The 1.2km destination adds green spaces, event venues and cycling paths to the capital’s flagship urban project
Travel & Hospitality
Latest in Travel & Hospitality
Abu Dhabi
Modon Holding exits Icon Hotel, divests its investment to ADQ
Icon Hotel has a portfolio of 15 owned and operated properties; Will not affect Modon’s existing hospitality assets outside Icon
Artificial intelligence
UAE residents plan to use AI for holidays, cybersecurity experts warn of risks – report
Usage is highest among younger people, with 86% of those aged 18 to 34 saying they expect to rely on AI during the festive season
Dubai International Airport
Emirates issues travel warning amid peak travel season
Emirates travel advisory warns passengers to arrive at Dubai International Airport three hours ahead of departure in peak travel season
Italy
Saudi Arabia to host first Italian ultra-luxury train under $78m financing package
Italian firm Arsenale has signed a deal with SIMEST for Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury train, backed by $40m in equity and $38m loan
UAE tourism
UAE tourism investment accelerates as government funds back start-ups and SMEs
UAE tourism investment is gaining pace as national funds and banks deploy billions in financing, supporting start-ups, SMEs and jobs
Qiddiya Investment Company
World’s fastest roller coaster to open as Six Flags Qiddiya nears launch
Saudi officials confirm completion of the theme park, which will open on 31 December as part of the Kingdom’s mega entertainment project
UAE
UAE tourism hits record $70bn in 2025 as visitor numbers climb
Strong hotel demand and steady occupancy in the UAE underline tourism’s growing role in driving economic growth and diversification
Jebel Jais
Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais announces temporary closure
Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure all zones meet Jebel Jais’ strict safety standards before reopening to the public
Camping experience
Dubai launches region’s first integrated RV route to boost nature tourism and investment
Dubai Municipality unveils region’s first integrated RV route, creating outdoor tourism experiences and private-sector investment
Saudi Arabia
World Cup draw sparks MENA travel rush as fan searches soar
Expedia data highlights sharp increases from Saudi Arabia and the UAE as supporters plan trips to North America for 2026
Airports
Gulf aviation boom: Saudi Arabia and UAE lead $180bn airport expansion drive across MEASA
Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominate a $180bn airport expansion wave as Gulf aviation powers massive infrastructure growth across MEASA
UAE
Tourism boom powers UAE growth as visitor spending climbs
Rising tourist expenditure, strong arrivals and sustained investment are reinforcing the UAE’s tourism sector as a key economic driver
Saudi Arabia
Universal reportedly close to announcing its first theme park in Saudi Arabia
Wall Street Journal said company in “early planning stages” to build a new theme park in Qiddiya, bringing its rivalry with Disney to the Middle East
Aviation
Severe weather triggers widespread flight delays and cancellations at DXB
Dubai Airports warns of ongoing disruption as heavy rain and thunderstorms force airlines, including Emirates, to cancel and delay services.
Dubai
Dnata revamps cargo screening at DXB with new centralised screening control
From a single high-tech command centre, Dubai Police can now remotely operate and monitor six X-ray screening machines across dnata’s warehouse
business travel
Riyadh–Dubai leads MENA business travel as regional routes gain momentum – report
Tumodo’s annual report highlights growing Gulf connectivity and a shift toward shorter, cost-focused trips
