Dubai “Not There Yet” As A Global Conventions Hub, Says Expert

The International Congress & Convention Association shares global business events expertise in preparation for Expo 2020.

US Developer Reef Worlds Plans Underwater Project In Dubai

The new project, called Lost Cities, is expected to be unveiled in early March.

Le Royal Méridien Dubai Undertakes Dhs55m Refurb

New decor, modern technology and two fresh F&B concepts among the changes at established beachfront hotel.

Hilton Garden Inn Arrives In UAE At The Double

The brace of hotels will meet the growing need for affordable accommodation in the run-up to Expo 2020

New Tourism Fee To Be Levied In Dubai From March 31

Visitors will face an additional charge of between Dhs7 to Dhs20 per room, per night.

Marriott MEA To Open 13 New Hotels By 2017

New openings include Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Rwanda and Ghana.

Burj Khalifa’s ‘At The Top’ Dubai’s Biggest Attraction

Saudi Arabia provided the most visitors from another GCC country.

UAE’s First All-Inclusive Resort Targets Mid-February Launch

Opening of Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah likely to spur regional interest in nascent sector

Abu Dhabi Hotels Report Record 2013

Guest intake was close to 8.8 million guest nights, a 26 per cent rise on 2012.

Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah secures $201m Funding

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China marks its first project financing deal for a hospitality project in the Middle East

Dubai’s Ruler Sets Up New Body To Promote Brand Dubai

The body will be tasked with promoting the emirate as a prime destination for tourism, business, trade and entertainment.

Egypt Tourism Revenues Down 41% In 2013 Vs 2012

Egypt’s tourism sector has shrivelled since former president Hosni Mubarak was toppled by a popular uprising in 2011.

Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Sees Growing Demand For Luxury Property

New report by Deloitte suggests that the Palm will remain a prime luxury beach resort destination in the emirate.

Dubai’s Ruler Announces New Directives To Boost Hotel Investment

The new rules aim to reduce red tape for businesses and cut short approval time.

Ajman Luxury Resort To Open February 1

Starwood will seek to attract well-heeled leisure guests to the less-developed emirate

Jumeirah To Sign Saudi Hotel Deal In 2014

Discussions are ongoing in the Kingdom, says Jumeirah’s president and group CEO, Gerald Lawless.

Qatar To Create 127,000 Tourism Jobs By 2030

Qatar’s hospitality sector is expected to boost job creation as the country continues investing heavily to promote tourism.

Abu Dhabi Exceeds 2.5 Million Hotel Guests Target For 2013

Around 2.5 million guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels in the first nine months of this year, up 17 per cent from last year.

UK Visa Waiver To Boost UAE Tourist Numbers

The UK has been aggressively targeting the wealthy Gulf tourists through various marketing campaigns this year.

Qatar Airways Starts Hangzhou Flights

Doha carrier flies into scenic Hangzhou which features a rapidly expanding hi-tech and hotel scene

Flora Hospitality Unveils Dhs750m Dubai Expansion

Non-alcoholic chain embarks on new growth curve following Expo win

Emirates Starts A380 Mauritius Services

Emirates signs 10-year commercial co-operation with Air Mauritius as part of A380 access deal.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Targets December 24 Soft Opening

Hilton’s top-end brand will reach out to tourists and corporates

Villa Resort Opens On Sir Bani Yas Island

Couples can now get even closer to the wildlife and island’s distinctive environment.

Abu Dhabi’s TDIC To Raise $500m Loan To Pay Debt

The five-year facility was obtained from a group of seven banks, said bankers.

UAE Visitors To Singapore Hit 30,000 In First Half

Middle East travellers benefit from plentiful air lift, and abundant food, shopping and leisure attractions

UAE, Oman Plan To Take On The Caribbean And Become Cruise Destination

Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are each investing in building additional cruise terminals.

UK Introduces Electronic Visa Waiver For Emiratis

The document is issued immediately via a secure website and can be obtained online from anywhere in the world.

Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah Begins Construction

The $1 billion project will offer 479 rooms and suites and 222 Viceroy Residences with sea views.

Abu Dhabi Paces Up Plans For Permanent Cruise Terminal

Abu Dhabi has grand plans to develop its permanent cruise terminal facility to cash in on the emirate’s growing cruise tourism market.