Despite a slowdown in foreign cruise calls, domestic demand remains strong and Cruise Saudi is already in talks with global operators for the 2027–28 season, CEO Lars Clasen says
Travel & Hospitality
Latest in Travel & Hospitality
Future Investment Initiative
Saudi Arabia to invite 197 nations to Expo 2030 Riyadh, expects 42 million visitors
Expo 2030 CEO says the event is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost economic growth
Emirates
How Emirates is turning to AI to shake up in-flight turbulence risk
Emirates deploys AI, machine learning, and real-time data from IATA and Lufthansa to reduce turbulence and enhance safety
Dnata
dnata, Visa unveil exclusive benefits for GCC’s wealthy travellers
Eligible cardholders will gain access to value-added benefits including upgrades, preferred rates and bespoke experiences offered by select hotel partners
Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports reports double-digit passenger growth
Between July 1 and September 30 2025, the airports welcomed 8.49 million passengers, a 10.1% increase compared with the same period in 2024
Africa
UAE to help bolster tourism and key sectors in more than 20 African nations
Joint ministerial statement identifies five key pillars to boost collaborative efforts: tourism, investment, sustainability, aviation and innovation
AROYA
Saudi Tourism Authority, AROYA Cruises and Major Sports Cruises partner to drive growth in Saudi sports tourism
The partnership supports Vision 2030’s goal to promote Saudi Arabia as a global hub for sport, culture, and entertainment
abu dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines to launch double daily Abu Dhabi–Istanbul flights from October 2025
Turkish Airlines expands United Arab Emirates operations with double daily Abu Dhabi–Istanbul flights from October 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton
Oman hotels: Hilton expands in Muscat with Waldorf Astoria and two new resorts
Hilton signs a deal with The Zubair Corporation to open new hotels in Muscat, including first Waldorf Astoria in Oman, doubling its portfolio
GACA
Saudi Arabia’s best and worst airlines revealed in new GACA complaint index
Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulator ranked airlines and airports by passenger complaints in September, flyadeal and Riyadh Airport on top
Michelin Guide
7 Saudi hotels win Michelin Keys in landmark luxury guide debut
Seven Saudi hotels have earned prestigious Michelin Keys, marking Saudi Arabia’s rise in world-class luxury hospitality under Vision 2030
Saudi ministry of tourism
New Saudi tourism rules: penalties, classifications and SME support explained
Saudi Ministry of Tourism revises penalties and enforcement rules to enhance compliance, support SMEs, and improve service nationwide
Marjan
Over 20 new hotels in Ras Al Khaimah’s pipeline by 2032 – Marjan Hospitality CEO
Ras Al Khaimah’s hotel development pipeline now includes a mix of international luxury and boutique brands such as JW Marriott, W, Nikki Beach, Nobu, Fairmont and Four Seasons
Department of Economy and Tourism
Dubai hotels: New investor incentives offer 100% fee refunds for projects in key growth zones
A new Dubai hotel incentive programme grants 100% fee refunds for two years on projects in Palm Jebel Ali and other key areas
Aviation
Etihad Airways hits record 300 daily flights as global expansion accelerates
Etihad Airways operates 300 daily flights after 20 per cent lift in 2025, carrying 16.1m passengers and boosting network to 90 destinations
Kenya
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways expand codeshare partnership to 19 destinations
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways expand codeshare flights to 19 destinations, boosting connectivity across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
FIFA
Saudi hotel pipeline in Riyadh, Jeddah risks oversupply, JLL warns ahead of 2034 FIFA World Cup
The real estate consultancy urges investors to focus on emerging destinations like NEOM and Abha as the Kingdom gears up for the tournament
