Top 3 Headlines
Dubai introduces Dock & Dine initiative
The Dubai Maritime Authority and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism have launched an innovative Dock & Dine initiative, bringing together 20 top marinas and marine stations in the city to enhance short-stay yachting visits and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global yachting destination. The initiative offers a curated selection of waterfront dining experiences, with benefits including free moorage (there are 4,000+ berths across its extensive network of marinas and marine stations), rapid booking response time, and dedicated dock tenders, allowing guests to sail to different docks and restaurants and enjoy excellent cuisines in beautiful settings
Bahrain’s potential in business tourism
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) Chief Executive, Sara Buhiji, has highlighted the kingdom’s potential to become a major hub for business tourism and meetings in the region. Speaking at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Middle East Summit 2025, Buhiji emphasised Bahrain’s bold vision, hospitality, and diversity, as well as the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, which aims to diversify the national economy.
The summit, held at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), brought together industry professionals to discuss the latest trends and innovations in business tourism. The event featured discussions on the future of destination leadership, harnessing AI to drive destination marketing, and interactive workshops. Buhiji stressed the importance of AI in reshaping how destinations connect with audiences and tell their stories, and invited attendees to experience Bahrain’s culture and heritage during their stay.
Oman’s tourism growth
Oman’s tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with South Batinah recording 249 licensed tourism establishments, including hotels, guesthouses, and travel agencies. The region’s unique blend of heritage, history, nature, adventure, and marine tourism makes it an attractive destination for visitors. The Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is playing a key role in driving this growth, with a focus on creating sustainable and authentic tourism projects that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and environmental values.
To further boost tourism growth, OMRAN Group has also announced new strategic partnerships with leading local and international institutions to strengthen tourism infrastructure, expand accommodation options, and create broader opportunities for visitors to explore Oman’s natural beauty, heritage, and leisure offerings. The partnerships include collaborations on integrated tourism complexes, luxury hospitality projects, and innovative visitor experiences, such as the development of a mixed-use project at the Sultan Qaboos Port waterfront and a luxury resort under the global Nobu brand.
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Noteworthy:
- The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced a lineup of over 135 high-profile exhibitions, conferences, and events for the final four months of 2025, including GITEX Global, WETEX, Big 5 Global, and Automechanika Dubai, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a premier global destination for events and business tourism.
- The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi has opened submissions for the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion, Damj, recognising institutions that champion inclusive practices for people of determination, with applications open until 30 September.
- Qatar is strengthening its ties with India, a key growth market, through strategic partnerships and events. Visit Qatar has partnered with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai to promote cultural exchange and luxury travel through a year-long initiative featuring an immersive LED installation. The country will also host the 2025 Qatar T100 World Championship Final triathlon event in Lusail from 10-13 December.
- Lebanon‘s tourism sector saw a stronger-than-expected rebound this summer, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 80-90% in Beirut and 60% in regional destinations, but the sector’s full potential remained untapped due to security concerns, regional tensions, and travel warnings.
- The China Visitors Summit (CVS) in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, brought together nearly 160 top Chinese travel industry buyers and UAE tourism suppliers for over 3,000 business appointments, representing $1 billion in potential travel business and strengthening partnerships between the two nations.
- Jordan is set to host two exciting events: the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village, a project expected to open in mid-2027, featuring an eco-hotel, visitor center, and integrated eco-park; and the 11th Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress in Aqaba from 7-9 October, which will bring together 500+ wedding planners and industry professionals. The DWP Congress will showcase Aqaba’s potential as a premier wedding destination, highlighting its stunning coastal landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality.
- Saudi Arabia‘s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has held meetings in Japan to promote the Kingdom’s tourism sector, inviting Japanese leaders to participate in two major global events in Riyadh: the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, and the inaugural TOURISE Summit.
- Meanwhile, a stunning photograph of a meteor streaking past the Pleiades star cluster over AlUla has been featured as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, highlighting the region’s pristine skies and strengthening its reputation as a world-class destination for astro-tourism.
- teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi has introduced a new “Art Undistracted” experience, a serene 18+ journey through its multi-sensory artworks, available every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, while also extending its daily opening hours to 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends.
- Coca-Cola has extended its partnership with Miral Experiences to become the official partner for all Yas Island theme parks in Abu Dhabi, including Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, CLYMB, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld, offering guests a refreshing experience with its iconic beverages.
