Red Sea Global (RSG) introduced its new dedicated healthcare brand, ‘Red Sea Health’. This coincides with the launch of the firm’s Airport Clinic at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which officially begins operations this week. Red Sea Health represents RSG’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem across its destinations. Built on a philosophy of excellence, empathy, and patient-centered care, the new brand embodies the developer’s vision to provide unwavering support, compassionate care, and high-quality, integrated healthcare solutions to all. “The unveiling of Red Sea Health reflects our deep-rooted belief that exceptional healthcare is a key part of the luxury tourism experience. It provides the ultimate assurance that wherever you are within our destinations, world-class care is always close by, delivered with both unparalleled expertise and profound empathy” John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. The Airport Clinic, the first asset under the new Red Sea Health brand, officially commences operations this week at Red Sea International Airport (RSI). This comprehensive facility offers a full suite of outpatient services – including walk-in consultations, urgent care, vaccinations, and travel-related medical support – for travelers, staff, and local residents. Fully constructed and equipped with 133 units of advanced medical technology, the facility has been granted a full license with the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH). The Airport Clinic marks the beginning of RSG’s vision to build a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem across The Red Sea and AMAALA, cementing the firm’s position as a world-leading multi-asset developer. Over the next 12 months, RSG will expand its healthcare network with the opening of two hospitals, six pharmacies and its emergency medical services provision for rapid emergency response and hospital transfers. The Red Sea welcomed …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended its successful partnership with Palms Sports, organiser of UAE Warriors, which will see the emirate host the Middle East’s premier mixed martial arts promotion for an additional three years. Established in 2012, UAE Warriors has cultivated an international reputation amongst industry leaders and fans alike through the consistent delivery of action-packed match ups and top-tier production. This renewed agreement not only solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for combat sports, but also marks a historic expansion, bringing the thrilling action of mixed martial arts to the emirate’s Al Ain Region for the first time. Al Ain Region will host two UAE Warriors events during the 2025 season, with an additional two events per annum planned for the 2026-2028 period. Expansion outside of Abu Dhabi City underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and showcasing Al Ain Region as a destination for sports entertainment and cultural experiences. The move is set to attract a new wave of visitors and further bolster Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation on the global martial arts stage. His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is growing in prominence as a global sports hub through the continuous expansion of our network of international and regional partnerships, resulting in an array of top-tier sporting events being hosted in the emirate. This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to Al Ain Region for the first time. New audiences will discover Al Ain Region’s unique destination offering …

PIF and Golf Saudi announced the launch of PIF Future Fairways, a pioneering platform utilizing advanced 3D mapping to unveil three flagship golf courses in Saudi Arabia, part of a next-generation golf ecosystem. The visionary courses will be located within PIF giga-projects at The Red Sea destination (Shura Links on Shura Island, and Laheq Golf Course on the Red Sea coast) and NEOM (Trojena Northern Golf Course – NEOM Highlands). The courses are designed to position Saudi Arabia as a world-class golf destination. The number of golf courses in Saudi Arabia is expected to more than triple by 2030. Through their partnership, PIF and Golf Saudi are shaping golf’s next era, with PIF Future Fairways showcasing both the innovation at play in reimagining the future of the game, and the wider growth of the golfing ecosystem. PIF Future Fairways will be available to golf fans and enthusiasts at all PIF Global Series tournaments for 2025 and into the 2026 international season. These include the PIF Championship (London, 8-10 August ); the Aramco Houston Championship (5-7 September ); and the Aramco Shenzhen Championship (Shenzhen, China, 6-8 November 2025).

Riyadh Air has signed a global distribution agreement with Amadeus, a global technology provider for the travel industry. The strategic partnership will enable Riyadh Air access to one of the largest global networks of travel sellers, supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans and playing a key role in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation agenda under Vision 2030. By joining the Amadeus Travel Platform, Riyadh Air will connect to travel agencies and sellers in more than 190 countries, ensuring that its offers are accessible to travelers worldwide. This will be instrumental in attracting inbound tourism, promoting Saudi Arabia as a compelling global destination, and helping position the Kingdom as a leading aviation and tourism hub. Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer at Riyadh Air, commented, “Our mission is to create a truly world-class airline that reflects the ambition of Saudi Arabia. Partnering with Amadeus gives us the global reach, distribution power, and retailing capabilities needed to support our goal of flying to over 100 destinations by 2030. This partnership is not only about enabling seamless travel experiences, but also about contributing to the broader national vision of economic diversification, tourism growth, and enhanced global connectivity”. As part of the agreement, Amadeus will also distribute Riyadh Air’s future NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, allowing the airline to deliver more dynamic, personalized offers to travelers and to take greater control of its indirect sales strategy. These advanced capabilities will further optimize Riyadh Air’s ability to deliver modern, flexible, and customer-centric retailing. Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus, said “The launch of Riyadh Air represents a major milestone for the Kingdom’s aviation industry, and we are proud …

Diriyah Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), the Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator, to explore potential opportunities and the integration of advanced air mobility solutions for the Diriyah project. This strategic collaboration supports Diriyah’s vision to become the world’s premier cultural and tourism destination, targeting 50 million annual visitors by 2030. The MoU was signed by  Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Capt. Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC. The MoU aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting national efforts to diversify the economy and enhance key sectors including tourism, mobility and infrastructure through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable development practices. The MoU covers a wide scope of collaboration, including strategic planning and integration, to explore the potential of incorporating Urban Air Mobility (UAM) services within Diriyah’s urban framework. It also emphasizes regulatory alignment and leveraging THC’s expertise in guiding Diriyah Company as its partner in the establishment of operational, technical, and infrastructural foundations to ensure efficient and compliant implementation of air mobility solutions within the birthplace of the Kingdom. The MoU highlights the importance of engagement with the air mobility ecosystem, including air transport operators, technology providers, and infrastructure developers, with an emphasis on environmental and social sustainability. To initiate this collaboration, Diriyah Company and THC will form a joint working group to assess opportunities and evaluate the potential impact of introducing innovative urban air transport services within the Diriyah project. If implemented, these services are expected to play a transformative role in the Kingdom’s urban air mobility and tourism sectors, further elevating Diriyah’s position as a premier global destination in support of Saudi Vision 2030. Commenting on …

The German Federal Foreign Office has renewed its contract with VFS Global in the Middle East for an additional seven years. Under this mandate, VFS Global will continue to provide Germany visa services through its centres in Algiers, Algeria; Manama, Bahrain; Erbil, Iraq; Amman, Jordan; Doha, Qatar; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Beirut, Lebanon; Muscat, Oman; and Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE, with additional operations in Nicosia, Cyprus; Yaounde, Cameroon; and Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria in the coming months. Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global said, ‘Our longstanding association with the German Federal Foreign Office is a testament to their faith in our service, and we are excited to continue this journey in the Middle East. With the growing demand for international travel from the region, and Germany’s popularity as a destination for travellers across segments, we look forward to welcoming even more applicants at our centres in the coming years.’ VFS Global has been providing visa services on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office since June 2005, through a global network of 68 Visa Application Centres across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The new mandate will bring VFS Global’s Germany Visa Application Centre network to 72 locations worldwide. #ApplyinAdvance: It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. #DoNotFallForFraud: Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or …

Opening this September, Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences marks the arrival of a new kind of luxury in Dubai’s iconic Palm West Beach. Home to 176 rooms and suites, Mileo The Palm, Hotel and Residences offers a variety of living experiences for both short and extended stays—ranging from Deluxe Studios (43– 49 SQ.M) to Two-Bedroom Apartment Suites (113–118 SQ.M). Many feature private balconies with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina skyline. Following the success of its flagship property in Mykonos, Mileo brings its signature serenity and sophistication that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly refined. More than a place to stay, Mileo is a sanctuary of refined living with elegant design, curated hospitality, and quiet rituals of care come together to create an enticing luxury experience. Every feature has been crafted to feel both personal and elevated. Interiors soothe. Service anticipates. The atmosphere is one of calm intention. “Mileo The Palm is not simply a place to stay; it’s a story waiting to unfold, one where every moment is considered, every space is intentional, and every guest feels like they belong. From the textures in the room to the warmth of our service, we’ve created a world that lingers in memory long after the stay,” said Hossam Nabil, General Manager of Mileo The Palm, Hotel & Residences Dubai. “Our vision was never just about luxury, it was about creating a rhythm of experience, where thoughtful design and genuine hospitality come together to offer something quietly unforgettable,” Hossam added. Residential-style suites evoke the warmth of home, complete with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for extended stays. From thoughtful welcome rituals to Amouage bath amenities and Dyson hairdryers, every element reflects Mileo’s …

GCC, where medium-sized companies (6 to 50 employees) dominate, representing 51%  demonstrate a long term commitment to the industry. Their purpose-driven mindset, fueled by a passion for travel and human connection, continues to shape the sector and helps specialists navigate the increasing complexity of the post-pandemic environment. The survey shows that 93% of the participants work in small and medium businesses of up to 50 people. These are the findings of RateHawk’s latest report, ‘What Supercharges Travel Professionals’, which explores travel professionals’ perspectives on the ever-evolving travel industry. Of these, 50% of all travel professionals globally work in businesses of 2 to 5 people, with the highest concentration in Europe (58%) and Latin America (47%). Around 17% operate as independent agents, with North America reporting the largest share (22%). In contrast, solo professionals are far less common in Asia and the GCC, where medium-sized companies (6 to 50 employees) dominate, representing 44% and 51% respectively. Globally, medium-sized companies account for 26% of respondents. Only 7% of respondents work in companies with more than 50 employees. Travel professionals show strong loyalty to the industry, with 42% of respondents having more than 15 years of experience. This trend is especially prominent in Europe (51% on average), particularly in Italy (68%), Germany (64%) and Spain (52%). At the same time, the industry continues to attract newcomers, with 18% of respondents worldwide having joined over the last 3 years. In some regions, this share is noticeably higher — for example, 23% in North America and 25% in Latin America. Meanwhile, one in four respondents worldwide (25%) has worked in the industry for 4 to 10 years, while 15% have 11 to 15 years of …

Oman Air has launched its new digital platform, Oman Air Holidays, in collaboration with TUI. Oman Air Holidays enables guests from Oman to explore over 20 countries while also allowing international travellers to experience Oman as a distinctive and accessible destination. The announcement was made during a press conference in Muscat, marking a significant step in the airline’s initiative to improve the travel experience and boost inbound tourism to Oman, reported Times of Oman. The platform aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to enhance inbound tourism, which includes a stopover program with Visit Oman, efforts to increase direct traffic, and an expanding network, with Amsterdam and Rome being the latest additions. Additionally, in June, Oman Air joined the oneworld Alliance, providing access to a vast global network covering over 170 countries and territories through partner airlines. Michael Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, said, “This platform is a natural extension of the work we’ve been doing to drive tourism into Oman, bringing together the elements we’ve been building: greater accessibility, stronger partnerships, and more compelling reasons to visit. It also marks an important step in our digital journey, as we continue to invest in more connected, guest-centric experiences. With TUI’s global reach and Oman Air’s renowned hospitality and service, we’re setting a new standard for holiday planning—whether in Oman or beyond.” David Schelp, CEO of TUI Markets + Airline, added, “Partnering with Oman Air allows us to bring our holiday expertise to a new market with huge potential. Oman is a remarkable destination, and this platform makes it more accessible to international travellers. We’re proud to support Oman Air in expanding their offerings while delivering the high-quality experiences TUI …

According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits. According to the report, AI is becoming a key tool for travellers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten have used AI for travel planning, with 21% using it before their most recent trip. As AI adoption grows, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalised recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travellers. The research also confirmed that travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact. Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. In line with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts across the technology, hospitality and events industries to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalised service platforms, and data-led design become more prevalent. Speaking during the event, Amy Read, VP Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, said: “It is important to recognise that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.” Read acknowledged that it is vital for the industry to recognise that technology has changed guests’ expectations of hospitality providers as they now seek instant gratification and swift …