 African ministers to explore ways tourism can drive economic growth and sustainable development. With Africa’s tourism sector expanding over 13% annually and attracting more than 74 million international visitors, the summit underscores the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in fostering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact tourism investment across the continent.

Middle Eastern travellers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are increasingly embracing cross-generational travel, with families spanning grandparents, parents, and children exploring destinations together. The trend reflects a growing desire to create lasting memories, combining leisure with meaningful experiences, said Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination Partnerships APAC, Skyscanner, at ITB Asia. Mountain escapes are emerging as a major draw, with 89% of Saudi travellers planning summer or autumn trips to mountainous regions. Destinations like Hokkaido in Japan, Turkey, Armenia, and Da Nang in Vietnam are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional ski-season holidays and appealing to travellers seeking escapism. Younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, are driving demand for diverse and adventurous experiences. Searches for Shanghai surged 285% year-on-year, while Da Nang rose 260%, reflecting growing interest in culturally rich destinations. Faster visa processing for countries like China is making Asian destinations more accessible, further boosting travel trends. With strong connectivity from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Europe and Asia, Middle Eastern travellers are expected to continue exploring a wide range of destinations in 2026, blending family bonding with adventure, culture, and immersive experiences.