Etihad Airways announces an enhancement to its European network. From 1 October 2025, the airline will offer daily services to both Dusseldorf, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark, further strengthening connections between the UAE and these European destinations. The Dusseldorf route will see a substantial increase from its current schedule to a daily service. This expansion represents an addition of four weekly flights, providing passengers with greater flexibility and connectivity. Additionally, Dusseldorf will now be served year-round, offering consistent travel options throughout all seasons. Similarly, the Copenhagen route will be enhanced from its present four-times-weekly schedule to daily operations. This change adds three more weekly flights to the Danish capital, further strengthening Etihad’s presence in Scandinavia. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, commented: “This move to daily flights for Dusseldorf and Copenhagen marks an exciting chapter in our European expansion. It reflects our commitment to providing unparalleled connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key European cities. These enhanced frequencies allow us to offer our guests greater flexibility and improved connection options across our global network. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to delivering our award-winning service and hospitality on these routes, ensuring every journey with Etihad is exceptional.” These enhancements reflect Etihad’s commitment to expanding its global network and providing guests with even more flexible and reliable travel options between Abu Dhabi and key European cities. Dusseldorf A perfect blend of modernity and tradition, Dusseldorf offers a unique European experience. Known for its fashion industry and art scene, the city’s Media Harbour showcases cutting-edge architecture. Visitors can enjoy luxury shopping along the famous Königsallee or explore the charming Altstadt (Old Town) for a taste of traditional German culture. Copenhagen …

TIME Hotels announced their expansion into Asia with the launch of two new brands, HALO by TIME and VIVI by TIME, at Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. Both brands will make their debut in the Maldives and scheduled to open in Q4, 2026. This expansion showcases the continued growth of TIME Hotels – who to date have properties spanning the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Liberia – into a new region. Situated on Hankede Island, in the Addu atoll – the southernmost atoll in the Maldives – VIVI by TIME our Lifestyle brand will have 75 rooms over six stories with spectacular sea views and an array of first class facilities. HALO by TIME, our upscale brand, spans 8 storey’s with 150 keys, including bespoke sunrise and sunset over water villas. TIME has partnered with Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) for their first launch into the region. MFMC is a 100% state-owned company established in 2019 involves the fulfilment of national development goals of Maldives through increased private sector investment and addressing limitations in the local financial system. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, comments: “This is an exciting moment for TIME hotels as we announce our continued expansion with two new sub brands and two hotels opening in the Maldives. Our first foray into this part of the world, TIME is going from strength to strength and I look forward to continuing our positive trajectory in new territories.” Ahmed Nazim, Manging Director of MFMC, adds: “We are happy to collaborate with such a prestigious GCC based company in creating these stunning hotels in the Addu atoll. The partnership is a great example of the progress we are …

As Riyadh Season 2024 kicked off last week, it is stated that an impressive two million visitors were received. This remarkable achievement was announced by the chairman of the board of directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen AlAlshikh. The overwhelming turnout highlights the public’s enthusiasm for this annual entertainment extravaganza. This year, the season features five main areas: Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park. Boulevard World has undergone a significant 30 percent expansion to accommodate the surge in visitors, introducing new events and attractions. The area now boasts five new sections representing Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel, bringing the total to 22 diverse areas from around the globe, along with 300 restaurants and cafés, and more than 890 shops. In a landmark event, Kingdom Arena hosted a historic boxing match in which Artur Beterbiev was crowned the undisputed champion in the light heavyweight division after defeating Dmitry Bivol by majority decision. This intense bout showcased fierce competition in the boxing world and marked a milestone in the sport. The Venue area launched its season with the prestigious Six Kings Slam Championship, touted as the world’s most expensive tennis tournament. This event attracted six of the top-ranked tennis stars, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. Additionally, Al-Suwaidi Park is currently hosting a vibrant array of Indian cultural events, which will continue until Tuesday. These festivities feature popular shows, traditional cuisine, and artistic concerts, drawing large crowds from the Indian community, residents, and culture enthusiasts. Boulevard City is captivating visitors with innovative entertainment experiences, including the PUBG Mobile game and the Conan experience, alongside …

Smart Travel option at the Zayed International Airport was displayed recently at GITEX Global Dubai. In keeping with its seamless journey experience the UAE has taken a step further ensuring that the passengers no longer have to wait long hours in the queue instead they can receive a quick entrance through the special gates at the terminal. The passenger’s biometric fingerprints are captured and available across all the crossing points. The boarding pass has all the information about the traveller which is captured, hence they can travel with ease. H.E. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili added: “The Smart Travel Project is one of the most important pioneering projects in the field of travel, as it contributes to the development of the passenger’s journey at Zayed International Airport by capturing the passenger’s biometric fingerprints at all crossing points used electronically by passengers during the travel trip, by installing biometric capture devices that identify the traveler by scanning the face print without the need to present the passport or boarding pass at any of the seven crossing points that The traveler passes through it. His Excellency stated that the project achieves many advantages and added value for passengers, airports, airlines, as well as ports and passport departments, pointing out that the project provides travelers with an enjoyable, comfortable and effort-free personal travel experience by crossing travelers from crossing points in an easy, smart and smooth way.  

Qatar is looking at promoting its premier specialised medical procedures center to attract medical tourists. Conveniently situated at the crossroads of East and West, Qatar with its world-class healthcare system, renowned for its advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, warm hospitality, and unparalleled accessibility. With specialised hospitals for paediatric and women’s health, as well as world-renowned orthopaedic experts, Qatar’s medical excellence is consistently ranked among the top five globally for quality of care, with highly trained professionals and advanced facilities equipped to handle even the most complex medical cases. Being away from home during a medical procedure can be daunting, but Qatar’s proximity to major cities allows families to visit with ease. With most major cities just a convenient six to eight-hour flight away, Qatar’s strategic location seamlessly connects over 177 destinations across the USA, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This ease of access is further enhanced by Qatar’s welcoming visa policies, with visa-on-arrival options available to citizens from 102 countries. Whether it’s a quick flight from Europe or a short trip from neighbouring Gulf countries, patients, along with their families and friends, can easily access Qatar. Qatar’s commitment to medical excellence is evident in its state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, consistently ranked among the top globally. Institutions such as Sidra Hospital, specialising in paediatric and women’s health, made headlines with the discovery and diagnosis of a new gastroenterological disease, which saved the lives of two young brothers through a precision medicine treatment programme. This breakthrough is set to influence how the disease is diagnosed and treated worldwide. Aspetar, the Gulf’s first specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, has become the facility of choice for global professional athletes seeking medical care, including notable …

The National Aquarium, located at Al Qana, is thrilled to announce a spectacular Diwali celebration, presented by ‘Mermaids of Arabia.’ For the first time in the UAE, the event will feature ‘Hydroman’, the Guinness World Record-holding underwater dancer. From October 31st to November 3rd, visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness a mesmerizing underwater dance and acrobatic performance. Designed to enchant audiences of all ages, this Diwali celebration features a breathtaking underwater spectacle that combines artistry and acrobatics. It’s a one-of-a-kind event where families and friends can come together to share in the festive spirit, creating joyful memories in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The National Aquarium offers visitors a blend of entertainment, education, and adventure. Home to a diverse array of marine life and engaging exhibits, the Aquarium invites families and the local community to explore the wonders of the underwater world through unique experiences that create lasting memories. With immersive displays and interactive activities, it stands out as a top choice for those seeking memorable outings, making it a must-visit destination.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) showcased  6 innovative projects that reflect the authority’s leadership in the field of digital transformation and employing the latest technologies to develop the smart services system to meet the aspirations of customers and their current and future needs at the recently concluded GITEX Global event in Dubai. The list of projects that DEWA is participating in during the current edition of the exhibition includes 6 diverse projects, namely the Wired Your ID project, the Emirates Express Corridor, Smart Travel, Institutional Connectivity Services, Bureaucracy Zeroing Platform, and Digital Certification via Face Print. His Excellency Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, stressed that  the Authority’s participation during the current session of the exhibition is characterized by the diversity of its displayed projects, the quality and leadership of the innovative ideas it contains, and its continuous endeavor to delight the beneficiary customers, in addition to that it reflects the Authority’s constant keenness and clear vision to develop the service system according to the pulse of the customer, foresee the future, predict developments and prepare for them by creating development projects that contribute to supporting the security of society and make its members happy by providing flexible proactive services that support security. Controlling border crossings enhances the economic growth of the state and attracts entrepreneurs and those with talent and experience. His Excellency added that DEWA’s participation reflects the advanced level achieved by DEWA in the field of digital transformation and the development of the smart services system that is provided to customers, community members and those wishing to visit the country, work, invest and live in it, as …

Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia shared that travel account estimates about SAR 92.6 billion inbound visitors spending in the first half of 2024 based on balance of payments. Saudi Arabia achieved an 8.2% growth in inbound visitor spending in the travel account during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching around SAR 92.6 billion, the Kingdom has also recorded a surplus in the travel account of around SAR 41.6 billion. The growth in spending by inbound visitors to Saudi Arabia reflects the significant progress made by the tourism sector, as Saudi Arabia led G20 countries in international tourist arrivals and in international tourism receipts growth rate in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to UN Tourism. In addition, the data highlights the success of the Tourism Ecosystem in elevating the sector to global leadership. This achievement is attributed to adopting best practices in tourism development, enhancing tourism-related services and products, and collaborating with government entities to promote the growth of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. This achievement underlines the efforts made by the Tourism Ecosystem in elevating the tourism sector to global leadership and increasing its contribution to the Kingdom’s economic growth.

According to Sojern’s latest findings, travel to the UAE and Saudi Arabia spikes ahead of major events and peak travel season. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on deck to host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 6 -8th December, and flight bookings from the past 30 days are up 9% overall during December, with regional bookings up 13% compared to 2023 and international travel up 4%. In addition, as Saudi Arabia (KSA) enters its peak travel season, regional and international travel are showing increased demand. Currently, international flight bookings are up 15% compared to 2023, but regional travel is the shining star with a 38% increase. Formula One (F1) events are known to draw large crowds. For example, the 2022 F1 Singapore Grand Prix spiked travel to the country by 63%.

Hong Kong welcomed 19,273 visitors from the GCC region, between January to August 2024 a remarkable 124% increase from the previous year. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) successfully concluded its first GCC 2024 Travel Mission to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), engaging the travel partners from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This year’s mission showcased Hong Kong’s growing appeal among travellers from the GCC, with the city welcoming 19,273 visitors between January and August 2024 – a remarkable 124% increase compared to the previous year. The visitor numbers for the first half of 2024 alone nearly matched the total number of arrivals from the GCC in 2023, reflecting Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury travellers. Key highlights of HKTB’s Travel Mission – The roadshow featured a distinguished delegation of 30 key Hong Kong trade partners, including representatives from iconic attractions, luxury hotels and destination management companies (DMCs). The event attracted over 200 travel agents from across the GCC, providing them with an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s premium offerings tailored for affluent travellers. Exclusive Experiences for GCC Luxury Travellers – The HKTB’s brand-new initiative “Travel in Luxe” especially curated for GCC market captivated attendees with an array of luxury experiences, including helicopter tours over Hong Kong’s skyline, VIP access to Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Momentous Nighttime Spectacular,” private shopping concierge services, and exclusive dining experiences. Attendees were also introduced to bespoke cultural activities like private Cantonese opera at the Xiqu Centre and horse-racing events hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Puneet Kumar, Director of South Asia & Middle East at HKTB, said, “We are pleased with the strong recovery …