The Ministry of Tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Minister Hon. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has approved new policies and regulations to register workers and localise activities across all licensed tourism facilities in the Kingdom. The move aims to strengthen the contribution of Saudi nationals to the tourism sector, create new employment opportunities, and enhance overall service quality in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Under the new regulations, all employees at tourism establishments, including hotels, resorts, and tour operators must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s systems before commencing work. Contracts, whether contractual, seconded, or seasonal, are to be documented via the Ajeer platform or other approved systems. Facilities with multiple branches must ensure employee records are linked to the correct licensed location. The policies also mandate that all tourism hospitality facilities have a Saudi receptionist on duty during working hours and prohibit outsourcing positions subject to Saudization decisions to entities or workers outside the Kingdom. Compliance will be strictly monitored, with penalties applied for violations in coordination with relevant government agencies. These measures are expected to empower national talent, improve service standards, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.

Saudi travellers are showing a marked shift in their holiday preferences, with destinations such as Da Nang in Vietnam and Shanghai in China witnessing significant spikes in interest, according to Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination Partnerships APAC at Skyscanner, in a special interview with TTME at ITB Asia. Da Nang recorded a 260% year-on-year increase in searches, driven by its golden beaches, marble mountains, and lively street food culture, while Shanghai saw an even higher 285% surge, reflecting a growing curiosity for culturally rich, non-traditional destinations. Kris noted that 89% of Saudi travellers are now planning mountain escapes for summer or autumn next year, marking a major lifestyle trend toward nature-based and multi-generational travel. Other rising destinations include Turkey, Armenia, Jaipur, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, as Saudi tourists look beyond Europe for new experiences. He added that improved air connectivity and easier visa access to Asian destinations are accelerating this trend. The data underscores a broader transformation in GCC travel behaviour, with younger travellers in particular driving demand for diverse, immersive, and family-oriented journeys.

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 …

Ennismore announced the signing of SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, which is set to open later this year as the brand’s first all-inclusive resort outside of Europe, as well as Ennismore’s first lifestyle hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. With 257 bedrooms and suites across seven categories, each offering uninterrupted sea views, the property blends sartorial signatures and experiences with the region’s innate culture and sense of style. The colour palette is inspired by local nature and is composed of sunset oranges, sandy stone shades, deep ocean teal and shades of green. The use of light walnut wood, sandstone on the joinery with bronze metal details introduces a sense of warmth and comfort that defines each space within the guestroom. Nestled along Ras Al Khaimah’s lavish coastline, where desert, mangroves, mountain and crystal-clear waters collide to form breathtaking natural landscapes, SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, rooted in the world of fashion, will be a stylish getaway within a series of striking new buildings set against a backdrop of the Arabian Sea. The hotel offers five culinary experiences curated by Ennismore’s Global F&B Platform, including The Market, a casual restaurant from breakfast to dinner; Italian restaurant Chiano with the finest Mediterranean cuisine; Levantine restaurant Hadaba for elegant dinners; Floating World, a speciality restaurant with Japanese and Pan-Asian delights; and Savant a high-end cocktail bar with live entertainment on the 10th floor. Rounding out the food and beverage offerings, the resort has two pool bars, Cabini and Bungalow, the latter for adults only and an independent beach club. SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will have purpose-built spaces for meetings and events with a function hall for up to 345 guests, a pre-function area and four flexible break-out …

Royal Jordanian Airlines is expanding its European network with the launch of a new nonstop service between Amman (AMM) and Hamburg (HAM), beginning 28 March 2026. The route will be operated using RJ’s modern Airbus A320neo fleet, offering passengers enhanced comfort, inflight Wi-Fi, and a premium onboard experience. “Following our growing success in the European market, where we introduced over 10 destinations in the last three years, we are excited to add Hamburg as our newest German destination,” said Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Jordanian. “This launch reinforces RJ’s growth strategy and highlights Jordan as an emerging travel destination for German tourists.” The new Amman–Hamburg connection aligns with RJ’s ExploRJordan tourism initiative, which aims to promote Jordan’s rich heritage and diverse attractions. Visitors can explore the bustling streets and contemporary culture of Amman, marvel at the ancient wonders of Petra, experience the striking landscapes of Wadi Rum, and relax by the Dead Sea’s tranquil waters.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) marked the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight CZ8059 from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), a milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Qatar and China. China Southern Airlines will operate the Doha–Beijing service three times weekly, providing direct access for passengers and cargo across two key international hubs. This development enhances Qatar’s position as a global aviation hub and offers new opportunities for travel trade partners, including tour operators, corporate travel planners, and freight forwarders, to design packages, facilitate international business travel, and streamline logistics. The route supports growth in tourism and commercial exchanges, enabling increased passenger flow between the Middle East and Asia. With the addition of this service, Hamad International Airport continues to expand its network, strengthening Qatar’s role as a gateway for international connectivity and fostering broader economic and cultural ties. The event featured a traditional water salute, ribbon-cutting, and formal welcomes, highlighting the strategic importance of the new route for trade, tourism, and business between the two nations. Senior representatives from China Southern Airlines and HIA attended the ceremony, reinforcing the collaborative effort behind this expansion.

flydubai celebrated the launch of its four-times-weekly service from Dubai to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and South Asia) at flydubai, said: “The launch of flights to Nairobi reflects our commitment to enhancing connectivity for passengers from the UAE, Kenya, and beyond. Kenya remains a key market for flydubai, and we are excited to offer convenient and comfortable travel options.” The inaugural flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and was welcomed with a water cannon salute and representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and Kenya Airports Authority. From 1 October, flydubai also increased flights to Mombasa to daily service, bringing total operations in Kenya to 11 weekly flights. With Nairobi added, flydubai now serves 12 destinations across eight African countries, including Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, and Zanzibar. Flights operate from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return Business Class fares start from AED 4,500, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at AED 1,450, offering travellers seamless access to Kenya’s capital, a hub for business, culture, and wildlife tourism. With this fifth direct route to Germany, Royal Jordanian continues to strengthen air connectivity between the Middle East and Europe, offering travellers seamless access and more options to explore Jordan’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Emirates marked a significant milestone with the launch of its iconic Airbus A350 to Oslo bringing its award-winning Premium Economy offering to Scandinavia for the first time. The airline hosted an exclusive celebration at the airport, welcoming invited guests and media for an afternoon that underscored its commitment to delivering exceptional service in the region. The introduction of the A350 service to Oslo marks a new chapter in the airline’s investment to the Norwegian market. Renowned for comfort and service, it features the airline’s newest signature Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class interiors – setting a new standard for passenger excellence across all classes. Since its launch in 2014, Emirates’ daily service between Dubai and Oslo has become preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers connecting Norway to the United Arab Emirates and onward to the airline’s extensive global network. Emirates’ senior executives, including Pierfrancesco Carino, VP Commercial Operations North and West Europe, and Terje Grue, Country Manager Norway attended the event. Also present were Majid Al Matrooshi from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Norway, Ståle Lien Hansen, Mayor of Ullensaker Municipality, and Dorothy Billett, SVP Terminal Operations at Avinor. Terje Grue said: “We are thrilled to bring the A350 and our Premium Economy product to Norway. This is an important step in strengthening our presence in the market. Travellers from Oslo will now be able to enjoy an entirely new level of comfort, whether flying to Dubai or onwards to our many destinations across Asia, Africa, and Australia.” Making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience, Premium Economy offers an experience similar to Business Class on many airlines. It has a generous 40-inch seat pitch, 8-inch …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) unveiled a new and innovative suite of digital services, projects and initiatives during its participation in GITEX Global 2025 through the Ajman Government pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The move comes in line with the Department’s commitment to foster smart and digital transformation in the tourism sector and its continuous efforts to reinforce the industry’s position in the emirate. The Department’s participation in a globally renowned event signifies its dedication to leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to create a smart and sustainable tourism sector. The initiatives and technologies include interactive tools for generating images, videos, and 3D models, converting written ideas into visual or audio content. ADTD has also introduced an intelligent system for evaluating and categorising ideas and a comprehensive digital registry to track future initiatives. In addition, the Department is promoting collaborative innovation through a secure digital platform for submitting and assessing entries for the Tourism Innovator Award. This cutting-edge platform enables the community to express their ideas in different ways, and it fosters creative engagement and contributes to shaping a future tourism innovation pathway that supports the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. It also contributes to the goals of Ajman Vision 2030 to position the emirate as a smart and attractive global tourism hub. Commenting on ADTD’s active participation in GITEX Global 2025, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the ADTD, highlighted the Department’s commitment to fostering digital transformation in the tourism sector and boosting the adoption of advanced technological solutions that support sustainable development goals and strengthen Ajman’s tourism economy. H.E. Alhashmi said: “At the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, we are committed …

Ethiopian Airlines announced the reinstatement of its flight service to Port Sudan, Sudan, effective 15 October 2025. The airline will operate a daily flight to Port Sudan, with plans to increase frequency to twice daily from 1 November 2025. This move reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to strengthening connectivity across Africa and supporting trade, tourism, and business travel between Sudan and other African destinations. The reinstated route will provide passengers with more convenient travel options, improved scheduling flexibility, and enhanced access to Port Sudan’s economic and cultural hubs. Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its network across the continent, offering reliable, efficient, and customer-focused air services. Passengers can book flights via the airline’s official website, mobile app, or authorized travel agents, ensuring a seamless travel experience on this key African route. The restored service underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ role in promoting regional mobility and supporting Africa’s growing aviation and tourism sectors.