In a special interview with TravTalk ME, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, outlined plans for the inaugural Al Dhaid Ramadan Festival in Al-Dhaid. The two-week programme will run from 26 February 2026 to 11 March 2026, featuring cultural, heritage, and community-led activities. HE Al Midfa said the festival will leverage the favourable weather to host a series of outdoor activations. A main stage will present daily three-hour sessions, including workshops and presentations by specialists in heritage and indigenous plant species from Al-Dhaid and Sharjah’s central region. The programme is designed to be interactive and educational. The event will also feature 16 SMEs and four additional companies, bringing the total number of participating enterprises to 20. Al-Shari’a Souq, a new project initiated by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Al-Qasimi, will be activated throughout the festival, reinforcing Al-Dhaid’s positioning as a cultural and community hub. Al Midfa added that future editions are expected to expand the festival’s scope and offerings.

flyadeal is expanding operations from its recently set-up Madinah base with the launch of three domestic routes, effective 1 March 2026. The introduction of scheduled flights to Jazan on the Red Sea coast in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia; Qassim, known for its date farms, in the heart of the Kingdom; and Arar, an agricultural centre and capital of the Northern Borders Province, takes the number of domestic and international destinations operated non-stop from Madinah to 10. flyadeal already serves the domestic cities of Abha, Al Hofuf, Dammam, Riyadh and Tabuk, along with Cairo and Istanbul direct from Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “Two months ago flyadeal established Madinah as our fourth operational base in Saudi Arabia to provide consumers with greater connectivity to and from the Holy City. “We increased our capacity by 40 per cent and are now adding a further three routes to quickly grow to 10 domestic and international destinations from Madinah that reflects our commitment to offer more choice and diversity. “Given the importance of Madinah as the second holiest city in the Islamic world and key gateway for pilgrims, our expanded schedule supplements flyadeal’s dedicated year-round Umrah and upcoming Hajj flights from several countries direct to Madinah.” The three new routes take flyadeal’s frequency up to 94 flights a week to and from Madinah. flyadeal operates an Airbus A320 featuring 186 all-Economy Class seats in a 3 – 3 configuration and spacious interiors on all its scheduled services. The airline has rapidly developed into the Middle East’s fastest growing carrier operating its young fleet from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah and Dammam to more than 30 seasonal and year-round …

IAAPA and the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) will join forces to launch IAAPA MENA, aligning activities and merging efforts to best serve members and advance the industry. The official launch will be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East and be officially in place 1st July 2026. IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry announced plans to strengthen its support and deepen its commitment to members and the rapidly growing attractions industry across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the establishment of a new regional office.  The announcement reflects IAAPA’s continued investment in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for tourism, leisure, and entertainment. As part of this expansion, IAAPA and the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) will join forces to launch IAAPA MENA, aligning activities and merging efforts to best serve members and advance the industry. A respected voice for the region since its establishment in 2016, MENALAC was founded by leading entertainment companies with a shared commitment to ensuring the MENA leisure and attractions sector is represented, supported, and positioned for long-term growth in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace. Through this collaboration, IAAPA builds upon the strong foundation MENALAC has established over the past decade—championing the region’s interests, elevating industry standards, and fostering collaboration among theme parks operators, amusement parks, visitor attractions, family entertainment centers, manufacturers and suppliers. Together, IAAPA and MENALAC will provide localized education, advocacy, research, resources, and expanded networking opportunities while connecting professionals in the region to IAAPA’s global community. The collaboration also recognizes MENALAC’s leadership and the Middle East’s growing expertise in the regional indoor amusement and family entertainment sector, ensuring …

Wego shares February 2026 travel insights for Kuwait, highlighting elevated inbound interest and active travel planning driven by Hala February celebrations, National and Liberation Day holidays, and early Ramadan preparations toward the end of the month. According to Wego’s data, February consistently ranks among the busiest travel periods for Kuwait. For February travel dates, total bookings for Kuwait increased by 4.8% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a combination of event-driven inbound demand and calendar-led outbound travel planning. Wego data shows a noticeable increase in flight and hotel bookings to Kuwait throughout February, with inbound bookings rising by 9% for travel during the Hala February festival period compared to the same travel period last year. Booking activity remains elevated across the entire month rather than concentrated around a single event, indicating sustained inbound interest linked to festival programming, entertainment events, shopping promotions, and favourable winter conditions. Inbound demand is primarily driven by regional markets, with top source markets including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Syrian Arab Republic, and Bahrain, reflecting Kuwait’s positioning as a regional cultural and events destination during February. Wego observed clear spikes around Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day holiday period in late February. Outbound search interest strengthened in the run-up, with early February recording the biggest jump, around 50% higher than the previous week. Outbound travel from Kuwait during this period is characterised by short-haul journeys, with 74% of searches focused on regional destinations. Travellers prioritise flexible travel dates and shorter trip durations aligned with the extended public holiday calendar. As Ramadan approaches toward the end of February, Wego data indicates a shift in travel planning behaviour, with Kuwaiti travellers increasingly scheduling trips …

Tawfeeq Holidays was recognised as ‘Best Destination Management Company – Qatar’ at the inaugural edition of the Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia. “Tawfeeq Holidays is honoured to receive the ‘Best Destination Management Company – Qatar’ award. This recognition will further drive our business as Qatar prepares to welcome more tourists in 2026. We remain committed to delivering even greater value to our customers.” Rehan Ali – CEO – Tawfeeq Holidays

Etihad Airways will introduce its flagship A380 to Bangkok for the first time this October, bringing The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, to Thailand and significantly increasing capacity on one of its most popular leisure routes. The aircraft will operate on Etihad’s evening daily service between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Bangkok (BKK), further strengthening connectivity between Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe. With its upper deck featuring The Residence, First Apartments, lounge, and refined Business with fully-lie flat seats, as well as a welcoming and comfortable Economy cabin, the A380 is more than an aircraft – it’s a destination in itself. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We’ve seen huge excitement around where our next A380 would fly – and Bangkok has been one of the most requested destinations. It’s a city that blends energy, culture and world-class hospitality, making it the perfect match for our flagship aircraft. “The A380 transforms the journey into part of the holiday itself. From The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky – and our private First Apartments, to the spacious Business lie-flat seats and thoughtfully enhanced Economy cabin, every guest experiences something special onboard. “With the A380 flying to Bangkok, we’re offering greater choice and significant additional capacity on one of our most popular leisure routes. Guests can immerse themselves in Thailand’s beaches and vibrant city life, or choose to extend their trip with a stopover in Abu Dhabi – turning one holiday into two and discovering everything our home city has to offer.” The A380’s introduction comes ahead of the peak winter travel season, supporting sustained demand for travel …

Following the announcement of the UAE’s national passenger rail network, Etihad Rail has revealed new details on what passengers can expect when services start operating later this year. For business travellers, the service will provide a professional, connected environment. Onboard Wi-Fi, power at every seat and spacious modern interiors will allow passengers to work, prepare or unwind while travelling between the UAE’s major economic centres. Families and leisure travellers will benefit from a safe, spacious and stress-free way to explore the country. Passenger rail has been designed to make travelling together simpler and more enjoyable, including a steadfast focus on removing many of the pressures that often come with long car journeys. Family-seating options will allow parents and children to sit together comfortably, while luggage storage will support weekend trips, holidays and visits to relatives. The focus is on allowing families to relax and enjoy the experience without interruption. The passenger experience has been developed with a clear focus on how people live, work and travel across the UAE today, offering a modern, comfortable and reliable alternative to intercity driving, while supporting the country’s wider mobility and sustainability goals. Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO, Etihad Rail Mobility said: “This next phase of our passenger journey is about moving from infrastructure to experience. We are designing a service that people will actively choose because it fits naturally into their daily lives.”  For daily commuters, passenger rail in the UAE will offer predictability and peace of mind. A consistent timetable, guaranteed seating and a calm onboard environment will allow passengers to plan their day with confidence, turning travel time into productive or restorative time. Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO, Etihad Rail Mobility explained “For …

According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed in partnership with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, Middle East air passenger demand is projected to grow by 23% between 2025 and 2030, driven by ambitious national tourism strategies, record airport performance, and unprecedented aircraft investment throughout the GCC. The region’s four largest carriers, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, underscoring long-term confidence in global demand. Meanwhile, Middle East airlines collectively account for 12% of all new unfilled aircraft orders worldwide, with GCC carriers responsible for 93% of those orders, according to the report. The expansion of fleet capacity is directly reflected in the scale of global connectivity now achieved by Middle Eastern carriers. The Middle East’s aviation and cruise industries are entering a phase of global expansion, solidifying the region’s status as a major international travel hub. These industries are set to be the focus of attention at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May. Qatar Airways serves more than 170 destinations worldwide, while Etihad Airways is set to operate a fleet of over 110 aircraft, connecting to more than 90 destinations as of the end of 2025. Emirates currently flies to 140 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific, and Saudia operates direct services to over 90 international destinations. Together, these networks underscore the region’s growing role as a global aviation super-connector, linking markets across six continents with increasing frequency and reach. Furthermore, Dubai-based Maldivian airline, Beond, has recently announced plans to set up operations in Bahrain, strengthening the …

Riyadh Air announced Cairo as a key addition to its growing network, with daily services to begin soon from Riyadh aboard its new state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This vital route strengthens the airline’s mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global hubs and deliver a world-class travel experience, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Following the “Pathway to Perfect” operational readiness phase , Riyadh Air is set to accept delivery of its first aircraft in the coming weeks and poised to launch commercial service to London, Dubai and Cairo soon after. The Egyptian capital has been strategically chosen for its as a significant flight path due to immense demand. Flights between Riyadh and Cairo are among the busiest in the world with a recorded 2.7 m passengers last year. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, stated, “The launch of our commercial service to Cairo marks a true beginning of our journey to connect Riyadh to the world, and the world to Riyadh. This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market that aligns with our ambition to become a global destination and a significant contributor to Vision 2030. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard our state-of-the-art Dreamliners to experience our distinctive Saudi hospitality and redefine the future of air travel.” This high-demand route underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to establishing a network that supports Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and tourism goals, while facilitating seamless travel for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers alike. As the vibrant heart of the Kingdom, Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a dynamic center for business, culture, and tourism, serving as a pivotal gateway to Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and ambitious future. …

Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, brought its vision of accessible travel to Istanbul through its “Travel Rehearsal” programme, hosting autistic children and their families at Istanbul Airport (IGA). The initiative, which is gradually being rolled out across 17 airports in Emirates’ global network, allows participants with disability to experience every stage of the travel journey in a supportive and structured environment. As part of Emirates’ “Accessible Travel for All” approach, the Travel Rehearsal program aims to make air travel more predictable and comfortable for individuals on the autism spectrum. By familiarizing families with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time, the programme helps reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight. Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, emphasized that accessibility is a core standard across every stage of the customer journey: “Accessible travel is not a single initiative for Emirates; it is a systematic approach embedded into every step of the journey. Through the Travel Rehearsal program, we aim to eliminate pre-flight uncertainty for children with autism and their families, making the airport and aircraft experience more predictable and reassuring. Our Istanbul implementation demonstrates that accessibility is not only about assistance — it is about independence, confidence, and dignity.” Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline after more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialized autism awareness training. The program equips employees with in-depth knowledge of the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, challenges faced during travel, and personalized support strategies tailored to individual passenger needs. Highlighting the airline’s ongoing responsibility, he continued: “Accessibility is not a finished goal — it is a commitment that continues to evolve. As the …