Etihad Airways to launch service to Lisbon, Portugal in July

Etihad Airways to launch direct service to Lisbon in summer

With new routes launched to Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos, Etihad will offer nearly 160 weekly flights to 21 destinations in Europe this summer

Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi Airports welcomes 15.9 million passengers in 2022

The company saw growth in other key areas such as air traffic movements across its five airports, which totalled 194,667

In partnership with RTA and Dubai Holding, Udrive has launched its Hatta fleet and service

RTA, Udrive partner to launch Dubai-Hatta fleet

The Hatta fleet has been activated with increased mileage allowances within the Udrive platform to provide affordable mobility solutions to and from the destination

Dubai receives 14.36 million international visitors in 2022

Dubai receives 14.36 million international visitors in 2022

The emirate closed in on its pre-pandemic visitor figures of 16.73 million recorded in 2019

Saudi Arabia launches four-day transit visa

Saudi Arabia’s new free stopover visa: Here’s what you need to know

Visitors can apply for the transit visa, which is valid for three months, starting today through Saudia Airlines and Flynas’ electronic platforms

Yalago stats photo Dubai Media Office

Emirates Group’s Yalago records 92% rise in hotel bookings in 2022

According to the wholesale specialist, travellers are spending 30 per cent more per booking, taking on more extensive meal plans such as all-inclusive, and booking five-star hotels as a majority

Power Letters 2023: Raki Phillips, chief executive officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Balanced Tourism is something we are firmly embracing as an emirate

Aqaba cruise terminal inauguratedAqaba cruise terminal inaugurated - AD Ports Group to operate and manage it

AD Ports Group, Aqaba Development Corporation inaugurate Aqaba Cruise Terminal

The new terminal marks the launch of the first of five strategic mega projects planned between AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation

Dubai Municipality launches digital platform courtesy Dubai Media Office

Dubai Municipality’s new digital platform showcases eight natural reserves

The platform aims to encourage eco-friendly, sustainable tourism in Dubai’s natural reserve zones, offering information and services linked to the reserves on one platform

Qatar tourism Mwani cruise season

Qatar to welcome 200,000 visitors in 2022-23 cruise season

Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar have forecast the arrival of more than 50 cruise liners until April

Visitor

Ras Al Khaimah records highest visitor numbers in 2022

The full-year figures follow a strong December performance in which the emirate welcomed its highest ever footfall in one month, with over 128,000 visitors

Red Sea project render

Saudi Arabia: The Red Sea to join exclusive Serandipians’ luxury network

Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites

Qatar

Qatar launches first commercial charter flight to and from Kazakhstan

The nation has identified Kazakhstan as one of 15 target markets where tourists can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy Qatar’s vibrant culture

Vietnam

Dubai’s Sunset Hospitality Group launches Azure Beach and Attiko in Vietnam

The group sets sights on opening a further 20 venues in 2023, 15 of those internationally, as its expansion plan gathers pace

Dubai International courtesy Twitter (Dubai Media Office)

Dubai welcomes over 23.7 million passengers in 2022

This marks an 89 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year

Emirates signs pact to support visitor arrivals to The Bahamas

UAE’s Emirates Airline, Bahamas partner to promote tourism

The airline and the country’s Ministry of Tourism will participate in joint initiatives to boost visitor traffic into the islands from across the airline’s network

musafir travel trends 2023 -e1607842665376

International travel to see steeper growth in 2023, predicts Musafir.com

The average annual business travel spend of SMEs in the UAE is expected to grow by 15-20 per cent in 2023

Dubai Airbnb

Airbnb launches remote working hub in Dubai

Those interested in working and living in Dubai can access the hub for local long-term listings and information on entry requirements and visa policy

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to launch mega-coaster in January 2023

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s new mega-coaster to launch in Jan 2023

Mission Ferrari will provide a 5D rollercoaster experience that includes the world’s first sideways coaster drop

Dubai welcomes 11.4 million international overnight visitors between Jan-Oct

Dubai welcomes 11.4 million international overnight visitors between Jan-Oct 2022

The emirate’s average hotel occupancy in the first 10 months of the year stood at 71 per cent

UAE: The year 2022 in review

The UAE has accelerated its growth this year with key strategies, strong initiatives and a future-first approach

Tourism

This is how tourism must shift to actually address climate change

An estimated 11 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions are due to tourism, and that’s predicted to double by 2050

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches its first flight to Tashkent

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches first flight to Tashkent

The flights will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport to Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport with a twice-weekly service

Saudi’s NEOM unveils first luxury island development

Sindalah will feature a 86-berth marina, while offshore buoys will house superyachts

World's Coolest Winter Campaign_ WAM

Sheikh Mohammed launches third ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign

In its second edition last year, the campaign generated Dhs1.5bn in revenue, with the number of local tourists increasing to more than 1.3 million

Saudi’s Public Investment Fund launches Aseer Investment Company

The new investment arm will attract local and foreign direct investment to develop the Aseer region

miral group ceo

Cover feature: How Miral is transforming Abu Dhabi with its grand vision

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group CEO of Miral, the leisure, tourism and lifestyle brand, tells us how the company is realising Abu Dhabi’s ambitious economic, leisure and tourism strategy, one mega project at a time

Saadiyat

Saadiyat: One island, many journeys

Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island features an exclusive beach lifestyle, world-class hospitality, unique cultural attractions and a spectacular natural ecosystem that will keep you coming back for more

Saudi Arabia elected chair of UNWTO

UNWTO elects Saudi Arabia as chair of Executive Council

The Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, will represent the kingdom as chair of the UNWTO Executive Council

Revealed: Winners of the Gulf Business Awards 2022

The awards celebrated stalwarts and companies from across the region’s business landscape