Top 3 Headlines
Sahara by Tour Dubai relocates to Qasr Al Sultan for 2026
Sahara by Tour Dubai will move to Qasr Al Sultan from 1 March 2026, ending a 15-year run at Sahara Desert Fortress. The relocation marks a new phase for the long-running desert experience while maintaining its core offerings. The new venue will continue to host dune bashing, camel and horse rides, falcon encounters, five-star buffet dining and live cultural performances in an expanded Arabian-style setting. Management says service standards and guest experience will remain unchanged during the transition.
Tour Dubai also confirmed plans for a future permanent desert camp designed to elevate its luxury positioning. The temporary move to Qasr Al Sultan is part of a broader strategy to refresh and expand one of Dubai’s established desert hospitality brands.
Marriott flags UAE and Saudi as EMEA’s fastest-growth markets with luxury momentum spilling into 2026 pipelines
Image courtesy of Marriott
Marriott International says Saudi Arabia and the UAE were among its highest-growth markets in EMEA in 2025, alongside Germany, Italy and the UK, with conversions/adaptive re-use accounting for nearly half of regional signings.
The group also highlighted record luxury deal activity across EMEA, with signings including St. Regis Jeddah Corniche and St. Regis Bodrum, a signal that luxury development appetite remains strong heading into 2026.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm earns Green Globe Platinum status
Sofitel Dubai The Palm has secured Green Globe Platinum Certification, marking five consecutive years of compliance and reinforcing its alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. The Accor property achieved a 93% score in an independent audit by Farnek, meeting more than 380 sustainability criteria.
Energy initiatives, including rooftop solar panels supplying 50% of hot water, LED lighting and smart systems, saved 3.94 million kWh and cut emissions by 1,779 metric tonnes. Water measures reduced usage by 7.38 million gallons, while recycling efforts lowered landfill waste and mitigated over 10 tonnes of CO2. Management said the certification reflects long-term operational commitment and ongoing staff engagement in sustainability programmes.
Noteworthy
- The Six Senses The Palm, Dubai has opened its bookings for stays from 1 September 2026. With 61 suites and 172 privately-owned branded residences, it’s the brand’s UAE debut.
- Radisson Rewards has surpassed 27 million members in just three years, expanding its global footprint through new banking, retail and travel partnerships in the Middle East. Collaborations with major banks and brands, alongside lifestyle and tour platforms, are transforming the programme into a broader global loyalty ecosystem beyond hotel stays.
- Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Dubai National Insurance have launched the “Plant a Tree, Preserve the Future” initiative to enhance biodiversity and increase green cover across the resort. The tree-planting programme strengthens ESG commitments and reinforces sustainable hospitality practices through tangible environmental action.
- Waldorf Astoria Kuwait has retained its Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its position among the world’s leading luxury hospitality destinations. The continued recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent service excellence, personalised guest experiences, and its growing role in strengthening Kuwait’s profile on the global luxury tourism map.
