This summer, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach invites UAE residents to escape the ordinary and enjoy a well-deserved School Break Staycation with the Kids, available from June 30 to September 30, 2025, with rates starting from AED 450 per night. The package includes AED 200 in F&B credit to enjoy the hotel’s renowned dining experiences. With direct access to Dubai’s most exciting beachside destination, families can soak up the sun by the infinity pool, stroll along The Walk’s vibrant promenade, and spend quality time together in one of the city’s most scenic coastal spots. As closer-to-home escapes grow increasingly popular, this limited-time offer gives UAE residents the ideal opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect — all within a refined, resort-style setting in the heart of Dubai Marina. “As a family-first destination, we understand the importance of creating moments that matter,” said Gopi Joghee, General Manager of Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach. “Our summer staycation offer combines panoramic views, generous dining credit, and a warm welcome for UAE residents looking to relax and reconnect.” Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a mid-week breather, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach promises a staycation that feels like a true escape — just minutes from home. Reservations & Information: For reservations call: +971 4 448 4848 Email: H6146-RE3@sofitel.com Visit: www.sofitel-dubai-jumeirahbeach.com

New research by PwC Middle East, in collaboration with Mabrian Technologies reveals that visitor preferences across the Gulf region are undergoing a fundamental shift. Arts and culture rank as the top visitor motivators across Qatar (28.5%), UAE (26.6%) and KSA (24.5%)Visitors are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer cultural meaning and emotional resonance. In response to these findings, PwC Middle East developed a strategic framework detailed in their latest report, Stay Play Shop: Shaping Integrated Destinations for Connected Visitor Experiences. The report presents a clear approach for destination development companies, tourism authorities, destination managers and operators across the Gulf Cooperation Council to accelerate the evolution of destination strategies. It advocates a shift away from static, asset-led development towards dynamic, visitor-centric ecosystems that drive longer stays, deeper engagement and increased economic impact. Nicolas Mayer, Destinations Consulting Lead Partner at PwC Middle East, said, “This thought leadership aims to reframe how we think about destination value by integrating visitor behaviour with the realities of destination planning and placemaking. Stay Play Shop is more than a slogan. It is a robust framework backed by visitor insights and evolving needs offering development companies a strategic framework to drive visitation spending and loyalty.” Building on this idea of redefining destination value, Philippe Najjar, Destinations Consulting Partner at PwC Middle East, added, “By embracing the Stay Play Shop model leaders can shape not just where people go but how deeply they connect and experience places. This goes beyond destination development to crafting generational legacies that fuel cultural pride visitor loyalty and sustained economic return.” Emphasising a crucial prerequisite for success, Sonia Huerta, Vice President Advisory at Mabrian Technologies, highlighted, “Public-private partnerships among Destination Management Office, hoteliers, …

ELEVATE and Ennismore signed an agreement to introduce the region’s first-ever beachfront Mondrian residences in the UAE. The landmark $500 million project will be situated on the rapidly growing Al Marjan Island, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of branded living experiences on the island and in the region. The grand opening is anticipated to be in Q4 2028. This partnership unites the strengths of two globally respected leaders, collaborating to champion bold design, authentic community experiences, and purposeful living. ELEVATE is setting new benchmarks for intentional and design-forward living, rooted in the UAE with a deep understanding of the region’s evolving cultural and lifestyle ambitions. It offers the perfect counterpart: local insight, real estate expertise, and a vision for redefining modern luxury. Ennismore is a powerhouse in luxury lifestyle hospitality, comprising a collective of 16 globally celebrated brands and two F&B groups—including Delano, SLS, 25hours Hotels, SO/, and Rikas—as well as over 500 restaurants and bars. Together, the two are set to create transformative destinations that resonate far beyond the traditional hospitality model. Commenting on the signing, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan said: “We are delighted to welcome the Mondrian Residences to Al Marjan Island as part of our ongoing commitment to elevating Marjan’s global stature, which is increasingly being famed as a lifestyle-led development. This collaboration between ELEVATE and Ennismore adds a new layer of depth and creativity to our growing portfolio of branded residences on the island. We are proud to welcome Mondrian Beach Residences to Al Marjan Island, which is slated to mark a global expansion for the hospitality giant, showcasing the draw and relevance of Marjan today”. With this landmark project, ELEVATE …

Etihad Airways touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion. Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport made Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston. Guests travelling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region. This allows passengers to clear U.S. immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the United States as domestic travellers and saving valuable time on arrival. The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the US, catering to business travellers, vacationers, and those visiting friends and family. It also makes it easier for guests from across the southeastern U.S. to visit Abu Dhabi and experience a city where modernity meets rich heritage, offering a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, relaxation and stunning beaches. The new service is operated using Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000, a fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offering a quieter ride, and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes. The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but record-high load factors and remarkable early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025. Demand from both leisure and corporate segments has exceeded expectations, firmly validating Atlanta’s position as a key market for Etihad. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive …

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the intention to enter a strategic partnership which will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flights between the East African state and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. The partnership will see Qatar Airways introducing a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, with flights due to be available for booking over the coming days. The new offering will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways operated, and Qatar Airways marketed, flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season. The two airlines will also codeshare on both networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers from around the world. Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will look to develop collaboration in other parts of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.” Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said: “This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade earlier this year. The …

The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sector’s continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved with the guidance and support of the Kingdom’s leadership. His Excellency added that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing the sector’s accelerated growth driven by the efforts of the Ministry and all stakeholders of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem. According to the report, the Kingdom welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6% increase compared with 2023. Total tourism spending—for domestic and inbound tourism—reached approximately SAR 284 billion, reflecting 11% growth year-on-year. The Ministry noted that Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8% rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR 168.5 billion, up 19% from 2023. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SAR 115.3 billion in 2024.

The Ascott Limited announced the opening of Citadines Maslak Istanbul, marking a bold stride in the group’s ongoing expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye region. With 148 serviced units ranging from sleek studios to spacious four-bedroom apartments, the property is designed for short- and long-stay guests seeking flexibility without compromise. Strategically located in Istanbul’s bustling Maslak district, home to multinational headquarters, global financial institutions, and vibrant cultural venues, the new property exemplifies the Citadines brand promise of offering the freedom to live and work with flexibility and comfort. This launch further accelerates Citadines’ rapid ascent as Ascott’s fastest-growing brand, with around 200 properties both operating and in the pipeline across over 30 countries to date. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul’s captivating blend of heritage and modernity, Citadines Maslak Istanbul offers guests a stylish and private retreat amid the city’s dynamic energy. Whether travelling for business or leisure, guests are perfectly positioned at the epicentre of Istanbul’s key commercial, cultural, and recreational zones. Multinational corporations such as Ericsson, Cisco, and Ford, as well as leading educational institutions like Nisantasi University and Istanbul Technical University, are located nearby, making it ideal for corporate travellers and visiting academics alike. Holidaymakers can explore Istinye Mall, Emirgan Park, Rumeli Fortress, and Bebek Sahili, all within a 30-minute drive. The property is also easily accessible, located just 40 minutes from Istanbul International Airport. Each residence offers separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchenettes, and modern amenities tailored to the needs of urban explorers. On-site facilities include a gymnasium and sauna, business centre, guest lounge, meeting room, and a breakfast lounge and restaurant, catering to the active and sophisticated lifestyles of today’s travellers. …

Qatar Airways resumes operations today in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition to the airline’s network in Europe affirms its commitment to maintaining global connectivity. Malta is home to Valletta, its capital city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mdina, its old capital with more than 4,000 years of history. With 300 days of sun, the country invites travellers to explore its sun-drenched coasts, rich history, and cultural experiences. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways remains at the forefront of supporting global connectivity with its resumption of operations in Malta. As the only airline in the Middle East with non-stop services to and from Malta, we deliver convenient travel experiences to our passengers who seek to enjoy the vibrant nature of Malta and its landscape. We welcome global travellers to travel seamlessly and conveniently with the World’s Best Airline, through its home and hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport.” Malta International Airport CEO, Mr. Alan Borg, said: “The return of Qatar Airways as one of our airline partners is a welcome addition to our schedule, contributing to our efforts to expand our connectivity. A testament to our industry’s resilience, we remain committed to facilitating the airline in increasing its operational growth in the region.” Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Carlo Micallef, said: “We welcome the resumption of the Qatar Airways direct service between Doha and Malta. Qatar Airways’ return signifies a strong recognition of Malta’s tourism potential. The new schedule will strengthen Malta’s connectivity with a variety of attractive and lucrative tourism source markets, and the Malta Tourism Authority remains fully …

Turkish Airlines and airBaltic expanded their existing codeshare agreement, adding several new destinations to their shared network. Under the expanded agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its flight code on select airBaltic-operated flights from Riga to Turku (TKU) and Tampere (TMP) in Finland, as well as Palanga (PLQ) in Lithuania. In return, airBaltic will be allowed to place its flight code on Turkish Airlines-operated routes from Istanbul to the following destinations: Tbilisi (TBS), Batumi (BUS), Ashgabat (ASB), Baku (GYD), Dushanbe (DYU), and Bishkek (FRU). These new routes will be launched following the completion of regulatory approvals. Since 2023, the two airlines have jointly operated flights between Istanbul and Riga under a codeshare arrangement. This latest expansion builds on that foundation, allowing both carriers to tap into new markets, broaden their route networks, and enhance connectivity for their passengers. The strengthened collaboration marks another step in extending the global reach of both airlines. Commenting on the expansion, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi, stated: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with airBaltic. This expanded codeshare agreement reflects our commitment to offering more travel options and improved connectivity for our passengers. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we will continue bridging continents and cultures through strategic collaborations and a growing network.” Pauls Cālītis, Interim CEO and COO of airBaltic also commented: “We are glad to take the next step in our partnership with Turkish Airlines. This collaboration provides even more travel opportunities for Baltic passengers through Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network. At the same time, travellers from Türkiye can now enjoy greater access to airBaltic’s destinations across the Baltics and Northern Europe. We look forward to continuing this …

Emirates’ highly anticipated Airbus A350 is now a regular sight at Muscat International Airport, with the start of regular daily services between Dubai and Muscat. The aircraft operates flight EK 866, which departs Dubai at 2:15 am and arrives in Muscat at 3:30 am. The return leg, EK 867 departs Muscat at 4:40 am and lands in Dubai at 5:55 am, perfectly timed to help customers connect for their flights to destinations in Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia. * The three-class aircraft offers 312 seats with 32 lie-flat seats in Business Class arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, 21 Premium Economy seats in a comfortable 2-3-2 setup, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout. Designed to offer customers an enhanced travel experience, all cabins feature higher ceilings and wider aisles. Customers across all classes enjoy the airline’s award-winning and latest in-flight entertainment system, offering a cinematic viewing experience, upgraded cabin lighting, faster connectivity with high-speed Wi-Fi, and improved seat ergonomics for greater comfort on short and medium-haul journeys. The introduction of the Airbus A350 to Muscat highlights Emirates’ ongoing commitment to Oman. Muscat is among the first few cities in the region to receive Emirates’ next-generation A350, joining a growing network that includes destinations like Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam and Amman as well as other points like Edinburgh, Mumbai, Tunis, Colombo and Ahmedabad. The airline has so far welcomed seven A350s to its fleet and is expected to serve 17 destinations across its global network by the end of this year. To meet the current summer travel demand, Emirates has also layered on two additional weekly flights between Dubai and Muscat, operating flights on Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight EK 862 …