Tag Archives: 2025

Akbar Travels wins ‘Best B2B Travel Portal- KSA’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia 2025. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia – Best B2B Portal, KSA, is a proud validation of our team’s dedication to innovation, reliability, and partner success. This recognition reinforces our commitment to investing in technology, expanding content, and empowering travel partners across Saudi Arabia with smarter, faster, and more scalable solutions.” Amr Kateb, Director of Marketing, Karima Saddik, Digital Marketing Manager, Akbar Travels.

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has announced the successful conclusion of the HattaWinter initiative activities, which drew 2 million visitors from across the UAE and the wider region. Held under the directives and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the initiative invited residents and visitors to explore the unique experiences offered by the mountainous region during the cooler months of the year. Hatta Winter, organised under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, ran as part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, and featured six festivals: the Hatta Winter Festival organised by Brand Dubai; Hatta Cultural Nights presented by Dubai Culture; the Hatta Honey Festival and Hatta Farming Festival organised by Dubai Municipality; Hatta Wadi Hub Festival led by DET; and the Hatta Unites Us Festival organised by the Community Development Authority. Over the course of more than a month, the event attracted over 2 million visitors and featured a series of festivals delivered in collaboration with key partners, offering a wide range of cultural, entertainment and community activities. Hatta Winter further enhanced Hatta’s reputation as a must-visit destination, celebrated for its natural beauty and rich heritage. Hatta Winter was a collaborative effort involving key government partners, including the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Various semi-government and private entities also contributed to the initiative. On the occasion, Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said that the success of #HattaWinter in achieving …

Odyssey DMC Oman won the title of ‘Emerging DMC – Oman’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “It feels great to receive this award, and it is not the first time for us. We have been in the business for 43 years and are proud to be the first DMC established in the UAE. With over 90 products and a strong focus on cultural, historical, and interactive experiences, we continue to innovate. Going forward, we are expanding globally, with seven DMCs already established and many more developments ahead.” Mahareef Mohamed – Manager – Business Development & Signature Experiences – Odyssey Oman

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay wins ‘Best 4-Star Corporate Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. Located on Marasi Drive in Business Bay, along the Dubai Canal, the hotel is just seven minutes from Dubai’s iconic attractions, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain, with Dubai International Airport only a 15-minute drive away. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Burj Khalifa, the city skyline and key landmarks, complemented by contemporary dining at Together & Co., conveniently located on the second floor.

Travelwings.com clenched the title ‘Leading Online Travel Enterprise in the region’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “We feel truly humbled. We started this brand with passion and a vision to transform emerging markets in the e-commerce travel space. This award reflects the trust our customers place in us. Going forward, we are expanding into emerging markets, particularly across Africa, transforming consumer behaviour from brick-and-mortar to online travel, creating new job opportunities, and building a lasting legacy.” Albert Fernando – CEO – Travelwings

MD Hotel by Gewan was recognised as the ‘Best Refurbished 4 Star Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025.”It is a great honour to be recognised at the Arabian Travel Awards for Best Refurbished Hotel. The refurbishment programme has been challenging yet rewarding, and we are proud of what we have achieved. Going forward, we will focus on enhancing soft services to match the upgraded hard products, ensuring that guest experience remains at the highest level.” Emad Ibrahim, Hotel Manager, MD Hotel by Gewan, Al Barsha

Odyssey DMC UAE wins ‘UAE’s Leading DMC’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “It feels great to receive this award, and it is not the first time for us. We have been in the business for 43 years and are proud to be the first DMC established in the UAE. With over 90 products and a strong focus on cultural, historical, and interactive experiences, we continue to innovate. Going forward, we are expanding globally, with seven DMCs already established and many more developments ahead.” Mahareef Mohamed – Manager – Business Development & Signature Experiences – Odyssey UAE

German National Tourist Office – Gulf Countries retained its title of ‘Most Active in Promoting Sustainable and Accessible Travel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards recognition as “Most Active in Promoting Sustainable and Accessible Travel” is more than a trophy for GNTO in the GCC — it’s a strong signal that the market values responsibility and inclusivity, and that our work with German partners is resonating. It motivates us to keep raising the standard: making sustainable choices easier to understand, easier to book, and more relevant to GCC travellers — from Gen Z explorers to families and multi-generational groups. Going forward, we will deepen cooperation with destinations and industry to spotlight eco-certified and low-impact experiences, promote rail-first itineraries, and continuously improve accessible, practical travel information. Our goal is simple: help visitors experience Germany in a way that feels memorable, comfortable, and genuinely future-minded. – Yamina Sofo, Director Marketing German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries.” Yamina Sofo, Director – Marketing, German National Tourist Office – Gulf Countries.

McArthurGlen has concluded its 2025 Partner of the Year Awards in the United Arab Emirates, hosting the celebration in a vibrant open-air setting that reflected the destination’s lifestyle appeal. The event recognised key collaborators who delivered outstanding results in driving visitor growth and enhancing the outlet retail experience. Tour operators, travel planners and service partners were honoured for innovative campaigns, bespoke shopping itineraries and premium guest support that attracted high-value regional and international shoppers. McArthurGlen underscored how curated transport solutions, multilingual assistance and seamless retail integration into leisure programmes helped increase footfall and dwell time. Senior executives highlighted that strategic partnerships remain central to positioning outlet shopping as a must-visit tourism component. The open-air awards evening symbolised transparency, collaboration and shared success, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a global shopping hub where retail, tourism and hospitality come together to create value-led luxury experiences.

European Travel was recognised as the ‘Fastest Growing TMC in Africa’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025.”We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious recognition at the Arabian Travel Awards. This award reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences, transparent pricing, and customer-first service across Europe and beyond. It is a proud moment for our entire team, whose dedication, passion, and consistency made this achievement possible. We thank our partners and clients for their continued trust and support.” Vishal Tewani – Founder & CEO, European Travel.