Fairmont Dubai unveils a new farm-driven culinary chapter, introducing a refined direction for PRONTO and Café Sushi as part of the hotel’s 2026 dining vision. Rooted in sustainability, ingredient purity, and thoughtful craftsmanship, the two concepts are shaped by the hotel’s on-site hydroponic vertical farm, where zero-mile produce is harvested just steps from the kitchen, dramatically reducing food miles while preserving freshness and quality. Reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, PRONTO and Café Sushi offer guests a fresh perspective on everyday dining and elevated Japanese flavours. At the heart of this culinary evolution is Fairmont Dubai’s on-site hydroponic vertical farm, powered by CRYSP Farms. Designed to grow produce in a clean, controlled environment, the farm cultivates pesticide-free greens year-round using nutrient-rich water. Located just steps from the kitchen, the hotel’s zero-mile produce is harvested on demand — often minutes before service — ensuring exceptional freshness, enhanced nutrition, and consistent quality. Using up to 95% less water than traditional agriculture and significantly reducing reliance on long-haul transport and cold-chain logistics, the farm lowers environmental impact while allowing chefs full traceability and control over every ingredient. Produce is grown and harvested on demand, minimising supply-chain waste and reinforcing a culinary philosophy where sustainability and flavour go hand in hand. “Our farm at Fairmont Dubai reflects a shared vision of sustainability and quality. By growing a meaningful portion of the hotel’s fresh produce requirements just steps from the kitchen, it allows chefs to know where their food comes from, see how it is grown, and rely on a consistent level of freshness. This direct proximity gives chefs confidence in quality and consistency, and creates a closer connection between growing and cooking that elevates the …

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is marking five years since the launch of its official online Dubai Tour Guide Programme – a pioneering initiative that has seen more than 2,400 licenced guides from over 50 nationalities trained to lead memorable visitor experiences across the city. Building on this milestone, DCT is inviting UAE residents and Emiratis to become certified tour guides. The virtual course provides graduates with the necessary training to obtain the only official certification for tour guides in Dubai. This allows graduates to work as tour guides under tourism companies registered in Dubai, enabling them to accompany visitors from all over the world and support the sector with their knowledge. Following consecutive years of record-setting growth for the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors, Dubai welcomed 17.55 million international overnight visitors from January to November 2025 – an increase of 5% YoY. The Dubai Tour Guide Programme caters to this continued rise in visitation by facilitating a pipeline of new talent into the sector and enhancing the visitor experience, ensuring the highest service standards are consistently delivered to enhance guest satisfaction. Open to UAE residents aged 18 and above, the programme is delivered entirely online and can be accessed from anywhere in the world, with participants able to complete it at their own convenient time and location. It is currently available in two languages, English and Mandarin. Designed to support the continued growth of Dubai’s tourism sector, the programme is aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure, and make Dubai the world’s best …

Swissôtel Al Murooj regains its title of ‘Best 5 Star Business Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “We are proud to announce that Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai has been named Best 5-Star Business Hotel for the second consecutive year at the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition reflects the trust of our valued guests and the dedication of our Heartists, who consistently deliver exceptional service and memorable experiences.” Amro Nagah, General Manager, Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai.

flyadeal is launching five routes from Madinah, its newest operational base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The introduction of scheduled flights to Sabiha Gökçen in Istanbul and four domestic cities of Abha, Al Hofuf, Jazan and Tabuk, takes the number of flyadeal destinations from Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport up from three to eight. Until now, flyadeal had served Dammam, Riyadh and the Egyptian capital Cairo from the Holy city. The capacity hike represents a 40 per cent increase in the number of flyadeal operated flights out of Madinah to 88 a week, giving customers greater travel options. Two aircraft are now permanently positioned at the airport, which joins flyadeal’s three other operational bases of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. To mark the expansion, airport officials joined flyadeal management led by Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Rogier van Enk, for a fanfare of engaging activities celebrating with passengers. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’ve steadily built capacity from Madinah, but this expansion of five new routes at the beginning of the year is a statement of intent from flyadeal to develop Madinah into one of our key operational bases. “Having aircraft positioned in Madinah gives us the flexibility to quickly upgrade with more frequencies or add routes to a schedule which will continue to be built up giving our customers more choices and convenience of direct flights to travel within the Kingdom and beyond. Madinah was a natural addition as a base given its prominence as the second holiest city in the Islamic world and key gateway for pilgrims.” The expanded schedule supplements flyadeal’s dedicated year-round Umrah flights from several countries direct to Madinah, north of the Saudi port …

“Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” the sessions will take place on the Global Stage, the Future Stage, and the newly rebranded Experience Stage, formerly the Business Events Stage, part of IBTM @ ATM. Arabian Travel Market (ATM) unveiled its extensive conference programme for ATM 2026, outlining a multi-stage agenda which will shape the future of the global travel and tourism industry. ATM 2026, which will take place from 4 to 7 May  at Dubai World Trade Centre, will host a conference programme featuring actionable insights, data-driven perspectives, and debates across major travel sectors. Under the theme Throughout the conference programme, renowned global thought leaders, policymakers, innovators and practitioners will share insights that support sustainable global growth, elevate standards, and strengthen the long-term resilience of travel and tourism worldwide. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM, we want to raise the bar in how we guide the global travel and tourism industry. Our 2026 conference programme has been carefully curated to provide strategic direction through informed, industry-led insight, ensuring that decision-makers leave with the knowledge they need to act with confidence. “We want ATM to be a platform where thought leaders share expertise that supports global growth, improves standards and strengthens the future of travel and tourism worldwide. By covering every major vertical within the industry, and by grounding our agenda in research, innovation and real-world scenarios, we are empowering the sector to make smarter, more sustainable decisions.” As ATM’s primary strategic forum, the Global Stage will provide an overview of the key factors transforming international travel and tourism. Featuring a series of panel discussions, interviews, and presentations, the sessions will examine the decisions, …

Camps International, a social enterprise renowned for providing school expeditions for student volunteers worldwide, including the UAE, has announced the addition of two exciting impact destinations for 2026: Zanzibar and South Africa’s Kruger Park Expedition. With a mission to deliver life-changing, ethical, and experiential travel opportunities, these new expeditions offer UAE students the chance to explore two of Africa’s most biodiverse and culturally rich destinations, combining adventure, education, and sustainable development. The announcement comes shortly after Camps International was named Best Sustainable Tour Operator 2025 at the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) Global Youth Travel Awards. The recognition highlights the organisation’s ongoing commitment to responsible, community-led travel and meaningful youth engagement. Sharon Palmer, Managing Director at Camps International, said: “Zanzibar and Kruger Park truly reflect what Camps International stands for: travel with purpose, heart, and impact. These expeditions invite students to step outside their comfort zones, connect with diverse communities, and contribute to projects that leave a genuine, positive legacy. Through experiences like these, young people discover their potential to make a difference and see the world through a more compassionate lens. Being recognised as the Best Sustainable Tour Operator this year, Camps International is committed to providing meaningful travel that creates lasting change.” With each journey designed to inspire purpose, resilience, and curiosity, Camps International’s 2026 expeditions bring together adventure, culture, and impact. So, what can students expect from these new destinations? ● South Africa – Kruger Park Expedition: Students will embark on a journey that combines adventure, cultural immersion, and conservation in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. They will contribute to environmental restoration projects such as snare removal, invasive plant clearance, and habitat rehabilitation, …

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi announced the homeporting of Celestyal Discovery in the emirate, marking a further milestone in Abu Dhabi’s development as a leading cruise hub and reinforcing its long-term partnership with Celestyal. The announcement builds on the continued growth of Celestyal’s operations in Abu Dhabi and was marked by a maiden call ceremony attended by senior representatives from both organisations. The programme also included a mangrove planting activity at Jubail Mangrove Park, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism development. Haitham Ali Khamis, director of tourism product development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The homeporting of Celestyal Discovery in Abu Dhabi is a strong vote of confidence in the emirate’s cruise infrastructure and long-term vision. It reflects our focus on building a robust cruise ecosystem that delivers seamless port operations, meaningful visitor experiences and sustainable growth for our partners and the wider destination.” Chris Theophilides, CEO at Celestyal, said: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting cruise hubs in the world, and this long-term partnership marks an important milestone in Celestyal’s growth across the region. We are delighted to work with AD Ports Group to support the emirate’s ambitious vision and to deliver exceptional experiences for visitors from across the globe.” The event was attended by Captain Nikos Vasileiou, captain of the vessel; Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal; Captain George Koumpenas, chief operating officer; Alexios Economou, vice president of hotel operations and passenger services; Mohamed Wagdy, vice president of cruise and marina leisure development; and Haitham Ali Khamis, director of tourism product development at DCT Abu Dhabi. As part of its deployment from Abu Dhabi, Celestyal Discovery will operate the cruise …

In a special media briefing HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism shared that tourism contributed 15% to the country’s GDP last year. AED 291 billion is the total value of the tourism sector’s contribution in 2025 and 216% growth in the tourism sector’s contribution in 2025 compared to 2021. HE further reiterated that the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy GDP reached 77.5% by the end of the first half of 2025.

Tourism Malaysia clenched the title of  ‘Best destination Marketing Initiatives’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Tourism Malaysia is honoured to be the Platinum Partner of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. We are delighted to stand alongside industry leaders in celebrating excellence across the region’s vibrant travel landscape. Our heartfelt congratulations to Durga Das Publications and the entire organising team for once again delivering this prestigious event.” Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director – Tourism Malaysia

Qatar Airways marked the launch of three non-stop weekly flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Hail International Airport (HAS), its 13th destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new route underscores the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its presence across the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of the Saudi market in its global network. Aligned with Qatar Airways’ long-term commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, the new service is set to boost travel from Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia to the north-central region of Saudi Arabia. With the addition of Hail, Qatar Airways will now operate over 150 weekly flights to 13 Saudi destinations including Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, The Red Sea, and Yanbu. Voted the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025, Qatar Airways offers passengers from across the Kingdom seamless and world-class connectivity to more than 170 destinations globally through its award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. The Hail Province, located in north-central Saudi Arabia, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and distinctive desert landscapes, making it an appealing destination for travellers seeking nature experiences and adventures. Historically a key stop along ancient trade and pilgrimage routes, the region is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring rock art that reflect thousands of years of human presence. Today, Hail continues to grow as an important cultural and regional centre within the Kingdom. Qatar Airways flights to Hail International Airport (HAS) Departing every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday: Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Hail International Airport (HAS) – Flight QR1228: Departure 14:20; Arrival 16:30 Hail International Airport (HAS) to Hamad International Airport (DOH) – Flight QR1229: Departure …