Kerten Hospitality is expanding its presence in the Kingdom with Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam, a bold new addition to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province waterfront. Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam will feature 74 overwater chalets, introducing one of the region’s most distinctive coastal hospitality concepts. The resort will also be home to Nyssa Beach, a ladies-only beach club offering a spa, wellness and fitness facilities, elegant salon services, and curated social and workspaces—an inspiring destination designed to enrich and empower the women’s community of Dammam. Designed by Zuhair Fayez Partnership under the vision of Dr. Zuhair Hamed Fayez; one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential architects who recently celebrated 50 years of shaping the Kingdom’s architectural landscape, the resort is part of a visionary, mixed-use development blending hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and wellness. Marwan Al Qaydy, CEO of Koushan Real Estate Development Company, “The development of Al Murjan Island marks a defining milestone for us, as it brings to life one of Dammam’s most iconic mixed-use destinations. As a self-contained island, it is designed as a vibrant hub where hospitality, entertainment, lifestyle, and leisure seamlessly come together on a single world-class waterfront, redefining premium coastal hospitality in the Eastern Province. Our partnership with Kerten Hospitality reinforces our commitment to delivering unmatched quality and guest-centric service. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for hospitality in Dammam, ensuring every visitor to Al Murjan Island enjoys an experience defined by innovation, authenticity, and exceptional service.” Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, commented, “Al Murjan Island represents the kind of purposeful destination that defines our vision for hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Together with Koushan Real Estate Development Company, we …

Dubai Airports and flydubai have entered a new chapter in their collaboration with the signing of a Service Level Agreement (SLA), at the Dubai Airshow 2025, strengthening operational and financial efficiency across the aviation ecosystem. The new integration means Dubai Airports has successfully linked flydubai’s systems with its operational database (ODMP) and billing platform (VEOVO) resulting in a fully automated, auditable billing process that replaces manual, workflow with a more efficient, consistent, and standardised approach. What once took thousands of PDF pages and lengthy OCR checks is now handled instantly through the standard iXML format. Dubai Airports can now send invoices directly to flydubai in digital form, allowing the airline to import and verify them immediately, a task that previously took weeks. The new system greatly improves audit and compliance across all passenger charges. Historically, passenger billing for major carriers like flydubai was complicated by large data volumes and difficult verification, but this integration has effectively solved those challenges. Adil Al Fahim, Chief Financial Officer, Dubai Airports, said: “The Dubai Airshow is where the future of aviation takes flight, and today’s signing reflects that spirit. Our integration with flydubai transforms what was previously a long, manual, process into a fully automated, auditable system, strengthening trust, efficiency, and operational excellence across the UAE’s aviation landscape. By integrating our systems, we’ve not only enhanced transparency and efficiency but also set a new benchmark for how financial processes can evolve to support aviation excellence. This project supports the scalability for the DWC expansion, brings agility in decision making, strengthens financial resilience, improves liquidity, aligns with best practices, and the risk of human error.” The project, delivered within eight months, brought together teams from Dubai Airports …

Arthouse Hotel NYC expands to Dubai with Arthouse Hills Arjan; AED 550 million landmark and the brand’s largest development, delivered in partnership with Adaan, Tuscany, Cledor, and NSE. Arthouse Hills Arjan is the second Arthouse-branded residential development in Dubai, following the success of the first Arthouse residence in Meydan. It brings the iconic design and creative heritage of Arthouse Hotel New York to one of the city’s fastest-growing communities. The tower stands as one of the tallest and most amenity-rich in Arjan, offering a wellness-focused, culturally inspired lifestyle experience. Blending Manhattan’s creative legacy with a premium, design-driven, and aspirational living philosophy, Arthouse Hills Arjan marks a significant expansion of the Arthouse brand in the UAE. Backed by a trusted network of established industry leaders, the development highlights global brand alignment while focusing on lifestyle, culture, and architectural excellence. Announcing the official signing ceremony marking the strategic alignment of all key partners bringing Arthouse Hills Arjan to life: Arthouse – Global Brand Partner. Adaan Developments – Developer, launching its first development in Dubai with Arthouse Hills, signaling long-term ambitions in premium residential offerings. Tuscany – Strategic Partner, providing development structure and market expertise. Cledor – Development Partner (Founded by Omar Gull), and the official Brand Partner for Arthouse in the UAE, serving as the gateway for all Arthouse-branded projects in the country. Santosh Punuru – Partner & Development Manager, a respected industry leader, strengthening execution confidence. NSE – Construction Contractor, ensuring technical quality and delivery capability. With 25 years of experience, the company has completed more than 120 projects for leading clients including Emaar, Deyaar, and RAK Properties, and is currently managing over 130 commercial and residential developments. Arthouse Hills Arjan …

RezLive.com hosted a vibrant roadshow in Muscat bringing together leading hospitality brands and over 180 plus travel agents from across Oman. The event spotlighted RezLive.com’s commitment to empowering travel agents through technology, curated content, and strategic partnerships. Attendees gained insights into RezLive’s expanding global footprint and product innovations during an engaging presentation. The roadshow featured active participation from top hotel partners, including:  Tulip Muscat, Ramada Encore Muscat Al-Ghubrah, Kyriad Hotel Salalah, Tulip Inn Hotel MaJan, Hilton Salalah Resort and  Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Each partner showcased their offerings and contributed to the excitement by distributing exclusive lucky draw vouchers, adding a celebratory touch to the evening. The event was graced by Mr. Jaal Shah, Founder of RezLive.com and Group Managing Director of Travel Designer Group, whose presence reinforced the brand’s strategic focus on regional growth and agent engagement. The evening concluded with a gala dinner and cocktails, fostering meaningful connections and celebrating the spirit of collaboration in B2B travel.

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 development of the Riyadh Shooting Range & Entertainment Complex, its first landmark project at an investment exceeding SAR 491 million (over US$ 131 million). The announcement was made at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, the world’s premier platform for shaping the future of global tourism. Situated just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the state-of-the-art Riyadh Shooting Range & Entertainment Complex is located within Qiddiya City, the new global destination built entirely around the Power of Play. Located on a 457,000 sqm site, it will feature a world-class Shooting Sport venue that complies with International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) standards. It will host international and national events and provide both professional and amateur shooting training facilities, with professional and commercial ranges for pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines. The venue is designed with the capability to host national and international shooting events, including Asian Games, World Cups, Grand Prix and Olympic events, and is fully supported by the Saudi Shooting Federation (SSF). The Entertainment Complex will also comprise a wide range of experiences for corporate events and families, including paintball, airsoft, laser tag, and virtual shooting. The facility is anticipated to create more than 2,300 jobs and attract over 400,000 visitors annually. EIF’s Chief Executive Officer, Wahdan Suliman Alkadi said: “The Riyadh Shooting Range marks a major milestone in the journey of the Events Investment Fund and is our first landmark project, built to Qiddiya City’s international standards. This development reflects our commitment to creating world-class venues that enhance …

The 12th Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) officially commenced under the theme ” New Waves of Tourism Spectrum.” His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA in his opening speech emphasized that the tourism and travel sector is one of the most influential economic industries globally. Quoting the UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer report, he highlighted a 5% growth in global tourism during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, despite existing challenges. Additionally, he noted that international tourist arrivals reached approximately 690 million between January and June 2025, representing an increase of 33 million from the previous year. Organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, alongside a host of prominent figures, officials, and representatives from government and private entities in the tourism sector, as well as members of the media. The event began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a visual presentation outlining the forum’s objectives and key session themes. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, then delivered the opening speech, welcoming the forum’s participants and attendees. The event features global experts, creative industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss and explore the latest trends in global tourism and how modern technologies can be harnessed to improve visitor experience and promote sustainability in the industry. Al Midfa stated that Sharjah continues to advance in digital transformation and sustainable innovation within the tourism sector, aided by visionary leadership that prioritized infrastructure development and the …

Emirates and Air Canada announced a commitment to expand and extend their strategic partnership, building on the success of a three-year-old agreement between two of the world’s leading airlines. The renewed agreement will deepen their cooperation, lead to enhanced services for customers and cargo shippers, and create the potential for new gateways within Canada in the codeshare network. Since launching their strategic partnership in 2022, the airlines have already served more than 550,000 customers, connecting travellers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the U.S., Dubai and key destinations around the globe. The carriers have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership until December 31, 2032. “Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Renewing this partnership is great news, not just for our customers – many of whom have family, cultural or business ties to these regions – but also for Canada, as it enhances our ability to connect the country to the world amid evolving trade and travel patterns,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo at Air Canada. “Our strategic partnership with Air Canada has delivered exceptional results, and we are pleased to extend this collaboration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our passenger and cargo capabilities, enabling us to enhance customer experiences on codeshare flights while expanding network connectivity for travellers across both markets,” said …

Dubai International (DXB) achieved the highest quarterly traffic in its 65-year history in Q3 2025, welcoming 24.2 million guests between July and September – a 1.9% increase year-on-year. The strong third-quarter performance lifted total traffic for the first nine months to 70.1 million guests, representing a 2.1% increase over the same period last year. The airport’s twelve-month rolling traffic at the end of September reached a record 93.8 million guests. Aircraft movements also remained robust, with 115,000 total flights recorded in the third quarter. Between January and September, DXB handled 336,000 flights across all categories, up 2.7% year on year. The average number of passengers per aircraft at the end of September stood at 213. While DXB continues to deliver exceptional operational performance, Dubai Airports’ focus is firmly on continuing to maintain the superb performance whilst getting ready for its next leap forward. Future priority projects to enhance areas across all terminals are underway and include CB Central – a unique space within Terminal 3 that showcases Dubai’s biggest and best brands and experiences. CB East – a dynamic family-friendly space with mainstream eateries and entertainment areas for all ages. CB West – the new centre of DXB providing premium shopping and casual dining experiences for passengers. And within T1, CD Central – the space located in the middle of Concourse D, with panoramic views of the airfield, refreshed dwell areas, innovative passenger information and easy access to major retail stores. As Dubai Airports continues to manage growth at DXB, Dubai Airports is also looking to the future with the preparation of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), marking the beginning of Dubai’s new aviation era. Set to …

TOURISE Destination Initiative (TDI) brings together global leaders from government, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, to transform destinations into living laboratories for tourism innovation. Guided by its Declaration of Principles, TDI champions safety, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community-centered development through responsible technology and multi-sector collaboration. TDI’s first project, “AI for Tourism Safety,” aims to promote the responsible deployment of AI in TDI member destinations. The project builds on insights from Surveillance or Safety? How Cities are Rewriting Tourism, a white paper by the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR). Authored by Mauricio Rodas—Visiting Scholar at Penn IUR and former Mayor of Quito—the paper explores the ethical and operational challenges of AI in urban tourism and was launched alongside TDI. “As destinations, we carry the responsibility of protecting what makes us unique, our people, our heritage, and our future,” said His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Aseer Province and Co-Chair of the TOURISE Destination Initiative. “Through TDI, we are creating a shared space for cities to lead; by embracing innovation rooted in ethics and empathy, we ensure that tourism becomes a force for safety, dignity, and sustainable development.” TDI is co-chaired by Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Aseer Province, and Luigi Brugnaro, Mayor of Venice, and founding members include: • Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, Republic of South Africa • Mateo Julián Estrella Durán, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Ecuador • Mateo Julian Estrella Duran, Ministier of Touirsm, Republic of Maldives • Francis Suarez, Mayor of Miami, United States • Mohamed Sefiani, Mayor of Chefchaouen, Morocco • Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN …

The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in today  19 November 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.