flydubai announced a new interline agreement with TAROM expanding seamless travel options for passengers between the UAE, Romania, and key European destinations. The partnership will enable flydubai customers to connect via Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to 15 destinations on TAROM’s network, including Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris. Ramesh Anantharaman, Divisional Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Business Effectiveness at flydubai, said the collaboration strengthens connectivity across Eastern and Central Europe, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. “This agreement allows customers to enjoy simplified itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through check-in for baggage to their final destination,” he added. TAROM’s General Manager, Costin Iordache, said the partnership is a natural step in enhancing regional and international connectivity, offering safe and convenient travel choices. flydubai has operated flights to Bucharest since 2012 and currently runs double daily services. The airline will expand further in Romania with new flights to Iași starting 19 September 2025. flydubai’s network spans more than 135 destinations across 57 countries.

Oman Air is highlighting its digital-first approach at the flagship technology exhibition. The airline is using the platform to demonstrate its role as a modern, innovative carrier and share insights on the transformative impact of digitalisation in aviation. During the conference, Oman Air’s Commercial and Digital teams discussed the airline’s digital journey, which has enhanced guest experiences, streamlined ancillary services, and enabled smarter retailing. Chief Commercial Officer Mike Rutter emphasised that these initiatives reflect Oman Air’s strategy to make travel simpler, smarter, and more rewarding, while supporting the growth of Oman’s digital ecosystem. Key digital initiatives include the launch of a new online booking platform, Oman Air Holidays, revamped website and mobile app, flexible fare bundles, and the revitalization of the Sindbad loyalty programme. Direct sales have risen to over 70%, reducing reliance on third-party channels. The airline is also using AI to improve customer service and booking processes. COMEX 2025 runs until 11 September at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre, where visitors can explore Oman Air’s innovative digital solutions at its dedicated booth.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council said that the hotel revenues have exceeded year on year and occupancy hit 80.5% during the first six months of this year. Speaking at the third meeting he shared : “Hotel establishment revenues in the country surpassed AED 26 billion in the first half of this year, marking a 6.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy rate hit 80.5 per cent during the first six months, reflecting sustained growth in this vital sector, the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors, and supporting the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion by the next decade.” His Excellency added: “Through the Emirates Tourism Council, we continue our efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in the country by fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors and launching innovative initiatives and projects. These efforts not only drive tourism growth but also create exceptional travel experiences, offer unique opportunities to Emirati talents, and strengthen our national tourism identity on the global stage.” The Emirates Tourism Council held its third meeting of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Council, and attended by the chairpersons and directors general of the local tourism authorities across the UAE. During the meeting, H.E. affirmed that the UAE’s tourism sector continues to perform exceptionally under the guidance of the wise leadership, which prioritizes its development as a strategic driver of non-oil GDP growth and …

Emirates will deploy its Airbus A350 to Hangzhou, China on its daily service from 26 October 2025. Coming just three months after its inaugural service, the deployment reinforces Emirates’ steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding experience for travellers to and from its newest destination in Chinese mainland. The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK310 which departs from Dubai International Airport at 04:15hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at 16:00hrs; the return flight, EK311, departs Hangzhou at 00:10hrs, landing in Dubai at 06:10hrs.* Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Over the last year we have made significant investments in our operations to Chinese mainland, creating meaningful impact through the launch of brand-new destinations and providing an elevated in-flight experience with our latest products. Introducing the A350 to Hangzhou is the natural next step, as we continue to bring the latest and greatest that Emirates has to offer to China’s skies. The A350 is an exciting addition to our fleet mix, adding a new dynamic to our existing operations in China. We look forward to welcoming passengers from Hangzhou on the new Emirates A350 soon.” The A350 is the first new aircraft model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008, complementing the existing line-up of Boeing 777s and A380s, both of which serve Chinese mainland. Kitted out in the airline’s latest signature interiors, the A350 features sleek and spacious cabins, with extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes. Designed around customer comfort, the aircraft features seamless technology touchpoints and ground-breaking inflight entertainment to elevate the passenger experience. The deployment of the A350 also introduces Premium Economy to Hangzhou, expanding Emirates premium offering to and from the city. …

As the Official Airline Partner of FIFA and the Authorised Travel Package Provider, the leisure arm of Qatar Airways will offer fans a seamless solution covering flights, accommodation, official match tickets, and transfers. Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Qatar Airways Holidays and Discover Qatar, said the airline is committed to delivering “exceptional packages” that support fans worldwide, ensuring a smooth journey from their homes to the stadium. The FIFA World Cup 26, featuring 48 teams and 16 Host Cities, is expected to be the largest in history. Packages include ticket-inclusive and refundable options under the ‘Follow My Team Series,’ along with Gold and Silver packages for knockout and final rounds. Fans can also benefit from Category 1 match tickets, prime-location hotels, and match-day transfers. With over 170 gateways and global partnerships, Qatar Airways aims to connect football enthusiasts to the world’s biggest sporting event with unmatched convenience.

This collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive travel solutions to corporate clients across the region. Under this agreement, DW Travel will serve as Uniglobe’s preferred travel partner in the Middle East, providing end-to-end travel management services to Uniglobe’s clientele. This partnership leverages DW Travel’s regional expertise and Uniglobe’s global network to offer clients seamless and efficient travel experiences. Uniglobe Travel is a globally recognized travel management company (TMC), representing a network of independently owned and operated corporate travel agencies that collectively generate over USD 5 billion in annual revenue. While each agency operates autonomously, all adhere to Uniglobe’s high standards of professionalism, ensuring consistent service quality across markets. With a strong local presence in 60 countries and servicing clients in 90, Uniglobe currently manages travel programs for more than 10,000 corporate organizations worldwide. “We are excited to enter this strategic partnership with Uniglobe Travel,” said Bader Ahli, Director of DW Travel. “This collaboration not only strengthens our position in the corporate travel sector but also expands our ability to deliver world-class, tailored travel solutions to clients across the Middle East. By combining our deep regional expertise with Uniglobe’s global reach, we are set to redefine the corporate travel experience, offering seamless, efficient, and highly personalized services for businesses of all sizes. Whilst DW Travel has experienced 37% revenue growth year over year, our hope is that this partnership will provide opportunities for us to accelerate our growth even further in the future.” Patrick Hooft, President of Uniglobe BI and EMEA, commented, ‘Partnering with DW Travel is a pivotal step in strengthening Uniglobe’s presence in the Middle East. Their deep regional expertise and commitment to excellence perfectly complement our global network. By combining our …

As the first-ever Kimpton in the region, the 212-room luxury lifestyle hotel brings the brand’s sophisticated yet playful approach, refined design, socially engaging spaces and human-centered hospitality, to the heart of Riyadh’s most dynamic neighborhood. Founded in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has become a globally celebrated brand known for its design-led hotels that serve as vibrant community hubs. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks a significant step in the brand’s strategic expansion into the region, catering to the growing demand for authentic, design-led luxury experiences. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks the brand’s exciting expansion into the Middle East, offering a fresh, design-led approach to hospitality in the Kingdom. Rising gracefully across 16 floors, the hotel blends contemporary elegance with the brand’s playful personality. Guests can expect thoughtfully curated spaces, from breezy skywalk access to the metro to in-room yoga mats, luxury bedding, and mini-bars stocked with locally inspired treats. Whether travelling for business or leisure, every stay is enriched with unexpected touches that make the experience distinctly Kimpton.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has successfully concluded its 2025 roadshow in India, with events held in Mumbai on September 3 and New Delhi on September 5. The initiative aimed to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a preferred destination for Indian tourists and expand strategic partnerships with key players in India’s tourism sector. The roadshow featured events at Mumbai’s St. Regis and New Delhi’s Leela Palace, attended by around 90 Indian business partners in each city, alongside media representatives. The Sharjah delegation included leading public and private sector partners such as Air Arabia, Emirates Airlines, Al Zajil Tourism, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Shurooq, Golden Tulip Hotel, and Centro Sharjah Hotel. The tour highlighted Sharjah’s top attractions and showcased its refreshed tourism brand, “Visit Sharjah,” through a promotional video and interactive experiences, including virtual reality displays. SCTDA announced four strategic partnerships with Indian tourism companies—Royal Tours, Riya Holidays, Thrillophila, and TravClan—and launched consumer campaigns with platforms like Amazon and Inshorts.Sharjah continues to see growing interest from India, recording a 38% increase in Indian hotel guests in the first seven months of 2025, reinforcing its status as a top tourism market.

Saudia announced a strategic partnership with Trip.Biz, the all-in-one digital platform for corporate travel management. The collaboration aims to redefine business travel by combining Saudia’s extensive airline network with Trip.Biz’s smart digital tools, making corporate journeys seamless and efficient. The announcement was made during Transform, Trip.Biz’s flagship conference in Singapore, which showcased the latest innovations and solutions in business travel management to industry leaders and corporate clients. Under the partnership, Saudia will provide Trip.Biz access to corporate fares and promotional offers, while supporting joint marketing initiatives. Trip.Biz will promote the airline across relevant customer accounts and provide visibility into key opportunities, helping drive stronger corporate sales performance. Ian Blackie, General Manager of Global Corporate Accounts at Saudia, said the collaboration aligns with the airline’s strategy to enhance guest experience using advanced technologies across trip planning, booking management, and after-sales services. The partnership also reinforces Saudia’s ongoing digital transformation, including AI-powered solutions to streamline operations, boost competitiveness, and deliver innovative products that meet the highest global standards.

The investment, valued at OMR 1.81 million ($ 4.7 million), comes as part of OMRAN Group’s efforts to drive innovation in the tourism and hospitality sector and expand alternative accommodation options in the Sultanate of Oman. Commenting on the investment, Shabib bin Mohammed Al Maamari, Managing Director of Visit Oman, said: “This strategic investment reflects OMRAN Group’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions that support the diversification of the tourism sector and strengthen digital innovation. Through this partnership with UnderTheDoormat Group, we aim to empower property owners, licensed units, local communities, and SMEs by opening new avenues for business and reinforcing the Sultanate’s position as an attractive global tourism destination, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.” Merilee Karr, Founder and CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group said, “The OMRAN Group investment into UnderTheDoormat Group is a major milestone for the company. It supports our growth strategy in the Gulf region and further enables our global technology expansion in the short term and flexible rental sector globally. Within Oman, combining OMRAN’s vision for tourism growth with our expertise in technology, compliance, and operations, we can create a robust short-term rental framework that empowers property owners, SMEs and communities. Together, we will set new standards for quality and innovation in the region and beyond.” Through this partnership, OMRAN Group will roll out a fully integrated digital infrastructure for short-term rentals in Oman. The framework will ensure quality standards and full legal compliance, while enabling SMEs to benefit from advanced digital solutions offered by Hospiria and TrustedStays, enhancing competitiveness and creating growth opportunities locally and internationally. The investment also paves the way for property owners and local hosts in Oman to list their …