Saudia ranked first in GACA’s index for handling passenger complaints, achieving a 98 per cent resolution ahead of Flynas and Flyadeal
Travel & Hospitality
Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air unveils Uber and Kayanee deals ahead of 2025 launch
Riyadh Air partners with Uber and Saudi wellness brand Kayanee to deliver wellbeing-focused travel experience ahead of 2025 inaugural flights
Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan Island unveils new events, celebrations centre amid RAK’s rising status as MICE destination
The 7,708-square-meter venue features a 2,633-square-meter column-free Grand Ballroom, dedicated bride and groom salons, private prayer rooms for men and women, six meeting rooms, and a 1,390-square-meter event lawn
cabin crew
Service with altitude: Emirates unveils $8m Dubai training centre
Emirates launches its $8m Centre of Hospitality Excellence in Dubai to train 25,000 cabin crew in Michelin-level service
Hajj and Umrah
Saudi Arabia announces major Umrah visa update
Saudi Arabia confirms that all visa holders — including tourists, workers and visitors — can now perform Umrah under new Vision 2030 measures
hospitality industry
Oman to add 9,600 hotel rooms by 2030 as tourism sector expands: Report
Oman’s population grew by 4.5 per cent last year and 5 per cent in 2023, with similar increases predicted through the decade, the report said
Abu Dhabi Schools
Most influential Arabs revealed; Dubai property boom, Saudi $55bn gaming takeover, UAE Rail progress – 10 things you missed this week
Dubai property sales hit $14.8bn in September, Saudi completes $55bn gaming takeover and Etihad Rail’s 2026 plan – this week’s Gulf highlights
Codeshare
Qatar Airways expands US network with 18 new routes through Aer Lingus and LEVEL codeshares
Qatar Airways expands codeshares with Aer Lingus and LEVEL, adding 18 new US routes and boosting global connectivity
Ras Al Khaimah
Wynn Al Marjan advertises for casino manager ahead of 2027 Ras Al Khaimah opening
Listings for 101 roles include chefs, gambling pit operators and nightlife managers
Dubai
FIVE Holdings secures $460 million facililty to fund global expansion
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
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
