Category Archives: Technology

This strategic agreement defines the operational and commercial framework through which Kuwait Airways will procure, deploy, and manage IT solutions offered by Impulse. By leveraging this streamlined procurement pathway, Kuwait Airways will be able to adopt scalable cloud infrastructure, advanced data and analytics capabilities, and application modernization tools aligned with the best global practices. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, stated during the signing ceremony, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to sign this significant agreement with Impulse as we aim to enhance our digital and technological capabilities across all levels. This initiative is part of the national carrier’s digital transformation journey, that aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035.” Al-Fagaan pointed out that the agreement with Impulse ensures the national carrier of the State of Kuwait’s ability to adopt the latest cloud computing technologies efficiently, and securely, in line with the company’s strategic goals to enhance customer experience and increase operational agility. In a significant step towards enhancing its digital transformation journey, Kuwait Airways signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Impulse International for Telecommunications, laying the foundation for adopting the latest IT services and applications within Kuwait Airways’ digital transformation initiative. The signing ceremony was attended by Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, and Impulse Vice Chairman and CEO, Eng. Izzat Abou Amarah, along with various officials representing both companies. Al-Fagaan stated that Impulse is an authorized distributor under the Alliance Framework Agreement (AFA) signed with Google Cloud, making it a key enabler in Kuwait’s cloud computing ecosystem. He explained that the company will provide end-to-end support to Kuwait Airways throughout its cloud journey, starting with solution design and setup, through continuous improvements, to achieving optimization and compliance with standards. Al-Fagaan concluded his …

Kuwait Airways and Kuwait Telecommunications Company ‘stc’ have signed a joint cooperation protocol which aims to strengthen cooperation between the two entities in developing both the telecommunication and aviation sectors, providing integrated, and innovative services that serve mutual interests and enhance the customer experience. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to host the signing ceremony of a joint cooperation protocol with Kuwait Telecommunications Company- stc, one of the largest mobile network operators in the State of Kuwait. This cooperation reflects our ongoing commitment to reinforcing Kuwait Airways’ pivotal role in fostering strong relations with the public and private sectors, in the service of our beloved country, Kuwait.” Al-Fagaan added, “This protocol between Kuwait Airways and stc comes within the framework of expanding our cooperation to new horizons and levels, enhancing the achievement of shared goals, and fostering the exchange of expertise across various fields, such as technology, air transport, communications and others. This collaboration serves the mutual interests of both parties and contributes to the development of our national economy.” Captain Al-Fagaan expressed his deep appreciation for the prominent role played by Kuwait Telecommunications Company- stc in providing telecommunications, internet services, and technology solutions to both individuals and companies. He also highlighted stc’s contribution to the development of the country’s digital infrastructure and its commitment to providing innovative services to customers. Al-Fagaan concluded his statement by emphasizing that this protocol represents a fruitful and important agreement that contributes significantly to achieving the desired objectives through successful partnerships. He also commended stc’s notable efforts in fostering distinguished and productive relationships across both public and private sectors, and its vital role as a key driver and …

Rotana announced a strategic partnership with Lighthouse, the hospitality industry’s leading commercial platform, to enhance data-driven decision-making and revenue performance across its portfolio. Under the agreement, Rotana will deploy Lighthouse’s Rate Insight solution, integrated with iDeaS G3 Revenue Management System, across its 79 operating properties, with all future openings set to join the platform. This next-generation technology will provide Rotana’s commercial teams with comprehensive real-time market intelligence, automated pricing optimisation, and intuitive analytics to drive agile, informed decision-making in increasingly competitive markets. As global travel continues to recover and evolve, the hospitality sector faces unprecedented fluctuations in demand, shifting booking patterns, and increased competition from both traditional hotels and alternative accommodation providers. In this environment, access to high-quality, actionable data has become a decisive factor in commercial performance. Eddy Tannous, COO of Rotana, said: “This partnership is about unlocking the full potential of our commercial strategy. By combining Lighthouse’s industry-leading intelligence with our operational excellence, we are giving our teams the ability to make faster, more informed decisions that protect our brand positioning and drive stronger returns. It’s a critical investment in both our people and our future.” “The hospitality landscape demands data-driven commercial decisions. Our ability to deliver real-time market intelligence positions hotel groups like Rotana to drive business growth while maintaining brand integrity,” said Jens Munch, CEO and Co-Founder of Lighthouse. “Partnering with a forward-thinking group such as Rotana ensures our platform continues to deliver meaningful impact—enhancing rate positioning, efficiency, and strategic agility at scale.” The collaboration follows a rigorous evaluation process led by Rotana’s commercial leadership team, who identified Lighthouse’s unmatched data accuracy, real-time processing capabilities, and ease of use as key reasons for selection. Rotana expects the …

Riyadh Air has signed a global distribution agreement with Amadeus, a global technology provider for the travel industry. The strategic partnership will enable Riyadh Air access to one of the largest global networks of travel sellers, supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans and playing a key role in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation agenda under Vision 2030. By joining the Amadeus Travel Platform, Riyadh Air will connect to travel agencies and sellers in more than 190 countries, ensuring that its offers are accessible to travelers worldwide. This will be instrumental in attracting inbound tourism, promoting Saudi Arabia as a compelling global destination, and helping position the Kingdom as a leading aviation and tourism hub. Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer at Riyadh Air, commented, “Our mission is to create a truly world-class airline that reflects the ambition of Saudi Arabia. Partnering with Amadeus gives us the global reach, distribution power, and retailing capabilities needed to support our goal of flying to over 100 destinations by 2030. This partnership is not only about enabling seamless travel experiences, but also about contributing to the broader national vision of economic diversification, tourism growth, and enhanced global connectivity”. As part of the agreement, Amadeus will also distribute Riyadh Air’s future NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, allowing the airline to deliver more dynamic, personalized offers to travelers and to take greater control of its indirect sales strategy. These advanced capabilities will further optimize Riyadh Air’s ability to deliver modern, flexible, and customer-centric retailing. Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus, said “The launch of Riyadh Air represents a major milestone for the Kingdom’s aviation industry, and we are proud …

According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits. According to the report, AI is becoming a key tool for travellers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten have used AI for travel planning, with 21% using it before their most recent trip. As AI adoption grows, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalised recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travellers. The research also confirmed that travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact. Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. In line with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts across the technology, hospitality and events industries to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalised service platforms, and data-led design become more prevalent. Speaking during the event, Amy Read, VP Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, said: “It is important to recognise that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.” Read acknowledged that it is vital for the industry to recognise that technology has changed guests’ expectations of hospitality providers as they now seek instant gratification and swift …

In a strategic leap forward in hospitality innovation, L’AZURE Hospitality has officially partnered with Shiji Group Enterprises to implement their cutting-edge Property Management System (PMS) across all their properties in NEOM, Riyadh, and Dubai. This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to reimagine guest experiences through seamless digital integration, operational excellence, and data-driven personalization. “At L’AZURE Hospitality, we view technology as an extension of thoughtful service. Partnering with Shiji Group empowers us to deliver smarter, more personalized journeys while enabling our teams to operate with elevated precision and agility,” shared Nuran Kilani, COO, L’AZURE Hospitality.

As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and investing in the latest technologies, flydubai has partnered with emaratech to implement smart border control solutions for its pilots and cabin crew. Located at the carrier’s Airport Operations Centre, the new smart gates utilise advanced biometric technology, AI-driven verification and real-time data integration to streamline immigration processes. This provides a faster and more efficient immigration experience for its flight operations, supporting the carrier’s commitment to operational efficiency, especially during busy travel periods. His Excellency Thani Alzaffin, Group Chief Executive Officer of emaratech, said: “we are proud to partner with flydubai in pioneering a next-generation, paperless immigration experience for their crew members. Through the integration of AI-powered facial recognition technology, our smart gates seamlessly connect with both flydubai’s and immigration’s platforms, enabling real-time validation and a truly frictionless journey.” “This initiative reflects emaratech’s continued commitment to redefining border control processes—making them smarter, faster, and more secure. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we are shaping a future where innovation drives convenience and trust at every checkpoint. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with flydubai across future initiatives that further enhance the travel experience for both passengers and crew,” added Alzaffin. Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, Chief Procurement & Technology Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to have partnered with emaratech to implement this innovative solution for our pilots and cabin crew. We always look for opportunities to harness the latest technologies that support our growth and operational efficiencies and with the introduction of these biometric smart gates, this marks another step towards fostering a more seamless, punctual and secure operation as we future-proof our systems.” The carrier continues to invest in technologies …

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure. This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations. DXC will deliver reliable and scalable IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless, connected experience for millions of guests sailing annually with Carnival. “At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival Cruise Line. “The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision. With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside.” Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities. Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support both Carnival’s workforce needs and a consistent guest experience. Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management – all delivered with enhanced cybersecurity, expert-level staffing, automation support and a scalable model across its operations. This approach is built to improve resilience and ensure operational consistency across the company’s global footprint. “This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the …

The Luxurist, the world’s first all-in-one B2B luxury travel ecosystem, is expanding into key global markets, including Gulf Cooperation Council, Spain, Mexico, Australia and South Africa. The company is also now officially integrated into Bedsonline, the retail arm of HBX Group (HBX.MC), granting access to travel agents worldwide to its portfolio of luxury and premium travel products. Launched in early 2025 and already live in the US, Canada, UK, France, Belgium and Luxembourg, The Luxurist leverages innovative travel technology to connect best-in-class travel advisors with extraordinary properties via a seamless interface designed exclusively for the luxury segment. Aiming to establish a new reference point in the B2B luxury &premium travel market by offering: ● Dedicated concierge team available 24/7 ● Real-time inventory management and booking confirmation ● Privileged rates and exclusive amenities for discerning clients Now part of HBX Group’s retail distribution, The Luxurist will be accessible to a wider network of luxury travel advisors with an impressive portfolio of over 5,000 handpicked luxury properties across +200 countries. “Integrating The Luxurist into HBX Group’s retail platform is a major milestone. Our unique value proposition – exceptional concierge service and exclusive privileges – is now accessible to all HBX Group partners worldwide via web and API.” said David Amsellem, CEO of The Luxurist. “We are expanding into Spain, Mexico, Australia, South Africa and Gulf Cooperation Council with a platform that reflects the elevated standards expected in luxury travel. We are not just providing access, we are providing an ecosystem of excellence.” “Luxury travel is the fastest-growing segment in our industry” said Nicolas Huss, CEO of HBX Group. “With The Luxurist, we are investing in the future of high-end travel services. By …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Amadeus have announced the integration of IATA CO2 Connect’s flight-specific emissions data into the Amadeus Travel Platform, a move that enhances transparency and sustainability in air travel. Through this integration, airlines, travel agents, corporate travel managers, and online travel platforms can now access and display accurate CO2 emissions data at the point of booking. This new functionality allows travellers to make more environmentally informed decisions based on a trusted data source.  Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, stated, “Our agreement with Amadeus will help fulfil traveller expectations for greater transparency as airlines progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. IATA surveys reveal that close to 90% of passengers expect airlines or travel agents to provide carbon emission data for flights they have booked. Yet, 79% highlight that the carbon calculations provided are not always consistent. Making IATA CO2 Connect data available through the Amadeus platform will help users make more informed travel decisions using accurate emissions data.” IATA CO2 Connect leverages real-world operational data — including aircraft type-specific fuel consumption — directly provided by more than 70 global airlines. The data is calculated using a globally standardised methodology, ensuring reliability and comparability across different carriers and flight routes.