Mideast disruption impacts cargo markets, demand falls 4.8pc in March
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that in March 2026, global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), fell by 4.8% compared to March 2025, with international operations down 5.5%.
Saudi Arabia drives Mideast tourism growth with $178bn contribution: WTTC
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that Middle East Travel & Tourism grew 5.3% in 2025, surpassing global rates. Strong visitor spending lifted the GDP contribution to $385.8 billion and supported 7.1 million jobs, with Saudi Arabia leading regional growth, accounting for $178 billion in GDP.
Skyscanner app in ChatGPT launches for flights in Mideast
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Skyscanner, a global leader in travel, has launched the Skyscanner app in ChatGPT, enabling travellers in the Middle East to search and find the best possible options and price choices for flights in ChatGPT.
Middle East MICE sector poised for big growth
Tue, 03 Mar 2026
The Middle East’s MICE sector signals strong economic confidence, with rapid growth driven by venue investment and global partnerships. The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead, with markets projected to reach $9.26 billion and $5.33 billion by 2030, advancing diversification and regional competitiveness.
ATM 2026 to focus on Mideast aviation, cruise growth
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
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.
Tourism powers region's short-term rental market
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
The Middle East’s short-term rental market is set to reach $8.7 billion by 2030, fueled by tourism growth, regulatory reforms, and changing traveller preferences, according to a new white paper published by UnderTheDoormat Gro. Saudi Arabia offers the largest growth potential, driven by Vision 2030, rising inbound tourism, and initiatives to utilise vacant properties.
Mideast overseas travel spending to surpass $60bn by 2030: ATM report
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Overseas travel spend by Middle East residents is expected to grow by 6% per year until the end of the decade, when it will top $60 billion, according to the latest ATM Travel Trends Report.
AI adoption reaches 91pc in Mideast hospitality: PwC
Tue, 23 Dec 2025
A new PwC Middle East report, ' AI at the heart of tourism and hospitality: powering personalisation, efficiency and growth', reveals that while 91% of regional industry leaders are already piloting or using AI technologies, only 3% have achieved full-scale implementation.
Mideast to lead global aviation in 2026 with top profits: IATA
Thu, 11 Dec 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2026 forecast predicts the Middle East will lead global airline profitability, with carriers achieving a 9.3% net profit margin and $28.6 profit per passenger, far exceeding global averages of 3.9% and $7.9, highlighting the region’s strong aviation performance.
Euroairlines expands Mideast network with Jordan Aviation
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
Euroairlines, Spain’s leading airline in air distribution, has signed a codeshare agreement with Jordan Aviation. The agreement enables connectivity between both networks, offering Euroairlines and Jordan Aviation passengers new routes, greater flexibility, and improved connection times.
Four Seasons expands in Mideast with new developments in Saudi Arabia
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
Four Seasons, the world’s leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company, continues its expansion in the Middle East, driven by a strong development pipeline across Saudi Arabia.
Pressure increases on Mideast event organisers for multilingualism: research
Tue, 11 Nov 2025
New research from global multilingual event technology company Interprefy, reveals widespread frustration among Middle Eastern event organisers over native-language access at international events - despite recognition of its importance for business development, engagement and inclusion.
Delta expands to Mideast with direct Atlanta–Riyadh flights
Tue, 28 Oct 2025
Delta Air Lines has announced the launch of its first-ever nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia, beginning in October 2026, marking a major step in the airline’s global expansion strategy and enhancing the growing economic and cultural links between the United States and the Middle East.
Lucidya reveals online conversations' impact on Mideast summer travel
Tue, 14 Oct 2025
Lucidya's Summer Travel 2025 Report reveals online conversations shaped the Middle East travel season. Emirates led with nearly 10,000 posts and 167,000 engagements.