Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism Seychelles sets sights on Saudi market

Tourism Seychelles has intensified its marketing efforts in Saudi Arabia by participating as an exhibitor at the TBO Riyadh Event, marking a significant step in expanding its presence in the Saudi market.
 
The event, held recently, saw over 300 attendees, including leading travel companies from Riyadh, offering a valuable opportunity for tourism professionals to explore new travel opportunities and forge strategic partnerships.
 
As its first market engagement of 2025 in Saudi Arabia, the event allowed Tourism Seychelles to connect with travel agents, discuss strategies for promoting Seychelles, and explore new collaborative opportunities.
 
During the event, the Tourism Seychelles representative also took the opportunity to highlight the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, set to take place in Seychelles from 1st-11th May 2025.
 
This sporting event, hosted in the Paradise Arena, Mahé, will see 16 teams from around the world competing in a spectacular beach soccer showdown, offering a blend of world-class sports with the stunning natural beauty of Seychelles.
 
Travel agents were encouraged to leverage this event as an opportunity to promote Seychelles as an exciting destination for sports tourism, luxury travel, and adventure seekers.
 
Ahmed Fathallah, Representative of Tourism Seychelles in the Middle East, said: "Seychelles continues to position itself as more than just a leisure destination; we are evolving into a dynamic hub for cultural, luxury, and sports tourism. With the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, along with enhanced air connectivity through Air Seychelles’ new flights, we see great potential to attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. Our collaboration with key industry players, including TBO, is instrumental in ensuring that travel agents have the right tools and information to showcase Seychelles as a must-visit destination for their clients."
 
Tourism Seychelles was pleased to collaborate with TBO, one of the region’s leading B2B travel platforms. The event reinforced the importance of working closely with prominent industry players to expand Seychelles’ presence in the market.
 
 As part of this growing alliance, Tourism Seychelles looks forward to taking this partnership a step further by showcasing its presence at the TBO Travel Business Show in Dubai and Qatar in 2025.
 
Tourism Seychelles remains committed to strengthening relationships with trade partners across the region, ensuring that Seychelles continues to be a top travel choice for visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Etihad launches new talent strategy to increase hiring of UAE nationals

Etihad Airways has unveiled its UAE National Talent Development Strategy, a groundbreaking long-term programme aimed at developing Emirati professionals, cultivating expertise, and positioning the airline as the employer of choice for UAE nationals.
 
As the UAE’s aviation industry undergoes rapid expansion, Etihad is leading the charge in developing Emirati talent, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for aviation excellence. The new strategy will significantly increase the hiring of UAE nationals across all divisions while creating opportunities for development in both aviation and corporate functions, the airline said.
 
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the vital role of Emirati talent in Etihad’s ambitious growth journey, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to fostering a strong national workforce.
 
He said: "Our National Talent Development Programme is at the core of Etihad’s future success, ensuring that Emiratis are at the forefront of our expansion and transformation. By 2030, we aim to double our fleet, expand our network to over 125 destinations, and triple our passenger numbers. To achieve this, we need a strong pipeline of home-grown talent, equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead our industry forward. As part of this commitment, the UAE National Talent Development Strategy will expand Etihad’s UAE National workforce by more than 50% over the next five years, ensuring Emiratis play a central role in shaping the airline’s future.
 
“As the UAE’s national airline, we are proud to give flight to ambition, providing Emiratis with the opportunity to have meaningful experiences and contribute to the continued success of their country."
 
Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, further underscored the programme’s profound impact, stating: “This initiative is more than a talent programme; it is a commitment to investing in the ambitions of Emirati professionals and providing them with the tools to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the global stage. We are empowering the next generation of UAE Nationals to go beyond, drive progress, and contribute to their nation's ambition and growth. We understand that developing human potential in the United Arab Emirates is critical to both our own future and the continuous expansion of the nation's cutting-edge, diverse economy. We take great pride in our part in enhancing this capability."
 
“Each UAE National at Etihad is part of a larger vision—one rooted in the dream of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned a thriving nation with Abu Dhabi as a global hub for progress and opportunity.”
 
DEVELOPING A WORLD-CLASS EMIRATI WORKFORCE
As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad takes immense pride in its Emirati workforce, fostering an environment where talent can accelerate, develop, and thrive. Today, Etihad’s Emirati workforce exceeds 1,200 employees and continues to grow. This includes 431 Emirati pilots, an increasing number of engineers, operations experts, and aviation specialists, as well as a rising representation of female Emirati professionals, who now constitute 48% of the airline’s Emirati workforce.
 
From cadet pilots to corporate leaders, every Emirati at Etihad embodies ambition, resilience, and achievement—proving that with the right opportunities, potential knows no limits.
 
SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES TO ATTRACT AND NURTURE TALENT
Etihad’s UAE National Talent Development Strategy is designed to attract, develop, and retain the nation’s brightest minds through specialised career programmes spanning both technical and corporate functions. The programme provides ambitious, talented Emiratis with 6 different opportunities:
• Cadet Pilot Programme – A comprehensive two-year training journey in Abu Dhabi and Spain, combining rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on flight experience.
• Cadet Technician Programme – A five-year pathway blending academic learning with real-world training, preparing participants to become licensed Aircraft Technicians.
• Airport Management Programme – Offers in-depth exposure to ground operations, including international placements that provide a global perspective on airport management.
• Bedayati Programme – A structured, hands-on training programme for fresh graduates, providing exposure across various business functions to build a strong career foundation.
• MBA Future Leader Programme – An accelerated 13-month journey for high-performing MBA graduates, offering immersion in key airline functions, mentorship from industry leaders, and career sponsorship opportunities.
• Entry Level Roles – Beyond structured programmes, UAE Nationals can explore career opportunities in finance, digital innovation, technology, and other strategic areas.
 
RECRUITMENT FAIRS PLATFORMS
To foster direct engagement with ambitious Emirati talent and offer valuable opportunities, Etihad will host a series of fairs to showcase its National Talent Development Programme and connect with potential candidates. These interactive platforms will provide attendees with an in-depth look into Etihad’s career pathways, allowing them to meet programme leaders, gain insights into the application process, and explore opportunities.
 
The recruitment fairs will also feature exclusive engagement sessions with Etihad’s thought leaders, where seasoned professionals will share their experiences, career journeys, and industry insights—empowering the next generation of Emirati professionals to take flight and shape the future of aviation. 
 
These platforms will act as strategic recruitment touchpoints, enabling Etihad to meet, engage with, and onboard the best national talent who aspire to join the airline.
 
Etihad Airways invites ambitious UAE nationals to take flight, embrace limitless opportunities, and be part of a legacy that will shape the future of aviation and contribute to the continued success of the UAE, the airline said.  -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Badreldin teams up with IHG to launch West Cairo’s tallest towers

Badreldin Group, a leading player in Egypt’s real estate sector, has joined hands with InterContinental Hotel Group, for the launch of West Cairo’s tallest towers. Rising 150m tall with 40 storeys, these landmarks will redefine the Egyptian capital’s skyline. 
 
The towers will feature hospitality, residential and office spaces – complemented by top-class amenities such as dedicated concierge services, conference rooms, co-working spaces, health and wellness facilities and a dynamic podium with retail and F&B offerings.
 
The launch comes at a time when Badreldin Group is celebrating its 50 years of experience and real estate excellence in the Egyptian market.
 
Over the past five decades, the group has reshaped Egypt’s urban landscape through a transformative portfolio spanning over 1.9 million sqm of pioneering projects, including Arkan Plaza and the Karma Communities. In 2020, the group partnered with Arkan to establish Arkan Palm Developments,
bringing to life the groundbreaking 205 project. 
 
Designed as a vibrant hub for residents and businesses alike, the project features upscale serviced residences, world-class hotels managed by InterContinental by IHG Hotels and property management by Savills Egypt, a dynamic financial district, a cutting-edge medical park led by Al Safa Hospital, and the charming Canal Walk Residence neighborhood. 
 
Standing at the heart of 205’s next chapter, the three high-rise towers will reshape West Cairo’s skyline and establish a new precedent for architectural innovation in Egypt.
 
The group embarks on a bold new chapter with its flagship project, 205, set to transform West Cairo into a vibrant hub for business, lifestyle, and innovation.
 
The milestone event featured a breathtaking orchestral performance by international soprano Fatma Said, accompanied by conductor Marcus Merkel and developed by RMC – showcasing the group’s dedication to blending art, culture, and innovation into its vision for the future.
 
The gala also marked the unveiling of a bold new chapter for 205 by Arkan Palm Developments, the
group’s flagship project in Sheikh Zayed. 
 
A Badreldin Company, Arkan has emerged as a pioneering mixed-use real estate developer in Egypt, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
 
The group’s flagship destination, Arkan Plaza, serves as a visionary landmark and the heartbeat of
Sheikh Zayed’s community spirit. Located in the heart of Zayed City, Arkan Plaza has quickly become a
commercial hub, redefining the way people work, dine, and socialize in West Cairo.
 
The group's prime project, 205 represents a new center of gravity along the 26th of July corridor, offering a vibrant mix of residential and commercial spaces tailored for modern living, it stated.
 
"It will soon introduce three architectural marvels that will  redefine the city’s skyline. The towers will feature hospitality, residential, and office spaces - complemented by world-class amenities such as dedicated concierge services, conference rooms, co-working spaces, health and wellness facilities and a dynamic podium with retail and F&B offerings," remarked its Founder and President Mamdouh Badreldin. 
 
Envisioned as 'The World in One Location,' this mixed-use destination will feature three hotels managed by InterContinental Hotel Group.
 
Designed as a fully integrated vertical compound, the towers will establish 205 as West Cairo’s premier hub for business, lifestyle, and luxury living – setting a new standard for urban excellence, he added.
 
Badreldin said: "Our steadfast commitment to creating spaces that uplift communities and drive business success is stronger than ever."
 
"The developments at 205 mark a bold step forward, reaffirming our vision to shape the future of West Cairo, enhance our legacy, and usher in a new era of progress and innovation for generations to come," he stated.
 
Looking ahead, Badreldin said the developer remains dedicated to shaping Egypt’s urban future through visionary developments that reflect its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community well-being.
 
With 205 positioned as a transformative project, the group is set to further cement its legacy as a leader in the real estate sector and redefine the standard for modern urban living in West Cairo and beyond, he added.-TradeArabia News Service