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.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Department of Civil Aviation in Fujairah (DCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at consolidating strategic partnership and exchanging expertise, thereby contributing to improved performance efficiency and ensuring the highest levels of safety and security in this vital sector.
More than 11,000 aviation leaders, policymakers, investors and industry specialists from over 120 countries will gather in the Saudi capital next month for the fourth Future Aviation Forum, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the global air transport agenda.
In 2025, the UAE aviation sector hit record milestones, with DXB handling 95.2 million passengers, Abu Dhabi Airports over 33 million, and Sharjah 19.48 million. Ras Al Khaimah surpassed one million passengers. Expanded connectivity, cargo growth, and technological upgrades reinforced the UAE’s global aviation and logistics leadership.
The 4th edition of Global Airports Forum (GAF), to be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) on December 16 and 17, will see over 50 new exhibitors including flag-carrier Saudia and global travel technology giant Amadeus, along with Airport Innovation Trail and Airport Innovation Hub making its debut.
The UAE is set to inject $6 billion into Africa's travel and hospitality sector - a move expected to create 70,000 new jobs as Africa records the fastest tourism growth globally, it was revealed at a recent summit in Dubai.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 set a historic record with deals surpassing $202 billion, double the $101 billion secured at the 18th edition in 2023.
Dassault Aviation is expanding its network of strategic technology partners through a new collaboration with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
