eSIM technology is projected to power 33% of all smartphone connections in the MENA region this year, which is projected to jump to 68% by 2030
Travel & Hospitality
Latest in Travel & Hospitality
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi to slash food waste in hospitality venues
Abu Dhabi is committing to cut food waste as the UAE pledges to slash food loss in half
catering
Emirates vegan meals: Airline serves 400,000 plant-based meals a year, offers 300 dishes
Emirates has dedicated menu of more than 300 dishes served on its flights
bleisure travel
International travel demand to Saudi Arabia skyrockets as flight bookings surge 15% amid tourism boom
The surge is part of a broader trend across the GCC, where the travel and hospitality sectors are witnessing robust growth, experts say
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah breaks tourism record with 1.28m overnight visitors last year
Ras Al Khaimah sees 12 per cent growth in tourism revenues
Emirates
Emirates announces extra Dubai to Madagascar flights
Emirates adds new flights to Madagascar from Dubai as demand swells
Chinese New Year
Dubai restaurants to profit from Chinese New Year as tourists, expats drive demand
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, F&B establishments in Dubai are set to bank from the increased footfall and rising revenue due to growing demand from the city’s vast expat population
luxury hotel
Dubai and Riyadh luxury hotels set high-speed Wi-fi records
Five-star hotels in Dubai and Riyadh have some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in the region
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Expat demand for hotel, serviced apartments skyrockets amid soaring rent prices
The segment is witnessing the entry of more global and regional players, as developers and hospitality brands perceive a booming business opportunity to cash in on
business travel
ATPI Group teams up with Saudi’s Arjaa Travel to elevate Middle Eastern travel services
The partnership is expected to significantly benefit travellers and corporate clients while bolstering business travel to the region
Dubai
Luxury hospitality major Jumeirah names Thomas B. Meier CEO, eyes doubling portfolio by 2030
As chief executive, he will spearhead Jumeirah’s bold plans to double its portfolio by 2030
Saudi Arabia
SHUAA Capital announces $137mn sale of Saudi hospitality portfolio to Sumou Holding
The portfolio comprised three prime hospitality properties strategically located in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam
Almosafer
Saudi Arabia witnesses domestic tourism boom as bookings surge 44%; budget travel thriving
Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia is thriving as destinations including Abha, Al Jubail, Jizan, Tabuk and Hail gain popularity
doha airport
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport welcomed 52.7m passengers in 2024
Hamad International Airport in Qatar saw passenger statistics overtake levels seen during FIFA World Cup 2022
Abu Dhabi hotels
Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Hotel room rates soar 300% as international fans rush to UAE, industry experts say
A lineup of additional concerts is further attracting fans and tourists from the region and neighbouring countries, further boosting the travel and hospitality demand both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Dubai
Dubai welcomes 16.79 million tourists in first 11 months of 2024
The hospitality sector demonstrated growth with Dubai’s hotel inventory reaching 153,390 rooms across 828 establishments by November 2024
China
China extends visa fee reductions for Indians
The initiative aims to simplify travel procedures and make it more accessible for Indian nationals and promoting tourism between the two nations