The first 50 of a plethora of hospitality and tourism industry leaders have been confirmed as speakers at the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 27-29 October. Globally renowned experts and personalities across hospitality, tourism, media and education are speaking at the Middle East’s leading investment summit, held under the overarching theme for 2025 of Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS World, said: “FHS World may be three months away, but the planning and organisation, which started as soon as last year’s event finished, is in full swing. Our first speakers are confirmed, and hundreds of attendees have already signed up for the region’s leading hospitality investment summit. “FHS World gets bigger, bolder and better every year, and we are proud to announce our first 50 speakers and rapidly-evolving agenda at this early stage. We look forward to welcoming back some of our regular speaker participants alongside industry leaders who will be joining us for the first time, when the global hospitality and tourism investment fraternity gathers in Dubai in October.” With an expected attendance of more than 1,600 delegates, FHS World 2025 will feature its usual highly-anticipated, action-packed agenda addressing key industry opportunities, challenges and trends across three stages, with additional workshop rooms and breakout areas. Centred around the event theme, Where Vision Leads, Investment Follows, the FHS World programme covers everything from investment to innovation, sustainability to staffing and technology to tourism trends, with keynote speeches, panel discussion, presentations and round table debates on the agenda. Follow FHS World for updates and speakers. This year, FHS World will zoom in on global hospitality …

Qatar Airways announced the resumption of three weekly flights to Aleppo, Syria from 10 August 2025. The flights will be increased to four weekly flights from 1 September 2025. Qatar Airways operations to the city first began in 2011. The airline resumed flights to Damascus in early 2025, making Aleppo the second Syrian destination to connect to the airline’s global network. Qatar Airways flights to Aleppo (ALP) From 10 August, the airline will resume three weekly flights to Aleppo. Departing every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday: Doha (DOH) to Aleppo (ALP) – Flight QR414: Departure 08:30, Arrival 11:40 Aleppo (ALP) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR415: Departure 13:55, Arrival 17:00 From 01 September, the airline will increase to four weekly flights to Aleppo. Departing every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: Doha (DOH) to Aleppo (ALP) – Flight QR414: Departure 08:30, Arrival 11:40 Aleppo (ALP) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR415: Departure 13:55, Arrival 17:00 Aleppo will join Qatar Airways’ vast network of more than 170 global destinations. The resumption represents the airline’s commitment to increasing connectivity in the region and the world through Qatar Airways’ award-winning hub, the world-class Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can make their trips more rewarding by collecting Avios on their flights as well as shopping and dining at Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport. Members can spend their Avios on travel and lifestyle rewards of their choice including bidding on money-can’t-buy experiences with Privilege Club Collection. Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, remains a prominent leader in global connectivity and operates to over 170 destinations worldwide. Bookings can be made at qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile application.

OMRAN Group announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman’s broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H.E. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project’s key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project’s agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of OMRAN Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square meters, the project’s masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalization of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the …

Etihad Airways has signed a codeshare agreement with Greek regional carrier SKY express, opening access to 24 Greek island destinations and three additional Eastern Mediterranean cities for customers travelling via Athens. The partnership, effective 14 July 2025, builds on the strong performance of the existing interline cooperation between the two airlines and significantly expands Etihad’s reach across the Greek islands and broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Under the codeshare agreement, Etihad will place its code on SKY express-operated flights beyond Athens, providing seamless access to Greece’s most popular island destinations including Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Kos, alongside sought-after destinations such as Corfu, Paros, and Thessaloniki. The partnership complements Etihad’s daily service to Athens by expanding connectivity exclusively via Athens as the gateway, positioning the Greek capital as a strategic hub for onward island travel. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with SKY express opens exciting new possibilities for our customers to discover Greece beyond Athens. SKY express’s comprehensive island network perfectly complements our Athens service, giving travellers seamless access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations through a single booking.” Gerasimos Skaltsas, Chief Commercial Officer at SKY express, said: “The collaboration with Etihad is a strong vote of confidence in SKY express, reinforcing our position as a reliable partner and significantly enhancing our connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy seamless access to the largest network of Greek destinations, served by the youngest fleet in Greece. Together, we are dedicated to making Greece a sought-after, year-round destination for visitors from around the world.” The codeshare arrangement allows customers to book connecting flights with streamlined check-in processes and automatic baggage transfers to their final destination. …

The much awaited attraction, Zayed National Museum will open to the public in December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. Through immersive exhibitions, active research and public and community programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed’s vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and the preservation of Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum’s collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations related to the heritage of the UAE, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today’s expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, …

flyadeal has launched its summer seasonal flying programme with the return of popular destinations in Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fast-growing Saudi low-cost airline welcomes back the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm El Sheikh; the Turkish hot spot of Trabzon; Baku and Tbilisi, the capital cities of Azerbaijan and Georgia respectively; and the cultural city of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzogovina, to its summer network. Saudi Arabia’s youngest and region’s fastest growing low-cost airline is operating a total of 10 routes across the five summer destinations from bases in Riyadh and Jeddah over a 10-week period during the holiday season. With cooler climes than the intense summer heat of the Kingdom, the seasonal additions provide a great retreat for families and independent travellers during the busy two months ahead. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “With the summer holiday rush getting into full swing, we are delighted to reintroduce our popular seasonal services for a third consecutive summer flying programme. We look forward to welcoming back our seasoned travellers and first-time passengers to these exciting destinations for a short break or longer holiday.” The seasonal capacity comes on top of flyadeal’s recently-introduced year-round scheduled services from the Kingdom to Alexandria and Assiut in Egypt; and Istanbul’s second airport of Sabiha Gökçen. flyadeal has been catapulted into the region’s fastest growing airline with a current fleet of 39 Airbus A320 family aircraft serving over 30 seasonal and year-round destinations in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. The airline is set to more than triple in size in fleet and destinations served by 2030. Tickets are bookable via flyadeal’s Mobile App, website www.flyadeal.com and through travel …

Qatar Tourism, through the Academy of Service Excellence, has launched a new training programme titled ‘The Art of Hospitality at Reception Desks’. The program, which was launched on 9 July 2025, aims to train 400 frontline employees in hotels rated four stars and below. The program responds to the needs of this vital sector and offers an intensive two-day training course focused on developing guest skills, enhancing cultural sensitivity, and improving operational efficiency. 84 participants from the first batch successfully completed the program and received accredited certificates. This initiative is part of Qatar Tourism’s strategy for service excellence and contributes to achieving the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting professional development and raising service standards in the tourism sector.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced the signing of Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach, in partnership with Uslu Turizm Insaat Tasimacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. Expected to open in mid-2026, the 460-room resort will strengthen IHG’s position within the Turkish leisure segment, by providing a new offering with resort-style amenities in Bodrum. The signing follows the success of IHG’s first Holiday Inn Resort property, Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum, and adds to a growing portfolio of 33 open hotels in Turkiye and a further 17 in development. Underscoring the brands commitment to family-friendly hospitality, the hotel will offer guests a large resort-style pool, sandy beach, spa, bar, conference area and more, all while enjoying the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Located in one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations, Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach will place guests in close proximity to a wealth of popular attractions, beaches, and the area’s vibrant nightlife. Ideally situated near Turgutreis Marina along the Aegean coast of Bodrum, guests will also have access to yachting and leisure boating opportunities, with and easily travel to nearby Greek Islands, including Kos, making it the perfect base for exploration and relaxation. As one of the most recognised brands in the world, Holiday Inn champions meaningful connections for all, offering a warm, welcome and consistent experience, with each hotel delivering genuine hospitality with personal service. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “As one of the most sought-after destinations in Bodrum, Turgutreis benefits from both international and local leisure travellers. The strategic location of Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach therefore allows us to capitalise on growth opportunities by introducing the right …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has officially relaunched its #WithinOman campaign in collaboration with the National Travel Operator (Visit Oman)  to stimulate domestic tourism, encourage exploration of Oman’s diverse destinations, and celebrate the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. Running until the end of August, the campaign presents a wide range of exclusive staycation packages and curated experiences across OMRAN Group’s hospitality assets and experiences. This year’s campaign features discounts on room stays, food and beverages, complimentary child stays, and engaging adventure, heritage, and wellness experiences. Through Visit Oman’s leading-edge digital booking platform, visitors can now easily plan their complete travel itineraries with just one click — offering ultimate convenience and flexibility for travellers within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. More than just a seasonal offer, the #WithinOman campaign aims to reinforce Oman’s position as a compelling year-round tourism destination and enrich domestic tourism; it also contributes to enhancing travel itineraries, turning every journey into a personalized, immersive, and fulfilling experience. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with OMRAN Group on the rollout of the summer campaign, marking a significant milestone in expanding Visit Oman’s leading-edge digital booking platform. Now serving both trade partners and travelers, the platform delivers a seamless user experience with dynamic product offerings — all just a click away. This initiative underscores the group’s shared commitment to advancing national efforts that boost domestic tourism and celebrate Oman’s extraordinary diversity, from the dramatic fjords of Musandam to the lush Khareef landscapes of Dhofar,” said Shabib Al Maamari, Managing Director of Visit Oman. Participating hotels and resorts include iconic properties such as Al Bustan Palace, W Muscat, JW Marriott Muscat, Crowne Plaza OCEC, Atana Musandam, …

flynas has launched a dedicated check-in counter for children and their families, making it the first and leading family-friendly airline in Saudi Arabia by creating a fun, stress-free, and engaging travel experience for kids and their families as part of flynas’s commitment to inclusivity in travel and serving all segments of society. Under the slogan “Make Them the Stars of the Journey”, the first check-in counter located at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, in the domestic terminal has been inaugurated for the first phase. It has been designed to enhance the overall customer experience, featuring a dedicated area for children during the check-in process that offers a range of engaging activities tailored to families. The pioneering initiative offers a custom-built, child-height counter with colorful branding and visuals of Fernas mascot. The area features branded barriers with fun illustrations and welcoming signage designed to greet children. Flynas-trained staff offer warm, playful interactions and personalized service tailored to families. Additionally, kids are privileged with customized boarding passes, specifically designed for children. flynas is committed to inclusivity in travel and serving all segments of society in line with its growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”, in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030, and with the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights …