Abu Dhabi residents are leading the way in uncovering the emirate’s hidden gems, with half able to instantly name a secret spot. A Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) study found 73% of UAE residents recommend lesser-known destinations by word of mouth.
According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director–UAE at RX Global, Dubai and the GCC are reinforcing tourism resilience through innovation, collaboration and long-term planning, with ATM 2026 highlighting AI and travel technology as key drivers of future industry growth.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday abandoned a proposal to impose a 20% transit fee on cargo shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington would instead pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf states amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has unveiled a range of exclusive summer offers, giving UAE residents and visitors up to 50% off selected desert experiences until August 31, 2026.
Dubai Customs expects three million passengers in early July and has launched a coordinated summer travel plan featuring advanced baggage screening, seven-second manual inspections, dedicated pet inspection rooms, and enhanced customs awareness.
Qatar's top government body, the Amiri Diwan, has announced that the country's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose leadership transformed the Gulf state into a global energy powerhouse and raised its international profile, died on Sunday at the age of 74.
InteleTravel has launched UAE operations, its first Middle East expansion, offering local advisors access to global travel products, supplier partnerships, training and support. The company aims to recruit 1,000 UAE-based advisors initially.
Etihad Airways is increasing capacity across its network in response to strong demand, increasing frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a year-round route, and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca.
GFH, a leading Islamic investment bank, has announced that it has sealed a strategic agreement with Octo Management Consultancies to collaborate on the development of a $300 million logistics and industrial real estate platform across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) has signed a partnership agreement with UAE export credit agency Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) to support energy transition financing. ECI will provide credit insurance and risk mitigation solutions across 110 countries to complement ETAF initiatives.
