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.
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.
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.
UAE Moves to Rescue Tourism Sector as Iran War Hammers Demand
The UAE's rapid policy response — fee deferrals, a ministerial operations room, a broader support package in the works — signals that it is good at crisis management. But the real test is whether the tourism sector can hold on long enough for international confidence to return.
Saudi’s Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway Steps Down
This follows recent decisions by CEOs of Air Canada and Indigo.
Dubai Throws Hotels a Lifeline as Iran War Devastates Tourism
Support measures include deferring government fees and postponing the tourism dirham fee.
Saudi Hotels Show Strength While UAE Demand Sinks
UAE occupancy plunges while Saudi Arabia’s domestic demand and limited hotel supply provide resilience.
Saudi Arabia’s Business Hotel Gap Gets a $1 Billion Fix
U.S.-Saudi partnership to develop 50 hotels across the Kingdom by 2029, targeting corporate travelers and MICE demand.
UAE Holiday Homes Slash Prices as Demand Collapses
They say aggressive discounting has become unavoidable due to ‘unreasonable’ offers from hotels.
Saudi Arabia And Bahrain F1 Losses Deferred, Not Lost
The likely revenue shortfall is significant but manageable, thanks to hopes of rebooking and the countries’ diversified economies.