Oman Air hosted a trade event in Dubai, bringing together key travel agents and industry partners to share updates on its latest product offerings and strategic developments. The session, led by Brajesh Kumar, Regional Manager – Sales (GCC & MEA), provided agents with an overview of Oman Air’s expanding global network and its milestone entry into the oneworld alliance, which offers guests seamless access to more than 900 destinations worldwide and enhanced benefits across partner airlines. In addition to the alliance, Oman Air shared key company updates including the launch of new European routes to Rome and Amsterdam, the introduction of double-daily flights to London, and its recognition as an APEX WORLD CLASS™ airline for excellence in guest experience. The airline also highlighted its efforts during Dhofar’s Khareef season – an enduring favourite among GCC citizens and residents – while promoting Oman’s year-round appeal through its stopover programme and new Oman Air Holidays platform. The presentation also touched on Oman Air’s cutting-edge NDC product, which empowers partners to offer seamless, dynamic and tailored travel experiences. The event underscored Oman Air’s dedication to its travel agent partners in the UAE, recognising their vital role in the airline’s commercial success. By fostering direct communication and providing comprehensive product knowledge, Oman Air aims to equip its partners with the tools needed to effectively sell the airline’s premium and value-driven offerings to their clients. Oman Air operates across the GCC region with 04 daily fights between Dubai and Muscat.

Oman Sail has expanded its partnership with Visit Oman to strengthen the Sultanate’s position as a major destination for sailing and sports tourism. The collaboration aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors and participants at upcoming world-class sailing events hosted in Oman. Among the flagship events are Mussanah Race Week, the IODA Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship, and the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. Each of the events will bring together international athletes, enthusiasts, and spectators, thus showcasing Oman’s growing reputation as a hub for competitive sailing and inclusive sporting opportunities. The partnership will bring together tourism and sports, giving visitors a chance to enjoy Oman’s cultural heritage alongside its modern facilities. With Visit Oman’s travel expertise and Oman Sail’s event management, the initiative will offer special packages and services designed for both participants and guests. This collaboration supports Oman’s vision to grow sports tourism in a sustainable way. It also strengthens the country’s position as a global destination for hosting major, inclusive sporting events while showcasing Oman’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

MSC Cruises announced the return of its award-winning ship, MSC Euribia, to Dubai for the winter 2025-26 season. From 8 November  2025, to  1 April 2026, the ship will offer guests immersive itineraries across the GCC, combining modern cruising with cultural discovery. Sailing roundtrip from Dubai, MSC Euribia will visit top regional destinations including Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Manama, and Muscat. Guests can select from three- and four-night mini cruises or seven-night Arabian Gulf voyages, allowing flexible experiences to explore the Gulf at their own pace. Onboard, MSC Euribia features the MSC Yacht Club, an all-inclusive luxury “ship within a ship,” offering private suites, 24-hour butler service, an exclusive lounge and restaurant, and a private pool and sun deck. Guests also enjoy 10 dining venues, 21 bars and lounges, five pools, and the Ocean Cay AquaPark. Families benefit from a 700 sqm dedicated kids’ area, while the Delphi Theatre hosts nightly live entertainment. Angelo Capurro, Executive Director of MSC Cruises, said: “The MSC Yacht Club is loved by guests for its outstanding service and exclusive facilities. Bringing it to the Gulf ensures an unparalleled luxury cruising experience.” Bookings for MSC Euribia’s Dubai season are now open. For details, visit the MSC Cruises website.

British Airways is boosting connectivity between the Middle East and the UK with additional flights from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow starting this October, continuing through summer 2026. From 27 October 2025, the airline will operate a daily service from Bahrain, more than doubling its weekly flights and adding over 9,000 seats. This expansion offers passengers increased flexibility for business, family, or leisure trips to the UK and beyond. In Saudi Arabia, British Airways will run 12 weekly flights from Riyadh this winter, rising to 14 per week from summer 2026. Jeddah will see five flights per week in summer 2026, up from four, enhancing options for travelers across the Kingdom. Abu Dhabi will also benefit from a daily service to London starting winter 2025, providing greater convenience and travel choice. The expanded schedule is aimed at meeting growing demand in the region while ensuring seamless onward connections via London Heathrow to over 200 destinations worldwide. Tickets for the additional flights are now available on ba.com, giving customers the opportunity to plan ahead for upcoming travel.

Sharaf Travel has renewed its strategic partnership with Amadeus Gulf, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer-centric travel experiences across the region. Through Amadeus technologies such as NDC-X, Fare Optimiser, and B2B Wallet, Sharaf Travel aims to deliver smarter retailing, secure payments, and highly personalized experiences for both corporate and leisure travelers. The collaboration underscores a shared vision to make travel more connected, efficient, and intelligent. The milestone was marked by a gathering of key leaders, including Jayaram Vaidyanathan, Managing Director & CEO at Sharaf Travel, and Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director of Amadeus Gulf, alongside other senior executives from both organizations. Their presence highlighted the importance of the partnership in driving digital transformation and enhanced customer engagement in the travel sector. “This renewed collaboration enables us to leverage advanced technologies to meet the evolving needs of travelers and deliver seamless, personalized experiences,” said Sharaf Travel leadership. Together, Sharaf Travel and Amadeus Gulf are set to redefine the travel landscape in the region, combining innovation, operational excellence, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Tickets and travel services powered by these technologies are now available through Sharaf Travel’s booking channels.

Saudi Arabia unveiled its Saudi Winter 2025 programme, with Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb, leading the launch ceremony attended by over 120 private-sector partners. Running through the first quarter of 2026, Saudi Winter will feature over 1,200 tourism products and 600 special offers across Riyadh, Diriyah, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, the Eastern Region, and other destinations including Qassim, Hail, and Madinah. Key attractions include live concerts, cultural performances, poetry nights, family and beach activities, the AlUla Wellness Festival, World Rally Championship, F1H2O powerboat race, WWE Royal Rumble, and a collaboration with MrBeast. Presented under the theme “Winter is Alive,” the programme revealed the Events Calendar and highlighted tourism seasons across Riyadh, Diriyah, AlUla, and Al-Khobar, showcasing cultural landmarks, heritage experiences, and distinctive seasonal activities. “The launch of Saudi Winter 2025 presents a new opportunity to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global winter destination,” said Al-Khateeb, emphasising alignment with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s target of 150 million visitors by 2030.

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced that the first phase of resorts and attractions on Shura Island will open to guests in the coming weeks. The debut includes three world-class hospitality brands: SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort along with Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course. The launch represents a key milestone for Vision 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s efforts for economic diversification and sustainable tourism. “Shura Island embodies our mission to redefine tourism while protecting and celebrating nature,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. “With its opening, we move closer to delivering a truly regenerative tourism experience.” When fully complete, Shura Island will feature 11 luxury resorts, including Four Seasons, Jumeirah, Raffles, and Rosewood. Designed by Foster + Partners under the “Coral Bloom” concept, the development blends harmoniously with the natural environment and is fully powered by renewable energy. Guests will access the island via a 3.3km crossing, the Kingdom’s longest internal bridge or through Red Sea International Airport, which is expanding its network with new direct international flights.

flynas in collaboration with Riyadh Airports Company (RAC), launched a new self-bag drop facility at King Khalid International Airport, marking a major step in enhancing passenger convenience and digital services. The automated service, now fully operational at Terminal 1, enables passengers to check in their baggage independently, without staff assistance. The process takes less than 20 seconds per bag, significantly reducing waiting times at check-in counters while ensuring a faster, smoother start to the travel experience. This initiative reflects flynas’ commitment to digital transformation and aligns with RAC’s strategy to deliver innovative solutions that improve airport efficiency and passenger flow. By introducing self-bag drop technology, both partners aim to increase passenger throughput, minimise congestion, and improve overall operational efficiency at the airport. In addition to saving passengers valuable time, the system optimizes terminal space, contributing to a more seamless and modernized airport environment. The move underscores flynas’ role in driving smart travel solutions and RAC’s dedication to positioning Riyadh among the leading digitally advanced airports in the region.

Jazeera Airways will relaunch direct flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with a twice-weekly service starting 2 October 2025. The new routes expand the airline’s presence in the UAE, complementing its existing service to Dubai, and strengthen connectivity across the Gulf region. The relaunch aims to support trade, tourism, and mobility between Kuwait and the Emirates, offering passengers more convenient options for business and leisure travel. By enhancing regional connectivity, Jazeera Airways reinforces its commitment to providing efficient, value-driven travel solutions while facilitating stronger commercial and cultural ties between the two countries. Passengers can expect seamless travel experiences, with schedules designed to accommodate both short business trips and extended leisure stays. The airline’s renewed focus on the UAE market underscores its strategy to enhance regional networks and deliver high-quality services tailored to customer needs. With these new routes, Jazeera Airways positions itself as a key player in Gulf aviation, fostering closer connections and supporting the region’s growing demand for reliable air travel.

A new survey by Skyscanner, in partnership with OnePoll, reveals that fashion is becoming a major factor in how UAE residents plan their leisure travel. The study shows that 86% of adults who travel for leisure and are interested in fashion consider a destination’s fashion culture and activities when making their choices, while Gen Z travellers are increasingly seeking out local designers abroad. Key findings indicate that 77% of respondents use social media to discover fashion hotspots, and 50% rely on influencers or fashion/travel magazines. Europe remains a preferred choice for 69% of travellers, followed by Asia at 63%, while 74% say they would shop for fashion items and 70% would visit local clothing markets. The survey highlights Paris as the city with the most stylish residents (46%), followed by Dubai (37%), with the UAE capital emerging as a hub for streetwear and emerging talent (82% for Dubai, 12% for Abu Dhabi). To guide travellers, Skyscanner partnered with stylist and DJSita Abellan, who curated a ‘Top 10 Off-Runway Destinations’ guide, highlighting cities globally where visitors can explore distinctive fashion culture beyond major Fashion Weeks. Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “Our survey shows travellers in the UAE are prioritising immersive experiences, with fashion a major driver. With many cities globally embracing fashion shopping, activities and events, Skyscanner is making the searches easier and simpler through its ‘Savvy Search’ app feature, unlocking new cultural style local insights that will help them influence their decisions for their future trips.”