Three weekly flights to connect King Fahd International Airport with Heathrow as Saudi Arabia boosts European air links and inbound tourism
Travel & Hospitality
crypto
Emirates to integrate crypto payments in 2026
New deal aims to enable Crypto.com Pay on Emirates’ platforms as Dubai accelerates push to become global digital finance hub
Indian expats in UAE
UAE summer 2025: Visa-free travel destinations for Indian passport holders from Dubai
Indian passport holders in Dubai are advised to confirm entry requirements with official embassy or consulate sources before booking travel
Aviation
Dubai International Airport launches DXB Greet & Go smart pickup service at Terminal 3
The service targets guests arriving in Dubai with pre-booked hotel, limousine, or tour operator services, replacing traditional guest paging with a technology-enabled experience
Aman Group
EXCLUSIVE: Ultra-luxury brand Aman Group announces first branded residences in Saudi Arabia
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
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