Alpha Dhabi acquires Abu Dhabi hotels after taking 74 per cent stake in National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels
Travel & Hospitality
Hyatt
Hyatt plans to triple number of Saudi hotel rooms by 2030, targets expansion to 13 new EAME territories
The Hyatt hotel group will move into 13 new territories by 2028 and is targeting Saudi Arabia as a key growth area
Branded residences
Kerten Hospitality reveals 2025 growth strategy
The company’s expansion includes the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel in Rome and developments in Morocco, which align with the country’s preparations for the FIFA 2030 World Cup
Hyatt
Hyatt signs agreement for first hotel in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla
The hotel will feature two dining venues, meeting facilities, a pool, and a fitness centre
Italy
First look: Saudi Arabia Railways unveils stunning designs for Dream of the Desert train
Saudi Arabia Railways shares Dream of the Desert train design ahead of launch next year
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority
Exhibition World Bahrain ‘complements’ Dubai, Abu Dhabi venues; not ‘competing with them’, says Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions boss
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Exhibition World Bahrain Chairman Sara Buhiji outlines the success behind the venue to host global events, future plans and more
Colombia
Qatar Airways announces new flights to Colombia and Venezuela in 2025
Qatar Airways to launch new flights from Doha to Colombia and Venezuela this summer
Saudi ministry of tourism
Saudi Arabia targets 70m tourists a year as it aims for top 7 global destination target
Saudi Arabia is on track to attract 70m tourists annually by 2030
Dubai
Global Village: Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan to make grand appearance; set for live performance in Dubai
This special event marks Shah Rukh Khan’s 29-year journey as a global cinematic icon, perfectly aligning with Global Village’s celebration of 29 seasons in Dubai
bleisure travel
Revealed: UAE to see massive surge in business travel in 2025 as companies revert to frequent business trips, employee retreats
The rising trend of “frolleague” will also add to the demand spike for business travel to the region this year
eSIM
MENA eSim market grows 20% driven by surging travel, IoT adoption, 5G network rollout
eSIM technology is projected to power 33% of all smartphone connections in the MENA region this year, which is projected to jump to 68% by 2030
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi to slash food waste in hospitality venues
Abu Dhabi is committing to cut food waste as the UAE pledges to slash food loss in half
catering
Emirates vegan meals: Airline serves 400,000 plant-based meals a year, offers 300 dishes
Emirates has dedicated menu of more than 300 dishes served on its flights
bleisure travel
International travel demand to Saudi Arabia skyrockets as flight bookings surge 15% amid tourism boom
The surge is part of a broader trend across the GCC, where the travel and hospitality sectors are witnessing robust growth, experts say
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah breaks tourism record with 1.28m overnight visitors last year
Ras Al Khaimah sees 12 per cent growth in tourism revenues
Emirates
Emirates announces extra Dubai to Madagascar flights
Emirates adds new flights to Madagascar from Dubai as demand swells
Chinese New Year
Dubai restaurants to profit from Chinese New Year as tourists, expats drive demand
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, F&B establishments in Dubai are set to bank from the increased footfall and rising revenue due to growing demand from the city’s vast expat population