Author: Abdul.Wasey

Dubai :  Affluent GCC travelers are leaving summer travel decisions increasingly late, with booking activity across XO, the world’s largest private aviation marketplace, indicating that 1–2 August is set to be the busiest weekend of the 2026 summer season for private flights departing from the region. Analysis of booking activity across XO, part of UAE-based Vista, the world’s leading global private aviation group, shows booking behavior increasingly being shaped by flexibility. Many clients are choosing to finalize travel much closer to departure as they balance changing family commitments, multi-stop European holidays and business priorities ahead of the return to full…

Almarai has been ranked the most influential brand in the food and grocery sector in Saudi Arabia, in addition to being ranked third among the most influential Saudi brands in the Kingdom, according to a study released by Ipsos this year. This ranking reflects the trust consumers place in Almarai and its daily presence in the lives of families who choose its products day after day. Almarai is also the only food and beverage brand to secure a place among the Kingdom’s overall top ten most influential brands. The ranking is based on an Ipsos study that evaluated 120 local,…

Dubai : VisitMalta, the official tourism brand of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), is proud to announce a new collaboration with Fotorivals.com to launch Malta & Gozo Quest: Capture the Islands — an exciting 5-day competitive photography adventure for photographers and travel enthusiasts from around the world. Running in October 2026, participants will explore Malta and Gozo through creative photo challenges using the Fotorivals app. The itinerary includes Valletta’s historic streets, Mdina’s Silent City, southern fishing villages, and Gozo’s dramatic coastlines, azure lagoons, and the Grand Harbour. “Malta and Gozo offer an incredibly rich and diverse backdrop for photography. This partnership with Fotorivals.com creates…

Multiple Global Martial Arts Spectacles to Return to Qatar from March 2027 Doha : ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, and Visit Qatar have announced the renewal of their landmark three-year partnership, bringing a series of ONE’s globally celebrated martial arts events back to Qatar starting March 2027. Building on the success of ONE 166 in 2024 and ONE 171 in 2025, the partnership reflects the continued impact of hosting ONE events in Qatar. What the ONE Championship deal brings to Qatar Over the next three years, Visit Qatar and ONE will host multiple flagship events in Qatar…

Hospitality leader brings global expertise across markets, brands and segments to growing network of hotels and residences Hong Kong : Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has named Nils-Arne Schroeder as Chief Operating Officer, effective 22 June 2026, as it expands its pipeline of hotels and residences to a wider range of destinations. Schroeder will lead operations for LHG’s global portfolio of over 30 hotels and residences and support the successful opening and integration of more than 20 properties in development. They include the Group’s first hotel in Thailand and new openings in China this year, followed by brand-defining properties in Italy and…

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Kingdom has achieved a 67% growth rate in the number of inbound tourists between 2019 and 2025, reinforcing its growing influence on the global tourism stage. Riyadh : The OECD has released its “Tourism Trends and Policies 2026” report, highlighting the rapid expansion and qualitative progress of the tourism sector in the Kingdom. The findings point to the sector’s strengthening competitiveness and its rising status as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. The report noted that the Kingdom recorded the highest growth rate in international…

Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel has been recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards with the title of Best Luxury All-Suite Hotel in Dubai, UAE for 2026. The recognition highlights the hotel’s position within Dubai’s hospitality landscape, where residential-style accommodation, contemporary comfort, and personalized guest engagement are brought together through a full-service luxury experience. Located in Dubai’s Al Jaddaf district, the hotel offers direct access to key business and leisure destinations, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Frame, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Festival City. The property features 318 rooms and suites designed for both short and extended stays, with spacious layouts, elegant interiors, and fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes.…

Abu Dhabi :  As Abu Dhabi’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) is strengthening its strategic partnership with Dubai-based FYTE Hospitality, marking the next chapter in a long-term vision to elevate the culinary offering at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi. The relationship began with the award-winning Kokoro Handroll Bar, whose exclusive residency at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi has been extended through the summer following an exceptional response from guests. It has since expanded with the addition of Bake My Day, whose artisan bakery and speciality coffee offering has become part of the property’s everyday dining…

Guests who purchase a Premium Ticket at KidZania Dubai or KidZania Abu Dhabi will be entered into a weekly draw to win a complimentary family staycation at selected Rove Hotels until August 31 Dubai : This summer, Rove Hotels is partnering with Emaar Entertainment to give families even more reason to create unforgettable memories. Until August 31, guests who purchase a Premium Ticket at KidZania Dubai or KidZania Abu Dhabi can register at the KidZania counter to be entered a weekly lucky draw for the chance to win a complimentary stay at selected Rove Hotels, turning a day of imagination and adventure into an unforgettable family staycation. Throughout the six-week campaign, four winners…

Geneva : The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Saadia Zahidi has been appointed by IATA’s Board of Directors to the position of Director General from 1 November 2026. Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. Willie Walsh, IATA’s current Director General, will conclude his duties on 31 July 2026. The IATA Board of Directors has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for…