Hospitality News
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi Launches New Direct Flights to Two Cities in Iraq

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier, announced the launch of its two new routes from Abu Dhabi to Baghdad and Erbil in Iraq. The new direct flights will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport to both Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport with a frequency of two flights per week starting from June 22, 2023.
Schedule to Baghdad, effective June 22, 2023 (all times local):
Flight | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time | Aircraft | Frequency |
3L 076 | Abu Dhabi | 10:35 | Baghdad | 12:00 | Airbus A320 | Monday, Thursday |
3L 077 | Baghdad | 12:40 | Abu Dhabi | 16:00 | Airbus A320 | Monday, Thursday |
Schedule to Erbil, effective September 15, 2023 (all times local):
Flight | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time | Aircraft | Frequency |
3L 088 | Abu Dhabi | 23:25 | Erbil | 01:20 | Airbus A320 | Tuesday, Friday |
3L 089 | Erbil | 02:00 | Abu Dhabi | 05:40 | Airbus A320 | Wednesday, Saturday |
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are pleased to launch Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s first flights to Baghdad and Erbil in Iraq to further expand our growing route network from UAE’s capital. This new route underpins our commitment towards both leisure and business travellers while providing them with more travel experiences and value-added offerings across its network. At Air Arabia, we are committed to continue the expansion of our connectivity in Abu Dhabi to positively contribute to the UAE’s travel and tourism sector”.
Hospitality
Arabian Travel Market 2025’s Travel Tech Exhibitors Increase 25% Year-On-Year as Value of Global Travel Technology Market Hits $10.7 Billion

With the global travel technology market currently valued at $10.7 billion, leaders and innovators from around the world are preparing to steer the future of the tourism industry at the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025.
ATM 2025’s extensive conference programme and exhibition reflect this year’s theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’. With Travel Tech exhibitors experiencing year-on-year growth of 25% and the segment’s exhibition space expanding by 22%, this year’s event will explore how technology is transforming the tourism sector, presenting new growth opportunities for enterprising start-ups and established multinationals alike.
The Future Stage at ATM 2025 will host a range of expert speakers, who will explore how advances in fields such as analytics and machine learning, workplace collaboration, blockchain, next-gen mobility and augmented reality are driving our sector forward. This year’s event represents an unparalleled opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their innovations in front of an international audience of senior decision-makers and purchase influencers.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “ATM Travel Tech draws together the best and brightest from across our industry, creating an unrivalled forum for discovery, debate and deal-making. Now more than ever, opportunities related to connectivity and integration are at the forefront of our minds, and they will take centre stage at ATM 2025.”
According to IMARC Group, the global market for travel technology is on course to hit $18.6 billion in the next eight years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.05% predicted during the period 2025-33. ATM 2025’s Future Stage will host a range of presentations designed to highlight opportunities within this exciting and lucrative space. This year’s sessions will feature topics such as: ‘Generational Trends Influencing Hyper-personalisation in Luxury’; ‘Travel Technology: Get Ahead or Get Left Behind’; ‘AI: Everywhere All At Once’; and ‘Data-Driven Travel: The Next Frontier of Destination Transformations’, among others.
Tourism has consistently been an early adopter of emerging technologies, and digitalisation continues to drive seamless, frictionless travel. Looking ahead, the development of smart travel facilitation, smart destinations and new employment opportunities is set to contribute to economic, social and environmental sustainability across our sector.
While the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) travel tech market is facing stiff competition from Asia-Pacific nations, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are responding effectively to increased demand from tech-savvy consumers, leveraging the latest innovations to enhance their appeal as global travel destinations.
“I can’t think of a better host city for ATM Travel Tech than Dubai, which continues to raise aspirations both regionally and globally with its commitment to the Smart Dubai strategy,” said Curtis. “Smart travel, transport, artificial intelligence (AI) and urban planning initiatives are driving increased innovation and connectivity across the emirate, making it the ideal meeting point for leaders and disruptors from other markets.”
Smart technologies, mobile applications, contactless solutions and similar cutting-edge innovations will be on show at ATM 2025’s Travel Tech exhibition, which will showcase a dynamic lineup of new and returning exhibitors including Amadeus, Huawei, Sabre, Expedia, Travelport, Dida Travel, Hotelbeds, WebBeds and Moonline Travel, among others.
ATM 2025 will bring together professionals and industry leaders from the leisure, luxury, travel tech, corporate, and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) travel sectors, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and business opportunities. In addition to the exhibition, international and regional experts will take to ATM’s Global, Future and brand-new Business Events stages throughout the event to deliver an extensive conference programme.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.
Hospitality
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island Unveils its Revamped Beach

Right now is the perfect beach season, and just in time for sun-seekers to soak up some rays, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island has re-opened its private beach, following its recent exceptional enhancements. Bigger, better, and more beautiful than ever, the newly transformed shoreline offers guests an unparalleled seaside escape with expanded space, upgraded amenities, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
The enhanced beachfront is set to deliver an even more thrilling and unforgettable experience, with the return of the Tarzan boat, water sports, and all beach activities.
In addition to the stunning sea views and the impressive array of dining, leisure, and entertainment offerings, the property has enhanced the sand quality and expanded its lounging areas, all designed to provide the ultimate seaside escape for the guests.
It is the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality time with loved ones, there has never been a better time to visit the resort and make the most of its spectacular beachfront experience.
Nestled on the serene Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is a haven of beachfront relaxation and family fun. Boasting an expansive area of private sandy shores, the resort is home to seven pools, 13 diverse dining venues, paddle courts, and an indulgent spa. Families will find endless entertainment with the Chuckles Kids Club, the thrilling Pirate Boat Aqua Zone, and a range of exciting activities. Guests can unwind in sun-filled rooms and suites with sweeping sea or garden views, enjoy world-class dining, and take advantage of a multitude of resort activities designed for all ages.
The newly enhanced beach offers guests a truly elevated coastal experience, with more space than ever to bask in the sun, lounge in complete comfort, and enjoy uninterrupted ocean vistas. Thoughtfully designed upgrades, from plush sun loungers to improved beach access, ensure an effortless and luxurious beachfront retreat on every visit. Gaze on as the crystal-clear waters meet soft golden sands in a picture-perfect setting, creating the ideal escape for both relaxation and adventure.
With the weather currently at its finest and the upgraded beach looking better than ever, now is the perfect time to plan your next getaway. Pack your bags and embark on your next weekend escape or an extended stay to discover all that DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island has to offer. Book your stay today and get ready to create unforgettable memories by the sea.
Hospitality
Tanmiah Food Company and Emerge Partner to Advance Energy Transformation

Tanmiah Food Company is pleased to announce a new partnership with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group. The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture by Zulfiqar Hamadani, Group CEO of Tanmiah Food Company, and Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge.
As part of this collaboration, Emerge will develop a 3 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant at Tanmiah’s facility in Haradh, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and supporting the Kingdom’s clean energy objectives.
Under the agreement, Emerge will provide a full turnkey solution for Tanmiah, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance of the installation for 25 years. The solar power plant will provide 35% of the electricity required to run the agriculture processing facility, avoiding more than 3,850 tonnes of CO₂ annually. This is equivalent to more than 800 households’ electricity usage for a year.
Zulfiqar Hamadani, Group CEO Tanmiah, commented:
“At Tanmiah, sustainability is at the heart of our business strategy. The signing of this project with Emerge marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future. By investing in renewable energy, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also taking a crucial step toward our broader sustainability ambitions. By scaling these successes, we’re redefining what’s possible and inspiring meaningful change across the Company and the sector aligned with Vision 2030 targets related to renewable energy.”
Michel Abi Saab, Emerge General Manager, added:
“Saudi Arabia’s agriculture sector is on the right track to transform its energy supply. At Emerge, we are committed to supporting the ecosystem and businesses such as Tanmiah which are ready to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. Tanmiah’s sustainability ambitions are industry-leading and powering this production facility with solar will play a key role in achieving these objectives. We are excited to support their energy transformation through our full turnkey solution with no upfront costs. This approach facilitates smooth and easy installation for our customers in commercial and industrial industries across the region.”
Sustainability is embedded in Tanmiah’s operations, with the Company’s vision to become the number one global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030. This renewable energy partnership with Emerge will support the Company in making this vision a reality.
The solar power agreement with Tanmiah underpins Emerge’s ambitions to help the agricultural sector adopt clean energy sources at no upfront cost. This is the second project for Emerge supporting the decarbonization of agricultural operations in the GCC.
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