Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp given annually to Dubai hotels that meet the Sustainability Requirements set by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism 55% year-on-year growth in number of recognised hotels highlights commitment to sustainability and momentum of Dubai’s tourism sector Dubai : The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has recognised 237 hotels in the third cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp for their outstanding commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality practices. Marking a 55% increase on the 153 hotels honoured in the second cycle and more than triple the 70 hotels recognised when…
Author: Eat ‘N Stays
A Landmark Museum Rooted in the United Arab Emirates and Shaping Global Artistic Dialogue Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will connect cultures, inspire people, and celebrate art from the 1960s to the present. The museum brings new perspectives to modern and contemporary art, shining a light on artists from around the world. Once open, the museum will reinforce its status as one of the most significant museum developments globally. Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will open its doors on 11 December 2026, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading…
Dubai : Flexibility is reshaping the way people travel. According to data from Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading travel platforms, travellers are increasingly embracing more flexible planning. As factors ranging from changing weather patterns and global events to increasingly dynamic personal schedules influence travel choices, booking closer to departure is becoming a growing part of travellers’ decision-making. Reflecting this shift, searches made just 7 to 13 days before departure rose by 25% in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year. For travellers taking this more spontaneous approach, keeping an eye on last-minute deals,…
Geneva : The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and Airports Council International (ACI) have launched a joint initiative to reduce the risk of runway incursions. A runway incursion is defined as an aircraft, vehicle or person being incorrectly present on a runway or within its protected area. Incursions are documented in IATA’s Annual Safety Reports, and several recent incursions have been fatal. Preventing incursions requires close coordination between airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, regulators and frontline personnel. The Joint Runway Safety Initiative focuses on three areas: Improving safety reporting and data capture, including incidents, near…
The world’s largest esports festival is underway, offering Arabic-speaking fans interactive access, creator watch parties, and exclusive rewards through a dedicated in-app campaign. Riyadh : Bigo Live, the leading global social livestreaming platform, is bringing the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 closer to MENA gaming communities through its role as an official content partner. With tournament action already underway, fans can access tournament livestreams, interactive viewing experiences, and community-driven engagement through the platform. Following a spectacular opening ceremony in Paris on 8 July, EWC 2026 is bringing together more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, with…
Riyadh : Hassan Allam Holding is proud to announce the official signing of the SAR 2.7 Billion Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Residences, & Mixed-Use Super Block in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, awarded to its subsidiary, Hassan Allam Construction Saudi, in a joint venture with UCC Saudi, by Diriyah Company. The signing took place in the presence of Hassan Allam, Chairman and CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, alongside Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of Diriyah Company, and Samer Ibrahim, CEO of UCC Holding. Spanning approximately 241,000 sqm of built-up area, the mixed-use development will bring together the iconic 200-key Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 47 branded residences,…
One of the key themes at Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) is how technology and innovation are reshaping hospitality investment, operations and guest expectations. Across the industry, hotel leaders are balancing rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics against evolving traveller behaviour, rising operational complexity and increasing pressure to deliver sustainable growth. AI adoption in hospitality is expected to accelerate significantly through 2026, particularly across revenue management, guest personalisation and operational efficiency. Ahead of FHS World in Dubai in September, we asked Muin Serhan, CEO, Amsa Hospitality; Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director - Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, The Ascott…
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…
By Fayez Saad 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 to shift. Not towards another city. Not towards another luxury resort. But towards the sea. Cruise tourism is emerging as one of…
By Fayez Saad 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. 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 long to embrace cruise tourism? At first glance, the…