The group plans to invest $500 million over the next two years, strengthening its footprint in Dubai and Ibiza and expanding into the US and Asia
Travel & Hospitality
Dubai
Marriott International, Shamal Holding to open EDITION Hotel and Residences at Dubai Harbour
The Dubai Beach EDITION will mark the first EDITION residences in the Middle East, according to the companies
Saudi Tourism
Saudi Arabia enforces new Saudization and worker registration rules for tourism sector
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has approved new rules for worker registration and Saudization in licensed tourism facilities, with strict compliance checks
Golf
Saudi Arabia opens first island golf course at Red Sea’s Shura Links
Saudi Arabia has opened Shura Links, the Kingdom’s first island 18-hole golf course at the Red Sea destination, blending sustainability with luxury tourism under Vision 2030
Abu Dhabi hotels
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina launches UAE’s first floating superyacht holiday home
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina has launched the Orchid Overnight, the UAE’s first floating superyacht holiday home, offering luxury stays, suites, and bespoke experiences from $270 per night
Dubai
Singapore’s Naumi Hotels makes Middle East debut with Dubai hotel
The hotel was acquired by Naumi Group and advised by SunStar Capital, the family-owned wealth management and asset company founded by Executive Chairman Surya Jhunjhnuwala
agritourism destination
Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed Dan Company launches Solan to drive agritourism and empower farm owners
Saudi PIF-backed Dan Company launches Solan, a new agritourism brand empowering farm owners to create sustainable hospitality experiences under Vision 2030
Jeddah
Saudi rent freeze, $17.5bn Riyadh sales, foreign ownership rules, startups surge – 10 key KSA stories this week
Saudi Arabia freezes rents in Riyadh, property sales hit $17.5bn, foreign ownership rules may change, and startups surge – 10 key KSA stories this week
UAE hotels
UAE tourism sector reaches $70.1bn GDP contribution with record growth in 2024
The UAE’s tourism sector reached $70.1bn GDP contribution in 2024, with record visitor spending and hotel revenues, reinforcing its global leadership
Aquellum
Saudi Arabia tourism boom: Inside NEOM’s Magna with 12 futuristic resorts, record hotels and luxury communities
From mountain hideaways to a lagoon-spanning infinity pool, NEOM’s Magna is transforming Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast with 12 luxury resorts, vibrant communities and sustainable tourism experiences under Vision 2030
Beijing
Doha’s Hamad International Airport partners with Beijing Daxing to boost Qatar–China links
Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport sign a Sister Airport MoU to strengthen Qatar–China aviation, trade, and cultural ties
F&B
UAE Future Food Forum 2025: F&B industry projected to triple to $43.98bn by 2029
UAE Future Food Forum 2025 returns to Dubai as the F&B sector surges to $13bn, with leaders driving food security, trade, and sustainability
Aviation
Flight chaos in Europe as cyber disruption hits major airports
Cyber-related disruption hit Brussels, Berlin and Heathrow airports, forcing flight cancellations and long delays as Collins Aerospace works to fix its check-in systems
Oman
Oman and TUI to develop five hotels in Dhofar by 2028
OMRAN Group signs alliance with TUI to develop five new resorts in Dhofar by 2028, boosting Oman’s tourism under Vision 2040
FlyDubai
Flydubai expands Romania network with new Iași flights and more Bucharest services
Flydubai launches direct Dubai–Iași flights and expands its Romania network with triple daily Bucharest service
Air Arabia
Air Arabia announces extra UAE-Phuket flights
Air Arabia expands UAE-Thailand connectivity with expanded Sharjah-Phuket flights
Aviation
Priority Pass Private launches at 76 airports with VIP luxury in UAE and Saudi
Priority Pass has launched Priority Pass Private, an ultra-luxury airport service for elite travellers, with VIP lounges, private check-in and discreet boarding