Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises, as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and four maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Shiekh in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break. A new 14-night ‘Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi’ itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ sailing on 07 December, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season. Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on 28 November 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025, ahead of its inaugural winter season sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries and homeporting in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years. The two returning 14-night ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ cruises will also feature across both ships. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 March 2026. All four cruises …

GymNation, the homegrown UAE fitness brand, has announced the launch of the world’s first in-gym hotel, The GymNation Hotel. The new hotel concept provides the perfect spot to reset between sets or crash after a late-night workout – without the need to head home to recover. Available to book directly with GymNation, this isn’t your average hotel, it’s a premium recovery station built for gym bunnies who are ready to spring into action or to take away any excuse from the reluctant gym goers. Have you ever been accused of living in the gym? Well now you actually can. Think dumbbell-shaped towels for that extra fitness flair and a “Press for Protein” button to deliver a fresh protein shake straight to your bed. No time for lounging? Fire up your TV for a quick “Gymflix” fix while you stretch or foam roll. The GymNation Hotel isn’t about hitting snooze, it’s about resetting fast so you can get those gains. Commenting on the launch, Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, said, “We’re always looking to innovate and on a recent trip to Riyadh, where, a new idea came to us. While most hotels provide gym facilities, why aren’t there any gyms that provide hotel facilities?” The new hotel launch from GymNation comes as health and fitness continues to boom across the Middle East and gym penetration rates experiencing the fastest growth in the world, with KSA leading at 16.8% CAGR (2020-2023) and UAE at 5.8%. A recent study[1] also found that 90% of travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are proactively working out when they go on a trip. The GymNation Hotel concept is designed to provide a potential new …

Golden Sands Hotel and Residences wins ‘Sharjah’s Leading Four Star Hotel’ award at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Golden Sands pioneered the concept of hotel apartments in the region. We were the first to introduce the idea of Hotel Apartments in Dubai. With continuous efforts to improve our rooms, facilities and services and among the many Dubai hotels, we are proud to present such furnished apartments that meet the guests requirements and make their lodging experience memorable. The award was received by Mohammad Khoori, Cluster General Manager, Golden Sands Hotel and Residences

Dubai International (DXB)  expects over 3.6 million guests in total to pass through its terminals during the Eid travel peak from 26 March to 7 April. The busiest day of the period is forecast for Saturday, 5 April, when 309,000 guests are expected. Daily total traffic is set to average 276,000 guests, with the sharpest rise projected in the first week of April. Departures during the Eid week are anticipated to surge by 19% compared to average weekly volumes over the past month, reflecting a significant seasonal uplift. With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy. To support smooth journeys during this peak period, Dubai Airports is urging guests to use the recently introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool that provides real-time navigation across all terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate, browse the full array of dining and retail options, or find nearby facilities with ease. Dubai Airports is also ready with enhanced services for People of Determination (PoD) through clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyard from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. In collaboration with airline, service and commercial partners, and government authorities, Dubai Airports is working to ensure seamless guest flows across all touchpoints throughout the holiday period.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Wizz Air have revealed the successful launch of the airline’s ‘Let’s Get Lost’ campaign, which created an exciting new way for travellers to experience the diverse tourism offerings of Abu Dhabi. The campaign saw guests boarding a Wizz Air flight without knowing their final destination. The surprise was revealed upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, a city that offers a wide range of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, pristine beaches, leisure facilities and world-class entertainment. DCT Abu Dhabi supported this venture with a packed itinerary, showcasing the city as a premier destination for global travellers. The partnership has demonstrated DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to forging strategic international partnerships to boost visibility and support Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy. The collaboration with Wizz Air not only highlighted the city’s appeal but also showcased how DCT Abu Dhabi is working with partners to drive sustainable growth in the tourism sector. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our collaboration with Wizz Air on the ‘Let’s Get Lost’ campaign was a strategic move that underlined our commitment to innovative marketing approaches. By providing an element of surprise and excitement, we not only promoted Abu Dhabi as a premier destination but also enhanced our position as a world-class tourist destination. This partnership aligned perfectly with our broader strategy of fostering international collaborations to drive sustainable growth in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.” The success of this collaboration with Wizz Air underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting the city’s tourism sector and enhancing its global visibility. By leveraging the power of strategic partnerships, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to drive growth in …

Saudi German Hospital (SGH) Makkah received accreditation from TEMOS, marking a significant milestone in global healthcare and reinforcing the group’s status as a premier destination for medical tourism in KSA. The TEMOS accreditation validates SGH Makkah’s excellence in promoting medical tourism and international patient care, driven by its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered approach. Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia, SGH Makkah offers world-class medical care. By offering high-quality healthcare services to international patients, the group ensures the highest standards of patient care and strives to meet global benchmarks. The latest accreditation is evidence of SGH’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of quality healthcare in accordance with the group’s ethos of ‘Caring Like Family’. Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, Vice Chairman of Saudi German Health, stated, “This latest milestone strengthens SGH’s position as a reliable healthcare provider in the region and aligns with the company’s broader objective to drive excellence in healthcare. The TEMOS Accreditation demonstrates the group’s focus on delivering superior medical care, upholds our position as a leader in global patient care, and advances the Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a global centre for healthcare. Through this accomplishment, SGH Makkah continues to raise the bar for medical excellence, ensuring that patients across the globe receive the best care possible.” TEMOS is an internationally recognised accreditation that assesses hospitals based on safety, service quality, and international patient management. In keeping with the Saudi Vision 2030, the achievement enhances the Kingdom’s position as an acclaimed international centre for healthcare. Additionally, it lays out the foundation for Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, which aims to attract two million medical tourists a year by 2030.

Marriott International, Inc. and Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) announced an agreement to bring a luxury resort and residential development under The Luxury Collection brand to Ras Al Khaimah. Situated within Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship development, the project is anticipated to blend the brand’s authentic take on luxury while providing residents an elevated and exceptional living experience. “Ras Al Khaimah continues its emergence as a world-class destination, and we are excited to further expand our portfolio in the Emirate and support the growth of its tourism sector,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “We are also equally pleased to strengthen our relationship with Abu Dhabi National Hotels by bringing The Luxury Collection brand to the destination. This project within Al Marjan Island will be a great addition to the brand’s ensemble of luxury properties across the globe, offering a distinctive perspective on luxury through unique and authentic experiences.” “We are delighted to be expanding our presence in the UAE with our latest project in Ras Al Khaimah, located on one of three beachfront bays on Marjan Island, and to growing our relationship with Marriott International with our seventh collaboration,” commented Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels. “This project reflects Abu Dhabi National Hotels’ commitment to innovation and to developing unique, distinctive and exceptional accommodation.” The Luxury Collection Resort in Al Marjan Island is anticipated to comprise 466 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, along with 29 expansive villas. Design plans for the resort include multiple dining venues, a spa, fitness center, kids club, swimming pool, and padel court. The property is also slated to feature more than 3,500sqm of meeting and …

India’s tourism industry is experiencing notable growth, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, a widening middle class and improved global connectivity. Reflecting the country’s growing influence in international travel and hospitality, India’s inbound and outbound offerings will be in focus during the forthcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. According to Future Market Insights, India’s outbound tourism market is projected to reach USD55 billion by 2034, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4% over the next decade. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for international travel, particularly among millennials seeking diverse experiences abroad. Furthermore, research from STR suggests that India has increasingly become one of the most targeted source markets globally, with many destinations intensifying their efforts to attract Indian travellers. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 3.14 million overnight visitors from South Asia, with India factoring predominantly, significantly contributing to the overall 18.72 million international visitors who made a trip to the city, representing a nine per cent year-on-year increase. STR’s findings also reveal that hotel supply in India has increased by a CAGR of just over 3% in the past decade, with 114,000 new rooms added since 2014. Developer interest remains high, with hotel occupancy rates increasing in eight of the last ten years, reflecting sustained demand. This will be underscored by the country’s participation at ATM this year, which is expected to grow 41% year on year, driven by a strong presence from exhibitors such as the India Ministry of Tourism, airline carriers Air India and Air India Express, and an expanding representation from the regional tourism boards of Goa, Karnataka, …

Grand Millennium Tabuk won the title of ‘Best Luxury & MICE Hotel, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “This achievement inspires us to think bigger and aim higher. We will invest more in elevating our guest experiences, embracing sustainable practices, and fostering innovation to ensure our services remain exceptional. Additionally, we will focus on strengthening partnerships within the industry to collectively raise the standard of excellence in the UAE. This award is not just a milestone but a catalyst for continuous growth and improvement.”-Marc Sawaya, Cluster Commercial Director, Millennium Hotels and Resorts

Wego released exclusive insights into Ramadan 2025 travel trends for UAE residents, highlighting surging demand for international destinations, strategic booking patterns, and a resurgence in staycation value. Wego analysis showed that YoY international flight searches from the UAE are up 32.45%, signaling a robust travel appetite during Ramadan. Egypt, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Philippines, Lebanon, Morocco, and Nepal are the most searched destinations from the UAE through the holy month. The lineup features Ramadan mainstays that suggest homegoing trips, religious travel, and easy getaways continue to fuel UAE travellers’ intent during this time period. All 10 destinations recorded healthy search growth this year, with standouts such as Nepal (+214.76%), and Pakistan (+82.65%) significantly outperforming last year’s numbers. The growth in interest is accompanied by rising airfares this year. YoY flight prices to 9 out of 10 popular Ramadan destinations on Wego saw an increase, with Egypt (+42.29%) and Lebanon (+40.94%) among the steepest hikes. Jordan remains the exception, offering a marginal 1.17% price drop compared to 2024. Wego experts caution that prices may escalate further as Eid al-Fitr approaches. UAE travelers tend to plan ahead for Ramadan trips, with the majority of 2024 Ramadan flights booked over a month in advance – a trend expected to repeat in 2025.  Average Dubai hotel rates during Ramadan have plummeted 54.04% YoY, driving a 3% increase in local staycation searches on Wego. Wego data also showed that 4-star hotels dominate preferences, accounting for 40.15% of bookings, as travellers prioritize quality and value.