Etihad Airways announced the launch of the first-ever nonstop flights between the UAE and Calgary, creating a new strategic air link between the Middle East and Western Canada. Launching on 3 November 2026, the route marks another step in Etihad’s global expansion and supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions to drive international trade, tourism and investment. The new service directly links two globally recognised centres of energy, innovation and culture, strengthening economic ties while opening new opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike. It connects Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing economy and cultural offer with Calgary’s role as a centre for energy, advanced manufacturing and innovation, creating a direct corridor for corporate travel, trade engagement and sector collaboration. For leisure travellers, the route brings together two highly distinctive destinations. Visitors from Canada gain direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, unique experiences, coastal resorts and year-round sunshine, while travellers from the UAE and across Etihad’s global network can explore Calgary’s vibrant city life and its position as the gateway to Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, home to some of North America’s most iconic natural landscapes. Calgary becomes Etihad’s latest long-haul addition, following recent route announcements including Luxembourg and Palma. Each new destination reflects the airline’s strategy of opening new markets with clear economic, trade and tourism relevance, while expanding the range of destinations available to travellers from the UAE and across Etihad’s international network. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of our Abu Dhabi–Calgary service is both a significant and historic step in Etihad’s global expansion. By creating the only nonstop link between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and …

Emirates and Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge – a 40-key all-inclusive luxury lodge set to be situated on a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and a major milestone for New South Wales’s (NSW) regional tourism. An expression of the renowned luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are conceived as purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surrounds while prioritising minimal environmental impact and delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton. Anticipated to open mid-2026, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and potential to reinvigorate the region’s tourism offering. Since 2006, Emirates has invested AU$150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, developing the property with deep respect for its environmental and cultural heritage. This has included the careful restoration of historically significant landmarks — such as the original homestead dating back to 1832 — alongside extensive conservation programmes to restore indigenous flora and fauna, including the planting of more than one million native trees across the site. Emirates is now investing an additional AU$50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and refined design, with a deep connection to place. As a reflection of Emirates’ commitment to the location, following the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates has maintained the site with a small number of locally employed staff while the property was unavoidably nonoperational. From the resort’s founding, Emirates has worked closely with the …

Philippine Airlines and Gold Medal concluded a successful Joint Campaign Top Seller Rewards initiative in the UAE, driving strong sub-agent engagement and increased sales of Philippine Airlines through the Gold Medal B2B platform. The campaign recognised outstanding trade performance, with Ani Travel and MRG Pinas Travel emerging as the top sellers. Congratulations to both partners for their exceptional results. From Philippine Airlines Regional Head – EMEA, Mr. Josh Vasquez, “The Philippine Airlines – Gold Medal Top Sellers Campaign reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership and our shared commitment to driving sustainable growth. Through close collaboration, aligned sales efforts, and targeted incentives, we were able to empower travel consultants, strengthen brand visibility, and deliver strong commercial results. We also extend our warm congratulations to ANI Travel and MRG Pinas Travel for their outstanding performance—your success truly reflects the value of strong collaboration and trade partnership.” From Gold Medal Head of Business Development & Client Relations, Mr. Sarfaraz Shaikh, “Gold Medal reinforced its strategic partnership with Philippine Airlines through a focused initiative designed to boost sales performance and strengthen brand presence across its B2B sub-agent network. The collaboration leveraged Gold Medal’s competitive advantages—including flexible incentive deployment, enhanced profitability through increased PR ticket volumes, and joint sales engagements by the Philippine Airlines and Gold Medal teams—to drive greater visibility and conversion. With a clear objective to expand PR’s market share, elevate brand recall, and deepen loyalty among travel consultants, this initiative delivered mutually beneficial growth and further solidify the long-standing partnership between Philippine Airlines and Gold Medal.”

Wicked the Musical opened at Dubai Opera, bringing one of the world’s most successful stage productions to Dubai for the very first time. Brought to audiences by Broadway Entertainment Group and Dubai Opera, the production will run from 28 January to 15 February 2026. A true global phenomenon, WICKED is one of the most popular musicals in the world, with multiple productions captivating more than 65 million audience members across 130+ cities in 16 countries. This awe-inspiring new production reveals the untold story of the witches of Oz as never before—with over 100 performers, crew, and orchestra members. Enjoy breathtaking sets, over 350 stunning costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.” Produced by Broadway Entertainment Group, the show features reimagined sets and costumes including a breathtaking scene where a witch flies over the audience, a first for any WICKED production. With bold visuals and a fresh creative approach, the production promises a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. Stephen Schwartz, Composer & Lyricist of WICKED, says, “It’s very meaningful to me to be in Dubai as WICKED makes history debuting in the Middle East for the first time. I hope it brings audiences here the same joy and sense of connection it’s brought to others all around the world for the past two decades.” Liz Koops, CEO of Broadway Entertainment Group says, “Bringing WICKED The Musical to Dubai for the first time is a huge milestone. We are delighted to introduce this beloved story to new audiences. It’s particularly meaningful to us as Broadway Entertainment Group as we are celebrating 15 years of bringing world-class productions to Dubai, and there is no better way to commemorate this anniversary than …

Abu Dhabi Airports, operator of the emirate’s five airports including the flagship Zayed International Airport (AUH), recorded more than 33m annual passengers in 2025, the largest influx of travellers in the emirate’s history. This sustained trajectory has seen traffic volumes across the emirate’s five airports double over the past three years, while AUH has emerged as the fastest-growing mega airport in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region based on the latest traffic figures. Surpassing all previous traffic records for the emirate was made possible by the continued expansion of the airport’s international network, with airlines adding new destinations, increasing frequencies on high-demand routes, and deepening connectivity across key markets in EMEA and Asia. In total, AUH’s network expanded with 39 route launches and the addition of 7 new airlines. In its second full year of operations, AUH accounted for roughly 98% of all passenger traffic and 73% of aircraft movements as it recorded 8.59 million passengers through its gates in Q4 2025, an increase of 13.8% year-on-year. This unprecedented growth was bolstered by an expanded network, as carriers such as China Eastern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Jazeera Airways, as well as Etihad Airways, launched or increased services to key global destinations. New routes added throughout the year spanned from major hubs like Addis Ababa, Atlanta, and Hong Kong to emerging markets including Berlin, Hanoi, Pune and Warsaw. AUH also witnessed several days throughout the year when traffic crossed the milestone 100,000 passengers/day figure, a key marker of efficiency and success at airports that reinforces AUH’s position as a preferred hub for both point-to-point and transfer traffic. Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, …

Hilton announced the opening of two new properties in Makkah, nearly doubling its presence in the Holy City and expanding its hospitality offerings for the millions of pilgrims and travelers who visit each year. The openings include DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah, bringing the brand’s signature warm welcome to the Al Aziziyah district, and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking both the brand’s debut in Makkah and the largest Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel worldwide. Both properties are owned by Wirgan Hospitality. Mohamed Lotfy, Cluster General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, said, “We are delighted to open these two exceptional properties in Makkah, each thoughtfully designed to offer guests comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere during their stay in the Holy City. Our teams at DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah and Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, are committed to delivering a warm, memorable experience for every guest.” Wirgan Al Noor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton With 1,386 guest rooms and suites, Wirgan Al Noor marks a major milestone as Tapestry Collection’s first hotel in Makkah and its largest operating property globally. Located near the historic Hira Cave and less than a 15-minute drive from Masjid Al Haram (the Sacred Mosque), the hotel offers serene views of the Holy City and serves as a comfortable retreat within easy reach of Makkah’s most significant sites. True to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, the hotel blends contemporary style with a strong sense of place, celebrating the authentic character of the destination. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant with diverse culinary offerings, a coffee shop, …

As demand for luxury travel to Oman and the wider GCC continues to accelerate, dnata Representation Services – part of the dnata Travel Group – brought its exclusive luxury travel roadshow, Opulence by Ahlan Arabia, to the Sultanate for the first time. The milestone edition united more than 100 global travel professionals in a complete takeover of Salalah’s Alila Hinu Bay resort, between 13–16 January 2026. With destination leaders and luxury hospitality partners in attendance, the agenda explored the latest travel trends and opportunities for growth, elevated by a spectacular natural setting that defines the region’s luxury appeal. Central to the programme of the event’s second edition was the headline panel, ‘Rewriting the Travel Script: The Next Era of Travel & Tourism,’ featuring John Bevan, CEO of the dnata Travel Group, joined by senior representatives from WhereIsThis, Atlantis Resorts, and the Oman Convention Bureau. Insights from the discussion highlighted the concierge’s shift from a reactive role to one that anticipates guest needs before they arise. Speakers also explored how AI powered personalisation is enabling real time, seamless, and tailored experiences. The panel further identified storytelling, sustainability, and destination stewardship as key forces redefining the future of luxury travel. The event featured 28 curated exhibitors and 55 senior buyers from across the GCC and beyond, alongside professionals from across the dnata Travel Group and its partners, creating a dynamic platform for 1,680 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings. Moving beyond traditional formats, Opulence introduced a ‘Beyond the Ballroom’ concept, with meetings and networking spread across the resort’s scenic spaces, complemented by immersive cultural experiences. Guests enjoyed a cultural evening hosted by Experience Oman at the Frankincense Museum within the Al Balid Archaeological Site, offering a deep …

The Emirate of Sharjah is preparing to welcome the 15th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival 2026, the annual flagship event that brings together art and creativity in celebration of Emirati culture and heritage. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the early launch of Light Village, running from 29 January until 22 February 2026, ahead of the festival’s official opening ceremony on 3 February 2026. During this period, the emirate will be illuminated by artistic and light displays that transform its landmarks into living canvases, continuing until 15 February 2026. Light Village will open early starting tonight 29 January 2026, and will run until 22 February 2026. A popular seasonal destination under the umbrella of the Sharjah Light Festival, the village will this year present a rich and interactive programme that, for the first time, extends into the first few days of the holy month of Ramadan, bringing the total duration to 25 days. The village features a collection of light artworks and illuminated installations by international artists, a dedicated children’s play area, and a variety of interactive activities and programmes designed for visitors of all ages. Commenting on this, His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said “Light Village complements the vision of the Sharjah Light Festival through the creative experiences and activities it offers, adding a vibrant artistic dimension to the emirate’s landmarks and reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a dynamic cultural, tourism and arts destination. Through this initiative, we present a fully integrated family entertainment destination that meets the expectations of residents and visitors to Sharjah from within the UAE and abroad, while also supporting youth initiatives and national projects. This contributes …

Top Travel Trip (T3) was honoured as the ‘Best B2b Travel Company’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “We are extremely grateful to the Arabian Travel Awards for this recognition. This award belongs to our clients, suppliers, and team, whose trust and dedication brought us here. Going forward, we will continue strengthening customer relationships and delivering services that help both our clients and our business grow.” Dinesh Chelani, Country Head UAE, Top Travel Trip

Reollo Travel, in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines, recently hosted an exclusive Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Thailand and Sri Lanka for leading travel agencies from the UAE. Participants represented Sharaf Travel, Al Shamsi Travels, Al Saqr Travels, ATS Travel, Al Hind Travel, Zawaya Al Sadeem Travel, Al Rahal Tours, and Al Fursan Travel. The group departed from Dubai on 12 November for a four-night discovery of Pattaya and Bangkok, followed by a two-night stopover in Sri Lanka to experience the tropical beachfronts of Bentota and the vibrant urban attractions of Colombo. SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, ensured a smooth and memorable journey to Bangkok with seamless connections via Colombo. From warm hospitality to attentive onboard service, the airline demonstrated its signature Sri Lankan charm. The comfortable travel experience quickly became an early highlight of the FAM trip, boosting participants’ confidence in recommending SriLankan Airlines to their valued clients. Reollo Travel, a leading B2B wholesaler, curated a diverse portfolio of hotels across all destinations to showcase the most appealing choices for Middle Eastern travellers. Stays at Jomtien Thani Pattaya, Valia Hotel Bangkok, NH Sukhumvit Bangkok, Cinnamon Bentota Beach, and Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams allowed agents to gain firsthand insight into product offerings they can confidently promote. Complementing these stays, the group also received warm hospitality and guided property tours from Amari Pattaya, The Landmark Bangkok, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Grand Colombo, each providing exclusive presentations and hosted meals. The itinerary delivered a well-balanced blend of cultural exploration, hotel inspections, and memorable experiences across all three destinations. In Pattaya, the agents visited the famous Viewpoint, enjoyed a full-day Coral Island excursion, and discovered the city’s vibrant coastal highlights. Bangkok offered an …