Tag Archives: 2025

Key industry trends – including innovation, connectivity and customisation – will be front and centre at the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025. Each year, ATM addresses issues reshaping the international travel landscape, and 2025 will be no exception. In line with its theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, ATM 2025’s extensive conference programme and exhibition will explore how contemporary shifts in technology and traveller behaviour can both contribute to and benefit from enhanced connectivity. Commenting on the changing face of global travel, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Connectivity through technology is obviously a key growth area in travel and tourism, but it is also about the seamless flow and interaction of people, goods and ideas, which support businesses worldwide. So, if you are looking to engage with the global trends, cultural shifts and traveller behaviours shaping the future of the tourism sector, there is no better place than ATM.” One of the trends expected to shape the market in 2025 and beyond is so-called nostalgia travel. From remakes of 1990s films to early 2000s music acts on tour, the pull of the past is strong for the Millennial generation. Many of today’s travellers, including those from the UAE, are seeking to reconnect with their youth by recreating special trips or childhood dreams. Some are also looking to connect with their own children by sharing nostalgic experiences in familiar places, providing myriad opportunities for enterprising travel companies. Sports and music tourism is also experiencing significant growth, with the former expected to be worth $1.33 trillion …

Etihad Airways announced the launch of ten new destinations starting in 2025. This announcement, part of the air-line’s rapid expansion programme, fulfills its promise to provide guests with a route map featuring destinations they want to fly to, with connections and frequencies that suit their needs. It also al-lows Abu Dhabi to extend its renowned hospitality to more visitors from around the globe as a world-class tourism and business hub. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This expansion reflects our com-mitment to listening to our valued guests. We’ve carefully chosen cities that embody the experi-ences, adventures, and opportunities that matter to them. Whether seeking inspiring landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, reuniting with family and friends, pursuing business growth, or edu-cational journeys, our new routes will help make their travel dreams a reality. “This moment is not just about expanding our network; it’s about sharing Abu Dhabi with the world. With its endless sunshine, diverse cuisine, rich culture, exhilarating family theme parks, and safe, beautiful beaches, Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone. Our expanded network will make it easier than ever for guests to experience everything our home city has to offer. “Launching ten new destinations in a single day underscores our unwavering commitment to growing our airline with a fantastic route network and world-class, customer-focused service. This incredible milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our team and the ongoing support of our guests.” The ten routes announced today will complement Etihad’s previously revealed new destinations for 2025: Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein. Etihad’s expansion is set to bring tens of thousands of new visitors directly to Abu Dhabi, boosting its position as a premier destination …

Skyscanner revealed that 2025 will be the year of collective exploration and discovery.  They shared the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its Travel Trends 2025 report. Built using Skyscanner’s proprietary search data, a specially commissioned traveller survey and trusted industry insights, Skyscanner revealed its top 10 trending destinations, 10 best-value destinations as well as the future of travel. While last year was all about cultural exploration, 2025 will build on this as the year of truly shared travel experiences, highlighting the power of collective exploration and discovery. When choosing where to go, cost still plays the most important part. Traveling from the UAE to exciting destinations has become more affordable due to recent airfare reductions. Bucharest, Romania, now offers a 35% price drop, making its historic charm and modern flair more accessible. Trabzon, Turkey, with a 31% fare reduction, is attractive for its natural landscapes and rich history. Beijing, China, has seen a 23% decrease, making ancient wonders like the Great Wall more budget-friendly. Tokyo, Japan, with a 22% drop, offers a blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Lastly, Baku, Azerbaijan, with a 20% reduction, combines futuristic architecture with rich heritage. These reductions are due to expanded flight routes and increased airline competition, providing travellers with great opportunities to explore these destinations at lower costs. Collective exploration and discovery top the agenda in 2025 According to the report, travellers are increasingly seeking travel experiences that foster community and collective discovery, aiming for deeper connections and shared adventures.

Wizz Air announced the launch of a new direct route between London Gatwick and Jeddah, starting on 31 March 2025. This new route underscores Wizz Air’s dedication to expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options and affordable fares. Tickets are now available on wizzair.com and the Wizz Air app, with prices starting from just USD 116.99. Wizz Air’s new London Gatwick to Jeddah route will operate daily all year round, connecting two vibrant cities. This strategic addition to Wizz Air’s network highlights the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options while strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, Wizz Air has significantly increased its capacity in Saudi Arabia, introducing numerous new routes and enhancing travel options, while contributing to the country’s connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and following a partnership agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority to increase connectivity to Europe and boost inbound visitors. This route is one of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionizing intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only USD 116.99, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents. We’re excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London, while offering the most sustainable option for flying.”- commented Andras Rado Head of Communications and Government affairs during a press conference …

Turkish Airlines is working to provide all passengers with free, unlimited, uninterrupted and fast connectivity service within two years, starting from the end of 2025. They are committed to enhancing its in-flight experience through the integration of latest developments and innovative technologies. As part of this initiative, Turkish Airlines plans to retrofit its existing fleet with the latest in-flight connectivity (IFC) technologies and equip the new aircraft with the most efficient IFC technologies available. This will enable the carrier to extend the IFC service currently offered in the majority of its fleet to the entire Turkish Airlines’ fleet, providing all passengers with unlimited, uninterrupted, and faster IFC service free of charge. With the integration of the new IFC technologies, Turkish Airlines aims to meet the expectations of its passengers regarding their digital consumption habits during travel. Therefore, Turkish Airlines is open to collaboration with all suppliers, and the carrier is actively negotiating with local and international suppliers that can offer the best IFC service solutions for its entire fleet. In addition, Turkish Airlines provides support to Turkish companies in the development of solutions for this connectivity service. In this regard, Turkish Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TCI Aircraft Interiors, a certified aviation products provider, and Turksat, a regional leader in satellite technologies. The signing of the MoU highlights Turkish Airlines’ is considering leveraging national capacity and the carrier helps support Turkish companies in establishing a presence in the IFC sector. Following the necessary feasibility studies, all stakeholders will work to develop an understanding and endeavor to transform the MoU into a definitive agreement. Turkish Airlines remains committed to ensuring the highest level of passenger experience and advancing …

It was announced that Dar Global has teamed up with Trump International to launch Trump Tower in Dubai by 2025. This will be the second Trump branded project in the United Arab Emirates. The development will entail a Trump Hotel and branded residences. Dar Global, the global arm of Saudi Arabia’s biggest developer Dar Al Arkan. It did not reveal the cost of the project or completion timeline, but said it plans to unveil the location and design of Trump Tower Dubai towards the end of 2024. The project will also feature The Trump Private, an exclusive members-only club, among other amenities. It is Dar Global’s third collaboration with the Trump Organisation following the announcement of new projects in Oman and Jeddah.

Cheval Collection’s newest property in the Middle East – Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai – will open in early 2025 as part of the UK-based, award-winning, hospitality company’s expansion in the region. Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai, sister property to Cheval Maison -The Palm Dubai, will be one of Cheval Collection’s largest properties, with 150 luxury hotel apartments, including studios, one-and two-bedroom units and two royal suites. Located alongside the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is a repurpose of the showpiece Leadership Pavilion that hosted world leaders during EXPO 2020 and COP28. It is currently undergoing a full refurbishment. Mohammed S Alawadhi, Managing Director, Cheval Collection, said: “We are delighted to launch another property in Dubai in line with our continued growth and evolution in the Middle East. As Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai celebrates a tremendous first year of operation, we are anticipating the same success from our upcoming opening in Dubai’s prestigious Expo City. “Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is a key milestone in our business expansion, reinforcing our commitment to the region – and our role in contributing to government tourism goals. Dubai is firmly established as a world-leading, pioneering tourism hub, and we are proud to be part of the city’s growth, diversification and accomplishments. We look forward to continued success at Cheval Maison – The Palm, opening in Expo City Dubai, and to further expansion in the Middle East.” Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will bear all the hallmarks of the much-loved brand: a strategic, vibrant location, luxury home-from-home accommodation, high-end fitness facilities, great dining options and convenient transport links. The property will feature a rooftop pool, …

Archer Aviation Inc. signed the framework agreement to accelerate Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as soon as next year, including in-country manufacturing, operations and training across the region. This comprehensive agreement positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility, with plans to commence air taxi operations with Archer’s Midnight aircraft as soon as next year. Key components of Archer’s collaboration with ADIO include vertiport construction, operational enablement for air taxi operations in the UAE, and in-country manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Under the agreement, ADIO will also ensure local workforce development programmes for Emirati talent and facilitate the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. “This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst with which to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025. The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to Archer and conviction to become a global hub for urban air mobility. With Abu Dhabi’s support, we are poised to continue leading the transformation of urban transportation in the Emirate and across the globe,” said Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein. “Abu Dhabi is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis globally, and ADIO is proud to partner with Archer as one of the world’s most innovative companies. We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its Midnight aircraft in the UAE,” …

Cayan Group continues its partnership with NEOM – a giga project spanning 26,500 square kilometres in northwest Saudi Arabia – for a second Hampton by Hilton at NEOM Community. A signing ceremony between Cayan Group and Hilton for the second Hampton by Hilton took place at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin in the presence of Hilton’s President & CEO, Chris Nassetta, and Cayan Group’s Chairman, Ahmed Alhatti. Under the agreement, Cayan Group will fully fund and develop a 201-key Hampton by Hilton situated at the NEOM Community to meet the rising construction demand – a critical component to further progress earthworks at the site. With construction soon starting, the Hilton-managed hotel is expected to open at the beginning of 2025. The hotel will be the second property for the brand at NEOM Community, delivering the seamless experience and thoughtful amenities and interiors that the Hampton by Hilton brand is known for. Ahmed Alhatti, Chairman of Cayan Group, said, “Further to the recent opening of Hampton by Hilton Sharma at NEOM’s Community site, we are excited to continue with our participation of being part of this visionary and unique project alongside Hilton, our globally recognised hospitality partner. We believe in the vision of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and we remain focused to continue investing within NEOM projects and securing more opportunities in the future.” Further to the success of the previous agreement, this is the second hotel project at NEOM to be fully funded by the private sector, and Cayan Group’s investment further highlights the private sector’s interest in Saudi Arabia. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, …

Expo City Dubai is expanding its hospitality offering to include upscale long- and short-stay serviced apartments with Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai slated to open in 2025. The agreement with Cheval Collection marks an important milestone in Expo City’s continued evolution into a thriving city of the future, further enhancing its attraction as a premier destination for both short-term and long-term visitors and residents. An all-apartment boutique property, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai will repurpose the former Leadership Pavilion, adjacent to Al Wasl Plaza in the heart of the city. The Leadership Pavilion, originally built for Expo 2020, hosted numerous heads of states and dignitaries during the event and again, more recently, during the COP28 climate conference. The new residences will consist of 150 contemporary one- and two- bedroom apartments with balconies and fully equipped kitchens, as well as access to a 24-hour gym, rooftop pool, an all-day dining restaurant, brasserie, coffee shop and 1,500sqm of event and conference space. A key highlight, the property’s two existing iconic royal suites will also remain and be available for residents. Building on the city’s existing residential offerings, including apartments and villas for sale within Expo Central and Expo Valley, its commercial office space offering and as well as existing hotel accommodation for visitors, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai cements the city’s status as a cornerstone of Dubai’s 2040 Dubai Urban Master Plan, boosting the emirate’s continued development as a leading hub for people and businesses from around the world. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development & Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai, said: “This exciting development with Cheval Collection marks an important step as our city evolves into a thriving destination …