RateGain, an AI travel SaaS provider, reports Dubai hotel demand is recovering after a sharp March–May decline. Levels have risen from 7%–14% and are expected to stabilise, reaching 20%–30% of pre-disruption demand by summer.
Qatar Airways continues to reinstate its network across the Middle East, announcing the return of passenger flights to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq, starting on May 10, 2026.
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has announced the opening of sales for its newest route to Kigali, Rwanda, further expanding its growing presence across the African market.
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched its Tourism Hackathons Programme on April 28, 2026, through TDF Grow, to foster innovative, entrepreneur-led solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and contribute to Vision 2030 economic goals.
In celebration of Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, unveiled its newest marine initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a special morning launch held on April 22 at the picturesque Milano Beach on Dream Island.
UN Tourism advanced innovation and investment as key pillars for a sustainable tourism sector at a Marrakech conference, where startups in digital tourism, gaming and gastronomy were recognised for showcasing Moroccan creativity globally.
Britain introduced temporary measures allowing airlines to combine passengers onto fewer flights to cut jet fuel use, as concerns grow over potential shortages driven by supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting Middle East supplies.
Dubai International (DXB) sustained global connectivity during regional airspace disruption, handling 6 million guests, over 32,000 flights and essential cargo. With UAE airspace restored, operations are ramping up. Q1 2026 traffic reached 18.6 million guests, down 20.6% year on year.
EgyptAir, the Egyptian national airline, took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX. The 737-8 is the first of 18 airplanes leased from SMBC Aviation Capital to be delivered.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s first budget carrier, celebrated the commencement of its non-stop service to Amman City Airport (ADJ), Jordan.
