Premier Inn Middle East has signed an MoU with Equitativa Real Estate to develop six to eight hotels, adding 3,500 keys across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The AED 2 billion ($545 million) investment will double Premier Inn’s current portfolio of 3,184 keys.
Mozambique has introduced a digital e-Visa system to modernise borders, boost efficiency, and support tourism and investment. Powered by VFS Global, the platform uses cloud-based infrastructure and advanced automation to securely streamline visa applications for travellers from 183 countries worldwide.
flynas’ latest sustainability report highlights strong environmental and social progress aligned with Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s 2050 net-zero target. Over 18 months, the airline cut more than 161,000 tonnes of CO₂—equivalent to planting 6.44 million trees—through fuel efficiency, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives.
AirAsia X (AAX) has announced two international routes linking Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onward to London Gatwick (KUL–BAH–LGW), strengthening its global expansion strategy. Starting June 26, 2026, the service makes Bahrain its first global hub and marks the airline’s second Fifth-Freedom route beyond Asia.
Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has signed an MoU with Burhan Hotels to enter Saudi Arabia, covering three Makkah hotels with around 1,000 rooms. GHG will operate and manage the properties, oversee renovations and repositioning, and pursue partnerships with international hotel brands as part of its expansion strategy.
Atara Development has launched The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort, the GCC's first Sheraton-branded homes at Ras Al Khaimah. Set for completion in 2028, the 159-unit project introduces an elevated waterfront lifestyle with a combination of leisure, holistic wellness and curated social experiences.
Visit Qatar in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and the Qatar Triathlon Federation, has announced the opening of registrations for the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final 2026, set to take place in Qatar on 11–12 December..
The Bench has announced the launch of Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Egypt, taking place November 10-11, 2026, at Sofitel Downtown Cairo Nile. Under the theme ‘Where Heritage Inspires Investment’, FHS Egypt will convene owners, investors, operators, developers and government leaders to explore the next chapter of hospitality and real estate development in Egypt.
Accor has signed an agreement for Swissôtel Cairo West, a mixed-use development in partnership with Saoud Urban Development, marking a step in the Group’s expansion in Egypt. Located in West Cairo, a rapidly developing district, the project addresses rising demand for integrated hospitality, branded residences, and destination-led developments.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May, is projecting a significant increase in exhibitors from Asia-Pacific countries, underpinned by a strong 13.95% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in participation from Asian exhibitors over the 2024–2026 period.
