The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of SRJ Sports Investments, a sports investment company that aims to accelerate the growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and MENA. SRJ Sports Investments will invest in acquiring and creating new sports events IP, commercial rights of popular and prominent sports competitions and hosting major global events in Saudi Arabia. These investments are expected to deliver financial returns and localize partnerships domestically and in the MENA region. The new company will target businesses specialized in offering unique fan engagement activities and transformative sports technology across the industry, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment destinations. Raid Ismail, Head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF said, “We are thrilled to announce the establishment of SRJ Sports Investments Company to accelerate the growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, by creating and investing in international sports IP, enhancing the fan experience through hosting major global events and investing in transformative technologies. The company will complement other PIF investments in the sports sector, all of which are contributing to a more vibrant society, in line with PIF’s strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.” As a long-term investor, the entertainment, leisure, and sports sector is one of PIF’s 13 priority sectors for investment.

Qatar Airways announced its title sponsorship of the highly anticipated Formula 1® Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2023 which will be held from 6-8 October at Lusail International Circuit. To rev up the excitement and reflect its commitment to motorsport enthusiasts worldwide, the airline unveiled its new Formula 1® livery painted on a specially branded Boeing 777 aircraft. Qatar Airways’ leisure arm, Qatar Airways Holidays, is offering enthusiasts a unique experience at F1® races throughout the season, as well as the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023 through its exclusive Ultimate F1® Fan Package. The travel packages are designed to provide a seamless motorsport experience, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodation, a wide range of passes including F1® Paddock Club and Grandstand race tickets, and much more. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The months of October and November will deliver a collection of world-class automotive activities dedicated to fans around the world. As the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1, we are honoured to host international visitors to Qatar; once again delivering our unparalleled hospitality and bringing the world closer together through sport.”

Travel metasearch website WayAway has recently introduced a new category on its maps and listings called ‘female traveller approved points of interest’. According to research by WayAway shows 87% of female travellers would give preference to a ‘female-led’ hotel and almost half would pay more. Over 100 listings are included for launch with target of low thousands for year end – with over 200 on-the-ground representatives around the world looking out for more already. These points of interest could include the fact that the owners, founders, or senior management of a hotel or restaurant or shop are females – or simply that the point of interest has a female focus, for example a museum or monument celebrating women. Over 100 points of interest were included for the recent launch and WayAway aims to increase this into the low thousands by the close of the year.

Ras Al Khaimah announced the addition of new hotels to its portfolio with Nobu Al Marjan Island (300 keys) in 2026, Westin Resort (257 keys) in 2024, Le Méridien Al Marjan Island Resort (350 keys) and Earth Shore Al Marjan Island (265 keys) in 2025. With Anantara Mina Al Arab (174 keys) and Sofitel Al Hamra (300 keys) set to open this year plus several other global names in the near future, the Emirate plans to double the number of keys over the coming years. This includes the largest-of-its-kind foreign direct investment, the USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is set to transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination. The integrated resort’s design vision was unveiled earlier this year and will include 1,500+ rooms, suites and villas, shopping, gaming area, a state-of-the-art events center, wellness and spa facilities, 24 dining and lounge experiences and extensive entertainment choices.

flynas announced signing an agreement with MedAire to provide aviation travel security information and 24/7 global assistance as a part of its comprehensive health and security solutions. The agreement between flynas and MedAire brings together two global leaders to enhance aviation safety and security, which reflects flynas commitment to providing its passengers safe and reliable air travel, as MedAire will provide flynas with real-time travel security reporting, covering destinations, regions, and airspace. “We are thrilled to be partnering with flynas to provide aviation travel security information and assistance,” said MedAire Senior Vice President Aviation Security and Maritime -, Hany Bakr. “As a global leader in travel safety, we understand the importance of providing real-time information and support to ensure the security and well-being of airline passengers and staff.”

dnata travel has opened a second travel store in Sharjah, providing its growing community with easy access to its services and expert team amidst a time of high demand. Located at City Centre Al Zahia, the largest mall in the Northern Emirates, dnata Travel’s newest one-stop travel shop is now welcoming customers to meet its experienced, multi-lingual team. Here, shoppers can book all they need for travel, including staycations or more complex itineraries, flights, hotels, holiday packages, insurance, tours, attractions, transfers, and more. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “We are witnessing an increased demand for bookings within our travel stores, as UAE travellers seek to enhance the booking process with the insider knowledge and inspiration from our travel experts. At our outlets across the UAE, we can book all aspects of a customer’s journey in one, convenient place. We can tailor-make a journey to their needs and ensure they are up to date with our latest, exclusive offers and value adds across a range of incredible resorts, worldwide.” dnata Travel Sharjah Al Zahia marks the next step for the UAE’s original travel agency in expanding its retail footprint, following the launch of its travel store in Dubai Hills Mall. A pipeline of new retail stores is gearing up to serve a comprehensive range of travel solutions to a range of emerging and established UAE communities. Meerah Ketait added: “We are enhancing dnata Travel’s long-standing presence in Sharjah, where many of our longest serving staff and most loyal customers are located. It has been a regular request throughout the years for our team to further expand our presence in the Northern Emirates, and this …

Red Sea Global and Zain KSA have unveiled the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network at the Six Senses Southern Dunes resort at The Red Sea. The zero-carbon 5G network, designed exclusively for The Red Sea, is the latest technological innovation at the resort. Designed with both people and planet in mind, the revolutionary 5G network will bring guests the highest speeds for 5G connectivity in the region and be powered by 100% renewable energy from over 760,000 solar panels that Red Sea Global has built to power the entire 28,000km2 destination. “We aspire to be global pioneers of regenerative tourism development, adopting 100% renewable energy at our flagship destination, The Red Sea, and working towards the achievement of a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040. These ambitious goals demand ambitious partners, and our collaboration with Zain KSA transcends telecommunications, extending into sustainability and environmental protection,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. ” “Zain KSA has demonstrated a deep understanding of our requirements and provided us with the services and solutions necessary to achieve our strategic objectives. Together, we are determined to make a meaningful impact that sets new standards in sustainable development,” Mr. Pagano added. Designed using innovative 3D printing technology, the project will achieve three primary goals: preserving the environment, reducing emissions by utilizing renewable energy, and mitigating visual distortion. The towers have been built to blend harmoniously with The Red Sea’s unique and vibrant landscape. Inspired by the surrounding rock formations, the exterior aesthetic of the towers seamlessly interweaves into the resort’s natural habitat, ensuring minimal visual impact and safeguarding the project’s environmental integrity. Eng. Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Deghaither, CEO of Zain KSA, said: ” …

Rixos Hotels UAE is proud to announce that it has been awarded the esteemed certification by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), making it the first hotel brand in the region to attain such prestigious recognition. This achievement underscores Rixos Hotels Gulf’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, aligning seamlessly with the UAE’s initiative to declare 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability.” The GSTC is internationally renowned for establishing and managing global sustainable travel and tourism standards through its comprehensive GSTC Criteria. This recognition signifies that Rixos Hotels UAE’s operations adhere to the highest social and environmental standards, contributing positively to local communities and the broader environment. The certification process involves rigorous assessment by an Accredited Certification Body, ensuring a transparent, impartial, and competent evaluation. “At Rixos Hotels UAE, we are honoured to be at the forefront of sustainable hospitality in the region, taking a significant step towards aligning with the UAE’s visionary sustainability initiative,” stated Ozgul Aktolga, Country Director of Quality and Sustainability for UAE. “This milestone reaffirms our dedication to not only providing exceptional guest experiences but also minimising our ecological footprint and enhancing the well-being of our communities.” The GSTC certification recognises Rixos Hotels UAE for its exceptional achievements in meeting key criteria across various domains. Rixos Hotels UAE’s effective and sustainable management approach is fundamental to this recognition. This reflects their commitment to responsible practices prioritising long-term sustainability while elevating guest experiences. Rixos Hotels UAE sets a perfect example for the wider hospitality industry by striking a harmonious balance between operational excellence and environmental consciousness. Another significant facet of Rixos Hotels UAE’s recognition is its positive social and economic contributions. Their active engagement with local …

NEOM announced a partnership with IMG Golf Course Services to open a groundbreaking 9-hole beachfront golf course on the luxury island, Sindalah. The first island golf course of its kind in the GCC, Sindalah will offer an entirely unique golfing experience for all visitors, from amateurs and young players to experienced enthusiasts and golfing professionals. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 6,474-yard (5,920 meter) par 70 golf course will boast 9 holes and 18 teeing points, as well as a 280-meter driving range and golf practice suites fitted with state-of-the-art ball tracking technology and statistics feedback. The course is also set to be GEO certified, meaning it will demonstrate the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. IMG Golf Course Services has been appointed to provide pre-opening, marketing and management services to the Golf Club at Sindalah, which will be a year-round, exclusive venue, elevating the golfing experience in the Middle East. The IMG Golf Course Services team will manage the onsite sports club, which will offer multiple membership options for visitors to enjoy the very best facilities, equipment and services, including a luxurious gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, an indulgent spa, and sports courts. The Sindalah Golf Academy will further complement the facilities with multiple performance studios offering the latest in custom-fitting and golf-learning technology. Perfectly positioned as a glamorous gateway to the Red Sea, Sindalah will redefine the luxury island experience and welcome in a new dimension of exquisite, curated travel. Sindalah is one of a group of islands off the NEOM coastline and will be the Red Sea region’s first ultra-prime superyachting destination. Opening in Q1 2024, the island will be the first iteration of NEOM to …

The new government fee amendments include reducing a tourism fee issued to guests from six per cent to four per cent, removing a municipality fee of AED15 per room per night, removing a six per cent tourism fee and four per cent municipality fee applied to hotel restaurants. The municipality fee for 4 per cent of the value of the invoice issued to the customer will continue. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) has reduced government fees applied to hotels in the emirate, supporting the continued growth of the hospitality and tourism sector, and enhancing Abu Dhabi as a leading global leisure and tourism destination. The change is set to take effect from 1 September 2023 and follows directives from Abu Dhabi Executive Council to further encourage tourists as well as residents to enjoy hospitality offerings in the emirate. This revision of fees seeks to further grow the emirate as a tourism and cultural destination while bolstering support for its thriving hospitality sector. As part of its mandate, DCT – Abu Dhabi continuously elevates the standards of the emirate’s tourism, culture, and hospitality offerings in the emirate. By curating a diverse range of experiences that cater to the preferences and interests of a wide spectrum of travellers, DCT – Abu Dhabi aims to enable sustainable growth and long-term success.