From record Dubai real estate sales to new UAE tax rules, Oman’s Golden Residency and Saudi retail growth—this week’s must-read headlines
Travel & Hospitality
Latest in Travel & Hospitality
Abu Dhabi Airports
Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways to relaunch Abu Dhabi and Al Ain flights with fares from $29
Jazeera Airways relaunches direct Kuwait flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain from Oct 2, with fares from $29
Aviation
Qatar Airways to launch direct Doha–Red Sea International Airport flights in October 2025
Qatar Airways to start direct Doha–Red Sea flights from Oct 21, 2025, linking Saudi’s Vision 2030 destination with Hamad International Airport
Hayya Platform
Qatar to launch Hayya 2.0 after platform passes 2 million e-visa milestone
Qatar’s Hayya platform has processed over 2m e-visas since the World Cup, with Hayya 2.0 set to boost travel, tourism and business access
Amali properties
Dubai’s World Islands show signs of revival as new capital pours in, projects advance
UNHWIs from Europe, Asia and the Gulf are driving activity on Dubai’s artificial archipelago after a 15-year hiatus
Majid Al Futtaim
Majid Al Futtaim reports $4.7bn H1 2025 revenue as profit jumps 23%
Majid Al Futtaim posted $4.7bn in H1 2025 revenue, with profit up 23 per cent as digital growth, real estate demand, and new investments drive momentum
Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways rules out near-term IPO, says $20bn growth plans can be self-funded
The decision to go public rests with Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, CEO Antonoaldo Neves says
Abu Dhabi
EXCLUSIVE: Tashas Group bets on suburban UAE dining in $27 million Arada joint venture
The deal marks Tashas Group’s biggest push into suburban UAE markets, as developers push into lifestyle-first communities amid rapid population growth
Department of Economy and Tourism
Dubai launches Dock & Dine initiative across 20 Marinas for yacht tourism
The programme allows yacht owners, crews and guests to access restaurants, hotels, cultural attractions and entertainment directly from Dubai’s marinas
Al Marjan Island
RRS International Development breaks ground on $100m NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island
The mixed-use development, created in partnership with Minor Hotels, follows the brand’s debut in Dubai with a Palm Jumeirah property and reflects growing demand for branded residences in Ras Al Khaimah
India
India announces major new passport rules from September 1
Indian expats in Dubai and across the UAE will face new rules when applying for passports
Branded residences
UAE holiday, petrol price changes, tax update, Saudi property reforms, new Kuwait laws – 10 things you missed this week
From a new UAE holiday and petrol price changes to a significant tax update, Saudi property reforms and new Kuwait laws — here are 10 big Gulf business stories you may have missed this week
Aviation
Flynas expands Saudi–Kuwait flights to 10 weekly
Flynas resumes direct Jeddah–Kuwait flights from November 1, expanding to 10 weekly services
Aviation
Etihad launches flight sale with fares from $399 to new destinations
Etihad launches New Destination Sale with fares from $399 to six new routes
Dubai
Dubai fund FHV bets on $100 million push as global wealth migration fuels high-end dining boom
Fern Hospitality Ventures is in talks with Saudi family offices, wealthy Indian investors and Abu Dhabi-based funds, with larger sovereign investors expected to follow, founders say
AI
UAE tourism hits $70bn as AI and smart tech transform hospitality
UAE tourism sector grows to $70bn as AI, smart tech and sustainable innovations reshape hospitality and boost visitor experience
Saudi travellers
Saudi travellers 2025: Europe tops Wego searches as domestic bookings reach 35 per cent
Wego reports Saudi summer 2025 travel split between Europe and staycations