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Discussions targeted financing pathways for MSMEs as Jamaica deepens tourism ties with Saudi Arabia
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:07:59 +0000
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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today visited the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 17 September. The event brings together leading travel and tourism organisations, companies and industry professionals from the UAE, the region and across the world.
His Highness was accompanied during the visit by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and a number of senior officials.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:23:35 +0000
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Preparedness and multilateral collaboration were at the top of the agenda on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, as policymakers from the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and the United Nations (UN) examined the resilience and long-term trajectory of the GCC’s tourism industry. The 33rd edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September.
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister, Economy and Tourism, and H.E. Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General, UN Tourism, took to ATM 2026’s Global Stage to deliver welcome addresses on day one of the event, following opening remarks from Hugh Jones, CEO, RX Global.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:12:31 +0000
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Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 officially opened its Future Stage today, with industry leaders examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond personalisation, chatbots and automated customer service to reshape the underlying systems on which the global travel industry operates.
Located within the Tech & Innovation Hub at the newly launched ATM Travel Tech, Rachel Travers, President, UK Hub at RX Global, officially opened the Future Stage and welcomed attendees to four days of discussions on the technologies, ideas and innovations transforming the global travel industry.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:24:39 +0000
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The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) has today announced that the number of overnight stays by GCC visitors to Germany has grown steadily since 2022 to 1.2 million in 2025, an increase of 9%, while GCC travellers spent a total of €3 billion, over 30% more than the average expenditure of all overseas visitors to Germany in 2025.
The announcement was made during a press conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place from 14–17 September 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:22:06 +0000
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Marking its 16th consecutive year at the Arabian Travel Market, Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) continues to demonstrate that cultural authenticity and sharp operational discipline are the true cornerstones of sustainable hospitality. In a regional market marked by rapid transformation and shifting traveller expectations, our sustained presence at ATM represents more than institutional longevity, it reflects an enduring commitment to authentic Emirati hospitality paired with the commercial precision required to lead in a dynamic industry.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:19:46 +0000
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There are few places in the United Arab Emirates where the landscape still seems to belong to the birds, the fishermen and the tides. In Umm Al Quwain, the pace changes almost immediately. The towers recede, the roads become quieter and the coastline opens into a world of lagoons, mangroves and islands, where the Gulf seems less like a backdrop and more like the reason for being here.
It is precisely this sense of escape that makes Umm Al Quwain increasingly intriguing — and at the 2026 World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai, the emirate received an important vote of confidence when Flamingo Beach Hotel was named Umm Al Quwain’s Leading Hotel 2026.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:14:16 +0000
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There is a different rhythm to Fujairah. Beyond the glass towers and manicured avenues of the UAE’s better-known cities, the landscape rises dramatically into the Hajar Mountains, while the Gulf of Oman stretches out towards the horizon. It is a side of the Emirates that feels wilder, more elemental and, increasingly, rather irresistible.
At last night’s World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony at One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai, Fujairah received international recognition for precisely those qualities, collecting five emirate-level awards across its hotels, resorts and travel industry. The ceremony, held on 13 September, brought together the region’s leading tourism and hospitality names, with Fujairah emerging with a particularly compelling collection of victories.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:09:32 +0000
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For years, Ajman was the emirate that many travellers passed through rather than travelled to. Smaller, quieter and considerably less showy than Dubai, it occupied a curious place in the UAE’s tourism story: close enough to the country’s major attractions to be convenient, yet sufficiently removed from the international spotlight to retain a character of its own.
That perception is changing.
At the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony, held at One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai on 13 September, Ajman was named Middle East’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2026 — a prestigious regional accolade that places the emirate firmly among the destinations to watch.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:03:22 +0000
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There is something wonderfully understated about Sharjah. While its neighbours have become synonymous with glittering skylines, vast resorts and record-breaking attractions, Sharjah has cultivated a different kind of allure: one that rewards curiosity, slows the pace and invites travellers to look beyond the obvious. At last night’s World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai, that philosophy was rewarded in spectacular fashion, with Sharjah’s heritage hotels and desert landscapes taking centre stage.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:57:51 +0000
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At the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2026, held in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah’s growing prominence was once again reflected in a strong presence across the region’s most important tourism categories. The emirate was nominated for Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, Leading Beach Destination, Leading Business Travel Destination, Leading Destination and Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, while the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was among the contenders for Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:24:43 +0000
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At the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2026, held at One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai, Bahrain’s increasingly sophisticated tourism proposition took centre stage, with the kingdom represented across an impressive range of regional categories and a substantial collection of national hotel, resort and travel awards.
There is an appealing intimacy to Bahrain that sets it apart from its larger Gulf neighbours.
The kingdom may be small in size, but its story is remarkably rich.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:16:38 +0000
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There is something refreshingly understated about Kuwait.
While its Gulf neighbours have spent the past two decades constructing ever more extravagant skylines, island resorts and headline-grabbing attractions, Kuwait has followed a rather different path. Its appeal is more nuanced: a cosmopolitan capital with a strong sense of identity, a long-established culture of hospitality, a sophisticated dining scene, an impressive collection of luxury hotels and a coastline that remains one of the country’s quieter pleasures.
At the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2026, held at One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai, that understated confidence was rewarded with an impressive haul of honours. Kuwait collected 11 national awards, providing a snapshot of a hospitality industry that combines established names with an increasingly polished contemporary offering.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:10:40 +0000
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There was a time when Saudi Arabia was a destination travellers knew largely through photographs: the great desert stretching towards the horizon, the ancient Nabataean tombs of the north, the pilgrimage cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the futuristic skyline beginning to take shape in Riyadh.
Today, the reality is considerably more intriguing.
At the 2026 World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony, Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary transformation into one of the world’s most closely watched emerging travel destinations was celebrated in a collection of honours spanning luxury hotels, resorts, cultural destinations and an entirely new generation of tourism developments.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:03:36 +0000
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There is something wonderfully different about arriving in Oman. The landscape does not announce itself with the exuberance of the Gulf’s more flamboyant destinations. Instead, the Sultanate reveals its charms gradually: the serrated peaks of the Hajar Mountains appearing beyond Muscat, whitewashed villages tucked between rocky valleys, date palms shimmering beside ancient falaj irrigation channels and, beyond them, a coastline where turquoise water meets long stretches of untouched sand.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:57:29 +0000
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There are few places in the Gulf where ambition and elegance meet quite as effortlessly as Qatar. In Doha, gleaming towers rise above the Corniche, contemporary museums sit alongside traditional souqs, and the desert stretches towards a coastline of almost cinematic beauty. At this year’s World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai, that distinctive combination of modern sophistication, exceptional hospitality and growing tourism appeal was celebrated in emphatic style.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:50:21 +0000
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There are few places in the Gulf where ambition and elegance meet quite as effortlessly as Qatar. In Doha, gleaming towers rise above the Corniche, contemporary museums sit alongside traditional souqs, and the desert stretches towards a coastline of almost cinematic beauty. At this year’s World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai, that distinctive combination of modern sophistication, exceptional hospitality and growing tourism appeal was celebrated in emphatic style.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:50:16 +0000
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Dubai has underlined the depth and quality of its tourism offering after its hotels, resorts, attractions and travel companies secured 33 titles at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2026.
The results recognise organisations operating across Dubai’s visitor economy, from luxury resorts and landmark hotels to beaches, tour operators, destination management companies and serviced accommodation.
Atlantis The Royal was named Dubai’s Leading Luxury Resort, with its Panoramic Penthouse also securing Dubai’s Leading Hotel Penthouse. Atlantis, The Palm was voted Dubai’s Leading Resort.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:46:34 +0000
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Zest Nest Culinary, the UAE-focused food and beverage venture led by award-winning celebrity chef Chef Ishijyot Surri and entrepreneur and investor Sameer Musale, has partnered with Talabat for the Dubai launch of its first two delivery- first concepts: Red Wings and Nawab Biryani House. The tie-up marks the beginning of Zest Nest Culinary’s broader plan to develop multiple, independently positioned F&B brands across the UAE and wider GCC.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:31:36 +0000
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Sharjah Collection, the distinctive portfolio of luxury retreats by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), is presenting a compelling proposition at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 on how destination can offer many remarkably different journeys.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:28:54 +0000
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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced two further high-profile speakers for its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta, taking place between 7–9 October 2026 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, and His Excellency, Ambassador Nick Adams, U.S. Tourism Minister, will join more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries including 200 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism CEOs, senior executives and government leaders.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:25:17 +0000
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A new chapter has arrived at one of Dubai’s established city hotels with the launch of NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta. Following a significant phased transformation of the former Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai, the 396-room property combines refreshed accommodation and public spaces with an expanded collection of dining, leisure and social experiences.
Located beside Ibn Battuta Mall and within easy reach of Dubai’s key business, leisure and entertainment destinations, NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta brings together contemporary stays, distinctive dining and facilities for both relaxation and connection, appealing to leisure, family, business and MICE travellers.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:20:37 +0000
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Lufthansa Group extends its Price Guarantee Time Limit (PGTL) to 24 hours for eligible NDC bookings that include a valid Corporate Location Identifier (CLID). The offer runs from October 2026 through January 2027 and targets travel agencies and Travel Management Companies (TMCs) serving corporate clients who require internal approval time before finalizing a booking.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:16:18 +0000
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Air Baltic Corporation AS (hereinafter – airBaltic or the company), the national airline of Latvia and leading carrier in the Baltic States, today announces that airBaltic and certain of its subsidiaries have voluntarily initiated proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “U.S. Court”).
Chapter 11 is a well-established U.S. legal framework, recognised internationally and used regularly by U.S. and international airlines, that allows companies to restructure their finances and raise capital while continuing day-to-day operations under the supervision of the U.S. Court. airBaltic is using this process to address its financial obligations and achieve a more sustainable capital structure.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:47:36 +0000
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Les Roches have officially launched their Sports Management & Events programme in Abu Dhabi with the biggest first-year programme student numbers across the Les Roches campuses.
A fantastic achievement, and first and foremost, they would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who has helped, supported and shared what they are doing.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:49:15 +0000
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Dubai’s retail property sales values climbed 177% year-on-year to AED3.8 billion in the first six months of 2026, according to new insight from leading real estate advisory group and property consultancy, Cavendish Maxwell.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:47:49 +0000
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A&K Sanctuary, the boutique luxury lodge, camp and riverboat collection from AKTG, will open Samkani Camp on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni in late 2027, giving guests the rare opportunity to stay directly on the world’s largest salt flat. The camp is built entirely from Airstreams: five architect-designed Airstream suites, plus a sixth Airstream at its heart serving as the dining and lounge space. It offers the most elevated way yet to experience one of South America’s most otherworldly landscapes, with total privacy and comfort in a place defined by scale and silence.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:13:03 +0000
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Ruby Group continues its European expansion with a new project in Helsinki, uniting contemporary Lean Luxury philosophy with the character and charm of a heritage property. The listed building at Lapinlahdenkatu 3 was constructed in the 19th century and served as an office building for many years. Now, it will be thoughtfully converted to accommodate 84 rooms and inviting public areas on the first floor, while preserving essential historic features. All guests will have access to a 24-hour bar and café in the public area. The property is multi-tenant, with the ground floor shared by established long-term operators including a pub and restaurant, adding to the authentic community feel.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:11:58 +0000
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Atara Development is taking The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort into its next chapter, introducing an evolved residential offering as Al Marjan Island continues to gain momentum as one of the UAE’s emerging destinations for tourism, hospitality and real estate investment.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:04:59 +0000
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STORY Hospitality, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered international hospitality management group, returns to Arabian Travel Market (ATM), sharing the latest developments across its guest experience, hotel portfolio and group culture.
Taking place from 14-17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM brings together the international travel and tourism industry, with STORY Hospitality exhibiting at Stand HC1400.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:02:11 +0000
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Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading destination- and culinary-focused luxury cruise line, today announced the industry’s first entirely gluten-free ocean voyage. Sailing aboard Oceania Vista® in 2028, the groundbreaking journey will invite guests to experience the full breadth of the line’s renowned culinary programme without the need to navigate menus, question preparation practices or worry about cross-contact.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:57:13 +0000
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Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas opens its doors this month at Hatta Resorts , marking the brand’s debut in the United Arab Emirates. Set against the dramatic landscape of the Hajar Mountains and overlooking the turquoise waters of Hatta Dam, the retreat introduces a new chapter in experiential hospitality, one rooted in culture, community and an intrinsic sense of place.
Guided by the brand’s philosophy of “Luxury for the Soul,” Caravan Hatta invites guests to reconvene with nature through experiences that prioritise presence over pace. Our Habitas has long embraced a more analogue approach to exploration, placing value on shared experiences and self-discovery. Caravan Hatta embodies this ethos, emerging as a thoughtful, intentional space where people can slow down, come together, and immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:54:57 +0000
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British luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a stunning refurbishment of Queen Mary 2, marking a new chapter for the world’s only ocean liner as she prepares to enter dry dock in spring 2027.
As the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York, Queen Mary 2 occupies a unique place in maritime history. The 2027 refurbishment represents Cunard’s continued investment in the future of luxury ocean travel, ensuring she remains the benchmark for Transatlantic travel for generations to come.
The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites accommodation, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail and carefully refreshed guest spaces, while preserving the ship’s distinctive Art Deco identity and her place as the icon of Transatlantic glamour.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:51:48 +0000
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Canadian tour operator Frontiers North Adventures and Polar Bears International are celebrating 25 years of an alliance that has brought together responsible wildlife tourism, scientific research, education and polar bear conservation in Churchill, northern Manitoba, Canada. A Platinum sponsor since 2001, Frontiers North Adventures provides Polar Bears International with access to one of the world’s largest seasonal aggregations of polar bears and supports research and educational initiatives on the tundra.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:43:04 +0000
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September brings a new reason to head to The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah with the launch of Romance by the Cove,
an intimate beachfront dinner experience for couples set along the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf. Beyond the table, guests can make more of their time away with a stay in the privacy of a pool villa, or choose Your 24 Hours, Your Way for the freedom of a full 24-hour stay with flexible arrival and departure times.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:40:47 +0000
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IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and Alphanam Group have announced their collaboration on The Residences at InterContinental Sapa Resort, marking the debut of InterContinental branded residences in Northwest Vietnam.
Located in the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley in Sapa, Lao Cai Province, the development represents a significant milestone for IHG’s luxury residential portfolio in one of Vietnam’s most culturally rich and naturally distinctive destinations.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:35:28 +0000
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The Glasshouse marks a deliberate step away from the large-scale event formats that have long defined the industry. It answers a growing appetite for what might be called micro-luxury, a shift toward gatherings built on connection rather than spectacle. This is a space for exclusive product launches, private soirées, and the modern boutique wedding, where the guest list is short by design and every person on it actually matters.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:31:02 +0000
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Luxury wellness brand Fusion has unveiled a host of exclusive activities, complimentary experiences and community initiatives across its portfolio of properties in Vietnam in celebration of World Wellness Weekend 2026.
Taking place Sept. 18-20, these specially curated programs invite guests, hotel team members and local communities to embrace movement, mindfulness and sustainable living.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:27:32 +0000
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The oneworld® Alliance is helping customers adjust to new time zones faster and lose fewer days to jet lag on Round the World journeys through a new partnership with Timeshifter – the world’s most-downloaded jet lag app, with more than 1.7 million users.
Effective immediately, customers purchasing Round the World trips on oneworld.com will receive a complimentary Timeshifter subscription that covers their entire itinerary, considering every flight and time zone shift from departure to final return.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:21:24 +0000
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There is the Switzerland of the bucket list: the Matterhorn, Alpine cowbells and the unmistakable red carriages of the Glacier Express. And then there is the Switzerland you discover when someone who really knows the country tells you where they would go themselves.
For the latest edition of Swiss Bliss, their strategic marketing partnership campaign, Rail Europe and Swiss Travel System asked four people with close connections to Switzerland to share the journey they would genuinely recommend to a friend: Rail Europe CEO and Bern local Björn Bender; Swiss Travel System expert Thomas Hoffmann; Rail Europe CTO Ilgün Ilgün; and Europe by Rail authors Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries.
at Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:19:51 +0000
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