Khaled Shaker Director of Investment and Strategic Projects at Dubai Developments becomes DDP Face of the Future. He is a visionary leader known for his expertise in investment and strategic project management, specializing in sustainable growth initiatives. With over 15 years of experience across key Dubai government entities, he has a solid track record in driving governance, strategy, and risk mitigation. Focused on redefining real estate and hospitality landscapes through innovation, his mission is to foster impactful change.  

Andy Cuthbert General Manager at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events was recognised as the DDP Gourmet Tourism Ambassador. A distinguished chef and industry leader, he has spent decades elevating the culinary arts in Dubai and beyond. Founding member and past president of the Emirates Culinary Guild, he was recently elected President of the World Association of Chefs Societies for 2024-2028.

Mamoun Hmidan Chief Business Officer at Wego became the DDP Trailblazer. An accomplished leader in digital travel, he has expanded businesses across the Middle East and India with a focus on high-growth strategies and market innovation. With expertise spanning from tech-driven Silicon Valley approaches to deep insights into the Middle Eastern travel industry, he’s made a lasting impact.

Founder, Chairman and CEO of Satguru Group of Companies, Anil Chandirani enters the Gallery of Legends at Arabian Travel Awards 2024. A visionary and dynamic leader, his company was set up in 1989. They allows their clients to prepare their own itinerary. Through a corporate booking tool they provide automated solutions to clients. In this way they offer a hassle-free method to complete their travel booking process. With a presence of 140 branches in 80 countries, his company has left no stone unturned to provide a host of facilities under one roof for the convenience of the travellers.

It was an evening of glitz and glamour as the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded recognising and honouring those who have significantly shaped Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Chief Guest for the event was Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Emirates Airline. San Jeet, Director of Arabian Travel Awards, shared, “Middle East has become a global leader in luxury and experiential tourism, offering everything from high-end resorts to unique cultural experiences like desert safaris and historic sites. Visitors are drawn to the region’s rich blend of modern luxury and authentic local experiences. At the same time, there’s a big focus on sustainable tourism. The Middle East is working hard to protect heritage sites, promote eco-friendly travel options, and create a balance between growth and environmental responsibility. Enjoy your success, but please make sure you innovate, improve and develop the travel industry. I’m sure everyone will be watching you very carefully. These awards are just not a reward but a responsibility on you all to grow this industry, and I’m sure with all your efforts, the Middle East will soon become the world’s most prominent Travel hub.”

General Manager of Travco Gulf Region, Ms Jyoti Panchmatia was recognised as the DDP Gamechanger. A seasoned travel and tourism professional with over 40 years of experience, she excels in Destination Management, Cruise Handling, MICE, and Travel Agency leadership. Known for strategic thinking and effective people management, her efforts transformed loss-making units into profitable ventures, positioning key industry players in the Gulf.

The seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards takes place tonight at Conrad Dubai, honouring those who have significantly shaped Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This invitation-only event offers a dedicated platform to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of industry leaders, encouraging their continued contributions to this rapidly evolving region. The Arabian Travel Awards distinguishes itself as a fair and impartial event, with winners selected through a systematic, internet-based voting process. Supported by TravTalkbreakingnews.ae, TravelTVMiddleEast.news, and TravTalkMiddleEast, the awards will showcase and reward excellence across four main categories: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards, and Partner Awards. Categories will spotlight Best Business Hotel, Best Family-Friendly Hotel, Best City Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best Hotel Apartments, Best B2B Travel Portal, Best Luxury Hotel, among others. San Jeet, Director of Arabian Travel Awards, shared, “Our awards continue to evolve, celebrating the dedication and resilience of industry experts. This year is particularly special as we witness record-breaking growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in the region. Throughout the region, responsible tourism and hospitality have become more essential than ever. Hence, this is an opportunity to recognize those at the forefront of making the region, globally admired, sustainable destination.” He added, “The resilience of the Middle East sets a global standard in recovery and growth. The public-private partnerships across the GCC have catalysed the region’s strong rebound, ensuring a forward-thinking, collaborative approach. Tonight’s awards will honour those individuals and organizations who, despite challenges, continue to drive the industry forward, marking the start of an exciting new era in the region.”    

Qatar Tourism announces, the number of visitors by the end of October 2024 has reached a new high of 4 million, matching the total visitor count for 2023.  This year-to-date total represents a 26% increase in international visitors compared to the same period in 2023. This is a positive indication that we will reach even higher numbers by the end of 2024, especially with the kick-off of the winter season and the array of activities that has been planned for this period. GCC nationals make up 41.8% of visitors, with the remaining 58.2% from international markets. The top 10 visitor markets include Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of India, United Kingdom, Kingdom of Bahrain, United States of America, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Federal Republic of Germany, United Arab Emirates, and People’s Republic of China. To date, 56.2% of visitors arrived by air, 37.84% by land, and the remaining 5.96% by sea. Additionally, Qatar’s hospitality sector has grown significantly, surpassing 40,053 hotel keys (as of September 2024) as part of Qatar’s enhanced tourism infrastructure.  

Discover Saudi and the Muslim Golf Association (MGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the world’s first Golf Umrah, Race to Makkah, in the Kingdom. As part of the MoU Discover Saudi will customise, promote & distribute a dedicated Golf Umrah package in collaboration with the Muslim Golf Association, combining the classic pilgrimage experience with premium golf activity for inbound and domestic golf enthusiasts. Participants will embark on an extraordinary journey, harmonising their passion for golf with the profound religious experience of Umrah. This event marks the launch of MGA’s World Championship, The Race to Makkah, an exclusive three-day golf tournament at the prestigious Royal Greens Golf & Country Club — celebrated as one of the Kingdom’s premier golf destinations, which has hosted several high-profile tournaments including the PIF Saudi International and LIV Golf Jeddah. Following their spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, participants will engage in this unparalleled golfing experience. Founded in 2020, The Muslim Golf Association is the world’s first dedicated golfing platform catering to modern, professional, Muslim male and female golfers of all abilities. It has also recently launched a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) to train new volunteers and deliver dedicated sessions for disabled Muslims. The partnership draws on Discover Saudi’s extensive on-the-ground expertise and vast network of local tour operators, and access to hospitality partners to elevate the travel experience for the tournament participants and attendees. Saudi Arabia’s growing clout in the international sporting arena, with the Kingdom playing host to a range of sporting events, attracting tourists and fans from around the world, gets a further boost with the Race to Makkah event expected to enhance …

Emirates has introduced Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS) in Riyadh, further elevating the travel experience for discerning premium passengers arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport. Emirates customers travelling in First and Business Class will enjoy a stress-free, comfortable journey with a door-to-door experience that reflects the airline’s exceptional onboard experience and premium services. First and Business Class customers can request for CDS on any of the airline’s three daily flights to and from Riyadh. The exclusive service is complimentary for customers within a 100-kilometre radius of the airport. Excess Mileage will apply for areas beyond the served radius*. Emirates Chauffeur-Drive Services are currently offered in over 70 cities within the Emirates’ network. Emirates’ Chauffeur-Drive service can be booked through Manage My Booking option on www.emirates.com or Emirates’ call centres as well as through travel agents. Bringing a new level of comfort and luxury to Saudi Arabia. Emirates’ recent investments in its operations to the Kingdom underpin the airline’s commitment to bringing a new, heightened level of service and hospitality, both in the air and on the ground, for customers flying to and from one of Emirates’ most important markets globally.This includes a new dedicated lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The US$5.4 million, 900-square-metre lounge located in the airport’s newest Terminal 1 welcomes 190 guests at any one time, with seating tailored to the needs of business and leisure travellers. In early October, Riyadh became Emirates’ first GCC destination to welcome the airline’s refurbished Boeing 777, offering passengers an all-new Business Class cabin and highly acclaimed Premium Economy seats. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 offers 24 Premium Economy seats, giving customers the opportunity to treat themselves to a more spacious seat …