Top 3
Egypt unveils new tourism era with IFTM Paris showcase and GEM opening
Egypt will spotlight its evolving tourism strategy at IFTM Paris 2025, presenting new eco-lodges, wellness retreats, luxury desert safaris, and curated spiritual routes, alongside stronger sustainability initiatives in the Red Sea and Nile Valley.
On 1 November 2025, the region will also inaugurate the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Pyramids of Giza, the world’s largest archaeological museum. Spanning 500,000 sqm, GEM will debut the entire Tutankhamun collection as part of the 100,000 artifacts being shown across immersive galleries. These latest tourism developments reinforce Egypt’s dual focus on future-ready travel experiences and celebrating its unparalleled ancient heritage.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi launches Gran Tour Emilia dining experience
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has introduced Gran Tour Emilia, a new table-service restaurant celebrating the cuisine of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, birthplace of Ferrari and its F1 team.
The venue features an open kitchen accented in Ferrari red and a bar serving zero-proof cocktails such as Dry Lambrusco, Martini 0.0, and 0.0 Negroni. Other menu highlights include:
- Cappelletti Cacio e Pepe: Homemade pasta with Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and butter-sage emulsion.
- Risotto Modena: Parmigiano Reggiano di Vacche Rosse with Aceto Balsamico di Modena Etichetta Rossa.
- Tortelloni di Ricotta alla Modenese: A nod to Enzo Ferrari’s hometown
The launch adds a new delicious dimension to Ferrari World, which is already home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and part of the Yas Island Resort connected to Yas Mall.
Celestyal expands Arabian Gulf operations with two-ship deployment
Celestyal has announced two new seven-night Athens-Jeddah sailings departing in November 2025, with itineraries featuring stops in Turkey and Egypt before concluding in Saudi Arabia. Six-night segments will also be available from Marmaris and Kusadasi. Both boats will then be deployed for the 2025/26 season increasing YoY capacity by 211%.
- Celestyal Journey begins the season on 6 December 2025 with an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise, before operating the seven-night Desert Days itinerary roundtrip from Doha.
- Celestyal Discovery enters service in the region on 12 December 2025, offering new three, four, and seven-night Arabia cruises from Abu Dhabi.
Noteworthy:
- Etihad Rail will host the Global Rail Youth Hackathon on 1-2 October at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, inviting students and graduates to pitch ideas for smarter rail solutions, with mentoring and cash prizes.
- Loop, the B2B luxury travel trade fair, returns 12-16 October at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, connecting German-speaking travel agencies and top global exhibitors in the Middle East.
- Dubai’s Al Shindagha Museum won Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2025, ranking among the top 10% of global attractions for its immersive heritage displays and 22 pavilions across 80 restored houses.
- Saudi Arabia’s Hail Region Development Authority toured Petra and Wadi Rum to study Jordan’s sustainable heritage tourism model for integration into Vision 2030 plans.
- Ajman’s Tourism Department concluded a five-day India roadshow across New Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata, positioning the emirate as a global tourism destination and announcing more roadshows targeting China and beyond.
- Visit Qatar launched its Winter in Qatar 2026 campaign to attract GCC travellers with desert adventures, luxury escapes, cultural highlights, and major events, promoted through regional influencers.
- Yas Island announced its 2025 Annual Passes are sold out following record summer visitation, though renewals remain open and a waitlist is available.
- NBA legends including Oscar Robertson, Derrick Rose, and Rudy Gay will headline fan events at NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 from 2-5 October, alongside Knicks vs. 76ers preseason matches at Etihad Arena.
- Lusail Boulevard reopened on 18 September after scheduled maintenance, improving access and traffic flow for motorists.
- The Dubai Fountain will resume daily shows from 1 October after summer renovations, bringing back one of the city’s top attractions.
