Hospitality & Tourism

IHG, Aldar to turn six Yas Island hotels into luxury resort

Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection will open in Q4 2025 on Yas Island

Qatar sees 26 percent surge in tourists to over 3.2 million in August 2024

Qatar seeks to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP from 7 percent to 12 percent

UAE to enter U.S. Global Entry Program by October 2024, easing travel for Emiratis

UAE and U.S. government authorities will begin to develop and finalize criteria that will lead to the UAE’s full participation in the program

World Tourism Day: Qatar Rail launches metro tours, complimentary day passes to promote tourism

Qatar Rail collaborated with Hamad International Airport to launch an initiative offering complimentary day passes to arriving visitors

Qatar becomes first Gulf country to join U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Citizens and nationals of Qatar can now apply to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa

UAE: Passport validity reduced to one month to facilitate status amendments for violators, says ICP

This adjustment allows violators to leave without an entry ban stamp or secure jobs while staying 

Saudi National Day 2024 guide: Places and concerts to visit, and things to do to enjoy long weekend

Saudi National Day activities will start on Friday, September 20, and will continue until Monday, September 23 in regions across Saudi Arabia

International tourism reaches 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels with 790 million travelers in early 2024 

The surge was fueled by robust demand in Europe and the reopening of markets in Asia and the Pacific 

Etihad Airways marks 20 years of linking India to Abu Dhabi and beyond

The carrier boosted seat capacity from Abu Dhabi to India by adding flights to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata 

Dubai launches new initiative to attract investments, boost global medical tourism market

New MoU between DHA and DET aims to position Dubai as a leading global medical tourism destination

Saudi Arabia’s PIF to create 11,000 jobs as it launches QSAS company

QSAS will develop interactive and creative cultural, historical and heritage storytelling experiences

Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy rolling out to six U.S. cities

These retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will operate direct flights to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Seattle

UAE: Aviation Future Week to be held in October

The event will gather UAE ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders from aviation, aerospace, airfreight, MRO, and logistics

DET, Emaar Hospitality partner to support Dubai’s tourism growth

Collaboration seeks to showcase Dubai as a must-visit destination and enhance the city's global reputation

Saudi Arabia launches ‘Our Guests Are Our Priority’ campaign to improve hospitality standards compliance

The campaign's initial phase centers on media and awareness initiatives that engage various stakeholders in the tourism sector

Etihad Airways launches year-round double-daily flights to top European destinations

The 2025 schedule also includes daily flights to Bali for the summer season and 10 flights a week to Sydney

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Saudi Arabia’s Abha, expands NEOM services

The airline will launch two weekly flights to Abha International Airport starting January 2, 2025

UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, King of Bahrain discuss in Abu Dhabi strong and longstanding relations between two countries

His Highness and His Majesty discussed advancements in cooperation, and the need for better collaboration for mutual development

Dubai’s dnata wins contract with Royal Jordanian at New York JFK

dnata's team aims to enhance the travel experience for 125,000 passengers on Royal Jordanian’s 360 annual flights 

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island unveils airport lounge at Zayed International Airport

The lounge is accessible to all guests free of charge and offers a dedicated waiting zone for the Yas Express bus