UAE, Saudi Arabia among largest wellness markets: GWI
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
The Global Wellness Institute reports that the largest wellness markets and standout five-year growth leaders include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Mexico, Poland, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, the US, and Australia, according to its annual Country Rankings report covering wellness data from 145 countries worldwide.
UAE Minister, UN Tourism Secretary-Gen explore partnership opportunities
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Abdullah Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasised enhancing cooperation and partnerships with UN Tourism, exchanging expertise across tourism sectors. He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais at FITUR Madrid 2026.
UAE Minister engages tourism counterparts from 4 nations
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Abdullah Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, held bilateral meetings with tourism officials from Brazil, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Argentina to strengthen cooperation, promote sustainable tourism, exchange expertise, and advance partnerships toward more developed and prosperous levels in the global tourism sector.
UAE's hotel revenues surge 8.8pc to $12bn in 2025
Sat, 24 Jan 2026
UAE's hotel revenues for the 11-month period from January to November 2025 rose to AED44.4 billion ($12 billion), up 8.8% over the previous year, said a report. This was mainly driven by a spurt in the number of hotel guests which soared to 29.1 million, while guest nights exceeded 99.4 million.
Six Senses to debut in UAE
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Six Senses, the globally recognised hospitality brand, will make its UAE debut with Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, opening in early Q3 2026. Located on the quieter West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 61-suite boutique resort offers a thoughtful approach to beachfront living.
Yalago posts 25pc growth in 2025, UAE, Maldives lead
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Yalago, part of the Emirates Group, recorded its strongest year to date in 2025, with total sales rising 25% year on year and surpassing previous records four months ahead of schedule. The UAE, Maldives, US, Thailand, and Spain ranked as the top booking destinations.
UAE passport ranks 5th globally on Henley Passport Index
Wed, 14 Jan 2026
The UAE has recorded the strongest long-term rise of any country on the Henley Passport Index, climbing an unprecedented 57 places over the past two decades to rank 5th globally in 2026. UAE passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide.
Tourism sector's contribution to UAE GDP hits $79.24bn
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
The UAE tourism sector delivered a robust performance last year, with its contribution to the national GDP rising to 15 per cent, compared to six per cent in 2021, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
UAE aviation drives national economy with expanding global reach
Sun, 04 Jan 2026
The UAE aviation sector remains a strategic pillar of the national economy and a global benchmark for governance, innovation and sustainability. In 2025, achievements strengthened competitiveness, supported trade, tourism, logistics and supply chains, and contributed up to 18% of GDP.
UAE National funds empower tourism entrepreneurship
Wed, 24 Dec 2025
The UAE’s tourism sector attracts entrepreneurs through strong economic impact, government support, and national funding programmes. Initiatives like Khalifa Fund, Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment, RUWAD, and Emirates Development Bank provide financing, training, and advisory services, fostering SMEs, innovation, Emirati talent, and sustainable growth.
UAE ramps up tourism investment with competitive incentives
Mon, 22 Dec 2025
The UAE boosts tourism via a national strategy, attractive investment incentives, and strong returns. Its natural diversity, strategic location, stability, and infrastructure drive year-round demand, high rankings, aviation competitiveness, 16 million hotel guests, and expanding accommodation capacity.
UAE, Philippines expand flight rights to Manila
Thu, 18 Dec 2025
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE and the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) held Air Services Agreement consultations, agreeing to grant UAE carriers additional flight entitlements to Manila.
UAE hotel occupancy rates reach 79.3pc in first ten months of 2025
Thu, 18 Dec 2025
Abdulla Al Marri, Minister of Economy & Tourism, said that hotel occupancy rates in the UAE reached 79.3 per cent during the first ten months of 2025, up from 78 per cent last year, ranking among the highest regionally and globally. The minister noted that hotel revenues totalled AED 89 billion ($24 billion) over the period, with 1,243 hotel establishments offering more than 216,000 rooms nationwide.
Air Arabia launches daily flights to Munich from Sharjah
Mon, 15 Dec 2025
Air Arabia, a leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa has announced the official launch of its daily non-stop flights to Munich from its hub in Sharjah, thus marking the airline’s first German destination served directly from UAE.
UAE winter tourism season showcases culture, vitality, diverse experiences
Mon, 15 Dec 2025
The UAE is witnessing the launch of the winter tourism season with growing momentum, underscoring its status as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations during the winter months. This comes amid milder temperatures and a rich diversity of experiences offered across the country’s emirates to visitors and residents alike.
16 global tourism leaders discover UAE’s tourism sector
Mon, 08 Dec 2025
The UAE has welcomed 16 senior tourism leaders from nine countries as part of its Global Tourism Leadership Programme, organised by the Government Knowledge Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs in collaboration with the Dubai College of Tourism.
Mirage named project management consultant for RAK mixed-use project
Tue, 02 Dec 2025
Mirage, a leading multidisciplinary engineering group, has been appointed as the project management consultant for Janu Hotel & Branded Residences on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The project comprises a 132-key upscale hotel, five premium villas and 73 residential units.
UAE GCAA confirms compliance of all A320 operators with directive
Mon, 01 Dec 2025
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates has confirmed that all UAE operators of Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft had fully complied with the Emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the State of Design authority.
Island escapes dominate UAE traveller bookings for National Day: dnata Travel
Sun, 30 Nov 2025
As the Eid Al Etihad break approaches, dnata Travel has revealed the top international destinations for UAE travellers in 2025. The most booked locations are the Maldives, Thailand, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka.
Two-thirds of UAE, Saudi travellers trust AI to book accommodation: report
Thu, 27 Nov 2025
Nearly three-quarters of travellers (72%) say they have used AI to plan or research a holiday (77% in the UAE and 68% in KSA). Over a fifth (23%) say they use it “all the time” (24% in the UAE and 22% in KSA), according to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel Report.
Wynn Al Marjan Island resort set for topping-out
Thu, 27 Nov 2025
Wynn Resorts has announced continued progress on its first integrated resort - Wynn Al Marjan Island - coming up in UAE. The 305-m tower is nearing its full height with topping-out likely by month end, ahead of the planned mid-2027 opening.