Author: Abdul.Wasey

As hotels embrace seamless technology, can hospitality remain just as personal? By Fayez Saad Imagine arriving at your hotel after a long flight. Instead of walking towards the reception desk, you receive a notification on your phone. Your room is ready. A digital key appears in the hotel’s app, allowing you to head straight to your room without waiting in line, filling out paperwork, or exchanging a single word with another person. Within minutes, you’re unpacking your suitcase. For many travellers, that sounds like progress. But it also raises an interesting question: if checking into a hotel no longer…

Saudi Arabia’s cruise story is entering an exciting new chapter as the Kingdom expands its tourism offerings and explores the potential of its spectacular coastlines. For decades, Saudi Arabia’s tourism story was written on land. Its vast deserts, ancient trade routes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and growing collection of luxury hotels shaped the way visitors experienced the Kingdom. From the dramatic rock formations of AlUla to the bustling streets of Jeddah and the modern skyline of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has built its identity around destinations that invite travellers to explore what lies beyond the horizon. Today, that horizon is beginning…

Stand on the Corniche in Jeddah as the sun begins to set, and it’s easy to forget that you’re looking at one of the world’s busiest and most historically significant waterways, where cruise tourism is creating new opportunities to explore Saudi Arabia’s coastline. Walk along Dubai Marina, and luxury yachts glide effortlessly across calm waters framed by a skyline recognised around the world. Travel east to Muscat, and dramatic mountains meet the Arabian Sea in a landscape that has connected civilisations for centuries. The Middle East has never lacked a relationship with the sea. So why did it take so…

By Fayez Saad Think about the last memorable experience you had while travelling. Was it the hotel room that stayed with you? Or was it the warm welcome at the airport, the neighbourhood café where you spent an afternoon, the retail associate who went out of their way to help or the local restaurant that made you feel instantly at home? Chances are, it wasn’t just one moment that made the experience memorable. It was a series of thoughtful interactions that came together seamlessly. That’s the beauty of hospitality. For years, hospitality was associated almost exclusively with hotels, restaurants, and…

Emma Campbell joins as Chief Marketing Officer and Maha Kassim appointed Senior Director, People & Culture Emma Campbell and Maha Kassim join RAKTDA Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced the appointments of Emma Campbell as Chief Marketing Officer and Maha Kassim as Senior Director, People & Culture, expanding its executive leadership team as the emirate works towards its target of welcoming 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. Emma Campbell appointed Chief Marketing Officer As Chief Marketing Officer, Campbell will lead RAKTDA’s global marketing and communications strategy, overseeing destination branding, international campaigns and strategic communications…

Great dining, top-tier entertainment and family fun set the tone for this summer in Dubai   Dubai : Throughout August residents and visitors have even more reasons to experience Dubai, with a packed programme of shopping, dining, sporting events and live entertainment taking place across the city. From Dubai Summer Surprises to performances by acclaimed artists and indoor sporting events, the month is set to deliver endless ways to make the most of the summer. RETAIL Dubai Summer Surprises Date: 2 July – 30 August 2026 Location: Citywide About: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) continues this month, packed with citywide retail…

Revenue grows by 1.7% and net profit increases by 7.6% quarter-on-quarter. Jeddah : Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) has announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, reporting improved revenue and profitability compared with the previous quarter, supported by continued momentum across its core business. Revenue reached SAR 750 million, increasing by 1.7% quarter-on-quarter, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose by 7.6% to SAR 88 million. The improvement reflected higher sales, a favourable product mix and improved operating profitability. Excluding SADAFCO’s Polish subsidiary (Mlekoma), quarterly revenue increased by 6.9% year-on-year to SAR 688 million, mainly driven…

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other airline, aiming to grow its fleet to over 800 aircraft by 2033 in line with its strategic growth targets, signed an agreement with HAVELSAN for the supply of a total of 12 new simulators, comprising 8 Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and 4 Flight Training Devices (FTD). The agreement will support the expansion of training capacity at Turkish Airlines’ simulator hangars, whose groundbreaking took place in January 2026 with the first phase planned to become operational in 2027, as well as at the new Flight Training Center, which is…

RIYADH : ACCIONA Cultura has completed Riyadh Air’s Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, helping deliver the vision of Saudi Arabia’s new national airline for a landmark premium lounge experience. Spanning 2,000 square meters with seating for up to 370 guests, the new lounge sets a new benchmark in aviation hospitality through advanced technology, refined materials, and cultural elegance to create a distinctive and comfortable environment. Designed by award-winning studio Yabu Pushelberg, the project was brought to life by ACCIONA Cultura, which led technical design, project management, and the execution of interior architectural and technical works. The…

Hajj 2027 preparations are underway as the Consulate General of India in Jeddah builds on the successful management of the previous Hajj season. The Consulate is reinforcing its commitment to improving consular services and welfare initiatives for the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia’s Western Region Addressing a media briefing at the Consulate, Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri outlined the mission’s roadmap for the upcoming Hajj, highlighted the recent improvements in consular services, and shared key findings from India’s Sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6). Imam Mehdi Hussain, Head of Chancery and Consul (Press & Information), was also present.…