Tag Archives: December 2025

The much awaited attraction, Zayed National Museum will open to the public in December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. Through immersive exhibitions, active research and public and community programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed’s vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and the preservation of Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum’s collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations related to the heritage of the UAE, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today’s expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, …

Etihad Airways announced three additional new destinations to further expand its global network. The airline will add seasonal flights to Kazan, Russia from December this year. Krakow, Poland; and Salalah, Oman will be added in the summer of 2026. These new routes offer guests more opportunities to discover unique cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Krakow, Salalah and Kazan each bring something special to our network – from UNESCO-listed heritage in Poland, and refreshing green landscapes in Oman, to a vibrant Volga-side city in Russia. “As we continue to grow Etihad’s footprint globally, our focus remains simple: to directly link Abu Dhabi with places people want to visit, and warmly welcome more visitors to experience our beautiful home and the UAE’s capital. We’ve already celebrated inaugural flights to four new destinations this year and set to add another 13 routes before the year closes – it’s a remarkable year for Etihad.” Krakow, Poland: launching 16 June 2026, Krakow will be Etihad’s second destination in Poland, following the airline’s successful route launch to Warsaw in June this year. Visitors to Krakow will enjoy a city of Gothic towers, Renaissance palaces and lively café culture. Travellers can wander the mediaeval Main Square, visit Wawel Castle, or use Krakow as a springboard to access the stunning Tatra Mountains. Salalah, Oman: launching 21 May 2026, the Arabian Peninsula’s summer oasis. During the Khareef monsoon the region turns an emerald green, with mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls, and cool coastal air. An ideal escape for families across the Gulf and a hidden gem for travellers from Europe or Asia looking to explore somewhere new. Kazan, …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a franchise agreement for a new-build boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo Abha, slated to open by December 2025 in partnership with Firdous Abha Hotel Holding Company and under the management of Aleph Hospitality. The strategic signing underscores IHG’s commitment to expanding its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio of hotels and elevating hospitality offering for the growing tourism sector in the Kingdom. Hotel Indigo is the world’s neighbourhood hotel that celebrates how guests can discover, or rediscover, some of the most inspiring and culturally rich neighbourhoods across the world. When staying at a Hotel Indigo, it is not just to visit a place, it is about being fully immersed into the neighbourhood and wanting to take a little bit of it home. With 278 open or pipeline hotels globally, each hotel draws on the local neighbourhood, culture and popular trends in food, drink and design to create a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Scheduled to open its doors in December 2025, Hotel Indigo Abha will feature 110 rooms, providing guests with a unique and distinctive experience in the heart of the Arabian Highland. Along with taking inspiration from its neighborhood across the guest journey, the hotel will feature a range of amenities, including a restaurant, coffee lounge, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, and a fitness room, providing a blend of comfort and authenticity in a culturally rich and naturally stunning destination. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Abha is home to Saudi Arabia’s most scenic landscapes and highest peaks, where adventure and relaxation both co-exist. With its current portfolio of unbranded and local hotels, we recognized …