Hospitality
KSIADC and Huawei Join Forces to Revolutionize Smart Aviation in KSA
The King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) and Huawei have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during LEAP 2025 to drive innovation and digital transformation in the aviation sector. This strategic partnership is set to revolutionize airport operations and passenger experiences by leveraging Huawei’s global expertise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and KSIADC’s leadership in transforming King Salman International Airport into a state-of-the-art aviation hub.
Spanning an impressive 57 square kilometers, King Salman International Airport is envisioned as one of the world’s largest and most advanced aviation hubs. The development will feature six runways, six terminals, and an iconic terminal designed to redefine the passenger experience. It will also include a private aviation hub, a cargo and logistics center, and an integrated airport city that combines residential, hospitality, retail, entertainment, office, logistics, and industrial assets. This comprehensive vision positions the airport as a global gateway for business, tourism, and logistics.
The collaboration will focus on integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Private 5G-Advanced (5G-A) to enhance operational efficiency and elevate passenger services. It also includes the development of an AI-powered digital guest platform to streamline interactions, improve wayfinding, and offer personalized services. Additionally, the partnership aims to incorporate smart infrastructure solutions Private and IoT into airport operations, while exploring future innovations such as predictive analytics and advanced biometrics to ensure scalability and adaptability for evolving needs.
Linda Schucroft, VP of Digital Innovation of KSIADC, said: “This partnership with Huawei represents a significant milestone in our journey to transform King Salman International Airport into a global leader in smart aviation. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, we aim to redefine operational efficiency, elevate passenger experiences, and set new benchmarks for innovation in the aviation sector.”
Simon Zousiyi, Deputy CEO of Huawei Saudi, added: “At Huawei, we believe that technology has the power to transform industries and create smarter, more sustainable ecosystems. This collaboration with KSIADC reflects our commitment to delivering innovative ICT solutions tailored to the unique needs of the aviation sector. Together, we aim to build a next-generation airport that not only enhances operational excellence but also redefines the passenger experience, setting a new standard for smart airports globally. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and we are proud to contribute to this transformative journey.”
The MoU reflects the shared vision of KSIADC and Huawei to harness the power of technology to drive innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of modernizing infrastructure and fostering strategic partnerships to position the Kingdom as a global logistics and tourism hub.
The partnership highlights the critical role of technology-driven collaborations in shaping the future of industries. With this MoU, KSIADC and Huawei are poised to lead the transformation of the aviation sector, setting a global benchmark for smart airport solutions.
Huawei also showcased its innovations at LEAP 2025, held from February 9th to 12th in Riyadh, where it demonstrated how its holistic approach to digital transformation is revolutionizing industries with next-generation solutions. The company’s diverse range of offerings caters to the evolving demands of smart cities, healthcare, education, and industrial sectors, with a strong emphasis on delivering intelligent infrastructure that promotes sustainability and enhances operational efficiency.
Hospitality
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE: HEALTHY SIPS FOR DADS WHO PUT WELLNESS FIRST
This Father’s Day, skip the usual gifts and treat health-conscious dads to something that supports their wellbeing from the inside out. UAE homegrown brand Saba Plant-Based offers a range of organic, probiotic-rich drinks crafted using fermentation, live cultures and carefully selected ingredients to support digestive wellness while delivering great taste. Convenient, refreshing and easy to incorporate into daily routines, these functional beverages make thoughtful gifts for fathers looking to prioritise healthy habits.



Water Kefir
Light, fruity and refreshing, Saba Plant-Based’s newly launched Water Kefir is packed with live probiotics that support gut health. This water-based fermented drink is caffeine-free, gentle on digestion and ideal for staying refreshed throughout the warmer months.
Flavours available in Blue Spirulina & Lemon Mint and Dragon Fruit, Strawberry & Lemon.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
For dads who appreciate practical wellness solutions, these convenient gut health shots are made with raw apple cider vinegar and designed to support healthy daily habits. Easy to enjoy at home, at work or on the go, they offer a simple addition to any wellness routine.
Flavours available in Cardamom & Ginger and Verbena & Orange Blossom.

Plant-Based Kefir
Made with organic coconut milk and live vegan kefir cultures, this creamy dairy-free alternative is rich in beneficial bacteria that support digestive wellbeing. It can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies and breakfast bowls for a probiotic boost.
Flavour available in Natural, Vanilla and Mango-Pineapple.

Organic Kombucha
As the first brand to locally brew organic-certified kombucha in the UAE, Saba Plant-Based offers a naturally refreshing fermented tea made with live cultures and organic ingredients. Raw, unpasteurised and low in sugar, it provides a flavourful alternative to conventional soft drinks.
Available in Classic, Mango, Raspberry, Peppermint, Hibiscus Basil, Cardamom and Ginger Turmeric.
Whether your father is a fitness enthusiast, wellness advocate or simply looking to make healthier everyday choices, Saba Plant-Based’s range of probiotic drinks offers a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that supports gut health, hydration and overall wellbeing.
The brand’s full gut-healthy product range can be purchased on www.sabaplantbased.ae or at supermarkets across UAE including Kibsons, Spinneys and Waitrose.
Hospitality
ROHINI DUBAI LAUNCHES REFLECTIVE KINTSUGI KAHANI EXPERIENCE FOR CREATIVE AUDIENCES
On 27 June, Rohini will host the Kintsugi Kahani Experience, inspired by the Japanese art of golden repair. Rooted in the philosophy of embracing imperfection, the experience invites guests to explore creativity through a hands-on workshop that celebrates the beauty found in flaws and life’s imperfections.
Throughout the evening, participants will create a meaningful keepsake to take home while engaging with the centuries-old concept of transforming brokenness into something beautiful and unique. Designed as a reflective and creative experience, the workshop offers guests an opportunity to connect with the art form in an intimate and inspiring setting.
Hospitality
GCC Travellers Are Heading Away Earlier for Eid Al Adha, Dragonpass Data Reveals
Dragonpass, the world’s leading provider of digital airport ecosystem platforms, has revealed new travel data showing a notable shift in how travellers across the GCC are planning their Eid journeys, with demand surging before Eid Al Adha rather than during the holiday itself.
According to Dragonpass data, travel activity across the GCC increased by 69% in the week leading up to Eid Al Adha 2026. However, rather than peaking during the holiday period, travel activity declined by 24% during Eid week and a further 18% in the week immediately after, suggesting many travellers chose to depart ahead of the holiday period.
The trend marks a clear contrast to Eid Al Fitr earlier this year, when travel activity across the GCC rose by 6% during the holiday week itself before declining by 20% in the following week. Saudi Arabia recorded the strongest Eid Al Fitr uplift in the region, with travel activity increasing by 25% during the holiday week.
Several GCC markets recorded particularly strong growth in the lead-up to Eid Al Adha. Kuwait saw the largest increase, with travel activity rising by 124.7% week-on-week, followed by Bahrain (+108.5%), the UAE (+79.2%), Qatar (+59.5%) and Saudi Arabia (+58.4%).
Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Dragonpass, said: “The contrast between Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha is one of the most interesting travel trends we have observed this year. While Eid Al Fitr generated a more traditional holiday-week travel spike, Eid Al Adha saw travellers moving significantly earlier, with demand building before the holiday rather than during it.
“This highlights the dynamic nature of travel behaviour across the GCC and reinforces the importance of understanding how demand shifts around key travel periods. Despite periods of disruption affecting regional travel earlier this year, demand across the GCC has remained resilient, with travellers continuing to prioritise leisure and holiday travel.”
Saudi Arabia remained one of the region’s strongest-performing travel markets throughout both holiday periods. During Eid Al Fitr, the Kingdom recorded the clearest holiday-driven uplift in the GCC, with growth spread across several major airports. Madinah recorded the strongest increase at 58%, followed by Jeddah (29%), Dammam (25%) and Riyadh (22%).
During Eid Al Adha, Madinah again stood out as a key exception to the wider regional trend, recording a 20% increase during Eid week and a further 58% increase post-Eid, reflecting continued religious travel activity around the holiday period.
Looking ahead, Dragonpass expects strong travel demand across the GCC throughout the summer months. The latest Eid travel trends suggest travellers are becoming more deliberate in how they plan journeys around peak holiday periods, while demand for regional and international travel remains resilient. As summer travel gathers pace, these shifting patterns are expected to continue shaping passenger flows across the region.
As aviation connectivity continues to expand across the GCC, understanding how travellers adapt their behaviour around major holidays and peak travel periods will become increasingly important for airports, airlines and the wider travel ecosystem.
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