Author: Abdul.Wasey

During Ramadan… Bookings Rise by 20.67% in Makkah and 25.16% in Madinah Recent travel data reveals a notable increase in travel activity among residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during Ramadan 2026, driven by sustained strong demand for Umrah trips and family-related travel. Searches for accommodation in Makkah and Madinah have increased by 20.67% and 25.16% compared to the same period in 2025, with demand peaking during the second half of the holy month. These indicators reflect that Umrah remains the primary driver of Ramadan travel activity, with travel behaviour shaped primarily by spiritual priorities and family connectivity. This…

Event debut aims to strengthen its foothold in the region  Abu Dhabi-headquartered STORY Hospitality will attend ITB Berlin for the first time from March 3–5 2026, marking a strategic step in deepening its engagement with European travel and investment partners. Why STORY Hospitality is at ITB Berlin As one of the world’s largest and most influential travel trade shows, ITB Berlin brings together global destinations, hospitality brands, tour operators and investors under one roof in the German capital. For STORY Hospitality, whose hospitality portfolio spans the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Ocean, Europe represents both a key source market and…

Dubai : Nova Maldives and Eri Maldives are pleased to announce the appointment of Naufal Naeem as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing the commercial strategy for Nova Maldives, and the newly launched Eri Maldives. With over a decade of experience in the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, Naufal brings a strong background in driving sales growth, strengthening trade partnerships, and expanding presence across key international markets. Naufal Naeem’s plans for Nova and Eri In his new position, Naufal will oversee sales direction and market strategy for both island resorts, with a focus on driving sustainable revenue, deepening partner engagement, and ensuring each property’s positioning is clearly reflected across priority markets. His appointment comes…

Makkah : Address Jabal Omar Makkah has achieved a landmark hospitality milestone by receiving the Recommended Rating from Forbes Travel Guide — the world’s most respected and influential global hospitality rating system. The hotel is the first and only property in Makkah and Madinah to earn this distinction, and joins an exclusive group of just 14 hotels across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognized by Forbes Travel Guide this year. Forbes Travel Guide evaluates hotels against a comprehensive set of global standards covering guest experience, service quality, facilities, and operational excellence. Properties that meet these rigorous criteria are awarded one of three…

Jeddah : While many cities share similarities, Historic Jeddah stands out, especially during Ramadan. Al-Balad, the old city, takes on new dimensions, enriching experiences and creating a warm, profound atmosphere. Rather than being merely an old neighborhood or an open-air museum, it transforms into a vibrant space where history intertwines with the spirit of the holy month, turning ancient alleyways into living scenes that engage all the senses. As visitors enter the alleyways of Al-Balad on Ramadan nights, they don’t just witness history—they live it under lantern light, surrounded by the sounds of people after Taraweeh prayers. Historic landmarks like…

Riyadh : During Ramadan, Madinah becomes a unique destination offering an Iftar experience that embodies the essence of the holy month. As the sun sets over the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque, the atmosphere transforms, reflecting a spirit of solidarity and hospitality—an ambiance that seamlessly blends religious observance with tranquility. This heartfelt scene is part of the “Imagine” campaign launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority, which encourages visitors to envision their experiences before they arrive. The campaign underscores the unique aspects of Ramadan in Madinah, from the anticipation before Iftar to the preparations that fill the courtyards ahead of the…

Rosewood Jeddah invites guests to an authentic Jeddah Ramadan experience embracing heritage, culture, and tradition This Ramadan, Rosewood Jeddah brings the soul of the historic Al-Balad district to life through an immersive Iftar experience. Blending the timeless charm of Jeddah’s Old Town with contemporary sophistication, the Iftar offers a harmonious balance of cultural authenticity and modern luxury, thoughtfully designed to honour the traditions of the Holy Month. Iftar at Bab Al Balad – Hijazi Flavours Iftar at Bab Al-Balad Guests are welcomed into an environment inspired by the character and warmth of the Al-Balad district. Bab Al-Balad, where Hijazi culinary…

New series, developed in partnership with More Than Just Parks, will showcase hidden regions across the state for travelers   The Visit California film line-up Dubai : Visit California has launched a new film series that will take viewers beyond the state’s gateway cities and into the heart of California’s rural regions. The series has been created to entice and inspire Middle East residents to discover California’s hidden gems and is being launched prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, when many visitors from the Middle East are expected to make their way to North America for the tournament…

eVisas replace visa vignette stickers, removing the need for passport retention for most customers People can apply for visas for other countries while the UK visa decision is in progress UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is introducing a major upgrade to its visa application process with the continued rollout of eVisas. From 25 February 2026, most UK visa customers will benefit from this digital transformation. The eVisa system replaces traditional visa vignette stickers in passports, meaning customers will no longer need to part with their passport while a decision is being made on their application. It also means customers…

Ajman : The Superyacht Service Centre (SYSC) in Ajman has completed its final operational phases, marked by the activation of vital infrastructure and the commissioning of core technical service capabilities. This milestone reinforces its position as one of the most advanced specialist refit and maintenance centres for superyachts in the region. Purpose-built to meet the growing demands of the Middle East’s yacht market, the centre represents a strategic expansion in Gulf Craft Group’s more than four decades of excellence in marine manufacturing and services. SYSC is set to play a key role in strengthening the UAE’s national capacity to provide…