Author: Abdul.Wasey

Gulf business events are gaining momentum as GCC nations strengthen regional collaboration while showcasing their distinct cultural identities and destination offerings. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, industry leaders from the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar highlighted the importance of connected visitor experiences, strategic partnerships and friendly competition in attracting international meetings and events. According to ICCA statistics cited at the event, international association meetings in the Middle East grew by 45% in 2025, compared with a global average of 22%. Gulf Business Events Benefit from Regional Collaboration Regional business events leaders emphasised that GCC countries can…

The third edition of the Forum examined the pressures and opportunities reshaping the UAE’s foodservice sector, including margins, talent, technology and supply chain resilience Dubai : As the UAE’s foodservice sector navigates rising costs, evolving consumer expectations, talent pressures and rapid technological change, industry leaders came together at the third edition of the UAERG Foodservice Forum to examine how businesses can remain resilient while preparing for the next phase of growth. Held on 15 September at JW Marriott Marina, Dubai, the Forum brought together foodservice leaders and professionals from across the UAE, providing a platform for practical discussion around the key…

Dubai : Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network. The MOU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Her Excellency Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. What the Ras Al Khaimah and Emirates MOU covers Under the MOU, RAKTDA and Emirates will work closely to explore implementing promotional activities across select markets. This will include joint marketing…

75% of Snapchatters say early brand content helps them plan and get inspired ahead of Saudi National Day Riyadh : Saudi National Day has become a weeks-long consumer journey, according to new Snap Inc. insights, as Saudi audiences are turning to Snapchat to plan celebrations, discover ideas, connect with friends and family, and make shopping decisions ahead of the occasion. Saudi National Day is no longer confined to a single day of celebration. Nearly all Saudi consumers begin planning and shopping well in advance, with 94% saying they shop or intend to shop during the season, rising to 96% among…

La Parada: Visit Qatar Brings Qatari Culture and Cuisine to Madrid Visit Qatar, Principal Partner of the Audi Revolut F1® Team, brought Qatari culture, cuisine and hospitality to the Spanish capital through La Parada, a three-day public activation held at Plaza de Santiago from 9 to 11 September 2026. The initiative welcomed more than 7,000 visitors, offering an introduction to Qatar through food, interactive experiences and giveaways. The activation formed part of Visit Qatar’s efforts to connect with international audiences and introduce them to the country’s tourism offering. By bringing elements of Qatari culture into a public space in Madrid,…

Dubai : With approximately six in ten international visitors reaching its shores through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, Seychelles Tourism Board is placing the GCC at the centre of its strategy for high-value, sustainable tourism at Arabian Travel Market 2026. The destination’s participation is anchored by plans to sign an MoU with Emirates, stronger engagement with the regional travel trade and a renewed ambition to introduce Middle Eastern travellers to a Seychelles experience that extends far beyond its world-famous beaches. At the heart of the strategy is a clear shift from volume to value, focused on attracting visitors who stay longer,…

A waterfront holiday shaped by Saudi flavours dining experiences and restorative wellbeing Jeddah : Shangri-La Jeddah invites guests to spend the Saudi National Day holiday by the Red Sea, with a September programme that brings Saudi flavours and traditions into the hotel’s restaurants, gifting collection and wellness experiences. Guests can make the celebration part of a waterfront stay and enjoy the hotel’s sea views, dining destinations and spa at an unhurried pace. From 22 to 30 September, COPA presents a Saudi National Day Evening Tea for two at SAR 198. The menu includes date scones, Saudi coffee desserts, rose and…

Dubai : Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is giving members more reasons to plan their next getaway, with the chance to earn double Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates and flydubai flights across their global networks. From 15 to 30 September 2026, members must register for the offer and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai flight for travel until 30 November 2026 and then earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of the Miles they would normally earn. The offer spans the extensive networks of both airlines and is available across all eligible cabins including Emirates’ increasingly popular Premium…

Discussions targeted financing pathways for MSMEs as Jamaica deepens tourism ties with Saudi Arabia RIYADH : Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has held engagements with Saudi Eksab to explore avenues for investment support targeted at Jamaica’s small and micro tourism enterprises, as the island continues to broaden its network of international partners committed to inclusive tourism growth. The engagement forms part of the Minister’s ongoing strategy to strengthen ties with Middle Eastern markets and investment partners, and to widen access to capital for local operators — including hotels, tour operators, craft vendors, and community tourism enterprises — who form…

Airline deepens ties with seven destinations, taps new customer segments, deepens cooperation with airlines DUBAI : Emirates has signed eleven partnership agreements on the second day of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, deepening its collaboration with seven destinations and opening access to and supporting new customer segments across its global network, as well as expanding codeshare agreements for deeper cooperation with partner airlines. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, visited Emirates’ stand during the second day of ATM, touring the airline’s product showcases on display. He was briefed by senior Emirates leadership on…