AFRICAN & MIDDLE EAST NEWS
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Nations race to repatriate stranded citizens as ME airspace closures strand travellers
The repatriation effort, while gaining momentum, underscores the fragility of global travel infrastructure during regional conflicts.
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Makkah hotel searches jump 21%, digital booking reshapes Saudi Ramadan travel
In terms of booking channels, the data highlights a mobile-led approach to trip planning, hotel bookings and domestic flight reservations within the Kingdom.
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Africa’s aviation boom added 182M seats in 2025, making it world’s fastest-growing region – ATTA
Eastern Africa emerged as the fastest-growing sub-region, with seat capacity up 24.3%, outpacing its northern and southern neighbours.
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Arabia holding secures US$196M for first hospitality venture, pyramid-facing Fairmont Hotel
This marks Arabia Holding’s first hospitality venture, part of an ambitious expansion strategy targeting 5,000 rooms across multiple properties.
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Egypt receives US$518M in hotel bids to add 160,000 rooms after record tourism year
The capacity boost aligns perfectly with Egypt’s broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
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Oman inks US$597M deal for Qurum tourism complex with 400 hotel rooms
The Tilal Al Qurum development will help reach these targets by creating sustainable jobs, supporting local content, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
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Mohammed Wazir returns to lead Corinthia’s first GCC hotel on Gewan island, Qatar
Wazir expressed his commitment to delivering “a grand boutique-luxury sanctuary that captures Qatar’s elegance and innovation” in partnership with owner UDC.
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US$163.4M SHA AlJurf debuts as world’s first healthy living island on UAE coastline
The clinical facility houses over 110 treatment rooms and medical consultation suites staffed by international experts in genetics, revitalizing medicine and tissue engineering.
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55% cancellation rate strands thousands of travellers as UAE, Qatar disruption exceeds 80%
Major regional carriers have suspended regular operations entirely
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Kerzner adds Shamwari Reserve to Rare Finds portfolio, marking South African homecoming
With Kerzner’s global sales machine behind it and Shamwari Air smoothing the journey, Africa’s original eco-luxury destination just became more accessible.