Sharjah Airport recorded strong operational growth during the first half of 2025, with the number of passengers rising to 9,110,397, an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 8,313,811 passengers. Aircraft movements also increased by 4.3%, reaching 54,953 compared to 52,695 movements during the first half of last year. His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, affirmed that these positive results are the outcome of continued investments aimed at meeting the expectations of all passengers in collaboration with various strategic partners. The goal remains to position Sharjah Airport among the top five airports in the region and reinforce its leadership in delivering advanced services and a safe, seamless travel experience. His Excellency also pointed out that the growth trajectory is expected to continue in the coming period, especially with ongoing expansion projects set to increase the airport’s capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027. He added: “Sharjah Airport continues to align with Sharjah’s aspirations to be a preferred destination for travel, tourism, and business, through our ongoing commitment to implementing ambitious development plans. These plans focus on enhancing infrastructure and smart services while embracing the latest technologies and sustainable practices. This contributes to strengthening the confidence of passengers, airlines, and cargo operators, delivering a fully integrated travel experience in line with the highest international standards and supporting our contribution to sustainable development and investment growth across the UAE and the wider region.” Sharjah Airport Authority continues to implement comprehensive development projects, driving this growth through an expanding network of destinations and a steadfast focus on delivering an exceptional travel experience while maintaining operational excellence. The airport boasts a …

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, in partnership with Taiba, a Saudi forward hospitality company announces the relaunch of two iconic properties in the heart of Madinah: Millennium Al Aqeeq and Millennium Taiba. Strategically located steps from Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, both properties offer a spiritually enriching stay experience for Umrah pilgrims, families, and travellers seeking premium comfort rooted in Islamic hospitality. “These properties are more than key assets in our portfolio—they are landmarks of faith, connection, and culture,” said Ali Hamad Lakhraim Al Zaabi- President of Millennium Hotels MEA. “Our partnership with Taiba ensures that every guest, whether a pilgrim, traveler, or visitor, is welcomed with a seamless, enriching experience rooted in the values of Islamic hospitality and cultural reverence.” Following an extensive enhancement of service and guest touchpoints, the hotels will offer upgraded digital booking journeys, enhanced dining concepts, and customized services for religious travellers. Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba, commented: “This strategic relaunch embodies our shared vision with Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, to deliver world-class hospitality experiences that honor the spiritual significance of Madinah. At Taiba, we recognize the profound responsibility that comes with serving pilgrims and visitors to one of Islam’s holiest sites. Through this partnership, we are raising the standard of religious hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, reverence, and service excellence. This initiative is a key milestone in our broader commitment to support the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination for religious tourism”.

Hyatt saw over 42,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries in the Middle East in 2024, an increase of 5.2% compared to 2023, driven by a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences embedded into business trips. Hyatt’s UAE properties accounted for almost 24,000 of these enquiries, amounting to a 6.6% growth year on year. Meanwhile, Hyatt’s properties in Saudi Arabia witnessed over 7,000 MICE enquiries, up 10% versus 2023. The UAE market saw the highest number of MICE enquiries throughout the entirety of the Middle East, reflecting the popularity of Hyatt’s portfolio amongst business travellers. Exceptionally equipped for hosting large-scale events and conferences, Grand Hyatt Dubai offers event planners one of the largest exhibition centres in a hotel in the Middle East and Africa region, with 5,000 square meters of space and the capacity to hold 3,000 attendees. Across the property, the conference, meetings and events facilities combine to a total of 12,000 square meters. This comes as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Business Travel Association, signifying strong momentum for the continued recovery and growth of the segment. With global spending expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, the ways in which travel companies are agile in responding to evolving customer demands is critical. Paul Dalgleish, VP Sales, Revenue and Business Development EAME, said: “We are increasingly seeing business travellers look to make the most of trips by bolting on days to experience local surroundings. While business travel is well and truly back, there remains an undertone of cautious spending from travellers and companies, meaning this segment is more than ever about getting …

Kuwait to officially start rolling out tourist visas to residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on arrival, announced First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Kuwait, HE Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, on Sunday according to the publication of the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum, local media. This will allow any foreign national residing in a GCC country and holding a valid residency permit to get access to Kuwaiti as a tourist. According to the decision, applicants must hold a residence permit in a GCC country valid for at least six months to qualify for the visa-on-arrival issuance. The visitors will be issued a tourist visa on arrival directly at the port of entry. This measure, which will be taking effect immediately, follows a 2008 regulation governing the entry to GCC countries for tourism purposes.

Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Al Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al Ahsa – a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Set to open in 2027, dusitD2 Al Ahsa underscores Dusit International’s continued expansion in the Middle East, where the company currently operates nine properties and continues to explore opportunities to deliver holistic hospitality experiences across the region. It is the second Dusit-branded property confirmed for Saudi Arabia, following the upcoming opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh, scheduled for Q4 this year. Located just 30 minutes by car from Al Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam, dusitD2 Al Ahsa is set amidst palm-fringed landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. The resort will offer 120 spacious suites, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool, providing an elevated sense of privacy and relaxation. Designed by Cairo-based El Ghoneimi Architects, the resort’s masterplan draws inspiration from the desert’s timeless beauty, the nearby mountains, and the life-giving symbolism of the palm tree. Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of premium facilities, including a wellness centre with private treatment rooms, meditation areas, and dedicated spaces for yoga and holistic healing; an elegant 1,500 sq m ballroom and expansive outdoor event lawn for weddings and large social or corporate gatherings; well-equipped meeting rooms for business travellers; a vibrant all-day dining restaurant; a lobby café offering light gourmet fare; a large outdoor swimming pool with an adjoining kids’ pool; and a dedicated kids club providing engaging activities in a safe and stimulating environment. Surrounded by cultural and ecological treasures …

Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights, effective from the 1 October 2025. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source. Emirates’ new regulations include: • Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours. • Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard. • Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted. • All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available. • Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you. • Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule). Why is Emirates making this change? After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. Power banks primarily utilize lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and their function is as a portable battery pack designed to recharge devices on the go. The batteries contain lithium ions …

Red Sea Global (RSG) introduced its new dedicated healthcare brand, ‘Red Sea Health’. This coincides with the launch of the firm’s Airport Clinic at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which officially begins operations this week. Red Sea Health represents RSG’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem across its destinations. Built on a philosophy of excellence, empathy, and patient-centered care, the new brand embodies the developer’s vision to provide unwavering support, compassionate care, and high-quality, integrated healthcare solutions to all. “The unveiling of Red Sea Health reflects our deep-rooted belief that exceptional healthcare is a key part of the luxury tourism experience. It provides the ultimate assurance that wherever you are within our destinations, world-class care is always close by, delivered with both unparalleled expertise and profound empathy” John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The Airport Clinic, the first asset under the new Red Sea Health brand, officially commences operations this week at Red Sea International Airport (RSI). This comprehensive facility offers a full suite of outpatient services – including walk-in consultations, urgent care, vaccinations, and travel-related medical support – for travelers, staff, and local residents. Fully constructed and equipped with 133 units of advanced medical technology, the facility has been granted a full license with the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH). The Airport Clinic marks the beginning of RSG’s vision to build a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem across The Red Sea and AMAALA, cementing the firm’s position as a world-leading multi-asset developer. Over the next 12 months, RSG will expand its healthcare network with the opening of two hospitals, six pharmacies and its emergency medical services provision for rapid emergency response and hospital transfers. The Red Sea welcomed …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended its successful partnership with Palms Sports, organiser of UAE Warriors, which will see the emirate host the Middle East’s premier mixed martial arts promotion for an additional three years. Established in 2012, UAE Warriors has cultivated an international reputation amongst industry leaders and fans alike through the consistent delivery of action-packed match ups and top-tier production. This renewed agreement not only solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for combat sports, but also marks a historic expansion, bringing the thrilling action of mixed martial arts to the emirate’s Al Ain Region for the first time. Al Ain Region will host two UAE Warriors events during the 2025 season, with an additional two events per annum planned for the 2026-2028 period. Expansion outside of Abu Dhabi City underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and showcasing Al Ain Region as a destination for sports entertainment and cultural experiences. The move is set to attract a new wave of visitors and further bolster Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation on the global martial arts stage. His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is growing in prominence as a global sports hub through the continuous expansion of our network of international and regional partnerships, resulting in an array of top-tier sporting events being hosted in the emirate. This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to Al Ain Region for the first time. New audiences will discover Al Ain Region’s unique destination offering …

PIF and Golf Saudi announced the launch of PIF Future Fairways, a pioneering platform utilizing advanced 3D mapping to unveil three flagship golf courses in Saudi Arabia, part of a next-generation golf ecosystem. The visionary courses will be located within PIF giga-projects at The Red Sea destination (Shura Links on Shura Island, and Laheq Golf Course on the Red Sea coast) and NEOM (Trojena Northern Golf Course – NEOM Highlands). The courses are designed to position Saudi Arabia as a world-class golf destination. The number of golf courses in Saudi Arabia is expected to more than triple by 2030. Through their partnership, PIF and Golf Saudi are shaping golf’s next era, with PIF Future Fairways showcasing both the innovation at play in reimagining the future of the game, and the wider growth of the golfing ecosystem. PIF Future Fairways will be available to golf fans and enthusiasts at all PIF Global Series tournaments for 2025 and into the 2026 international season. These include the PIF Championship (London, 8-10 August ); the Aramco Houston Championship (5-7 September ); and the Aramco Shenzhen Championship (Shenzhen, China, 6-8 November 2025).

Riyadh Air has signed a global distribution agreement with Amadeus, a global technology provider for the travel industry. The strategic partnership will enable Riyadh Air access to one of the largest global networks of travel sellers, supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans and playing a key role in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation agenda under Vision 2030. By joining the Amadeus Travel Platform, Riyadh Air will connect to travel agencies and sellers in more than 190 countries, ensuring that its offers are accessible to travelers worldwide. This will be instrumental in attracting inbound tourism, promoting Saudi Arabia as a compelling global destination, and helping position the Kingdom as a leading aviation and tourism hub. Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer at Riyadh Air, commented, “Our mission is to create a truly world-class airline that reflects the ambition of Saudi Arabia. Partnering with Amadeus gives us the global reach, distribution power, and retailing capabilities needed to support our goal of flying to over 100 destinations by 2030. This partnership is not only about enabling seamless travel experiences, but also about contributing to the broader national vision of economic diversification, tourism growth, and enhanced global connectivity”. As part of the agreement, Amadeus will also distribute Riyadh Air’s future NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, allowing the airline to deliver more dynamic, personalized offers to travelers and to take greater control of its indirect sales strategy. These advanced capabilities will further optimize Riyadh Air’s ability to deliver modern, flexible, and customer-centric retailing. Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus, said “The launch of Riyadh Air represents a major milestone for the Kingdom’s aviation industry, and we are proud …