Emirates Is Working on Private Bathrooms as Airlines Race to Reinvent First Class
Emirates uses first class as a brand weapon. En-suite bathrooms would deepen that moat — the economics alone will keep most rivals on the sidelines.
Deepthi Nair is Skift’s Middle East Reporter, covering aviation, hospitality, tourism policy, and travel trends across the Gulf and wider region. Based in Dubai, she reports on how the region is reshaping global travel — from airline expansion and visa shifts to mega tourism projects. She regularly interviews top industry executives and government leaders. Outside of work, Deepthi is usually planning her next trip.
Dubai Hotels Pull Nearly 2,000 Rooms for Renovations as Iran War Hits Occupancy
Dubai built its reputation on staying open no matter what. The Iran war has convinced some of its most iconic hotels that closing — even temporarily — is the smarter move.
Dubai’s Metro Expansion Will Link Hotels and a Mega-Airport
Dubai’s metro expansion won’t just move passengers — it will redraw the city’s hotel map, easing travel for visitors and hospitality staff alike.
Can a Party-Driven Brand Thrive in Saudi Arabia? Nammos Thinks So
The Mykonos-born lifestyle brand is showing how Western operators must adapt to succeed in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Scraps Tourism Funding In Vision 2030 Shake-Up
This was going to be a new frontier of tourism and a pillar of Saudi’s future income outside of oil. It’s officially being scaled back.
Saudi Arabia’s Hotel Boom Has a Catch: Rates Are Falling Fast
Saudi Arabia is building its tourism industry at remarkable speed, but room rates are falling, according to new statistics.
Skyscanner, Almosafer Launch ChatGPT Apps in Middle East, Where AI Booking Is Possible
Travel brands are implementing AI at scale, but there's a limit to what AI can manage when it comes to traveler sentiment and local regulations.
UAE Hotels Watch and Wait as Ceasefire Promises — But Doesn’t Yet Deliver
After the U.S. and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, UAE hoteliers and holiday home operators are cautiously optimistic about the region's recovery.
Kempinski Bets on Middle East Rebound as Occupancy Dips Below 20%
While most hospitality executives have been in damage-control mode, Kempinski’s CEO envisions an opportunity. With rates held, staff retained, and a development pipeline intact, the company is placing a long-term bet on the Middle East.
Gulf Events Market Splits. Regional Attendees Push On, Western Delegates Pull Back
The Gulf MICE industry says demand is deferred, not lost. But no one will know if it's true until after the summer when the region asks delegates to meet in 104°F heat.