Each residence at Amansamar in Saudi Arabia will contain five to six bedrooms and will be set on plots starting from 9,000 square metres
Travel & Hospitality
Bangladesh
UAE Golden Visa: VFS Global announces major India and Bangladesh update
Residents of India and Bangladesh given UAE Golden Visa boost
Amaala
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global ‘on track’ to open AMAALA, 11 resorts fuelled by ‘surging’ investor demand
The next 6 to 12 months will see “continued evolution” of Red Sea Global’s offerings, Ahmad Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer said
Air Arabia
UAE travel update: flydubai and Air Arabia flight latest
Air Arabia and flydubai to restart UAE flights to Iran
Dubai construction
UAE holiday dates; GCC visa ‘coming soon’; Dubai real estate record; New Saudi law – 10 things you missed this week
UAE holidays, petrol prices, visas, real estate and more top news stories this week
International travel
Global tourism to reach 30 billion trips, $16tn GDP by 2034: Report
World Economic Forum report forecasts $16 trillion contribution to global GDP, with Asia leading growth and Saudi Arabia among key emerging destinations
Entertainment industry
EXCLUSIVE: Inside SEVEN’s $13.3bn Saudi entertainment push as global expansion is not part of the current strategy
SEVEN’s Chief Entertainment Operations Officer reveals why the kingdom’s entertainment giant is keeping its focus firmly local despite global opportunities
Gulf Cooperation Council
Unified visa for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman launching ‘soon’ says GCC chief
The unified tourist visa for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman is expected to be announced soon
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi hotels generate $231m in April 2025 as tourism demand surges
Abu Dhabi hotels earned $231m in April 2025, with 87 per cent occupancy and over 1.52m guest nights
Ras Al Khaimah
Revealed: Wynn Al Marjan unveils ultra-luxury ‘Enclave’ experience
Enclave comprises 299 suites across four categories ranging from 75 sqm King Suites to two expansive Royal Apartments spanning 1,500 sqm over two floors
air miles
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines launch frequent flyer partnership
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines launch loyalty partnership, expanding rewards across global networks
Yas Island
Yas Waterworld unveils massive expansion with over 20 new rides in Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi opens ‘Lost City’ expansion with over 20 new rides, dining venue and regional firsts
Airlines
Middle East airline traffic up 6.3% in May: IATA
Increase in Middle East airline traffic as more people flying in May 2025
Aviation
UAE travel update: flydubai announces flight cancellation latest
Flydubai announces some UAE flight cancellations until July 5
Eid Al Adha
UAE tops destination list as Saudi tourists spend $635 per card during Eid break
The growth stemmed from a preference for shorter trips, with 69 per cent of Saudi travellers choosing brief weekend getaways
F&B business
UAE homegrown burger brand Pickl opens first Saudi Arabia locations in Riyadh expansion
Pickl serves hormone-free and antibiotic-free burgers, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries and sauces at the new sites
business travel
Middle East business travel surges to $18.1bn in 2024 with 6.1% growth forecast for 2025
Business travel in the Middle East hit $18.1bn in 2024, outpacing global growth. Tumodo forecasts a 6.1 per cent rise in 2025, driven by tech innovation, “bleisure” trends, and stronger GCC-Europe ties