Gulf States can become stronger tourism destinations after conflict, said aviation leader and Knighthood Global Chairman James Hogan, citing strong branding, leadership, and investment. He urged a focus on destination strengths and openness rather than price-driven strategies for recovery.
IATA highlighted aviation’s importance to Kazakhstan, noting its focus on the sector has boosted jobs and economic activity. Aviation supports 44,700 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in output, contributing 0.8% of the country’s GDP.
Oman Airports, Oman Air, and SalamAir reported strong 2025 performance driven by revenue growth and network expansion, and outlined a 2026–2030 strategy to build an integrated aviation ecosystem and strengthen Oman’s global connectivity.
The duration of the aviation disruption following the joint Israel-US strike on Iran and its subsequent attacks on countries in Gulf region, will be fundamental to determining the implications for affected sectors, including airlines, airports, lodging and lessors, said an expert.
Royal Jordanian Airlines, the Arab country's flag carrier, said it continues to operate its flights to various destinations whose airspace remains open and safe, in light of the security developments in the region and the challenges posed by the regional situation on the aviation sector.
Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Development Center has signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localising the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia.
The National Industrial Development Centre signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localising the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia. Under the memorandum, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom.
The Middle East’s aviation and cruise sectors are expanding globally, reinforcing the region as a key travel hub, and will be highlighted at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, May 4–7 in Dubai.
Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi said the tourism sector now constitutes seven per cent of the kingdom's total GDP. “The World Tourism Index report issued in January 2026 showed that Bahrain ranked third in the Middle East for visitor growth in 2025 compared with 2024, achieving an 11 per cent increase,” she told a Parliament session.
RH Aero Systems, a global leader in aviation support equipment and tooling based in Ohio, US, has announced the opening of its new service centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South. Spanning 2,800 sq m, the key facility provides inspection, testing, calibration as well as MRO services.
