The UAE's hospitality sector continued its strong upward trajectory in the first nine months of 2025, with hotels welcoming 23.27 million guests – up 4.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024 - resulting in more than 79.3 million hotel room nights booked, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
Vatel Bahrain has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain Hotel, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing ties with key institutions across Bahrain’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Saudi Arabia and Russia signed a mutual visa exemption allowing citizens with any passport type to enter visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits. Stays of up to 90 consecutive or non-consecutive days per year are permitted for travellers from both countries.
Oman Air—the national carrier of Oman—announced the reception of its ninth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This new aircraft is the third to join the fleet since 2024, in addition to six aircraft that are expected to be delivered in 2027.
Visit Qatar announced that it will become a principal partner of the future Audi F1 Team upon the team’s official entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026.
The Global Airports Forum (GAF), taking place in Riyadh on December 16 and 17, has received an impressive 200 nominations from 23 countries for the 3rd Airport Excellence Awards.
Turkish Airlines has partnered with Samsung to enhance passenger convenience through the Smart Tagged Baggage Service, starting December 1. This allows travellers to easily track their baggage with Galaxy SmartTags.
Sfeer, the loyalty programme powered by Riyadh Air, has partnered with Uber to offer its Founding Members six months of complimentary Uber One membership. The benefit provides savings, premium ride features, and 10% cashback on eligible trips across Saudi Arabia.
More than 500 delegates will attend the meeting of the Middle East chapter of the Women in Aviation General Assembly (WIA), the world’s largest non-profit aviation and aerospace organisation, during the 4th Global Airports Forum (GAF) in Riyadh on December 16.
Azerbaijan Tourism Board, joined by eight industry partners, held a GCC roadshow across Kuwait, Doha, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai to showcase Azerbaijan’s diverse tourism offerings. The events gathered over 420 representatives from major travel companies, tour operators, and regional media.
