Tourist arrivals to Mauritius from the Middle East increased by approximately 10.5% between January and July 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, as the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) prepares to target further growth across the GCC at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026.
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has opened ticket sales for a new service to Copenhagen via Baghdad, with flights scheduled to begin on November 15, 2026.
Etihad Airways will launch year-round flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport on October 4, 2026, adding a new leisure destination to its network. The route, initially operating once weekly before increasing to twice weekly from October 25.
The Saudi Tourism Authority has appointed Ageel Alshaibani as its new Chief Executive Officer. The former Deputy Minister of Tourism brings more than 18 years of experience in strategic planning, business development, consulting, public services and executive leadership.
UAE-based B2B cargo airline SolitAir has launched freight services to Ghana via Accra International Airport, expanding its African network to 21 destinations across 17 countries and providing coverage to more than 30% of the continent.
Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has launched “Click & Travel,” described as the world’s first mobile service allowing passport control procedures to be completed at passengers’ locations inside Dubai airports during peak periods and emergencies.
The Bahrain International Airshow’s Supreme Organising Committee has announced that the eighth edition of the event will be rescheduled from November 18–20, 2026, to November 15–17, 2028, at Sakhir Air Base.
flynas and Swissport have entered into a long-term strategic equity transaction and commercial partnership that represents a significant milestone for both companies and further strengthens Swissport's position as a market leader in airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality globally.
The long-awaited Unified Gulf Tourist Visa is set to be launched soon, allowing international visitors to travel more easily across the six GCC countries, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi said, according to Saudi Gazette.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh, organised by RX, will open on September 8, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, launching a new platform aimed at connecting Saudi Arabia with international travel markets as the Kingdom accelerates its tourism transformation under Vision 2030.
