Saudi builder Safari Construction has secured the main contract for the expansion of Hail International Airport. The scope of work includes rehabilitation of the existing terminal, construction of new airport facilities as well as development of associated infrastructure.
Bahrain is preparing to host the 93rd UFI Global Congress from November 2–5, 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain, with tourism officials and UFI leaders reviewing preparations for the international business events gathering.
Qatar Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Priority Pass to enhance rewards and travel benefits for members of its Beyond Business corporate travel programme.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Nepal have signed an air transport services agreement aimed at strengthening aviation ties between the two countries.
Egypt’s tourism ambitions are driving airlines to rethink capacity planning, with the country targeting 30 million annual visitors by 2030. As demand fluctuates seasonally, ACMI and wet leasing could offer carriers greater flexibility to manage short-term capacity gaps and growth, according to Justinas Bulka, CEO at KlasJet.
Visitor numbers during Oman’s Khareef Dhofar monsoon season rose 6.6% year-on-year to 881,424 between June 21 and August 15, 2026, according to preliminary estimates released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
WTM Spotlight Riyadh has announced the Ministry of Tourism as Strategic Partner for the inaugural edition of the event, reinforcing a shared commitment to tourism growth, international collaboration and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Etihad Airways will operate its new Abu Dhabi–Gothenburg service year-round following strong early demand, extending the route beyond its planned winter schedule. Travellers from western Sweden are booking connections to Abu Dhabi, the Gulf, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is set to stage its biggest-ever edition in January 2027, with an expanded tournament experience, increased participation and a stronger presence of girls’ teams as the competition continues to grow year-on-year.
Al Ain Zoo will reopen to visitors on September 5, offering families a refreshed programme of wildlife encounters, entertainment and dining experiences, including a month-long nighttime festival. The Zoo’s “Glow After Dark” festival will run from September 5 to October 4.
