The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi kicked off Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week (25-30 September), a platform which brings together the emirate’s travel and tourism industry to foster growth and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global tourism hub. The initiative aligns with the emirate’s broader vision to welcome over 24 million visitors this year and further enhance the business and leisure tourism industries, driving economic impact to the UAE capital and beyond. The week starts with the first City Tourism Briefing event and supports the roll-out of Abu Dhabi Business Events Forum, Abu Dhabi Wedding Show and the Future Hospitality Summit, leveraging the collective power of many tourism stakeholders from diverse industries all contributing their expertise and insights to drive progress. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 drives our ambitions to build a strong foundation of strategic partnerships that facilitate the establishment of the emirate as a thriving global hub for business, investment, and leisure travel.  The Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week is set to unlock new opportunities that reaffirm our commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a dynamic and sustainable hub for tourism.  We look forward to fostering growth in the sector by accelerating high-potential industries such as gastronomy, aviation, and business events and welcome all of our partners and future collaborators to join us in our journey.” Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week will advance the emirate’s tourism industry across a range of sectors, such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events, hospitality, destination marketing, weddings, tourism strategy, and more.

Rove Hotels is poised to make its way across the GCC and beyond with its ambitious expansion plan as it targets the milestone of 10,000 rooms in operation or under development  over the next five years. Homegrown in the UAE, Rove Hotels currently boasts over 3,400 operational hotel rooms across its various properties. It has garnered a reputation for seamlessly blending sustainability, innovation, and local art to curate spaces that resonate with modern explorers. From co-working areas to eco-friendly operations, world-class service scores and many innovative offerings, such as the region’s only hotel rooms designed for gamers, Rove Hotels constantly pushes the boundaries of what a lifestyle hospitality brand can offer. Rove has already proven its ability to manage a varied portfolio of properties with distinctive propositions, such as city hotels, event-led hotels, beach properties and even a theme-park hotel located at the Middle East’s largest amusement park destination, Dubai Parks and Resorts. With this expansion strategy, the Rove brand is prepared to weave its narrative of community-centred travel and off-the-beaten-track exploration into the fabric of even more regional urban destinations. This strategic decision to establish a strong Middle East presence comes after Rove’s record commercial performance numbers in 2022, the brand’s best-ever year. Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer of Rove Hotels, said recently of the expansion plans, “In this exciting new phase of Rove’s journey, we’re looking forward to taking our unique lifestyle hospitality concept to new destinations. As a homegrown brand, we are thrilled to see the tremendous growth in tourism that the region is experiencing, and we believe that Rove Hotels can play an important role in providing accessible quality accommodation options for travellers.”

Marriott International Inc. announced its agreement with NEOM to open two luxury properties in Trojena, NEOM’s mountain destination located in the north-west region of Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes Saudi Arabia’s first W Hotel, and a JW Marriott property. “We are excited to work with NEOM to develop these two exciting properties in one of the most highly anticipated developments in the world,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “W Hotels continues to redefine the luxury hospitality sector, and NEOM is an ideal fit with its vision centered around innovation, creativity, design and exploration, while JW Marriott, one of our flagship brands, will bring its legacy of extraordinary hospitality, thoughtful design and enriching experiences.”

Sharjah opened its latest entertainment hub in the Aljada megaproject. It features the full spectrum of epic BOUNCE activities, as well as an all-new X Run obstacle course; a super-soft miniBounce Zone, specifically for children aged six and under; an incredible infinity wall; adrenaline-fuelled dodgeball court, and a giant air bag for epic landings. At BOUNCE Sharjah, as ever, safety is paramount and the 2,000sqm venue is equipped with more than 30 awesome hosts on hand to inspire, instruct, and ensure everyone has an amazing experience. The cosy BOUNCE Café serves up everything from pizza and pasta to salads, sides, and sweet desserts, parents can enjoy a well-earned break knowing their children are in safe hands. “We are extremely excited to unveil our latest BOUNCE venue in Sharjah’s Aljada community,” said Doran Davies, CEO of BOUNCE Middle East. “We are proud to continue our mission of inspiring individuals of all ages and abilities to get moving and challenge themselves while having an incredible time.” For the first time in the UAE, BOUNCE Sharjah’s all-new X Run provides guests the chance to tackle an obstacle course like no other. With more than eight gravity-defying challenges to overcome, the ultimate ninja-warriors-style track dares first-timers and freestylers alike to test their strength, agility, and courage through a series of jumps, climbs, swings, and slides. The dedicated miniBOUNCE Zone meanwhile, is an adventure playground tailored exclusively for young jumpers, who benefit from special attention and guidance from super-attentive hosts. Filled with slides, a ball pit, and its very own mini-challenge course, little ones can develop their balance, coordination, and confidence all while having a blast. Trampolining has witnessed a huge surge in popularity in …

As the elected host for the UNESCO event, the Government of Saudi Arabia and its supporting institutions welcomed more than 3,000 UNESCO delegates and guests to the world class facilities at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. Home to a young and diverse population of nearly 8 million, the ninth largest stock market in the world, and a regional hub for international businesses, Riyadh is increasingly seen as a destination of choice for large-scale, high profile global events. His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Saudi National Commission For Education, Culture and Science said: “We are delighted to welcome the UNESCO World Heritage Committee members, and the 195 attendees from the member states where we have had the opportunity to share the richness of Saudi culture, hospitality, and heritage with the world. As hosts, we have welcomed delegates to share our capital, its world-class facilities, and its heritage. We have also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to building and facilitating more international platforms for open collaboration, innovation, and dialogue between global leaders on critical issues facing our world.” At the opening ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the UNESCO said: “It is very significant that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting such a universal session, with so many participants, diverse voices, and intense debates. It is further proof that Saudi Arabia – situated at one of the crossroads of the world with its rich, multi-millennial history – has chosen to invest in culture, heritage and creativity.” Convening such a major event, incorporating global coordination and detailed and complex planning, demonstrates the resources available in the city. Some of …

Lofta has extended its partnership with Qatar Tourism to manage and operate West Bay Beach. As part of its commitment to enhance the tourism experiences of West Bay Waterfront patrons, Qatar Tourism has renewed the operating licenses of Doha Sands Beach, B12 Beach Club and West Bay Beach, three distinct beach destinations in the heart of the city. While Discover Qatar has been licensed to operate Doha Sands Beach and B12 Beach Club for two years. These initiatives are part of Qatar Tourism’s ongoing efforts to provide integrated beach experiences for families, accompanied by a range of leisure and sports activities and food and beverage options along the West Bay waterfront. Aisha Al Mulla, Head of Tourism Investment Policy at Qatar Tourism, said: “Thanks to the many recreational and sporting facilities and activities offered by the beaches of West Bay such as the volleyball court, water sports, dining options and playgrounds throughout the day, the beaches of West Bay have become one of the most sought-after destinations in Doha for families and tourists. We are delighted to extend the operating licenses for these beaches to ensure that we continue to promote tourism offerings in Qatar. Qatar has a magnificent natural coastline that allows it to offer integrated beach experiences in the heart of Doha in a convenient and accessible location, reinforcing Doha’s position as a suitable choice for ideal family holidays.” Qatar Tourism’s West Bay Beach development, which covers a premium beachfront area of 40,000 square meters, includes Doha Sands, B12 Beach Club and West Bay Beach, each offering a completely different experience. Qatar Tourism continues to collaborate with its tourism partners to enhance tourism experiences and develop tourist attractions, …

Red Sea Global (RSG) celebrated the first flight to its Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which touched down on the new runway. Departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh each Thursday and Saturday, The SAUDIA flight, which takes under two hours, marks the start of a new twice-weekly service. The flights return to Riyadh later the same day. “We promised to make The Red Sea a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature. Now, with the first flight touching down at Red Sea International Airport, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The flights depart RUH each Thursday at 10.50am, before departing again to the Kingdom’s capital from RSI at 13:35pm. A second service departs RUH every Saturday at 12.50pm, with the return flight for RUH departing at 15:35pm. Positioned within an eight-hour flight from 85 percent of the world’s population, RSI will grow to welcome international flights from next year as additional phase one resorts open their doors. Red Sea International Airport is operated by daa International, which has supported Red Sea Global with design validation and commissioning of RSI since 2020. With the arrival of RSI’s first commercial flight, daa International’s operational responsibility commences.

flynas announced launching direct flights to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa from Riyadh and Jeddah as of October 9, in line with flynas plans to further expanding its network in the African market, and within the the growth and expansion plan launched by flynas early last year under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” and in parrel with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to reach 330 million passengers and 100 million tourists, and to increase the number of international destinations connected to the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations by 2030, and to achieve the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program to provide an easier access to the Holy Mosques. The leading LCC will operate the new route from Riyadh as of October 9 with three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, And Fridays. And from Jeddah starting from October 10 with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, connecting Saudi and Ethiopia with six direct weekly flights. This will reinforce the travel destinations to Africa offered by flynas to the pilgrims and visitors between the two countries. The leading LCC connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations, with more than 1,500 weekly flights. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.  

The Hospitality Network announced the dates for the 2023 MEA Stakeholder Conference, scheduled from 7th to 9th November at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts in Dubai, UAE.  The 2023 MEA Stakeholder Conference is set to attract over 500 decision-makers, including hotel owners, giga developers, operators, and key consultants, collectively operating and developing hundreds of hotels across the region.  By discussing the latest trends and challenges facing the industry, the conference fosters investment into innovation and sustainability as key drivers for the rapid growth of the industry. It also serves as a nexus for various domains such as Information Technology, Engineering and Technical Services, Design and Procurement, helping to enhance inter-departmental communication and facilitating knowledge exchange. This exclusive, invitation-only event will convene senior leaders from across the Middle East & Africa’s hotel industry, fostering collaboration and promoting innovations and sustainability within the sector.

A recent report from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), stated that over 50% of private jet flights are for groups. Private Jet Charter Service Market Research indicates the demand for group private jet charters increased by 27% from 2019 to 2021. According to industry statistics, the demand for larger private jets, capable of accommodating 10 or more passengers, has surged by nearly 30% over the last five years. This trend highlights the changing preferences of travellers who are increasingly seeking the camaraderie and exclusivity of group travel without the hassles of commercial flights. This tracks with data from Klasjet which reported an increase in group size for charter bookings in 2023, compared to the previous year. ‘We are certainly seeing not only a rise in group bookings but an increase in the size of these groups. “Traditionally the reserve of sports teams and entertainment stars. Private  charter is becoming a luxury that discerning group travellers see value in, particularly in light of airline disruption in recent years,” says Justinas Bulka CEO of Klasjet