Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop integrated air-rail travel across the UAE, including a potential shuttle between Zayed International Airport and the national rail network. The two operators will also explore combined booking across both modes. Read more →

Dream of the Desert, a luxury train experience, will launch in Saudi Arabia in September 2027. It offers curated, all-inclusive journeys through the desert, blending Saudi culture with entertainment, fine dining, and storytelling. The train aims to be a destination in itself, complementing existing tourism in the region, with partnerships extending to AlUla. Read more →

Etihad Airways has announced Etihad Escapes, a new travel platform that will let passengers add hotel bookings to existing flight reservations from October 2026. The platform, backed by Expedia Group B2B and Miral Destinations, is set to expand through 2027 with loyalty integration and broader travel services. Read more →

Emirates signed eleven partnership agreements on the second day of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, spanning tourism promotion across seven destinations, a welfare accord for Filipino workers in the UAE, European trade expansion with DERTOUR, and a new reciprocal codeshare with Kuwait Airways. Read more →

Marjan Hospitality is adding 35 private villas to the Al Wadi Nature Reserve in Ras Al Khaimah, with handover expected in early 2028. Farmhouse by Syrco will also reopen on September 21 following a refurbishment that introduces a new wine bar seating 270 guests. Read more →

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid received Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa in Dubai on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit, reaffirming bonds of friendship between the two countries. Al Sharaa used his keynote address to describe Syria as having turned "from a major problem into a great opportunity," pointing to new investment and a recovering trade role in the region. Read more →

Arabian Adventures is pouring AED 8 million into The Fort – Lisaili, its desert destination outside Dubai, with a phased expansion that includes the UAE's first dune-top zipline, new dining and VIP lounges. The site reopens for bookings in October 2026, with new attractions rolling out through January and July 2027. Read more →

Emirates Skywards is offering a 100% miles bonus on eligible Emirates and flydubai flights for members who register and book between 15 and 30 September 2026. Travel must be completed by 30 November, with the deal covering most cabin classes on both airlines. Read more →