The 840,000-square-metre island, which was announced by Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors in December 2022, marks NEOM’s first completed project
Travel & Hospitality
Brand View
Viadi Group, redefining luxury for a new era of travel
As the group expands its global footprint, CEO Oli Corkhill shares on its success in the high-end travel market and how Dubai is shaping the future of luxury travel experiences
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Dubai real estate supply; Emirates named ‘World’s Best Airline’; $100m startup boost; Best Arab universities; Saudi expat job skill tests – 10 things you missed this week
Dubai real estate supply, ‘World’s Best Airline’, $100m startup boost, Saudi expat job skills and more of the top news stories this week
TikTok
How Gathern leverages TikTok to inspire domestic travel in Saudi Arabia
By focusing on authentic storytelling and leveraging the voices of both hosts and travelers, Gathern has created a travel experience that feels personal and community driven
RAK hospitality
RAK debuts Seven Wonders platform with Armin van Buuren show, plans 7-week festival in late 2025
The inaugural show at Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert served as a proof of concept for potential sponsors and partners, according to RAK Hospitality COO Donald Bremner
Gaming resort
Ras Al Khaimah: Wynn Resort ‘perfectly on track’ for Q1 2027 opening, says RAK Hospitality COO
In an interview on the sidelines of the inaugural Seven Wonders event in Ras Al Khaimah, Bremner confirmed there have been “no suggestions of any delays” to the landmark project
Jebel Jais
RAK Hospitality doubles down on tourism push with fifth hotel acquisition, eyes 3.5mn visitors by 2030
UAE’s first casino resort developer reveals multi-hotel pipeline in Ras Al Khaimah on sidelines of the inaugural Seven Wonders event
Dubai
Popular Indian restaurant Gazebo opens new outlet at Dubai Silicon Oasis
The opening of the new outlet – Gazebo’s 35th restaurant in the emirate, coincides with the Indian festival season
Dubai
Hospitality major Six Senses to open 4 new properties including in Dubai, Saudi Arabia in 2025
Each new Six Senses property in London, AMAALA, Milan, and Dubai reflects the brand’s commitment to responsible, extraordinary experiences
Dubai hotel
Dubai has 19,200 new hotel rooms in pipeline as investors eye tourism boom
Increasing average daily rates and revenue per available room as well as a 19,200-room pipeline have Dubai hospitality investors looking forward to growth
Indonesia
UAE and Saudi residents now get Indonesia visa on arrival with VFS Global support
VFS Global appointed as private sector partner for Indonesia visa on arrival for UAE and Saudi residents
Abu Dhabi
ADNEC Group to expand portfolio with acquisition of Royal Catering
By integrating 2,500 employees and a daily capacity of 50,000 meals, ADNEC’s Capital Catering will become one of the largest in Abu Dhabi
F&B brands
Iconic lifestyle brand EL&N London opens first Indian café in Mumbai’s Jio World Plaza
The new Mumbai café will introduce the vibrant spirit of London to India’s growing base of discerning consumers, combined with fashion-forward design and high-quality speciality coffee offerings
Al Qudra
Sheikh Hamdan announces $106m Dubai rural development investments with outdoor cinema, luxury camping, new cycle routes, kayaking, hot air balloons hiking trails and safaris
Sheikh Hamdan has announced the Dubai master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route with significant investment in rural tourism activities and facilities
Aviation
Emirates named ‘World’s Best Airline’; Qatar Airways and Etihad in Top 10
Middle East carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad ranked as best in world by Telegraph Travel
abu dhabi flights
Etihad Airways announces new Abu Dhabi to Düsseldorf and Copenhagen flights
Etihad Airways expands European network with daily flights to Düsseldorf and Copenhagen
Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
UAE announces major visa change for Indians
UAE changes rules on visit visas for Indian nationals