Grand Millennium Tabuk was honoured with the title of ‘Best Luxury & Mice Hotel’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia 2025. “We are extremely proud of this achievement. First and foremost, this recognition is a true appreciation of the dedication and hard work of our teams in the hotel. This success would not have been possible without their relentless efforts, as well as the continued support of our owners, the Higher Education Fund of Saudi Arabia, who consistently stand behind us to ensure we deliver exceptional and memorable experiences to our guests at all times.” Jalal Nasser, Area General Manager Millennium Hotels & Resorts KSA

Sharjah is gearing up to participate in ITB Berlin 2026—the world’s largest trade event specializing in the travel and tourism sector—taking place from 3 to 5 March 2026. The participation will be under the umbrella of the Sharjah Pavilion. The delegation, alongside the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), includes 20 entities from the emirate’s public and private sectors, a step that reflects the unification of plans and efforts, strengthens Sharjah’s presence, and consolidates its position on the global tourism map. During the exhibition, Sharjah’s delegation will showcase a range of prominent tourism and development projects that contribute to supporting the growth of the tourism sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy, in addition to highlighting the diversity of tourism experiences the emirate offers—stemming from its varied landscapes, natural environments, and urban projects—from the center of theCity to the Central Region and through to the Eastern Region. The participation also highlights Sharjah’s integrated cultural ecosystem, which includes a wide array of specialized museums, nature reserves, archaeological and historical sites, forts and castles, as well as destinations and sites listed under UNESCO heritage. In addition, Sharjah’s distinctive beaches and waterfronts—key attractions for visitors—reflect the diversity of the emirate’s tourism experience. The participation also underscores the variety of hotel accommodation experiences that distinguish the emirate, with each project offering a unique character that reflects the identity of its location and provides diverse stays combining luxury, nature, and heritage. With its commitment to preserving and safeguarding its cultural legacy and the authenticity of its identity, Sharjah continues to solidify its standing as a destination that brings together heritage and modernity, offering an integrated tourism model that balances development, sustainable growth, …

Six Senses has opened reservations for Six Senses The Palm, Dubai. Stays are available to book from 1 September 2026, ahead of the brand’s arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Located on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the all-suite beachfront resort brings together 61 suites and 172 privately-owned branded residences in a setting designed to promote harmony and connection. With space to breathe by the sea yet closely connected to the vibrant city, the resort looks out across the Arabian Gulf, The Palm, and Dubai’s skyline. Architecture and interiors by Cape Town–based firm SAOTA take cues from regional building traditions, interpreted through a contemporary and sustainable lens. Inside the suites, natural materials such as stone and timber are paired with sand-toned finishes and subtle local details. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, some with pools, allow light and fresh air to flow easily through the space, adapting naturally to the rhythms of the day. Across the resort, pathways wind through planted courtyards and shaded gardens, gently leading guests towards the private beach. Water features and open circulation areas create a sense of flow, offering space to move, pause, or simply sit and take in the surroundings. Well-being sits at the heart of the experience. The 60,000-square-foot spa and wellness facilities bring together traditional therapies and longevity science, supported by diagnostics and personalized programs. Facilities include a Longevity Clinic, hydrotherapy areas, biohacking experiences, an Alchemy Bar, and indoor and outdoor spaces for yoga and meditation, with care guided by in-house experts and Visiting Practitioners. Cuisine reflects the Eat with Six Senses philosophy, which shapes how food is sourced, prepared, and enjoyed. Menus are built around seasonal produce and ingredients sourced as …

Oman Air is expanding its international network with the launch of direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent, commencing 1 June 2026. The new service will operate twice weekly, offering guests convenient access between the two capitals and strengthening connectivity between Oman and Central Asia. It’s the eighth new route the airline has announced since December. As Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city, Tashkent is an increasingly popular tourist destination, renowned for its unique culture, historic sites and monuments, and recreational parks. The new route is also expected to support inbound tourism to Oman while strengthening bilateral business and cultural ties between the two countries. Positioned along the historic Silk Road, Oman and Uzbekistan share rich heritage and cultural depth, offering travellers the opportunity to explore two culturally distinctive yet historically connected destinations. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “The launch of Tashkent reflects Oman Air’s continued focus on building a commercially sustainable network that balances point-to-point demand with strategic growth markets. Central Asia represents a region of increasing relevance for both inbound and outbound travel, and the new service is designed to support Oman’s broader tourism ambitions by attracting visitors from Uzbekistan and the wider region. We look forward to welcoming guests from Uzbekistan to experience Oman’s renowned hospitality, and to offering our guests seamless access to one of Central Asia’s most compelling destinations” Operating twice weekly, the 4-hour flight will provide a convenient option for both leisure and business travellers. Guests will experience Oman Air’s premium onboard service, modern fleet and signature Omani hospitality throughout their journey.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, unveils an expanded portfolio of water-based experiences designed to highlight the natural beauty and vibrant marine life of its surrounding atolls. Thoughtfully curated to combine energy, exploration and moments of calm, the new offerings invite guests to experience the Maldives from a fresh perspective. Building on its popular Jet Car, SeaBob and windsurfing activities, the resort now enhances its watersports programme with private speedboat journeys and bespoke marine excursions, each tailored for small groups seeking meaningful ocean encounters. Available daily from the Watersports Centre, the new private speedboat experiences provide an intimate way to discover the hidden gems of Dhaalu Atoll. Designed for one to four guests, each excursion ensures flexibility, personalised attention and access to some of the region’s most captivating marine locations. Guests may choose from four hour, five hour or full day itineraries, all complemented by a freshly prepared BBQ lunch. From colourful coral gardens to untouched sandbanks, each journey reveals the Maldives in its most authentic and captivating form. At the heart of the programme is the Full Day Adventure Trip, an immersive exploration of Vaavu Atoll’s most iconic marine sites. Highlights include: • The Coral Garden, known for its rich biodiversity and striking reef formations • The Turtle Point, where sea turtles glide through crystal clear waters • The Nurse Shark Point, offering a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat The experience concludes with a relaxed beachside lunch on a secluded sandbank, surrounded by uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. For guests seeking both exhilaration and restoration, the Waves of Adventure and Calmness programme pairs a private two hour snorkelling …

Wego won ‘Best Online Travel Marketplace- KSA’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia. “Wining this award shows the hard work the team has been doing over the past many years. Saudi Arabia is a very diversified market with lots of offerings. Mobile users have stood out I would say, with anything to do with digital apps, etc. So, being able to stand out among all that is really a great moment for us. And we’re always proud to be part of TravTalk events, activities, and awards.”- Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer, Wego

The celebration comes as the Kingdom’s tourism sector advances in line with Saudi Vision 2030, positioning tour guides as central to presenting historical, cultural, and natural assets with knowledge and professionalism. Jeddah marked International Tourist Guide Day with 281 male and female tour guides from across the Kingdom participating in events organised by the Tour Guides Cooperative Society. (SPA) The programme highlighted the historic Hajj route and the city’s heritage landmarks, underscoring the profession’s growing relevance amid Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion. The event brought together guides representing various regions of the Kingdom to commemorate International Tourist Guide Day, launched in 1990 by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. The programme introduced participants to the historic Hajj route and key heritage sites in Jeddah, reinforcing their role in interpreting destinations for visitors. International Tourist Guide Day aims to highlight the tourist guide’s role as an ambassador of their country and culture, while raising awareness of the profession’s contribution to enriching the visitor experience. It also promotes sustainable tourism development and recognises guides’ efforts in showcasing national identity and human heritage.  

Czechia is inviting travellers from the Middle East to plan their 2026 holidays with greater flexibility through its ‘‘Feel Free’’ theme, encouraging an unhurried, experience-led style of travel shaped around personal interests rather than rigid checklists. With travel from the region increasingly spanning multiple seasons, Czechia is positioning itself as a destination that delivers across the year, from winter getaways to spring, summer and autumn breaks. “With our ‘Feel Free’ theme, we want travellers to feel the freedom to explore Czechia on their own terms and beyond the familiar. Travellers from the GCC are increasingly seeking depth, regional stories and unhurried experiences, and Czechia offers that across the year, from winter charm and wellness to culture, gastronomy and nature. The direct airline connectivity to Prague from GCC countries also brings Czechia closer than ever for a quick escape or a longer, slower break,” said Ms. Barbara Andelova, International Markets Manager, CzechTourism. From snow-dusted viewpoints and winter city breaks in Prague to cosy cafés, classical music, museums, and seasonal markets, Czechia’s colder months offer a more intimate way to experience the destination. The winter mood extends naturally into the country’s celebrated spa heritage, with the Karlovy Vary Region offering wellness-led travel rooted in tradition, ideal for travellers looking to slow down and reset. As the seasons open, Czechia lends itself to regional extensions that deepen the trip without adding complex logistics. South Bohemia and Český Krumlov bring storybook towns, riverside scenery, and countryside drives, while Bohemian Switzerland is well-suited for nature-focused travel from spring through autumn. For those who build itineraries around food, local culture, and relaxed exploration, South Moravia stands out with scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and a distinctive culinary …

Aleph Hospitality has secured the Four Points by Sheraton brand for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The franchise agreement between Diyar Al Khalidiyah Hotel Services Company and Marriott International, coupled with the third-party management agreement with Aleph Hospitality, represents a strategic milestone for the hotel as they prepare to welcome growing numbers of religious visitors. Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil is strategically located on Ibrahim Khalil Street, near the Great Mosque of Makkah and the iconic Abraj Al-Bait Towers. Makkah continues to experience an unprecedented surge in both Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages, driven by Saudi Arabia’s national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets 30 million annual visitors by 2030. This growth is supported by major infrastructure developments, digital services like the Nusuk pilgrimage platform, and hospitality expansion to accommodate increasing global demand. According to official projections, total Hajj and Umrah visitors are expected to grow from approximately 31.8 million in 2024 to 42.8 million by 2030. Aleph Hospitality assumed management of the 338-key hotel in August 2025, further strengthening its collaboration with Marriott International and expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia’s thriving hospitality market. Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil marks Aleph Hospitality’s third Marriott-branded hotel under management in the Kingdom, and the sixth Marriott-branded hotel in the company’s wider portfolio in the Middle East and Africa. Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality, said: “We enjoy a longstanding and trusted relationship with Marriott International, underpinned by a shared focus on excellence and continuous improvement. Our collective ambition is to elevate the guest journey while delivering strong operational performance and value for our owners.”

flynas announced the availability of more than 1.7 million seats during Ramadan 1447H, marking a 20% increase in seat capacity compared to the same period last year, across its domestic and international network. This increase comes in response to the growing demand during the Umrah season and the holy month of Ramadan, as flynas aims to provide wider and more flexible travel options for pilgrims and passengers, in line with the noticeable annual surge in travel during this period. The expanded capacity reflects the continued execution of flynas’ growth and expansion strategy, which focuses on doubling its fleet and expanding its destination network. It also reaffirms the airline’s vital role in supporting the objectives of the civil aviation sector under Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in connecting the world to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and facilitating seamless access for the guests of the Two Holy Mosques.