The Events Investment Fund (EIF) launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, under the National Development Fund (NDF) announced the formation of a strategic joint venture with Legends Global, the world’s leading operator of event and sports venues. This partnership marks a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a global destination for world-class events, entertainment and business gatherings. The Events Investment Fund (EIF) is mandated to build, own and operate permanent, world-class event venues across Saudi Arabia. EIF’s mission is to transform the Kingdom’s events ecosystem by replacing temporary structures with sustainable, future-ready arenas, exhibition centers, cultural venues and entertainment facilities. Through strategic partnerships and investments, EIF is shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s events industry and supporting the goals of Vision 2030. This announcement, taking place at the Development Finance Conference MOMENTUM 2025, highlights EIF’s pivotal role as the national leader driving the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s events infrastructure. Through high-impact partnerships with specialized developers and global operators, EIF strategically invests in the development of permanent, world-class venues tailored to meet the needs of the Kingdom’s sports, entertainment and cultural sectors. With over 40 years of global experience, Legends Global manages over 450 venues worldwide and serves as the operational partner for some of the world’s most prestigious events, including the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, Super Bowl, G7/G20 Summits and ICC tournaments. EIF will set new benchmarks for governance, operational standards and industry leadership, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s venues meet the highest international standards for experience, safety and commercial performance. Wahdan Suliman Alkadi, CEO of Events Investment Fund, said: “This joint venture with …

Emirates announced that retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy will serve flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026 and flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing, starting from 1 February 2026.  Beijing becomes the fourth city in the Chinese mainland to receive Emirates’ latest aircraft and next-gen products, while travellers to and from Beirut will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy and new Business Class cabin in 1-2-1 layout for the first time. For Lebanon’s capital city, EK953 departs Dubai at 1540hrs, arriving in Beirut at 1700hrs, with the return EK954 departing at 1945hrs and arriving in Dubai at 0050hrs. ** The schedule offers seamless connections to and from major cities with significant Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane as well as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Montreal. Customers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both legs of their journey, with many of these cities being served by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s featuring the airline’s latest interiors. Emirates’ flight EK306 departs Dubai at 3:20hrs, arriving in Beijing at 14:45hrs. The return flight EK307 takes off from Beijing at 00:40hrs, landing in Dubai at 5:30hrs. ** Travellers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience from Beijing to popular destinations across Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé and Lisbon, as well as key cities in the Gulf region such as Kuwait, Riyadh and Amman. The refurbished four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft includes 260 of the latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, …

Grand Millennium Dubai was recognised as ‘Best Business and Leisure Hotel’  at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. With prime location in the heart of the city, Grand Millennium Dubai offers a meeting address of remarkable convenience and prestige spread over 1028 square meter of versatile spaces. From intimate boardrooms to stunning 315 square meter ballroom with 145 square meters of pre-function space, we offer an exciting mix of multi-purpose venues equipped with advanced audio-visual technology. Whether it is an international conference, wedding reception, presentation, product launch, seminar or gala dinner, our splendid venues can be adapted to any occasion. A wide selection of creative international menus, highly experienced team of professionals and gracious hospitality crafted around your needs ensures a satisfying and unforgettable experience for every event.

King Abdulaziz International Airport recorded a new historic milestone, reaching 50 million passengers in 2025, marking the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, and placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at King Abdulaziz International Airport and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims, and supporting the tourism sector in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and provide an exceptional travel experience. According to SPA, Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) celebrated the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger at King Abdulaziz International Airport, a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion. JEDCO CEO Eng. Mazen Johar stated that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years. He noted that this achievement would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the Kingdom’s leadership, the continuous oversight of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, the Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and the CEO of Matarat Holding, in addition to the efforts of all partners committed to providing quality …

Philippine Airlines announced the top performers of its recently concluded joint travel trade campaign with Emquest Sabre, recognizing Geoffrey Salatan of Geof Travel and Rocell Duenas of Tabeer Tourism for securing the first and second top seller positions, respectively. The campaign ran from 01 September to 15 November 2026, with both agencies standing out for their strong sales performance, market engagement, and consistent support of Philippine Airlines through the Sabre platform. Reflecting on the success of the campaign and the commitment of PAL’s travel partners, Josh Vasquez Regional Head – EMEA for Philippine Airlines, International Passenger Sales shared “Philippine Airlines is pleased to congratulate Geof Travel and Tabeer Tours for emerging as the top-performing agencies in our recently concluded trade campaign in partnership with Emquest Sabre. Their outstanding results reflect the strength of our collaboration and the growing support of our valued travel partners. This successful campaign reinforces our shared commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and driving continued growth for Philippine Airlines across the EMEA region.” Andrew Dowling, GM EmQuest, commented: “On behalf of EmQuest, I would like to congratulate the winners of our Season 3 promotion. Geof Salatan of Geof Travel accepted the award for the highest volume of Philippine Airlines bookings, and Rocell Duenas of Tabeer Tourism accepted the award for the second-highest bookings. Both travel agency partners benefit from using the Sabre Mosaic Marketplace, the only true multi-source solution featuring the latest AI capabilities that brings together traditional Air, NDC, LCC and lodging content to enable our customers to drive more revenue through cross-selling and upselling”.

Over 60 speakers from Russia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, China, Malaysia, South Africa and other partner markets will discuss global trends, destination marketing, and the role of innovation in shaping future growth. In a special interview with TravTalkME, Anastasia Popova, Head of the Business Tourism Development Department, Moscow City Tourism Committee shared that they are looking at one of the largest MICE events in Moscow over the next two days bringing over 2000 delegates across the globe with Middle East as a key partner. The programme includes 15 sessions in various formats: strategic panels, expert lectures, case presentations, and practical masterclasses.  The first day focuses on strategy: organising large-scale international exhibitions, personalisation and gamification in event design, and how major events can become catalysts for destination development. The second day is dedicated to applied solutions — working with VIP clients, engaging Asian markets, scaling corporate projects, and exploring the future of MICE 5.0, including AI and neurotechnology. MGMC 2025 also offers strong networking opportunities. More than 3,200 B2B meetings are planned, while the exhibition zone will feature over 100 exhibitors from Russia, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, presenting venues, service providers, and destination capabilities. https://business.russpass.ru/en/projects-events/meet-global-mice-congress/mgmc-2025 Business tourism is a core pillar of Moscow’s Tourism Strategy 2030. The city is investing in the renewal of cultural and historical sites, expanding its portfolio of high-quality visitor attractions and launching large-scale, seasonally driven event programmes. These initiatives are designed to reinforce Moscow’s position as a leading global hub for international meetings and professional dialogue. As the city upgrades its MICE infrastructure, deepens international partnerships and introduces more innovative event formats, demand for major congresses in the Russian capital continues to …

Accor  has signed an agreement with Madinah-based developer Arbah Taiba for Real Estate Development and Investment, to develop Novotel Madinah North. The new hotel will be located minutes from the iconic Al Masjid an-Nabawi and is scheduled to open in 2028. The collaboration draws on Arbah Taiba’s long-standing role in shaping Madinah’s urban development and Accor’s operating experience across Saudi Arabia. Together, the two groups will introduce a hotel that is accessible, modern, and designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers throughout the year. The signing ceremony in Madinah was attended by Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, and Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman of Arbah Taiba. The agreement reaffirms their shared commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s religious, business and leisure tourism sectors in line with Vision 2030. As Madinah continues to experience rapid growth welcoming more than more than 3.7 million visitors in Q2 2025 alone, following 18 million visitors in 2024 the new Novotel address will directly address the rising accommodation demand by expanding quality options for pilgrims, business travelers and domestic guests. Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, said: ”This agreement strengthens Accor’s long-term strategy to deepen our presence across Saudi Arabia, particularly in the holy cities where demand for high-quality accommodation continues to accelerate. Our partnership with Arbah Taiba allows us to deliver a property that aligns with international standards while honoring the unique character and spiritual significance of Madinah.” Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman, Arbah Taiba, said: “Arbah Taiba has long contributed to Madinah’s urban development and this partnership with Accor represents an important step in …

In line with Dubai’s continued vision for innovation and guest-centric excellence, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has approved the rollout of the Dubai Digital Hotel initiative – a pioneering transformation that reimagines the future of hospitality across the emirate. As one of the city’s flagship luxury destinations, Address Downtown is proud to be among the first hotels to bring this vision to life with the debut of its new Digital Check-In Experience. Seamlessly integrated, elegantly designed, and thoughtfully crafted around the needs of the global traveller, the new system ensures that every arrival begins with ease, comfort, and a sense of quiet luxury. Guests may now complete their pre-arrival verification from anywhere in the world, allowing the hotel to prepare their stay with greater precision and personalised attention. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an environment where the transition from travel to tranquillity is effortless – reflecting Address Downtown’s enduring commitment to hospitality that is both intuitive and refined. This milestone marks a significant step towards Dubai’s ambition to set new benchmarks for digital excellence. Address Hotels + Resorts is honoured to contribute to this movement, elevating the guest journey through technology that enhances – rather than replaces – the warmth and authenticity of its service. With Digital Check-In now live, Address Downtown invites its guests to experience a stay where innovation and hospitality coexist in perfect harmony, reaffirming its position as a leader in luxury hospitality in the region.

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in today 16 December at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients. Register in the link below : https://event.webinarjam.com/n7kng/register/6v7qri5xg

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai won ‘Best Destination Wedding Resort at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards held recently at Embassy Suites by Hilton business bay. An idyllic island escape, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai is a distinctive beach resort nestled on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, set against the sparkling Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s shimmering skyline. Leave the world behind and sink into the welcoming embrace of ‘Tajness’ and an array of exotic experiences. With luxurious accommodations, seven outstanding restaurants and bars, an award-winning spa and the longest pool on the East side of the Palm island, a stay at our resort is a constant voyage of discovery, serenity and celebration. Our 258 elegant guest rooms are tranquil retreats with breath-taking views from their own private balconies, and subtly decorated in hints of blue and gold to reflect the colours of the sea. For the ultimate in luxurious hideaways, pick one of our 67 lavish suites – some with Jacuzzis on panoramic private terraces.