Special Reports

• Travel industry leaders gathered in Abu Dhabi for Trip.com Group’s Global Partner Summit, celebrating a year of strong growth marked by a 70% year-on-year increase in Asia-Pacific bookings.• Trip.com Group announces a strategic partnership with summit host city Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism to showcase the destination’s global appeal Opportunities, collaboration, and …

Trip.com Group Unites Partners to Drive Growth and Explore New Opportunities at the 2024 Global Partner Summit Read More »

• Providing short and long term visa application services• Expands VFS Global’s partnership with Hungary to 28 countries of operations residents of Qatar can submit their Hungary visa applications from a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Doha. The centre was inaugurated by Ms. Boglárka Szvétecz, Consul, Embassy of Hungary in the State of Qatar, …

VFS Global wins Hungary visa services contract in nine additional countries across four regions, including Qatar Read More »

As the ultra-high net worth (UHNW) community experiences a generational shift, the desire for material possessions gives way to a growing demand for unique, life-enhancing experiences. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and UHNWIs in Saudi Arabia are leading this trend, with luxury experiences becoming a symbol of status, personal fulfilment, and social responsibility. In line with this …

The Value of Experiences: Why HNWIs and UHNWIs Are Investing in Luxury Experiences Read More »

The global luxury hospitality sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by an influx of affluent travelers seeking exclusive personalized experiences. This is particularly true in the Middle East, a region with ambitious projects attracting the luxury tourist. A recent viewpoint title The Rise of Luxury Hospitality by Arthur D. Little highlights drivers for the luxury …

The Luxury Hotel Boom: Key Drivers Shaping the Global Luxury Hospitality Sector Read More »

• Dubai’s real estate sector reached AED 8.6 billion in August 2024 with off-plan properties contributing to 69.2% of the total transactions• UAE’s construction sector has shown a 54% increase in activity in Q2 2024 and is expected to grow by 4.6% this year• UAE construction sector is anticipated to grow 3.8% annually from 2025 …

15% of DHG’s Helvetia Residences Construction Complete Amidst Dubai’s Thriving AED 5.93 billion Off-Plan Segment Read More »

The Portuguese Association of Wood and Furniture (AIMMP) will showcase about twenty-four leading furniture and interior design manufacturers and brands from the southern European country at the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia 2024. The most influential hotel industry event in the Arab market takes place at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from September …

PORTUGAL BRINGS THE BEST OF ITS FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGNS TO THE HOTEL & HOSPITALITY EXPO SAUDI 2024 Read More »

In partnership with Visit Qatar, VFS Global’s Tourism Services Unit presents the second edition of the ‘Qatar Incentive Programme’ for 2024, exclusively for travel agents and tour operators from the UAE. The initiative highlights the significance of the UAE market for Qatar and aims to boost the country’s tourism sector. Qatar stands as a must-visit …

The Qatar Incentive Programme for UAE Travel Agents returns in its second edition bringing more opportunities for travellers to experience Qatar’s rich culture and experiences Read More »

• Demand for the Visa At Your Doorstep service grew by 20% across Middle East & North Africa in H1 2024 v/s H1 2023• Service popular among families and individual travellers; Dubai leads in demand• Bulgaria, Croatia and Japan added to the list of countries travellers can apply to from their chosen location VFS Global’s …

Demand for at-home visa services increases by 20%; trend shifting towards families and individuals Read More »

Applicants can submit documents for short-term and long-term visas, and legalisation of Police Clearance Certificates to Bulgaria Residents of Qatar can now apply for their Bulgaria visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Doha. Inaugurated on 05, August 2024, the centre will accept documents for short-term and long-term visas, as well as requests …

VFS Global brings Bulgaria visa application services closer to home for Qatar residents Read More »

Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah proudly announces that its General Manager, Fadi Akeel, has been honored as the ‘Best General Manager in Saudi Arabia’ at the esteemed 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards. Fadi Akeel is being recognized for his outstanding leadership and his ability to motivate and develop his team. Under his guidance, Jabal …

Fadi Akeel Recognized as ‘Best General Manager in Saudi Arabia’ at 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards Read More »

Thakher Development Company’s CEO, Eng. Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, announced that the hospitality sector in the Holy City of Makkah sustained its strong performance during Hajj season 1445, with occupancy rates in Thakher Makkah project hotels reaching 100% for the second consecutive year. The CEO attributed this strong performance to several factors, including exceptional service …

Thakher Development Company CEO: Makkah’s Hospitality Sector Sustains its Strong Performance During Hajj Season 1445 Read More »

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as embarking on an international journey, immersing yourself in diverse cultures, and creating lasting memories. Yet, amidst the excitement of planning and packing, securing your visa often goes unnoticed. Whether your travels are for leisure, business, or education, obtaining the necessary visa is the crucial first step to realizing your …

Planning your next international trip for the summer? Check out 6 simple steps to get your visa on time! Read More »

Campaign Launched at Mega Mall Sharjah Offers a Chance to Win an All-Paid Trip to Uzbekistan In an association aimed at highlighting Uzbekistan as the ultimate family destination, the “National PR Centre” of Uzbekistan and musafir.com have joined forces to embark on a series of promotional activities. This partnership seeks to showcase the rich cultural …

National PR Centre of Uzbekistan and musafir.com Forge Strategic Partnership to Showcase Uzbekistan as Premier Family Destination in UAE Read More »

The updated tool unveils smart hacks guide reveals the cheapest time to travel, the best time to book and the best value summer destinations As summer begins in the UAE, global travel app, Skyscanner unveils its latest research, revealing that 92% of UAE travellers are planning on taking a summer holiday abroad, however 49% of …

Skyscanner Launches Savings Generator Tool, Helping Travellers Find the Best Summer Deals on Travel Destinations Read More »

Britain’s national tourism agency VisitBritain and the Saudi Tourism Authority have today, 14 May, signed a Declaration of Intent, setting out areas of co-operation between Britain and Saudi Arabia to develop and grow tourism. The Declaration, announced during GREAT FUTURES, a major trade expo being held in Riyadh by the UK Government’s GREAT campaign in …

Britain’s national tourism agency VisitBritain and the Saudi Tourism Authority sign agreement to boost tourism Read More »

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has concluded the exclusive ‘Maldives Media Meet’ press conference held on the sidelines of ATM 2024 on 6th May 2024 at the Al Ain Suite B, Hall 3, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The press conference was attended by over 50 key middle …

MMPRC Updates Key International Media with the Latest News At Exclusive ‘Maldives Media Meet’ At ATM 2024 Read More »

In a collaborative effort supported by The Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of India, The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and VFS Global successfully hosted a B2B Incredible India Evening – “Fostering Partnerships and Connections” on 8th May 2024 at Taj Dubai. This exclusive event brought together key industry professionals to foster partnerships and …

B2B Incredible India Business Networking Event in Dubai Establishes Strong Business Ties with GCC Buyers to Foster Tourism Visitorship to India Read More »

The Sardinia Region presented its offerings in Dubai at the most important international fair dedicated to inbound and outbound tourism of the United Arab Emirates. The press conference, held by the Sardinia Region at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) highlighted the extensive opportunities for tourists and residents from the United Arab Emirates, with the announcement of the …

The Arabian Travel Market: An opportunity to showcase Sardinia’s diverse offerings Read More »

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and dnata Travel Group, a global leader in travel services, have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the aim of enhancing tourism to Thailand. The agreement was formalized on Monday, May 6th, 2024, at the Thailand Pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, UAE. The partnership seeks …

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND AND DNATA TRAVEL GROUP SIGN NEW AGREEMENT TO BOOST TOURISM TO THAILAND Read More »

– chatlyn empowers over 1,000 travel and hospitality entities with AI-powered services – chatlyn’s team of 30 employees is spread across 3 offices in Austria, Spain, and Germany chatlyn, a leading developer of guest experience software focused on travel and hospitality, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Dubai, United Arab …

chatlyn Expands Presence to the UAE with New Office in Dubai Read More »

* Global GDP impact predicted to exceed $11 trillion in 2024 * Unprecedented job numbers expected in the sector The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is projecting a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion. According to the …

Travel Tourism set to Break All Records in 2024, reveals WTTC Read More »

• Travelers believe digital payments can safeguard the travel experience, with 71% opting for digital wallets during trips• Most travelers (80%) used the same domestic card while traveling, owing to acceptance and lower fees• Top 3 countries for KSA travelers are Egypt, UAE, and Bahrain• More than half (53%) surveyed KSA travelers expressed a keen …

71% of KSA Outbound Travelers Say Digital Payments Integral to Secure and Rewarding Travel Experience Read More »

The Moscow City Tourism Committee concluded a business mission in Dubai on February 7th to discuss primary tourism objectives and development between both countries, positioning Moscow as a top tourist destination. The delegation from the Moscow City Tourism Committee consisted of representatives from major tour operators and the hospitality industry. They met with 113 members …

Moscow To Increase Tourism Amongst UAE Citizens Read More »

A Decade of Excellence: FBCG’s 10th Annual Summit Elevates GCC Family Businesses with Insightful Dialogues and Celebratory Achievements. The Family Business Council-Gulf (FBCG), a preeminent organization dedicated to supporting GCC family businesses, commemorated its 10th anniversary by hosting the landmark 10th edition of its Annual Summit. Themed ‘A Brave New World’, the Summit in Riyadh …

Family Business Council Gulf Marks a Decade of Empowering GCC Family Businesses Read More »

• Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRA) has approved OYO as one of the private entities for the audits of housing properties managed by private organisations and individuals• OYO will enable mobile app powered property audit as per MOMRA standards to ensure rapid and consistent audit process.• The Audit will cover adherence to …

Govt Awards Housing Properties Audit to OYO Read More »

● Half of travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have used AI to help them plan a holiday according to the Marriott Bonvoy 2024 Future Travel Trends research● ‘Dupe’ destinations and slow travel set to be key themes● The majority of travellers are prepared to pay more for eco-friendly accommodation – on average a …

Sustainability, AI, and ‘Slow’ Travel Set to Be Key Travel Trends in Next Three Years Read More »

− 48 local pages to be integrated into one global improved platform− New eXperts website will first be launched in the Middle East and Turkey Lufthansa Group is on its mission to improve its marketing communication towards its travel partners and B2B customers world-wide. That is why Europe’s leading airline group today relaunched “eXperts”, the …

Lufthansa Group presents new online information platform “eXperts » to better inform travel agents Read More »

Rui Liu, Managing Director of LEOS Developments, and Mark Gaskin, Senior Business Director, GCC, receiving the award for Hadley Heights, Dubai at the International Property Awards 2023: Africa and Arabia Award Ceremony In 2023, LEOS Developments proudly received four prestigious awards, validating its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation within the real estate sector. These …

EOS Developments Wins Four Distinguished International Awards in 2023 Read More »

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Qatar Tourism is proud to be the strategic partner of the upcoming Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2023. Taking place at the expansive halls of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre …

Qatar Travel Mart 2023 to Host Over 60 Countries and Welcome More Than 9,000 Visitors Read More »

Emaar, The Economic City “EEC”, the master-developer of King Abdullah Economic City “KAEC”, announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Orascom Development Company and Alkholi Holding Company to develop a unique waterfront mix-use destination in KAEC. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s position as a family gateway to the western region with full …

Emaar, The Economic City and Orascom Development Sign Strategic Agreement to Develop 9.5 Million Square Meter Tourism Destination in KAEC Read More »

• Delegation of Saudi ministers, VIPs and visionary leaders become first guests of The Red Sea destination• Group travelled to Red Sea International Airport onboard a special-edition liveried SAUDIA flight• Visit coincides with launch of Fly Red Sea, the Kingdom’s first seaplane company Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious …

The Red Sea destination welcomes first guests Read More »

The Undersecretary of MHT for tourism: The success of the Khareef Dhofar season this year is a result of marketing, promotional strategy, integrated and for the harmonious system by all partners of the tourism sector. Chairman of Dhofar Municipality: The early announcement of event programs which aimed at providing the opportunity for tourists to set …

Recording remarked standard results in this year Read More »

Thakher Development Company, received the “Best Infrastructure Developer” award 2023 under the Real Estate category at the Saudi Building & Infrastructure Awards 2023 which took place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and organized as part of the 2nd edition of Saudi Building & Infrastructure Summit 2023. During the ceremony Eng. Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, …

Thakher Development Company Receives the “Best Infrastructure Developer” Award at Saudi Building & Infrastructure & Awards 2023 Read More »

Visit Dubai and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, two leading brands with joint values, ambitions and a dedication to excellence and innovation, have kicked-off a landmark collaboration. The multi-year agreement promises a range of exciting activations, special fan moments and unique experiences for Dubai and Real Madrid fans. The newly formed alliance will equally serve …

Visit Dubai and Real Madrid announce landmark global partnership, supporting the destination’s ambitious growth plans for the next decade Read More »

The unveiling of the new brand identity signifies a new phase of expansion and diversification for the company, both locally and globally Saudi Airlines Catering Company, a leading Saudi Arabian conglomerate, has announced the unveiling of its new brand identity, CATRION, reflecting its renewed vision of purpose and growth in line with the forward-looking goals …

Saudi Airlines Catering Company is now CATRION; new brand identity integrates goals of Vision 2030 Read More »

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites announced today the launch of the largest real estate fund, valued at SAR 10.93 billion, in partnership with Thakher Development Company and Albilad Capital. The establishment of the fund aims to develop the Al Kidwa area located south of the Holy Masjid (Haram), at an approximate …

‎“Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites” Launches the Largest Real Estate Fund Valued at SAR 11 Billion Read More »

Danube Hospitality, a leading UAE-based hospitality services provider under the Al Danube Group, is excited to announce its entry into the Saudi market. With a strong track record in delivering end-to-end solutions for the hospitality industry, Danube Hospitality will make its debut at The Hotel Show from September 10th to 12th, 2023. Founded by Rizwan …

Al Danube group, UAE, Launches its Hospitality Supplies Business for Saudi Market with Innovative Solutions at The Hotel Show Read More »

– Select Property’s latest Manchester development sees over 30% of buyers from the KSA – Over 15,000 UK and international properties sold to date As a prominent UK-based property developer and investment collaborator, Select Property is preparing to participate in this year’s Cityscape Global event. Since 2004, they have achieved remarkable success by selling over …

Select Property Announces Cityscape Participation Amid Flourishing Saudi-UK Real Estate Investment Opportunities Read More »

Announcing a Tourism and Hospitality Consultancy partnership between EXTREME International and DRB Arabia DRB Arabia and EXTREME International proudly announce the launch of their collaborative venture, EXTREME DRB Consultancy, marking a significant milestone in tourism and hospitality consultancy. Combining EXTREME International’s 27 years of operation and a sustained 6 year presence in the Kingdom supporting …

EXTREME INTERNATIONAL AND DRB ARABIA PARTNER TO PROPEL TOURISM CONSULTANCY IN SAUDI ARABIA AND MENA REGION Read More »

The UAE Internal Auditors Association proudly announces the groundbreaking 1st Regional GAM “Great Audit Minds” Conference, themed “Igniting Sustainable Thinking,” set to take place from November 6th to 8th at the prestigious Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Hotel. In an unprecedented move, this conference marks the first time the GAM Conference has been hosted outside …

The 1st REGIONAL GREAT AUDIT MINDS (GAM) CONFERENCE 2023 in Abu Dhabi In Collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi Read More »

• Asfar will focus on investing in tourism projects and destinations in cities across Saudi Arabia• The company will enable the private sector through co-investment, creating opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, and SMEs• Asfar will support the national target of attracting 100 million domestic and international visitors per year by 2030 The Public Investment Fund …

PIF Announces the Establishment of the Saudi Tourism Investment Company “Asfar” Read More »

Unified observability platform helps Italy’s largest airports process 90% of travelers through security in 3 minutes and enable punctual arrivals and departures for more than 99% of daily flights Dynatrace (NYSE: DT), the leader in unified observability and security, today announced that Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), the largest airport operator in Italy – serving nearly …

Aeroporti di Roma Gets More Travelers to their Destination on Time with Dynatrace Read More »