The partnership will see Emirates and IHG explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and rewards to facilitate business travel
Travel & Hospitality
Apple
Saudia enhances baggage recovery with new feature for Apple users
The airline can now track delayed or lost baggage via Find My Share Item Location Feature
Allo Beirut
UAE restaurant chain Allo Beirut makes first Lebanon debut on Hamra Street
The Lebanon opening represents Allo Beirut’s entry into its fourth market
Dubai
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) hospitality serves 527,000 guests in H1 2025
DWTC Hospitality is focusing on scaling capabilities and investing in infrastructure to support continued growth
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia extends 30-day grace period for visit visa holders: Report
The 30-day window will begin on the 1st of Safar, 1447 AH, covering all visa categories and designations in Saudi Arabia
Raki Phillips
Ras Al Khaimah tourism CEO Raki Phillips to step down in October
The authority did not announce a successor but said it remains committed to building on the foundation established under Raki Phillips’ leadership
Henley Passport Index
Singapore remains most powerful passport as US and UK decline, UAE and emerging economies rise
The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights the declining mobility of traditional Western powers
Henley Passport Index
UAE passport ranks as 8th most powerful globally
The US has slipped to 10th place, its lowest ranking in two decades
Dining experience
Saudi Arabia elevates fine dining in the country with new regulations
Dress code, full-table experience, valet parking, mandatory menu requirements, branch restrictions…and more
European Union
EU relaxes Schengen Visa rules for some citizens from July 2025: Report
The new measures will took effect from July 15
Aviation
Etihad celebrates growth after transporting 20m passengers in one year
Etihad Airways expansion continues as passenger numbers double in just two nd a half years
Dubai International Airport
First Look: Emirates’ new luxury check-in lounge at Dubai Airport features iPad service and chauffeur transfers before caviar-filled flights
Emirates First at Terminal 3 Dubai International Airport offers luxury check-in and service for premium customers
business travel
Etihad Airways launches corporate travel portal to streamline business travel management
Etihad for Business offers corporate clients real-time tracking, flexible benefits, and full travel programme control
Eagle Hills
Eagle Hills acquires Mandarin Oriental Munich hotel in major European deal
The acquisition aligns with Eagle Hills’ vision to curate destinations in the world’s cities that are culturally rich and economically vibrant
Summer holidays
UAE summer 2025: September named best month for island travel in new Expedia report
Expedia data shows rising interest in specific islands amongst UAE travellers with Cyprus in the lead
Air Arabia
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi expands fleet with new Airbus A320s, plans 40% capacity boost in 2025
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to add two more aircraft by year-end as part of a growth strategy supporting UAE aviation and tourism ambitions
Emirates
UAE flights: Emirates announces major travel update
Emirates has revealed when it will resume flights from the UAE to Iran