Emirates has officially launched its new daily service to Shenzhen, marking the airline’s fourth gateway in the Chinese mainland and reinforcing its East Asia growth strategy. Passengers who flew on the inaugural flight from Dubai received special gifts and certificates to commemorate the occasion. Emirates now offers 42 weekly flights to four key cities in the Chinese mainland – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen – providing passengers and businesses with enhanced connectivity and travel options in and out of Chinese mainland. Operated by a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates’ flight EK328 departs from Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 2200hrs. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 2355hrs, landing in Dubai at 0340hrs the next day.* Flights to and from Shenzhen are conveniently timed to enable seamless connectivity to key destinations across Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam – leveraging Emirates’ extensive global network via its Dubai hub. Passengers can also seamlessly connect to Emirates’ points in Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, said: “We are excited to launch our new daily service to Shenzhen – one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities. This milestone reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to strengthening our presence in the Chinese mainland and supporting the country’s trade and tourism objectives. It is also aligned with the strengthening of China-UAE relations, and a strategic move to seamlessly connect the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s innovation corridor – an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub that aims to attract global innovation resources, through our flights. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Shenzhen Airport Group and our …

According to Visa’s Travel Pulse Eid Al Adha Edition, international travel by KSA residents rose by 25% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by a strong preference for shorter trips, with 69% of travelers from KSA opting for brief weekend getaways. They also made 21% more purchases abroad and spent 13% more overall this Eid, reflecting a preference to maximize the holidays with quick trips abroad. Travelers from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) took full advantage of this year’s extended Eid Al Adha break, turning the six-day (June 5-10) holiday into an opportunity for cultural exploration, both at home and abroad. While many residents jetted off for short international getaways, the Kingdom also welcomed millions of foreign pilgrims during the Hajj season, driving a steady increase in travel to Saudi Arabia and spending. This Eid, international getaways became an opportunity for many KSA travelers to indulge in retail experiences. Shopping led the way across all major destinations, influencing not just how people spent, but also where they chose to go. • UAE led as the top international destination, welcoming 14% of KSA travelers and accounting for 23% of total international spend. With an average spend of $635 per card, fashion took center stage — seven of the top ten merchants were in the shopping and apparel category. Among the top brands were Dubai Duty Free Stores, Hermes, and Cartier, reflecting both a preference for convenient airport shopping and a strong appetite for luxury. Dining and entertainment were also high on the agenda. • Nine percent (9%) of travelers went to Turkey, making it the second most popular destination. It captured 15% of overall holiday spend …

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines celebrate the new daily service between Manila and Doha with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH). Commemorating the occasion were Philippine Airlines’ President, Mr. Richard Nutall; and Philippine Airlines’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, alongside executive delegates from Qatar Airways Group. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to celebrate the start of codeshare flights with Philippine Airlines. This daily service marks the beginning of a strong partnership between our two airlines, paving the way for even closer ties between the Philippines and Qatar for the benefit of both business and leisure travel.” He continued: “We welcome Philippine Airlines to our unrivalled portfolio of airline partnerships which encompasses some of the best airlines in the world. By working closely with Philippine Airlines, we will offer our customers from around the world a seamless travel experience and greater choice for connections to and from the Philippines, through the best hub in the Middle East: Hamad International Airport in Doha.” Philippine Airlines President, Mr. Richard Nuttall, said: “Our strategic partnership with Qatar Airways puts our valued guests in the forefront and enables us to draw from our respective strengths. Together, we can focus clearly on further developing the Philippines-Qatar air travel market while ensuring seamless connections across our respective networks.” “I express my deepest thanks to all the government officials, airport authorities, service partners and other stakeholders whose support is vital for the success of our partnership services. We are truly grateful to be your allies in this worthy endeavor,” he added. The daily nonstop flights will be operated on Philippine Airlines’ long-range …

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have signed a frequent flyer partnership agreement to allow loyalty members of either airline to earn and redeem miles across both networks from 1 July 2025. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said, “We are pleased to offer our members even more ways to earn and redeem their Etihad Guest miles, rewarding guests for every extraordinary travel experience. Complimenting Etihad’s launch of flights to Hanoi from November this year, this partnership gives our members access to Vietnam Airlines’ impressive global network, offering members more destinations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and domestic Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming Lotusmiles members onboard Etihad soon, to experience our signature Emirati hospitality and earn and redeem their miles with us, one adventure at a time.” Nguyen Sy Thanh, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Director, also commented, “We are delighted to partner with Etihad Airways. This collaboration will offer Lotusmiles members greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across an extensive global network, including destinations in North America and the Middle East. It also ensures a seamless and rewarding travel experience, delivered with world-class service from both airlines. This marks an important milestone in our journey to enhance customer value and reinforce our continued commitment to provide memorable travel experiences. Beyond that, the partnership reflects our dedication to delivering the image of Vietnam and its rich cultural identity closer to the world.” This partnership is a demonstration of the commitment established by both carriers signing a Memorandum of Understanding in October last year and reflects the initial phase of expanded cooperation. The MoU was designed to strengthen ties between the airlines and formalised a commitment to explore …

According to Campbell Gray boutique hotels are the missing pieces in the hospitality sector in the GCC. Globally, the boutique hotel sector is gaining momentum, valued at US $25 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed US $40.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%, according to Grand View Research. Leisure travellers made up more than 70% of boutique hotel guests in 2023, underlining the continued demand for personalised, experience-led stays which could the GCC has made remarkable strides in tourism, establishing itself as a global hub for luxury and innovation. Yet, while the region is known for large-scale resorts and international hotel brands, there is a growing opportunity to introduce more individual, character-driven hospitality in the Gulf. Today’s travellers, from creatives to high-net-worth individuals, are increasingly drawn to places that feel personal and emotionally engaging. Boutique hotels tend to achieve higher Average Daily Rates (ADR) thanks to their uniqueness and personal appeal, and are especially well suited to emerging districts where large-scale development may be less feasible. Boutique hotels meet this demand by delivering human-centred experiences that prioritise intimacy, privacy, and connection. What was once a preference has now become an expectation, especially after the pandemic highlighted the need for comfort and low-contact environments. With fewer rooms, limited shared spaces, and a more considered scale, boutique properties offer a level of calm and personalisation that larger hotels often struggle to match. While most hospitality development in the region is led by major groups focused on building ever larger and more opulent hotels, the boutique segment remains relatively unexplored. A few examples are emerging in destinations such as Hatta, Al Ula and Ras Al Khaimah, but the concept of …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of two new hotels, Kimpton and EVEN Hotels Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) – in partnership with Koushan Real Estate Development Company. Located within the masterplan of King Abdullah Sports City, a landmark district surrounding the stadium that will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the new properties are set to open in 2028, marking a significant milestone in IHG’s growth in the Kingdom’s fast-evolving hospitality landscape. The dual-branded development brings together Kimpton, IHG’s boutique luxury lifestyle brand, and EVEN Hotels, IHG’s premium lifestyle wellness-focused brands. Together, they will cater to a wide spectrum of guests, from international sports fans and athletes to wellness-conscious travelers and high-end business guests, while enhancing the Kingdom’s hospitality offering in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Strategically located in northern Jeddah, both hotels offer seamless access to major infrastructure, including the stadium, retail and leisure zones, as well as King Abdulaziz International Airport. This prime location ensures a dynamic, connected, and lifestyle-forward experience for all visitor segments. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Koushan Real Estate Development Company once again to bring Kimpton and EVEN Hotels to a location as iconic and strategically important as King Abdullah Sports City. This dual signing not only expands our luxury and lifestyle footprint in the Kingdom, but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to create world-class destinations ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Our Kimpton brand leads the way with individually designed boutique hotels and restaurants that focus on self-expression, world-class design, and genuinely warm service. With EVEN Hotels, we’re reimagining wellness hospitality by seamlessly …

Etihad Airways kicks-off the summer season with six hot destinations, including the airline’s new seasonal flights to Al Alamein. As part of its expanding network, Etihad is launching flights to Al Alamein (DBB) from 17 July with two weekly flights to Egypt’s hidden gem on the Mediterranean coast. Offering the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural history, Al Alamein will become a popular choice for guests seeking relaxation and adventure, just a short flight away. In addition to the new destination, Etihad has resumed its five seasonal routes to European summer hotspots, giving direct access for holiday-makers to some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, Santorini and Antalya. Nice (NCE) in the French Riviera, is an ideal entryway for exploring the Côte d’Azur France, while flights to Malaga (AGP) offers a gateway to Andalucía and popular holiday destinations on the Mediterranean coast, including Marbella, and further inland to the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. For guests seeking a Greek island getaway, Etihad resumed its convenient flights direct to the enchanting islands of Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK). From crystal-clear waters, white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets, both islands offer an excellent escape. Etihad also relaunched flights to the popular Turkish resort, Antalya (AYT), on 17 June. Set on the turquoise coast of the Turkish riviera, this is a Mediterranean gem for holiday-makers seeking sun and relaxation. Onboard the first flights of all six seasonal routes, guests received a limited-edition Summer Fun Kit which includes: a branded cooler bag, an inflatable beach ball, a microfibre beach towel, a Voss water bottle and a gift booklet. Guests were able to step off the plane beach-ready and well-equipped to step straight on to the …

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence directed for the ‘World Sports Summit’ to be organised in Dubai from 29-30 December. The event is anticipated to draw the largest global gathering related to the sports sector, with the participation of leading sports stars, experts and decision-makers from around the world. His Highness said: “This summit will bring together top officials, coaches, specialists and current and former sports stars from around the world in Dubai to shape the future of the sports sector globally. Through this unique gathering in Dubai, we aim to harness new opportunities in the sector, while addressing current and future challenges, so that sport continues to play a vital role in bringing people together, inspiring generations, supporting the economy, developing talent, and becoming more enjoyable and beneficial for its fans and followers.” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan added: “This summit will discuss the future of both team and individual sports and will explore ways to support national teams and sports clubs to enhance their performance. We also place emphasis on the important role educational institutions and sports academies in preparing talents of all ages and across various sporting disciplines.” The World Sports Summit will be organised by the Dubai Sports Council. To be held at the Madinat Jumeirah, the event will feature a comprehensive programme including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops and meetings. Participants representing various sporting bodies, teams and federations will discuss the future of the industry in the context of economic, legislative, regulatory, and social frameworks. Key topics of discussion at the summit will include avenues to enhance audience engagement and economic viability …

Emirates will be layering on more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on its existing schedules to Shanghai and Zurich; expanding Milan, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires schedules; and upgrading its services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments. Emirates’ latest schedule, capacity enhancements and newly retrofitted aircraft deployments are in response to increased demand across the airline’s network and offer opportunities for more customers to enjoy the airline’s signature onboard experience, especially its highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin. The airline’s ambitious retrofit programme is progressing with remarkable momentum, as one aircraft undergoes a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh every three weeks. Emirates’ engineering teams have retrofitted 60 aircraft since the start of the programme in November 2022. Emirates’ latest schedule enhancements, all effective from 26 October, include: • Ramping up operations to Milan with the addition of a third daily flight, EK 101/102. The third daily flight will be served with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. • Emirates’ linked services to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, EK247/248 will become daily flights. • After being served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 from 20 July, the airline will upgrade its services to Shanghai on the EK302/303 to the iconic Airbus A380, and the airline’s second daily flight to the city, EK 304/305, will be served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. • From this winter, the third daily flight between Dubai and Singapore will be served with the airline’s flagship A380 on the EK 314/315. Emirates will upgrade its second daily Zurich flight, EK 85/86, from 1 February 2026 to an A380, replacing the current retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. Premium Economy will debut on Emirates flight EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, …

Etihad Airways is preparing to welcome more than seven million guests at Zayed International Airport over the busy summer travel period.  Shaeb Alnuaimi, Director of Airport Operations, Etihad said: “We are looking forward to hosting millions of guests at Zayed International Airport as they head off on their summer holidays, including those flying on our seasonal routes to Malaga, Antalya, Santorini, Nice, and Mykonos. At every stage of the journey, we’re focused on delivering the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service. Whether it’s our modern fleet, award-winning hospitality, or thoughtful travel experiences, our guests can expect a smooth and enjoyable journey from the moment they check in.” Etihad Airways has compiled essential tips to help guests prepare for their travels: Staying informed is essential during busy travel periods. Guests can easily access the latest flight information through the Manage My Booking section on etihad.com or via the mobile app, where they can view or modify flight details, select seats, and access various other services. To avoid potential queues, guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure during peak periods. For added convenience, Etihad offers multiple early check-in options: Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure and is available through etihad.com or the mobile app. After checking in online, guests can use the many automated self-service bag drops at the terminal, allowing them to weigh and tag their bags and collect their boarding pass in under a minute. Several off-airport check-in and bag-drop facilities are also available at: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24 hours) The Fountains – YAS Mall (open from 10am to 10pm) Mussafah (open from 10am to 10pm) at 38 …