Author: Abdul.Wasey

Emirates Partners with MTA to Grow Medical Tourism Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) to develop opportunities in medical, wellness and longevity travel. Announced on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, the agreement marks a strategic move by the airline to build stronger relationships within the international healthcare travel sector. The partnership aims to combine Emirates’ global network with Dubai’s position as a healthcare and medical tourism destination. The two organisations plan to explore medical travel corridors, develop tailored travel solutions and improve the journey for patients and…

 ATM 2026 provided the backdrop for a host of major announcements, from the launch of Visit UAE to MoUs spanning aviation, rail, hospitality and tech This year’s edition examined how AI, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations are influencing the future of tourism More than 55 destination stands exhibited at the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market, which was held at Dubai World Trade Centre from 14–17 September Dubai : The international travel and tourism community turned out in force at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, with decision-makers from the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Egypt,…

Qatar Airways Partners with Newport Beach Tourism Qatar Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visit Newport Beach, California, to promote the southern Californian coastal destination to travellers across the Gulf states. Signed during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai on 15 September 2026, the agreement aims to strengthen awareness of Newport Beach among residents of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The partnership brings together Qatar Airways’ international reach and Visit Newport Beach’s destination marketing expertise. Through joint promotional activities, the organisations intend to position Newport Beach as an appealing choice for…

Lifestyle and wellness continue to evolve as core drivers of the global travel sector, with today’s investors seeing wellness as a lucrative real estate and hospitality asset class.  In the run-up to Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026, which features Lifestyle and Wellness as a key conference track, experts share insight and opinion on investing in the sector, travellers’ expectations, market misconceptions, the future of longevity tourism and more. With input from Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality and Entertainment, Arada; Jordi Sanchis, Sr. Director of Development – Middle East, Meliá Hotels International; Christopher Sanderson, Co-Founder, The Future Laboratory;…

DUBAI : Emirates closed Arabian Travel Market 2026 having signed more than 30 agreements at the industry event, spanning tourism boards across 16 countries, and organisations at the centre of new customer segments and communities. Premium Economy is a standout draw The highlight of the airline’s stand was its first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, shown publicly for the first time at ATM 2026. Thousands of visitors were able to sit in the seats and explore the latest functions and comfort in Premium Economy. It drew steady traffic throughout the show, with visitors also experiencing the A380 Shower Spa and Onboard…

flyadeal Partners with Alrajhi Bank to Integrate Mokafaa Loyalty Rewards flyadeal has partnered with Alrajhi Bank to integrate the bank’s Mokafaa loyalty programme into the airline’s digital booking experience, giving eligible customers new ways to earn and redeem rewards when travelling. The collaboration allows Mokafaa members to collect points on eligible flyadeal flights booked through the airline’s official website and mobile app and use their accumulated points towards ticket costs. The partnership brings together flyadeal, one of the GCC’s major low-cost airlines and part of Saudia Group, and Alrajhi Bank, which operates one of Saudi Arabia’s largest banking-sector loyalty programmes.…

GNTO strengthens direct dialogue with GCC travel trade, media and tourism partners at Arabian Travel Market Connectivity, ease of travel, confidence and flexibility remain central to meeting evolving GCC traveller expectations Germany showcases a diverse year-round tourism proposition with major cultural highlights extending into 2027 Dubai : The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) has concluded a successful participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, using the four-day event to deepen relationships with travel trade, media and tourism partners from across the Gulf and reaffirm the strategic importance of the GCC to Destination Germany. The event provided GNTO and its partners…

In partnership with XDubai and Red Bull UAE, ‘Beyond the Ordinary’ demonstrates how Dubai turns ambitious ideas into reality, bringing together Emirati and international athletes for high-energy performances at landmarks across the city Dubai : The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has presented ‘Beyond the Ordinary’, a new citywide destination project in partnership with XDubai and Red Bull athletes, featuring athletes from both organisations, and taking viewers on one continuous journey through the city’s sky, water, desert and urban landscape. Showcasing the breadth of Dubai’s destination offering and the infrastructure, expertise and public-private collaboration required to execute…

Promising GCC Travellers a Season of Unmissable Experiences Visit Qatar has launched Qatar Calendar 2026/2027, bringing together more than 560 events, festivals and championships taking place across the country. The Calendar brings together a diverse programme of sport, entertainment, culture, family experiences and outdoor activities, giving travellers from across the region more reasons to visit Qatar throughout the upcoming seasons. GCC visitors remain one of Qatar’s most important tourism markets, with around one million visitors from the GCC recorded to date in 2026, representing more than 40% of total visitors to Qatar. Qatar Calendar builds on this strong regional demand…

New seasonal service opens direct access to one of Europe’s most popular winter destinations Two weekly flights to operate from 17 December Dubai : Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, in partnership with CzechTourism, has announced the launch of the first-ever winter flights from Kuwait to Prague, giving travellers a new opportunity to experience the Czech capital during one of its most magical seasons. Starting 17 December, Jazeera Airways will operate direct flights twice weekly between Kuwait and Prague, conveniently timed around the school winter holidays and the festive travel period. This new route will be open until 7 February…