Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 landed in Bangkok on October 26, marking the aircraft’s first arrival in Thailand and the launch of daily services between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and the Thai capital.
Royal Development Holding, a boutique premium real estate developer and subsidiary of Emirates Stallions Group, has announced that Mallside Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027, with the project now in its final stages of development.
Spain’s travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute more than €269 billion ($3.2 billion) to the national economy in 2026, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
Oman’s North A’Sharqiyah Governorate is preparing for the 2026/2027 winter tourism season, with government institutions and private-sector partners working to improve tourism sites, expand accommodation options and enhance visitor services.
Global City Dammam is preparing to launch its second season with new attractions and expanded facilities, targeting approximately 5.2 million visitors, up from more than 3 million during its inaugural season.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the Red Sea Yacht Show under a 10-year agreement signed between Sela, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Tahaluf, in a move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global yachting and marine tourism sectors.
UFC 333: VOLKANOVSKI vs EVLOEV made history at Etihad Arena on Saturday night (October 24), recording the highest attendance and gate for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi. The sold-out event featured two title fights and attracted thousands of fans, more than half of whom travelled from outside the UAE.
Three InterContinental Muscat team members have been shortlisted for the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2026, recognising their hospitality expertise and commitment to excellence. Ali Rady, Matthew Piercy and Viji Kunjachan earned nominations across housekeeping, food and beverage, and sustainability categories.
Tourism revenues across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached $131.9 billion in 2025, marking an annual increase of 9.7 per cent, while tourist arrivals rose 4.9 per cent to 75.7 million, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-STAT).
Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss highlighted the importance of collaboration, adaptability and strategic investment in supporting Middle East aviation growth at Routes World 2026 in Germany, citing the region’s infrastructure, connectivity and established hub networks as key competitive advantages.
