Shangri-La Group announced the signing of an agreement with United Bodrum Turizm A.Ş. to manage a new luxury resort in Bodrum, marking the Group’s second property in Turkey and reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence across key leisure destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean. Bodrum, long celebrated as one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious and globally recognized luxury destinations, has evolved into a magnet for discerning travellers seeking refined experiences, natural beauty and exceptional hospitality. With its cosmopolitan spirit, vibrant culture, and world-class marinas, Bodrum has become the new global address for contemporary luxury living. The Shangri-La Bodrum is nestled on the northwest end of the Bodrum peninsula in the scenic enclave of Yalikavak, just ten minutes from the renowned Yalıkavak Marina, and neighbouring the award-winning The One Bodrum development, will feature 70 guest rooms and 10 private villas, a private beach, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding coastal landscape. The resort is anticipated to open in the first half of 2029. The signing ceremony took place at Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong and was attended by Ms. Hui Kuok, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group, alongside Mr. Chee Wui Chua, Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Chris Phong, Group Head of Investment and Asset Management. Representing United Bodrum Turizm A.Ş. were Mr. Güngör Çepni, Chairman, Mr. Kamil Uğurlu, Partner and Ferzan Çelikkanat, Owner Representative. This strategic development underscores Shangri-La’s long-term vision to grow its portfolio of distinctive luxury experiences in Europe and the Middle East. Following the success of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, the Bodrum property will bring the brand’s signature Asian hospitality and elegant design ethos to the heart of …

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced its H1 2026 events calendar, bringing together a powerful line-up of 71 international exhibitions and conferences that reflect the scale and global relevance of Dubai’s business events ecosystem. The calendar positions DWTC at the forefront of driving global business engagement, trade opportunities, and investment flows. Throughout the first half of the year, Dubai will serve as a meeting point for global industries, with flagship and mega events across security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, and culture convening decision-makers, investors and innovators. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “DWTC’s H1 2026 events calendar reinforces Dubai’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, business tourism and cross-sector collaboration, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. Our line-up of world-class exhibitions and conferences serves as strategic driver for business tourism, attracting international investment and generating sustained value across multiple sectors of the economy. By hosting select events across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we are doubling the city’s capacity to host international mega-events. This enables the growth of events and industries and, in turn, enhances our contribution to the local economy.” The year opens with Intersec (12–14 January), the region’s flagship platform for security, safety and fire protection, bringing together global leaders shaping the future of national and international security. The event will be held in parallel with Light + Intelligent Building Middle East (12–14 January), attracting professionals from the security, smart building and lighting sectors globally. These will be followed by FESPA Middle East (13-15 January) the region’s premier exhibition for speciality printing and signage. Later in the month, World of Coffee Dubai …

Pluto Group honoured as ‘Most Promising Travel Management Company’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “What a night! Honestly, it still feels surreal to say this out loud — Pluto Travels has been awarded the ‘Most Promising Travel Company of 2025’ at the Arabian Travel Awards. 18 years in this industry, the joy of standing on that stage, under those lights, accepting such a prestigious honour — it’s a feeling that words can barely capture.” Sapna Aidasani, Director Marketing and PR, Pluto Group. The award was received by Bharat Aidasani, Director and Sapna Aidasani, Director Marketing and PR, Pluto Group.

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the launch of a new annual world football awards event in Dubai. Effective 2026, the event will become the only official annual FIFA awards ceremony that gathers the world’s most inspirational football figures, celebrating the best players, teams, and remarkable achievements recorded across the beautiful game through the previous year. The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, which is underway in Dubai, with FIFA and the DSC signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to confirm the new partnership. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed noted: “The Dubai Sports Council enjoys a strong partnership with FIFA, which has resulted in numerous initiatives announced by Gianni Infantino from Dubai in recent times, impacting the global football landscape.” “We are pleased to announce this new agreement, which underscores the continued cooperation between us and reflects Dubai’s prominent position on the global football map. It also highlights Dubai’s role in developing the game worldwide and shaping a brighter future for the world’s biggest and most popular sport through launching pioneering initiatives, honouring outstanding individuals, and hosting major events,” he added. His Highness affirmed: “Dubai is committed to supporting the development of the global sports system in general, and football in particular, and possesses all the necessary elements for success in fulfilling this role optimally, ensuring a significant Emirati …

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.

Aseer region was recognised as the ‘Fastest growing GCC tourism destination’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning the Fastest Growing GCC Tourism Destination award is a proud milestone for Aseer, and a clear reflection of the long-term vision driving the region’s transformation under Saudi Arabia’s national tourism agenda. This recognition highlights the strength of our natural and cultural assets, the maturity of our tourism governance, and the impact of the partnerships that enable sustained growth across the ecosystem.” Hatem Al-Harbi, Chief of Tourism – Aseer Region – Aseer Development Authority.

‘Nomad’ an eco-luxury hospitality destinations opens in Kalba for visitors. Set within Kalba’s mountainous landscape, Nomad introduces a deliberately immersive hospitality model that places nature, privacy, and restraint at its core. The destination comprises 20 eco-luxury accommodation trailers, thoughtfully positioned to preserve seclusion and uninterrupted views while integrating discreetly with the surrounding terrain. Natural materials define the project’s architectural language, complemented by a hybrid energy system incorporating solar power; this reinforces Nomad’s off-grid approach and its emphasis on reducing social media platform dependency, and encouraging guests to disconnect from routine and reconnect with place and stillness—an experience that remains rare within the UAE’s hospitality landscape. Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), conducted an inspection visit to Nomad, the emirate’s upcoming eco-luxury hospitality destination in Kalba, ahead of welcoming guests. The visit formed part of a pre-opening review of the project, during which Her Highness was briefed on the destination’s guiding philosophy, sustainability framework, operational preparedness, and the overall guest journey, ensuring alignment with Sharjah’s broader vision for responsible, experience-led tourism prior to its official opening. Developed and managed by Sharjah Collection, Shurooq’s hospitality management arm, Nomad has now entered its final operational readiness phase and will be ready to receive guests by 1st January 2026. During the visit, Her Highness assessed the project’s alignment with the principles of slow travel and conscious exploration that inform Nomad’s positioning. Designed as an alternative to conventional urban hospitality, the destination encourages unhurried engagement with landscape, nature, and place, offering guests the space and tranquility to experience the environment on its own terms. Nomad was developed in accordance with an operational philosophy that …

The committee responsible for the GCC Tourism Capital has officially announced Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint tourism cooperation among GCC member states. This decision has been approved by Their Excellencies the Ministers responsible for tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The selection follows a comprehensive strategic bid submitted by Qatar Tourism, which outlined the State of Qatar’s long-term vision for tourism and showcased Doha’s strengths as a destination that balances cultural authenticity, urban innovation, sustainability and quality of life. The bid aligns closely with national priorities focused on economic diversification and positions tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth. Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “The selection of Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026 marks an important milestone that underscores the success of our leadership’s strategic vision in establishing tourism as a central pillar of the National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. This recognition reflects the qualitative progress achieved in building an integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem that is competitive at both regional and global levels, supported by world-class infrastructure, strong connectivity, and an exceptional visitor experience.” He added: “Looking ahead to 2026, this title provides a strategic platform to further strengthen Gulf tourism cooperation, stimulate investment, create new economic opportunities and deliver a lasting legacy that reinforces Doha’s position as a leading regional tourism hub; particularly in business events, major festivals, large-scale activations and family-friendly destination.” Doha’s selection was underpinned by a set of strategic pillars, including its advanced transport and mobility infrastructure. This encompasses …

Balloon Flights LLC, one of the region’s leading hot air balloon operators, successfully presented the UAE’s first-ever LED hot air balloon show in Margham as part of the New Year celebrations held on 1 January. Guests experienced a breathtaking fusion of aviation, innovation, and desert beauty as the balloon illuminated the night sky with dynamic LED visuals displayed inside the balloon envelope. While LED lighting has previously been used in helium balloons around the world, this marked the first time in the UAE that a full LED show was showcased inside a traditional hot air balloon — setting a new benchmark for aerial entertainment and experiential tourism. The guests arrived at the take-off location at 5:30 AM, where they were welcomed with refreshments and given a comprehensive safety briefing. A 15-minute LED show followed, captivating attendees with vivid, animated visuals projected inside the balloon envelope. At 6:30 AM, the balloons — carrying a mix of tourists and UAE residents — ascended into the early morning sky, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the desert at sunrise. The flights concluded at 7:30 AM. Balloon Flights LLC continues to be recognised for offering exclusive, high-end desert balloon experiences, including the region’s only “Breakfast in the Sky” — a luxurious in-flight dining experience served onboard a specially manufactured private basket, setting a new standard in desert tourism. Above all, Balloon Flights LLC prioritises safety, operating under strict aviation regulations with trained and certified pilots, robust safety systems, and continuous operational oversight to ensure each guest enjoys a secure and unforgettable journey. Commenting on the launch, Manoj Tulsani, Chairman of Balloon Flights LLC, said “This was a great opportunity to enrich the tourism sector and …

Jamaica’ Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett in a special message to GCC in line with the new year shared, “As we look toward 2026, luxury travel for GCC travellers is evolving toward deeper connection and purpose. Discerning guests from the Middle East value privacy, personalisation, cultural authenticity, and seamless service. They seek destinations that offer exclusive experiences, immersive culture, and refined lifestyle moments. Jamaica’s luxury is rooted in our warmth, music, heritage, and natural beauty. In the years ahead, true luxury will be defined not by extravagance, but by relevance, storytelling, and memorable experiences that resonate long after the journey ends.”