For the first time in the capital, TIME hosted the inaugural TIME100 Impact Awards Abu Dhabi during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix weekend. The event celebrated leaders and visionaries shaping the future of their industries and communities, marking another milestone in TIME’s continued expansion in the region. The gala brought together honorees Alexis Ohanian, Jamie Salter, Kate Kallot, and Zak Brown, alongside regional dignitaries, global executives, innovators, and members of the TIME and TIME100 Companies community. Among the honorees was also His Excellency Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Formula One champion driver Mika Häkkinen, Capital.com MENA CEO Tarik Chebib, NMDC Group CEO Yasser Zaghloul, and other distinguished guests. The TIME100 Impact Awards Abu Dhabi was presented in partnership with Capital.com and NMDC Group.

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok continues to shape a new chapter of sustainable luxury in the heart of the city, weaving environmental responsibility into every layer of its architecture, landscape, and guest experience. Conceived as a sanctuary where modern design flows seamlessly into lush greenery, the hotel stands today as a thoughtful balance of style, Thai heritage, and global sustainability standards. Long before the hotel rose above Tonson and Langsuan, three century-old freshwater mangrove trees stood quietly on the land that would become Sindhorn Village. Considered guardians of the neighborhood, these trees were preserved, replanted, and now flourish within Chevaa Garden — a green promenade that anchors the property in Thailand’s natural heritage. From this garden, guests can wander toward Bangkok’s iconic parks, forming a rare corridor of urban biodiversity in the middle of the metropolis. This profound connection to nature is echoed in the hotel’s architecture. The building curves and rises like a sculptural extension of the landscape, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, natural light, and open-air ventilation that encourages breezes to move freely through the lobby and atrium. Triple-layer glazing reduces heat and noise, while thoughtful engineering reduces energy consumption without compromising comfort. This approach has earned the property two respected marks of environmental excellence: LEED, which recognizes buildings designed and operated with high standards of environmental performance, and EarthCheck, a global benchmarking program that evaluates how well a property manages resources, reduces waste, and minimizes its overall impact. Sindhorn Kempinski’s sustainability commitments extend far beyond design. Inside every room, guests find carefully chosen amenities that reduce unnecessary waste, from LED lighting and eco-friendly water cartons to paper straws and resource-efficient fixtures. The Green Artifact program invites travelers to join …

The UAE’s coveted Arabian Travel Awards will debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tonight to recognise the silent contributors of the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors in the kingdom. An invite-only black-tie event is the perfect platform which brings together cities from across the kingdom to network and recognise the individuals and companies that have dedicated their efforts to make the kingdom a tourism powerhouse. The Arabian Travel Awards known as the Oscars of the industry started in the Middle East region in 2017 in the UAE. After eight years of success and the request of the avid readers of TravTalkME, this year it debuts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Convener of the prestigious award San Jeet shares that this award is an honour bestowed on the visionaries, innovators, and leaders who have significantly contributed to the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Arabian Travel Awards is DDP group’s first-ever international initiative to celebrate the best talent from the tourism and hospitality industries in the Middle East. The awards consist of a unique system of jury judgement and internet voting to give out absolutely fair and unbiased results. San Jeet, Convener Arabian Travel Awards and CEO DDP Group, ““With Arabian Travel Awards, we aim at identifying and encouraging talent of all kinds in the tourism sector. Owing to these stars, the graph of the Middle East tourism industry has touched remarkable heights. It is our pleasure to honour them for their achievements. This initiative will help encourage more talent to develop and take this vibrant industry to a much higher level. We celebrate excellence, recognize achievements, and look forward to the continued growth and success of our industry. The …

Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has secured the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand for an upcoming 84-key hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate. This marks Aleph Hospitality’s third Tapestry Collection by Hilton property under management, further strengthening the company’s partnership with global hospitality company Hilton and expanding its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. AREA Investment and Real Estate’s franchise agreement with Hilton and management agreement with Aleph Hospitality marks an important milestone for the firm as they continue to invest in high-quality hospitality assets that contribute to the region’s growing tourism sector. Scheduled to open in 2027, the hotel will be part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton’s portfolio of independent boutique hotels, each rich in cultural charm and deeply connected to its destination. With vibrant designs and one-of-a-kind experiences, the hotel will also be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty programme. Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality, said: “We have a longstanding and close relationship with Hilton, founded on our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Together, our goal is to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maximising operational performance and value for the owners.” Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, MEA, Hilton, said: “We are delighted to partner with AREA Investment and Real Estate to debut the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Dammam, managed by Aleph Hospitality. Demand for lifestyle hotels continues to rise, and we remain committed to growing our presence across the Kingdom, with over 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline. Tapestry Collection offers guests an authentic, and unique stay experience, and we are excited …

The world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) commenced with an unforgettable opening weekend, the DSF extravaganza running until 11 January 2026 will transform Dubai into a vibrant hub of shopping deals, raffles, and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors across the globe to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair. The opening weekend promises high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, setting the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “DSF’s 31st edition embodies Dubai’s spirit of excellence, innovation and diversity, celebrating our community while driving economic and cultural growth. It not only marks a major milestone for the festival but also reaffirms the aspiration of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the world’s best city to visit, live and work in. With electrifying performances from international artists set to spearhead DSF’s opening weekend, along with pioneering drone and pyro displays, we are igniting an entire season of shared memories and unparalleled opportunities for residents and visitors from around the world.” Adding style and glamour to the weekend, Bollywood star Nora Fatehi will dazzle audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall. Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show will take place on 6 December 2025 at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue will also showcase stunning fireworks at 8.30 pm, promising an evening that radiates cultural vibrancy and celebration. A Canadian-Moroccan actress, dancer, and global sensation, …

Dubai-born AVENEW Development is entering the branded residences space following a signed agreement with Marriott International to develop The St. Regis Residences at Dubai Islands. The upcoming project is designed for the modern connoisseur, reflecting the developer’s forward-thinking approach to residential living, where every detail, from interiors to communal experiences, is crafted to inspire connection, elevate lifestyle, and define what it means to truly come home. AVENEW Development’s selection of Dubai Islands for this seafront living project highlights its in-depth knowledge and established presence within this transformative area. With other major projects located on the islands, AVENEW possesses a proven understanding of the location’s potential, infrastructure, and growing appeal to residents. This know-how is crucial, ensuring the development is strategically positioned to capitalise on the benefits of the waterfront community, accessibility, and proximity to key facilities such as beachfront promenades and golf courses. The developer’s confidence in the sustained desirability of Dubai Islands underpins the scale and ambition of this latest residential offering. Commenting on the signing and the strategic alignment of the project, Rasha Hassan, Managing Partner of AVENEW Development, stated: “We chose this project because its commitment to excellence mirrors our own. The St. Regis Residences at Dubai Islands, will be more than homes; they are spaces of comfort where the finest experiences are delivered flawlessly. This project redefines coastal residential living in the GCC, offering residents a lifestyle of celebration and elegance. With a privileged array of world-class amenities, the community will feel both exclusive and meticulously serviced. AVENEW Development was founded on a singular principle: to create homes that go beyond architecture, spaces crafted with intention and care.” Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President – Mixed-Use Development, EMEA …

The First Group Hospitality announced the rebranding of Hotel Avalon to Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, marking a major milestone in its expanding partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Following the landmark signing of Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection, the latest collaboration further strengthens the Group’s alliance with one of the world’s most iconic hotel brands. This rebranding reflects The First Group Hospitality’s vision to elevate Dubai’s hospitality scene by offering a modern blend of style, comfort, and community. IHG’s Holiday Inn brand has consistently evolved over the years, placing guests at the centre of its innovations and earning the status as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and recognized hotel brands, creating memorable stays and consistently delivering a warm, welcoming service. Renowned globally with over 1200 open hotels —and many more in the pipeline—the Holiday Inn brand continues to grow. Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle now joins this global portfolio defined by comfort, familiarity, and guest-focused innovation. “This transformation reflects our commitment to creating stays that resonate with today’s travellers—authentic, inspiring, and memorable,” said Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group. “We’re proud to unveil Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, a modern destination that captures the spirit of Dubai’s dynamic lifestyle.” Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle offers 349 contemporary rooms designed for the modern traveller, combining comfort, style, and smart amenities in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle. Guests can enjoy global and locally inspired dishes at Urban Eatery, along with handcrafted pastries and signature brews at Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, Rayya Wellness Spa, and a modern fitness center. To bring an added dimension to every stay, guests have the opportunity to …

According to RateHawk the number of bookings for ground transportation services has doubled, and the gross booking value has increased by 130% compared to last year. While road trips and car rental services remain especially popular in Europe and North America, demand for transfers is surging amid the growing popularity of Asian destinations. RateHawk registered the 100% growth of transfer services in the first ten months of the year compared to the previous year. Every third agent who booked a hotel via RateHawk for clients also booked a transfer service. The top five destinations where transfers are the most popular include Italy, Spain, the USA, France, and the UK. Moreover, following the global trend toward travel in Asia, there has been significant growth in demand for transfers in Asian destinations such as Japan, Vietnam, China, and Singapore. Other rapidly growing markets include Egypt and Qatar. “Overall, our partners can book transfers from 19 trusted suppliers in 165 countries. In many locations, transfers are a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to taxis. Offering transfers to their clients, travel agents ensure a more pleasant experience from the very beginning of their trip: the price is set in advance, the driver arrives at the required time, even at night, and travellers don’t need to download new apps or look for a driver after a long flight. At RateHawk, we provide travel agents with a carefully curated selection of accommodation and transport options, enabling them to book an entire trip for their clients in one place, rather than switching between multiple platforms,” says Fredrik Bonnalt, Head of Non-Accommodation Supply at Emerging Travel Group, RateHawk’s parent company. Car rentals also have shown steady growth throughout …

Satguru Travel & Tourism was honoured as ‘Best Corporate Travel Management Company’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Dubai. Satguru Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s largest travel management company established in 1989 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE. We have successfully celebrated over 35+ years in the travel industry and have established more than 140+ branches in 80+ countries with 4000+ satisfied employees and a large number of pleased customers. Satguru Travel specializes in corporate travel management; Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE); International & Domestic Holiday Packages; Worldwide Visa Assistance, Activities & Excursions, Worldwide Hotel Bookings Airline Representation, Cruise Packages, Travel Insurance and Airport Transfers & Transportations. It has been consistently recognized for its premium solutions and service excellence, winning many regional & global industry awards.

Etihad Airways and Condor announced a strategic partnership alongside the launch of new daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting Summer 2026 and an extensive codeshare agreement. From 1 May 2026, Condor will operate daily services between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi using its Airbus A330 aircraft, followed by the launch of daily Berlin-Abu Dhabi flights from 15 June 2026 operated by Airbus A320 aircraft. The new services will significantly broaden direct access to Abu Dhabi for German travellers, with seamless onward connections to Etihad’s extensive network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership with Condor and welcome their new services to Abu Dhabi. Germany is a vital market for Etihad, and adding Berlin alongside new Frankfurt options meets clear passenger demand – including a direct capital-to-capital link that further strengthens UAE-Germany ties. “Above all, this partnership puts the traveller first: Condor guests will discover Abu Dhabi’s award-winning hub and seamless onward journeys across our extensive network, while our customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity to destinations across Germany and beyond.” “This codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways is the great foundation on which we are building our new services to Abu Dhabi to better connect Germany’s capital Berlin and Europe’s financial hub Frankfurt to the GCC and beyond,” said Jens Boyd, Commercial Director and Member of the Executive Committee of Condor. “As we build and expand connectivity within Europe from our home hub in Frankfurt, this first codeshare in Asia is one more step towards Condor becoming a true global player and partnering with the leading airlines across …