Hospitality & Tourism

Saudi Arabia launches beta version of virtual travel companion Sara AI

Sara sets a new benchmark as the first digital human travel companion developed for a national tourism board

flydubai, Batik Air enter strategic interline agreement to expand network with over 40 destinations

Batik Air passengers will have the opportunity to travel to 38 destinations on flydubai’s growing network

Resorts World One cruise ship arrives in Qatar, launching 2024-2025 cruise season

Qatar Tourism expects this year's cruise season to see over 430,000 passengers between November 2024 and April 2025

September 2024 passenger demand soars with 7.1 percent growth in RPKs: IATA

In terms of total capacity, evaluated through available seat kilometers (ASK), there was a year-on-year increase of 5.8 percent 

Qatar welcomes 4 million visitors by October 2024, 41.8 percent from GCC

This indicates a 26 percent rise in international visitors compared to the same timeframe in 2023 

Saudi flynas reinforces European Network during World Travel Market 2024 in London

Throughout its booth, flynas demonstrated its latest products, offerings, Umrah and travel packages

Air Arabia launches Sharjah-Yanbu flights, bringing UAE-Saudi routes to 12

The new route underscores carrier’s swift growth throughout the Kingdom as tourism and business travel climb 

Emirates boosts U.K. network, returns to Edinburgh with daily service

Emirates serves the U.K. with 133 weekly flights across eight gateways including London Heathrow and London Gatwick

Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 returns to Paris

Together, the A380 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will offer nearly 5,000 seats weekly, significantly boosting connectivity between the two capitals

Resorts World One celebrates maiden trip from Dubai

Resorts World One will provide exciting new vacation destinations including Sir Bani Yas, Doha and Muscat-Khasab

Sheikh Zayed Festival commences tomorrow: 120 days of diverse activities and events in Abu Dhabi

On the first day, the public will enjoy an extensive lineup of interactive and unique entertainment, including an opening parade

Emirates ramps up Africa network with more flights to Entebbe, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg

Emirates will increase frequency in Ethiopia, with a daily flight connecting Dubai and Addis Ababa from January 1, 2025

FII8: Non-oil GDP now represents 52 percent of Saudi economy, Aljadaan says

The Minister noted that women's participation in the workforce has reached 35 percent, surpassing the vision's target of 30 percent 

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to introduce new direct flights to Russia’s Yekaterinburg starting December 27

This new non-stop service will run twice weekly, offering convenient access between Zayed International Airport and Koltsovo International Airport

Etihad Airways to launch new flights to Egypt’s Al Alamein starting July 2025

The move will offer travelers direct access to the Al Sahel region, renowned for its vibrant and rapidly developing coastal resorts 

Emirates strengthens connectivity, expands travel options through new MoUs with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet

The MoUs were formalized during the Vietnam - UAE Business Forum, which took place recently at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah 

Emirates resumes daily service to Australia’s Adelaide with Boeing 777-200LR

This renewed service provides travelers with more than 4,200 seats weekly, linking Dubai with the capital of South Australia 

Red Sea Global’s latest luxury resort Shebara to welcome first guests starting November 2024

Shebara’s 73 overwater and beachfront villas shimmer in the bright sunshine, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience

Etihad Airways expands North America network with daily flights to Toronto, Boston

Airline now flies 42 times a week to North America: twice daily to New York JFK, and daily to Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Washington DC

Sharjah Airport and Air Arabia launch daily flights to Maldives, boosting tourism and connectivity

Air Arabia will provide daily flights between Sharjah Airport and Velana International Airport in Malé, Maldives, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft

NEOM opens Sindalah: A new luxury travel destination in the Red Sea

Set to welcome up to 2,400 guests per day by 2028, the unique island will generate around 3,500 jobs

Digital exposure, AI redefine travel industry in post-pandemic world

While destinations continue to attract tourists with their old-world charm, entertainment and event-based tourism are opening up new experiences