TIME Hotels has announced a strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital transformation as a key pillar of its growth strategy for 2026, supporting operational scalability, enhancing guest experiences, and advancing its ambitious international expansion pipeline. With the company continuing to expand across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, which includes an existing property portfolio of 17 hotels, and a further 5,000 keys and 12 properties in the pipeline, the group is investing in AI-powered and data-driven technologies to ensure consistent service delivery across markets and brands. Over the next five years, the group is prioritising end-to-end digitalisation across the entire guest journey, creating a seamless, connected experience from booking through to departure. This includes expanding mobile-first, AI-powered, and self-service capabilities to meet evolving guest expectations, alongside continued investment in direct booking platforms through enhanced user experience and smarter conversion tools. In addition, TIME Hotels is strengthening cybersecurity and data governance frameworks to safeguard information and maintain trust, while implementing IoT-driven solutions that improve operational efficiency, optimise energy management, and support long-term sustainability goals. Within this framework, AI and data analytics will play a practical, operations-led role across the TIME Hotels portfolio, delivering tangible value in several key areas, including real-time guest personalisation, improved service consistency across multiple hotels, stronger revenue and distribution decisions, and more effective operational planning. Automated pre-arrival communications, in-stay notifications, and post-stay feedback management will help to create a smoother, more responsive guest journey, while allowing on-property teams to focus on guest interactions and personalised care. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, said: “As a midscale hospitality group operating in multiple markets, the company views AI as a tool to support stronger decision-making, improve consistency, …

As part of its ongoing growth strategy in Southeast Asia and commitment to the Philippines, Emirates will introduce four additional weekly flights between Dubai and Manila from 2 April. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Emirates’ flight EK330 will depart Dubai at 12:45hrs, arriving in Manila at 1:25hrs the next day. Emirates’ return flight EK331 will depart from Manila at 3:25hrs, arriving in Dubai at 8:25hrs. All times are local. Flights EK330/331 will be operated by Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER, featuring 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. With this expansion, the airline will offer greater choice and enhanced connectivity for corporate travellers, marine customers as well as the large Filipino diaspora across Emirates’ global network, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, United States, Kuwait, Germany, France, Netherland, Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal and South Africa. The new flights also provide shorter connections from and to Canada, United States, as well as the late morning European departures including Milan, London, Budapest and Athens via Dubai. Travellers to and from Manila will benefit from Emirates’ award-winning service and industry-leading products in the air and on the ground across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system which offers more than 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages including Tagalog, featuring movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audio books and podcasts. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates’ retail stores. An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo in its bellyhold …

Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments regained the title of ‘Best Luxury Serviced Apartments’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning Arabian Travel Award 2025 for Best Luxury Serviced Apartments signifies elevated credibility and global recognition, acting as a powerful endorsement of superior service, design, comfort, and guest experience, boosting trust, attracting potential clientele, enhancing brand positioning, motivating staff, and setting a benchmark for industry excellence, ” Freddy Farid, Managing Director, Two Seasons Hotel and Apartments

Six Senses will make its debut in the UAE with the opening of Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, scheduled for early Q3 2026. Set on the quieter West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 61-suite, boutique-scale, all-suite resort offers a more thoughtful expression of beachfront living. Open views stretch across the Arabian Gulf, The Palm and the Dubai skyline, while lush, landscaped gardens unfold into a series of mini jebels, meandering pathways and palm-fringed courtyards that lead gently to a private beach. The result is a genuine sense of retreat, balanced by close proximity to the city. The resort’s LEED-certified architecture is expressed through organic forms, natural textures and biophilic materials, creating spaces that feel instinctively rooted in place and designed to foster a deeper connection with the surrounding environment. Wellbeing sits at the heart of the Six Senses experience, combining science-backed wellness with time-honoured healing practices in a way that feels intuitive and accessible. A longevity centre, biohacking lounge, Alchemy Bar, and yoga and meditation studios form the foundation of the resort, complemented by daily rituals designed to support long-term vitality and balance. Sustainability is approached as a lived experience rather than a statement. From responsible design and energy- and water-efficient systems to waste reduction initiatives and hands-on guest education through Earth Lab, the resort is designed to contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s sustainability ambitions while inviting guests to engage, learn and participate. Dining is guided by the Eat with Six Senses philosophy, with a collection of venues celebrating seasonal produce, locally sourced ingredients where possible and mindful preparation. A zero-waste kitchen philosophy underpins each experience, positioning nourishment as an integral part of overall wellbeing. Designed to welcome travellers, residents, couples …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced another year of record-breaking results for the Emirate, welcoming 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025 – a 6% year-on-year increase – alongside a 12% growth in tourism revenues. Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “2025 has been a landmark year for Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has grown not just in numbers, but in the depth and breadth of its offering – from signature events and new hotels to stronger global partnerships and steady growth in visitor arrivals. As we look ahead to 2030, we’re more committed than ever to shaping tourism that delivers long-term value for visitors, investors and our community.” These results were underpinned by a series of milestones across events, infrastructure, investment, partnerships and sustainability. Key highlights from 2025 include:  Strong performance across key source markets, including the CIS, UK, India, China, and Central and Eastern Europe, with notable growth from Romania, Poland, Uzbekistan and Belarus driven by expanded direct flight connectivity • MICE and Weddings revenues grew by +25%, Key leadership appointment with Phillipa Harrison joining as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in August 2025, Major hotel openings and announcements including Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection, supporting the Emirate’s goal to double hotel keys by 2030,  Landmark destination developments unveiled, including Marjan Beach and RAK Central, both adding ambitious mixed-use communities, plus milestone construction progress at Wynn Al Marjan Island, Expanded signature events, including the RAK Half Marathon, UAE Tour, RAK Art Festival, Exotic Wedding Planning Conference, and HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge. Enhanced aviation infrastructure, with plans for a VIP private aviation terminal at RAK International Airport. Strategic partnerships …

Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay clenched the title of ‘Best Debut 5-Star Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning Best Debut 5-Star Hotel for Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay at the Arabian Travel Awards is incredibly rewarding for our teams. This recognition reflect our shared commitment to genuine hospitality and service excellence.” Ziad Tantawi – Cluster General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay & Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay.

Wego teamed up with Visit Qatar to inspire regional travellers by showcasing Qatar’s cultural richness, striking landscapes, and contemporary experiences. This partnership introduces a dynamic campaign that encourages travelers from across the region to discover the many layers of Qatar, beyond the expected. From lively neighborhoods and creative art districts to scenic coastal walks and majestic desert landscapes, the campaign highlights Qatar as a destination where tradition meets modernity. As MENA travellers increasingly seek meaningful, authentic, and comfortable experiences, Qatar emerges as a standout choice, offering a unique fusion of culture, nature, and contemporary leisure. From the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif and the architectural brilliance of the Museum of Islamic Art to the evolving skyline of Lusail and the tranquil waterfront of the Corniche, Qatar offers a journey rich in discovery. Visitors can unwind at Katara’s beaches, savor traditional dishes such as machboos and fresh seafood, explore the creative spaces of Msheireb Downtown, or venture out to the Inland Sea where sweeping dunes meet crystal waters in one of the country’s most breathtaking natural settings. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “This partnership with Visit Qatar allows us to spotlight the country’s remarkable evolution as a travel destination. Our campaign is designed to engage travelers at every stage from inspiration to planning and booking through rich content and seamless tools. Qatar offers something for everyone: thriving cultural quarters, pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine, and a calendar full of world-class events. We’re excited to connect our users to the experiences that make Qatar both distinctive and unforgettable.” Saleh Al-Nisf, MEA & Africa Senior Manager at Visit Qatar said: “Our collaboration with Wego is a key step in amplifying Qatar’s …

Etihad Airways and Tunisair signed a codeshare agreement strengthening air links between North Africa and Abu Dhabi and supporting growing demand for travel, tourism, and business between the two regions. Travellers can book flights between Abu Dhabi and Tunis under either airline’s code on Etihad-operated services. The partnership creates a streamlined booking experience with a single ticket, one check-in, and bags transferred automatically to final destinations. The agreement covers Etihad’s three weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi–Tunis route, which launched 1 November 2025. Flights operate using Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, featuring the airline’s signature hospitality across three cabin with 2 First Suites, 14 Business and 144 Economy seats. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Partnering with Tunisair brings Abu Dhabi closer to travellers across North Africa. We’re seeing strong interest from the region in what Abu Dhabi offers – from business opportunities and trade links to tourism and family connections. This codeshare gives Tunisair’s customers access to our service and product, making Abu Dhabi an easier destination to reach.”  Halima Ibrahim Khouaja, Chief Executive Officer at Tunisair, said: “Through this partnership, we are opening new travel opportunities for our customers by connecting the Maghreb and Africa to the Gulf. Abu Dhabi is a strategic market for Tunisair, and our collaboration with Etihad further expands the range of connections available to passengers across our network. This agreement strengthens the air bridge between our regions and underscores Tunisair’s role as a key player in regional connectivity. “  With more than 75 years of expertise, Tunisair has long been a leading carrier, serving not only the Tunisian market but also key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America, where it …

As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City invites guests to come together and celebrate the season of reflection and togetherness through a thoughtfully curated collection of Iftar and Suhoor experiences across its diverse dining destinations. Blending tradition, culinary excellence and warm hospitality, the Ramadan 2026 offerings promise meaningful moments for families, friends and corporate gatherings alike. “Ramadan is a time of reflection, connection and togetherness,” said Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. “Our Ramadan 2026 portfolio has been carefully designed to honour the traditions of the Holy Month while offering a range of dining experiences that cater to different preferences—from generous international buffets to relaxed, family-friendly settings.” Iftar at Anise – A Global Culinary Journey This Ramadan, Anise at InterContinental Dubai Festival City presents a lavish international Iftar buffet with a strong emphasis on Arabic and Levantine cuisine, complemented by rotating global flavours across eight live cooking stations. Guests can enjoy traditional Ramadan beverages, Arabic coffee and an extensive selection of desserts, alongside homemade Arabic sweets, a live logaimat station, freshly prepared charcoal kunafa, traditional ouzzi and the serving of Zam Zam water, all within an elegant indoor setting or on the expansive outdoor terrace overlooking Dubai Creek. The Ramadan décor and overall set-up have been entirely designed and executed in-house by the hotel’s dedicated teams, with every element thoughtfully created to reflect the spirit and authenticity of the Holy Month.   Time: Sunset – 8:00pm Price: AED 299 per person | AED 125 for children aged 7–12 | Children under 6 dine complimentary Location: Lobby Level, InterContinental Dubai Festival City Highlights: Homemade Arabic sweets | Live logaimat station | …

The UAE Polo Federation Cup Final will take place on 17th January at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, with the subsidiary final match kicking off at 2:00 PM between Equiti Polo Team and Legacy Polo Team with the main final match at 4pm between UAE Polo Team and Bhansali Team. The event will offer an elevated match-day experience for fans and families alike. While iconic teams compete on the field, spectators at the club can enjoy delectable food and beverage specials at the Terrace, Ala Carte Menu at the Dubai Polo Bar and Picnic Basket for the picnic area. Guests can enjoy live final match-viewing in a premium setting from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, complemented by a lively atmosphere and exclusive on-site activities. Table reservations are available with a minimum spend of AED 150 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages. In addition to the on-field action, the event will feature kids’ activities on the lawn, access to the trophy ceremony, and best-dressed prizes for both ladies and gents, adding a social and family-friendly dimension to the afternoon. With sport, style, and celebration coming together, the UAE Polo Federation Cup Final promises an engaging day out for the community in the heart of Dubai. The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club continues to set the standard for exceptional equestrian events and remains dedicated to enhancing the polo community in Dubai and beyond.