Travel & Tourism News

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

UAE hospitality sector poised for sustained growth despite headwinds: report

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The UAE hospitality sector remains resilient despite 2026 headwinds, supported by Dubai’s AED2.5 billion relief package. Hotel stock reached 159,300 rooms in Dubai and 33,650 in Abu Dhabi in Q2, with further expansion expected, JLL’s latest report said.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

SITE launches three Specialty Certifications for incentive travel professionals

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has launched three new Specialty Certifications, expanding its professional development offering with focused, on-demand education covering incentive travel psychology, risk management and wellness.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

EU indefinitely delays European Travel Information and Authorisation System

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The European Union has indefinitely postponed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), meaning visa-exempt travellers will not yet need to obtain travel authorisation before visiting participating European countries.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

First glimpse: Wynn Al Marjan Island unveils beach, lagoon, and reef

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Wynn Al Marjan Island today revealed that it has completed its 550-metre beachfront, sheltered lagoon and offshore reef, giving guests a first look at the resort's waterfront experience.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

DCT Abu Dhabi becomes first GCC tourism board to earn dual GIMI accreditations

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has become the first tourism board in the GCC region to receive both GIMI Innovation Level 3 Accreditation and GIMI Future Foresight Level 2 Accreditation from the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI),

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Etihad Guest expands Asia connectivity through STARLUX partnership

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Etihad Guest has launched a frequent flyer partnership with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines’ COSMILE loyalty programme, expanding benefits for members across both airline networks.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to open LEGO exhibition on August 21

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will open Natural Brickstory on August 21, a limited-time exhibition exploring 13.8 billion years of natural history through LEGO brick building and interactive activities.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

MEBAA Show 2026 to bring global business aviation leaders to Dubai

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

MEBAA Show 2026 will bring together companies from across the global business aviation sector, with the event scheduled to take place in Dubai from December 8–10. The exhibition will feature aircraft manufacturers, operators, charter companies, FBOs, MRO providers and technology companies from more than 100 countries.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Riyadh Air expands Asia push with new flights to Pakistan, Philippines

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Riyadh Air is expanding its Asian network with new services to Islamabad, Lahore and Manila, with ticket sales now open for the three destinations. The airline will launch flights to Islamabad on August 14, Lahore on August 18 and Manila on September 9, 2026.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh named 2026 EMEA best new hotel opening

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh – King Abdulaziz Road has received the 2026 EMEA New Hotel Opening Award from Marriott International at an awards ceremony in London.