flydubai was honoured as the ‘Fastest Growing Airline Partner to Malaysia’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. From its home in Dubai, flydubai has steadily built a dynamic network spanning more than 135 destinations, operated by a modern fleet of 97 aircraft. Since launching operations in June 2009, the airline has remained focused on removing barriers to travel, enabling the free flow of trade and tourism, and strengthening global connectivity. Through its ever-expanding network, flydubai continues to bridge markets and bring cultures closer together.

Kuwait Airways launched operations to its new destination of Sphinx in the Arab Republic of Egypt, commencing 15 January 2026, with three weekly flights operating on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This new destination offers travellers a unique tourism experience, combining Egypt’s ancient heritage with the distinguished travel experience on board the national carrier. Kuwait Airways Acting Chief Executive Officer, Captain Abdulwahab Ibrahim Al-Shatti stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the launch of its newest destination, Sphinx city, which represents an important addition to KAC’s route network. This destination offers an exceptional opportunity for travellers wishing to explore its civilization, given the airport’s proximity to the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.” Al-Shatti added that the launch of operations to the destination of Sphinx, at the beginning of 2026 highlights Kuwait Airways’ commitment to meeting the expectations of its customers by providing a comfortable and flexible travel experience, whether for tourism, business, or education. He emphasized the company’s focus on delivering quality services and ensuring all means of comfort for passengers. He pointed out that this step reflects the national carrier’s dedication to expanding its international flight network and providing diverse travel options that support the aspirations of travellers and provides them with varied options on their preferred carrier, Kuwait Airways. Al-Shatti emphasized that the new destination represents the beginning of a series of expansions aimed at enhancing Kuwait Airways’ services and meeting the needs of its valued passengers, through the highest standards of onboard entertainment, diverse in-flight programs, varied menu options, and the professionalism of the company’s crew in providing exceptional services to passengers. Al-Shatti concluded by emphasizing Kuwait Airways’ commitment to providing its valued passengers with comprehensive services …

With overseas travel spend by Middle East residents expected to grow by 6% per year until the end of the decade, where it will top US$60 billion according to the latest ATM Travel Trends Report, exhibition space is in high demand among international participants at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May. Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the 33rd edition of ATM will enable visitors from around the world to chart the evolution of global tourism by exploring market trends such as travel-tech innovation and adoption, sustainable offerings and ultra-luxury experiences. ATM 2026 is generating significant interest among international exhibitors, with projected year-on-year growth in exhibition space of 10% and increased demand across all core markets. During the period 2024 to 2026, the event has recorded pronounced compound annual growth rate (CAGR) upticks from participants in Africa (31.99%), Asia (13.95%), Europe (8.75%), the Americas (8.25%) and the Middle East (8.04%). Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “International participation at ATM continues to grow in step with the remarkable shifts taking place across the worldwide tourism landscape. From Africa’s wide-ranging investment in infrastructure and sustainable luxury to Asia’s rapid expansion in air connectivity and travel technology, we are seeing unprecedented engagement with the Middle East market in ways that would have been unimaginable even a decade ago.” Egypt’s appeal among regional travellers is clear, with the volume of outbound leisure nights from the Middle East to the North African country set to increase by 21% by 2030. Home to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza as well as a multibillion-dollar pipeline …

The special offer allows guests to pre-book 5 kg/10 kg extra baggage at attractive rates for travel from the Middle East to India. Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, announces a special limited-period offer for guests travelling from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to India, allowing them to pre-book 5 kg or 10 kg additional baggage at attractive discounts. This offer is open for bookings made till 31st January 2026 for travel between 16th January and 10th March 2026, and can be made on the airline’s award- winning website, www.airindiaexpress.com, mobile app and on all major booking channels and is subject to availability. Guests travelling from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to India can purchase additional check-in baggage for only BHD 0.2, KWD 0.2, OMR 0.2, QAR 2, SAR 2, and AED 2 respectively in lots of 5kg and 10kg. The offer is available across all fares including Xpress Value, Xpress Lite, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz. The offer is only valid during booking flow. The airline already offers a minimum 30 kg baggage allowance on these sectors across fare types except on Xpress Lite, the airline’s exclusive zero check-in baggage fare. With the option to purchase an additional 10 kg through this offer, guests can now travel with up to 40 kg check-in baggage, making it easier to carry gifts, essentials, and personal belongings when visiting family and friends.

Radisson Hotel Group, in partnership with BNW Developments, has announced the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, RAK Central and Radisson Blu Residences, RAK Central, a landmark mixed-use hospitality project in Ras Al Khaimah set to open in 2029. The signing introduces a new Radisson Blu address to a fast-evolving part of the UAE, expanding the Group’s footprint in Ras Al Khaimah. Set within RAK Central, a large-scale mixed-use destination planned as a future financial hub for the emirate, the project will sit at the heart of a 3.1 million sq. ft. master development integrating commercial, financial, residential, and recreational spaces. The site is strategically located close to Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, with direct connectivity to the E11 highway, the UAE’s longest road linking Ras Al Khaimah to the other emirates, and convenient access to the emirate’s key resorts and visitor attractions. “Our first RAK Central project announcement in collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group is a strategic milestone for BNW Developments. RAK Central is set to become the heartbeat of Ras Al Khaimah, and we are proud to be part of its transformation with a project of this scale,” said Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments. “By integrating high-end residences with a flagship hotel, we are offering investors and residents an asset class that is commercially resilient and internationally coveted. We are focused on delivering a development that sets a new benchmark for branded living in the UAE.” Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of BNW Developments, added: “At BNW Developments, we do not merely build structures; we curate lifestyles that shatter the boundaries of the ordinary and redefine the very essence of the …

Sharaf Travel recognised as ‘Outstanding Travel Trade Partner for Malaysia’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel awards 2025. Established in 1968 as a shipping agency, Sharaf Group was founded with a vision to become a leading international organization. The Group has grown steadily over the decades, building strong, trust-based partnerships. Driven by the enterprising spirit and strategic leadership of its founders, Sharaf Group diversified into multiple sectors. Today, its portfolio spans Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain, Retail, Travel and Tourism, Information Technology, Financial Services, Hospitality, and Real Estate.

Minor Hotels has appointed Amir Golbarg to Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Africa, effective 1 January 2026. The promotion reflects Amir’s exceptional leadership and the region’s record year of growth, marked by strong performance across all key indicators, multiple new hotel signings, and expansion in core markets including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Under Amir’s direction, the Middle East & Africa portfolio earned numerous industry accolades in 2025. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel was named #1 Favourite Business Hotel in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort was voted No.1 Resort in North Africa & the Middle East in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards and ranked among the Top 100 Hotels in the World, while Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara received a Michelin Key. Amir joined Minor Hotels in 2012 as Director of Operations & Hotel Openings in Bangkok, later serving in several international roles before becoming Hotel Manager at Souq Waqif Hotel Doha. Returning to the group in 2019 as Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa, he drove operational excellence and strategic growth across the region’s diverse portfolio. His remit expanded in 2021 to include Southern Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Earlier in his career, Amir held senior roles with Al Rayyan and Katara Hospitality, contributing to landmark projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Doha and Raffles Singapore. “Amir’s leadership, deep understanding of the market, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental to our success in the Middle East and Africa,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels. “This promotion recognises his outstanding contribution and our confidence in his ability to drive the next …

flyadeal scored an unprecedented 12 months of consistent operational punctuality topping the 2025 On-Time Performance (OTP) charts among low-cost carriers in the Middle East and North Africa. In full year data recorded by Cirium – the globally renowned independent aviation analytics company – flyadeal’s OTP averaged 86.54 per cent for arriving flights and 89.79 per cent for departures. Furthermore, the airline secured a near 100 per cent flight completion rate (99.84 per cent) – meaning the number of cancellations were minimal. The figures are based on 69,971 scheduled flights operated by flyadeal between January and December 2025. OTP measures flight punctuality within 15 minutes of scheduled departures and arrivals. During 2025, flyadeal also earned another record-breaking first, being acknowledged as the world’s most punctual airline – whether low-cost or full-service – in June, one of the carrier’s busiest months flying Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is an outstanding achievement that demonstrates great consistency and operational efficiency of the highest standards every month throughout 2025. As flyadeal continued to induct new aircraft into the fleet, launch new routes and handle complexity around Hajj and Umrah movements, we remained focused on delivering punctuality. “We pride ourselves on running an optimum and effective flying schedule that is safe and reliable, reflected by the hard work that Team flyadeal across the business puts into our operations 24/7. Deserved credit also goes to flyadeal’s wide-ranging ecosystem, including airport partners, core to building, maintaining and preserving schedule integrity in good and challenging times.” Greenway acknowledged as “astounding” the performance of flyadeal’s sister airline Saudia, which Cirium ranked Number 2 in punctuality among full-service global airlines for the second consecutive year. He …

Emirates Holidays was recognised as ‘Outstanding Sales Performance to Malaysia’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. Emirates Holidays is the tour operating arm of Dubai-based Emirates Airline, extending the renowned Emirates experience from air to ground. With over 20 years of industry expertise, it offers a wide range of carefully curated holidays across the airline’s global network. Specialising in destinations across the Indian Ocean, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa, Emirates Holidays creates seamless journeys—from romantic escapes and family getaways to city breaks and safari adventures—handling every detail with care.

Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Investment, and Marriott International announced the signing of five new hotel projects, further strengthening their shared commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Plans include the addition of over 2,700 new rooms in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, under four of Marriott’s renowned brands – JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Element Hotels and the anticipated entry of Four Points Flex by Sheraton in the Kingdom. Dr. Abdulrazzaq BinDawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah Hospitality, commented: “We are proud to strengthen our collaboration with Marriott International through the addition of these five projects to our portfolio. Our continued investments in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector reflect our confidence in Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading tourism destination. These new hotels respond to the growing demand for accommodation and underscore our ongoing commitment to enhancing travel experiences for local, regional, and international travelers, further solidifying the Kingdom’s standing as a global tourism hub.” “We look forward to building on our relationship with Al Qimmah Hospitality and BinDawood Investment and supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism vision by delivering world-class hospitality experiences that celebrate the country’s rich culture and dynamic growth,” said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “While we continue to see opportunities to diversify our footprint across all segments, the signing of our first Four Points Flex by Sheraton marks an exciting milestone, and we see strong potential to further grow our midscale brands across the Kingdom.” Marriott recently celebrated a milestone of 100 combined open and pipeline hotels in Saudi Arabia. The company been operating in the Kingdom for over four decades and today has 44 properties and …