Al Hamriya Beach in Sharjah and all beaches in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain are affected by the temporary closures, with fishers and beachgoers urged to respect the restrictions. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) confirmed that the fuel smell reported by residents was due to oil pollution and said the closures were precautionary. It said the reported odours posed no health risk. Containment activities, clean-up operations and measures to mitigate environmental damage were ongoing, it added.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirms the UAE’s technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected a tanker oil spill affecting Umm Al Quwain’s beaches. Odors noticed in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain pose no health risks to residents. Teams immediately began containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation with local and federal authorities to limit environmental impacts. Precautionary coastal surveys, monitoring and assessments continue to gauge impacts and protect the marine environment. With relevant authorities, the Ministry has temporarily closed all Umm Al Quwain beaches and coastal areas until technical teams complete assessments and identify safety and marine protection measures. Fishermen and sea users are urged to follow authorities’ instructions and avoid fishing in affected areas. The Ministry urges reliance on official channels, avoidance of rumors, and pledges updates on developments and measures taken. #MOCCAEUAE #UAE

— ‎وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة (@MoCCaEUAE) October 22, 2026

UAE authorities had not identified the source of the spill at the time of writing. The incident comes amid heightened concerns about attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

Maritime intelligence and environmental analysts have linked the slick to the supertanker Gem No. 2. The Panama-flagged vessel, managed in Taiwan, was hit by an unidentified projectile about 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera in the UAE on 9 October. Footage released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard showed the very large crude carrier (VLCC) burning. Its crew of 22 were all safely rescued by the UAE Coastguard.

UAE authorities: Our beaches are closed due to an oil spill resulting from damage to a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The footage shows the coastline of the emirate of Umm al-Quwain, located 30 km from Sharjah and 120 km from the Strait of Hormuz. https://t.co/i4iRVczP0q

— Sprinter Press (@Sprinter_Press) October 24, 2026

As well as potentially threatening the desalination plants on which the UAE relies for much of its drinking water, oil slicks can damage coastal economies, industrial facilities and ports. The fallout from the regional conflict could also significantly affect the Gulf’s efforts to diversify away from fossil fuels and develop its tourism sector. Ras Al Khaimah, for example, is home to a number of premium beach resorts. Las Vegas’s Wynn Resorts is building a casino resort on Al Marjan Island, with an opening previously slated for early 2027.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has postponed a series of international events, including its Future Investment Initiative conference and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. Its round of the World Rally Championship has been cancelled. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has resumed domestic and international flights through terminals 1 and 2, following disruption lasting more than two weeks after deadly missile strikes by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. At least 22 people have been killed in airport attacks in Saudi Arabia since the start of the latest surge in violence, and the attacks continue. Although the airport has partially reopened, several airlines have suspended services, and travellers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

L’article Beaches in three UAE emirates closed amid major oil spill est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of Flight FZ1073 with an emergency axe, allegedly intended to bring down the aircraft carrying around 180 passengers and crew on its way from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Interrogation reports published over the weekend reveal that al-Hammami specifically planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion International Airport or a Tel Aviv skyscraper.

According to the UAE Attorney General, Flydubai Flight 1073 co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami used the cockpit crash axe to attack the captain. The crash axe is emergency equipment stowed next to second observer seat directly behind the Captain’s seat in the cockpit. It is secured by two quick-release latches, and from the First Officer’s seat, its position provides relatively easy access (He just raises his left hand and quickly removes it, unlike the captain, who has to turn around). The image shows the axe’s position and vantage point from the First Officer’s side; a detail that may have been to the co-pilot’s advantage during the attack.

— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) October 3, 2026

The captain survived the brutal attack and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and off-duty flydubai pilots to take control of the aircraft and make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Al-Hammami was later transferred to Emirati authorities for questioning.

But as more details emerge, the incident increasingly appears to be the result not of one security failure, but of several.

A chain of missed warnings

Four clear failures have been identified.

Firstly, al-Hammami was already known to his first employer for his extremist views. He joined Oman Air in 2018. In 2024, after authorities discovered his interest in extremist websites and blogs, the state-owned airline banned him from flying, sent him on a deradicalisation programme and reassigned him to a desk job.

Separate reporting on his deleted social-media activity has since shown material praising former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, among other extremist content.

Yet Oman failed to flag him more broadly in international security databases or revoke his pilot’s licence.

Secondly, there was another warning in Morocco. In 2025, al-Hammami underwent around three months of training with Royal Air Maroc but was ultimately not hired. The precise reasons have not been divulged by the airline.

Thirdly, when the Emirati airline hired him in 2026, it carried out a routine criminal background check but failed to contact Oman Air or verify his prior employment history. Emirati authorities are currently investigating the personnel involved in his recruitment.

The FlyDubai co-pilot is expected to face the DEATH PENALTY over his foiled hijacking attempt… Omani native Hamam al-Hammami worked for FlyDubai for about 8 months, and reportedly had "dreamed" of crashing a plane into Israel the whole time. He admitted specifically to wanting to crash Flight 1073 directly into Ben Gurion Airport, which handles approx. 80K-100K passengers per day. Make no mistake: had he been successful, this could have been a 9/11-level terrorist attack… Thank God he wasn’t. Now for justice to be served!!! Source: NY Post / Writer: Michael

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 5, 2026

Finally, the fourth gap occurred in Israel. As an Omani national, al-Hammami should never have been cleared to operate flights into Israeli airspace: under Israeli regulations, foreign airlines are expected to deploy pilots originating from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

Yet al-Hammami had flown to Ben Gurion Airport several times before the attack.

Israel’s Ministry of Transportation has come under fire for relying entirely on foreign airlines’ self-certified crew declarations, and has acknowledged that its existing procedures “do not address the threat from a pilot”.

Israeli media have since reported that al-Hammami was not an isolated case, with Channel 12 revealing that dozens of Omani pilots had flown into Israel in recent years despite the restriction.

Statement| UAE Following Incident Involving flydubai Flight to Tel Aviv https://t.co/9YN4vHVxNN

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) October 1, 2026

Whose responsibility is it to stop such a threat before it reaches the cockpit?

Post-9/11 aviation security was designed largely to prevent external threats from entering the cockpit. It was far less prepared for the possibility that the threat might already be sitting inside it.

Security specialists argue that the answer lies largely in better vetting and information-sharing. Pilot licences remain primarily proof of technical qualification, while background checks and security procedures are handled nationally and vary considerably between jurisdictions.

Greater cooperation between airlines, regulators and intelligence services is therefore likely to be central to any response. That could include mandatory checks with previous employers, better systems for flagging serious security concerns internationally, continuous rather than one-off vetting, and clearer responsibility for screening foreign flight crews.

While no terrorist organisation has so far been linked to al-Hammami, and investigators are examining whether he acted alone, ongoing inquiries by Australian, Emirati and Israeli authorities are probing his background, including his studies in Australia and reported travel to Syria.

The co-pilot terrorist of the FlyDubai plane, Hamam al-Hammami spent five years in Australia on a student visa between 2014-19. It’ll be interesting to see if he was radicalised here and what mosques he attended https://t.co/HwvDAl8rS5

— Sandy Lanceley (@sandylanceley) October 4, 2026

Jihadist propagandists have already seized on the attack. A pro-al-Qaeda publication has praised the flydubai attacker and called for copycat attacks against American and Israeli aircraft, the New York Post reported.

L’article The four security failures in the flydubai attack, and what could fix them est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Etihad Rail launched the service on 30 September 2026, with journeys taking just 64 minutes between the United Arab Emirates capital and Al Yalayis Station, in Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates area. Comfort class tickets start at AED39 (€9.35), while premium seats start at AED109 (€26.13).

Demand for the new service appears strong. Etihad Rail had to add 2,000 extra tickets to its booking system for the Abu Dhabi-Dubai launch weekend, after the initial allocation sold out in advance.

More stations and connections planned

The network also serves Fujairah and is set to expand further. Al Dhafra, another stop within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, is scheduled to open on 30 December 2026, followed by Sharjah station on 30 March 2027.

With stations located outside city centres, onward transport will play an important role in making the railway accessible to residents and visitors. In Abu Dhabi, shuttle services priced at AED10 (€2.40) will connect Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station with key destinations, including the Corniche waterfront, Reem Mall and the ADNEC Centre.

In Dubai, passengers arriving at Jumeirah Golf Estates can transfer to the metro via a 400-metre pedestrian bridge. The station also provides access to taxis, buses and car parks. Dubai remains the only city in the UAE with an operational metro system.

Several additional stations are planned within Abu Dhabi, although their opening dates have yet to be announced. These include Al Mirfa, near Al Mugheirah Bay, a waterfront destination known for its mangroves, and Liwa, whose desert dunes host an annual motorsport festival each winter. A further stop is planned at Al Sila, close to the Saudi Arabian border.

Towards a wider Gulf rail network

The expansion marks a significant step towards better connectivity across the Arabian Peninsula. The six Gulf Cooperation Council states, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, have long pursued plans for a connected regional rail network, although there is no confirmed completion date.

Saudi Arabia is the only other Gulf country currently operating intercity passenger trains. Its railway history includes the early 20^th-century Hejaz Railway, which connected Damascus with Medina before services were disrupted during the Arab Revolt.

Today, Saudi passenger services link Riyadh with Qurayyat, near the Jordanian border, and the port city of Dammam. The Haramain high-speed railway also connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Urban rail has developed at a different pace across the region. Dubai’s metro opened in 2009, Doha’s followed in 2019 ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Riyadh’s began operating in 2024.

A separate project could bring the Gulf’s capitals closer together. In late 2025, Qatar announced an agreement with Saudi Arabia to build a high-speed railway between Doha and Riyadh. The proposed connection would reduce travel time between the capitals to around two hours, with completion targeted for 2031.

L’article New Abu Dhabi-Dubai train service sells out ahead of opening weekend est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The city’s oldest surviving building is located in Old Dubai, near the banks of Dubai Creek. It stands within the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, by the modern waterfront development of Al Seef, which features a recreated souk designed to evoke the Dubai of centuries past.

Between the reconstructed market and the towering skyscrapers of the modern city, the fort will welcome visitors again, offering a glimpse into the history of a destination now synonymous with high-rises, ultimate luxury and futuristic architecture bordering on science fiction.

Long before the discovery of oil, Dubai Creek was at the heart of the city’s economic life, with fish and pearls being traded there.

Originally built – in phases – as a defensive stronghold, the fort is roughly square in shape (41 by 33 metres) and has three towers positioned at its corners; the oldest was built around 1787. Its thick walls, built of coral and shell stones bonded with lime, protected the inhabitants from threats from the land and the heat.

The main, and only, entrance features a heavy teak door reinforced with iron nails and brass plates.

Over the years, it served as a residence for the ruler, a centre of governance, a prison and an arsenal. Each of these functions marks a different period in the emirate’s history.

In 1971, the year the United Arab Emirates was founded, the fort became Dubai’s first museum.

Ayisha Khansaheb, Director of Al Fahidi Fort and Specialised Museums at the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, presents the museum as a gateway into Dubai’s history.

In an interview with Euronews Travel, she emphasised the importance of cultural heritage for tourists, residents, local communities and schools alike.

“There is a growing need to emphasise that there is a soul, a culture and a history here,” she said.

Inside, visitors can discover the history of the fort and the city through a combination of artefacts, archival material, and immersive technology.

The tour begins in a newly built underground extension, where a series of galleries explore defence, leadership, and craftsmanship. In the fort itself, The Vault, is a light and sound show that retraces the history of Dubai’s defence capabilities.

Another gallery A Landmark Across the Ages explores the fort’s changing roles over nearly two and a half centuries, while a collection of Islamic arms and armour offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s military history.

The site has been designed as an educational space with interactive activities especially for children.

The watchtowers, gates and courtyard are open to the public, with the fort itself remaining at the heart of the exhibition, allowing visitors to “experience history through architecture”, according to Khansaheb.

The focus on the Emirate’s defensive history is particularly resonant in 2026, as Dubai continues to contend with the consequences of a very different kind of warfare.

The Iran war, which began in late February 2026, badly hit Dubai’s tourism industry, with the United Arab Emirates being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, which disrupted air travel.

The industry is now showing signs of recovery. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), hotel occupancy reached 66% in August, up from 36% in March.

Nevertheless, visitor numbers remain well below last year’s levels. In the first eight months of 2026, the Emirate welcomed 6.97 million international visitors, compared to 12.24 million for the same period in 2025.

L’article Dubai’s oldest building set to reopen after five-year restoration est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since 28 February 2026, air traffic across the Middle East has been heavily disrupted. During the first few months after the initial US-Israel attack on Iran, many of the airspaces in the region were closed more often than not. Yet even once the shutdown was over, the aviation industry encountered numerous hurdles on the way to recovery.

While at the time of writing, airports across the Gulf are accepting arrivals and departures again, international carriers are slow to return. Local airlines have been rebuilding their schedules for a while but travellers relying on Asian, European, and North American operators thus need to be patient.

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A post shared by Zayed International Airport (AUH) مطار زايد الدولي (@zayedintlairport)

British Airways is one of the international airlines that are cautiously planning a return to the Middle East. While flight routes were initially scheduled to resume one 1 fully 2026, that deadline has been pushed several times. The first connection to be reinstated was the route to Doha, which opened again on 2 September 2026 and offers one daily flight.

The next flight route set to resume is the one to Tel Aviv. As of 25 October 2026, the airline is planning to reinstate a daily flight from London.

The Middle East is once again at the top of Flightradar24's most-tracked list as aviation activity draws attention following new attacks in and around Iran. pic.twitter.com/pITzxaisif

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) September 1, 2026

British Airways is planning its return to Riyadh and Dubai on 3 November 2026, with one flight per day for both destinations in a first stage. During the summer of 2027, the number of daily flights to Dubai should increase to two.

Starting from 4 November 2026, British Airways should be organising four weekly flights to Amman.

However, British Airways will not be flying to two destinations in the Middle East before 2027. Flights to Bahrain should resume around the end of March 2027, while direct flights from London to Abu Dhabi aren’t expected to resume until the winter of 2027. In a statement to Metro UK, the airline blamed the late date on the conflict in the Middle East and ‘airspace instability’.

Travellers who wish to fly from London to Abu Dhabi before then have multiple options. Etihad is offering a direct connection from London Heathrow. Meanwhile, British Airways enthusiasts can catch a flight to Doha, from where a Qatar Airways connection will be able to bring them to Abu Dhabi – a voyage which takes approximately 11 hours in total.

Although the situation has calmed down since February, the airspace remains high risk. Israeli airstrikes in Syria remain likely and several countries still prohibit or strongly discourage their operators from entering the region’s skies.

Prospective flyers can check safeairspace.net for more info. British Airways customers who have booked a ticket to or from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Riyadh up to and including 31 October 2026 can request a full refund. This also applies to flights which are still set to operate.

L’article British Airways not to resume Abu Dhabi flights until late 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Emirates is constantly trying to upgrade its passenger experience. In July 2026, the airline launched a multi-way adjustable headrest for Economy Class passengers. The feature is to be rolled out across its fleet by the end of 2026 and is meant to be “a game-changing new seat addition”.

During the Arabian Travel Market 2026 (ATM), which runs until 16 September 2026, the carrier announced yet another upgrade to its fleet. The so-called A350 fully electric Premium Economy seat will be equipped with a full-height privacy divider, an industry first. The feature will offer Premium Economy passengers more privacy than ever at the press of a fingertip through a set of integrated seat controls.

The novelty will be present across the carrier’s new Airbus A350 aircraft in a 2-3-2 configuration. The Premium Economy class will offer just 28 electric seats, each seat being 50.8 centimetres wide and offering up to 99 centimetres of pitch. When reminded in cradle position, the seats do not intrude into the row behind. The seat adjustments will be available through the Passenger Control Unit, with dedicated settings for lounge and meal modes.

During the opening of ATM, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, tried the new A350 fully electric Premium Economy first-hand.

Alongside the divider and positioning buttons, the Airbus 350 Premium Economy seat offers preset lounge and meal seating positions, the airline’s industry-first U-Dream leather headrest, wireless charging, USB-C power charging, a 13.3-inch 4K HDR screen, and numerous other touches. The experience is rounded off with a welcome drink, amenity kits, elegant dishes served on Royal Doulton China, accompanied by an extensive speciality beverage list.

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Aside from the launch of the new Premium Economy seat, Emirates also signed seven Memoranda of Understanding with tourism boards across the Indian Ocean, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the UAE during the first day of ATM. Moreover, the airline took the opportunity to renew agreements with technology and retail partners.

Finally, Emirates shared some up-to-date statistics regarding 2026.

“Emirates has closed the summer season ahead of expectations and enters winter with strong booking momentum across a broadening range of markets, as the airline continues to invest in its fleet and industry-leading products, in its global network, and in offering customers greater booking flexibility and comprehensive travel cover,” the airline stated.

The data show that Emirates carried over 8.6 million passengers between July and August, while arrivals into Dubai on Emirates in the second half of August alone were up 7% on the same period in 2025. Premium Economy is available on 137 aircraft as of 14 September 2026 and 18 aircraft have been delivered since January, with six more A350s arriving before year-end. Emirates is planning on continuing to expand its network heading into winter, with new destinations, additional frequencies and more of its latest aircraft deployed across key markets. Helsinki is set to join the Emirates network on 1 October.

L’article Emirates reveals new Premium Economy seats featuring full-height privacy screens est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Traffic dropped to 13 million passengers for the quarter, and to 31.5 million for the whole first half of the year—a decline of 31.3% for the period, year-on-year. The wider Middle East region suffered a similar drop in aircraft movements, falling 32.1% to 62,500 movements in Q2, and 150,600 for the first half of the year.

Passengers, holidaymakers, and foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates were left stranded by the impact of the war on commercial aviation, with nations and airlines forced to operate emergency repatriation flights in some cases. The situation damaged consumer confidence in choosing destinations around the Arabian Gulf and peninsula, as images of drone strikes circulated on social media, with influencers and others cowering in hotel foyers.

In July, Dubai began offering residents rewards worth more than €700 for persuading friends and family to visit the emirate, as authorities launched a new tourism initiative designed to encourage travel during the traditionally quieter summer season.

The “A Dubai Invite” programme, launched by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), gives UAE residents and citizens the chance to invite friends and relatives living abroad to visit the city between 20 July and 31 October 2026. In return, residents can unlock benefits worth more than AED 3,000 (€716), with access to over 20 perks, including hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets and lifestyle offers.

But speaking to the Associated Press, Dubai’s CEO Paul Griffiths has pointed to an upward trend in passenger volume over the second quarter as a sign of hope and returning positive sentiment, saying, “The events of the disruption, which lasted two months, that had an impact on traffic. However, the trajectory now is universally positive.”

Weeeeeeeeeelcome to Dubai

We’ve missed you, and we’re so excited to welcome you with a little taste of our Arabian hospitality. Keep an eye out as you arrive at or transit through DXB. We’ve got smiles, music, treats and a few surprises waiting for you along the way … pic.twitter.com/foGNyBklLz

— DXB (@DXB) August 20, 2026

The airport, which suffered minor damage during the military tensions, is anticipating the return of carriers that pulled out of Middle East routes amid the security threat and fuel crisis, swapping capacity to different routes and destinations. “I’m very confident we’ll be back to full operation in a very short space of time,” Griffiths said.

However, the key shipping and oil route of the Strait of Hormuz remains essentially closed, with Iran failing to succumb to efforts by the US and Israelis to exert enough military and financial influence over the matter.

L’article Dubai airport traffic plunges 31% in first half as Iran War disrupts travel est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Passengers travelling to Dubai can now change their travel dates without a fee on several Economy and Business Class fares. The option applies to Economy Saver through Flex fares and Business Class Special, Saver and Flex fares. Travellers can therefore change their dates as many times as needed without paying a separate change fee each time.

However, a free date change does not mean that the new flight will always cost the same. If the replacement flight has a higher fare, passengers may still have to pay the difference. Economy Flex Plus, Premium Economy, Business Flex Plus and First Class tickets already offer full flexibility under their existing conditions.

Emirates has also reduced the fees for passengers who want to cancel their Dubai-bound flights. Economy Saver and Business Special or Saver fares can now be refunded for a $50 (€43) fee. The charge for Economy and Business Flex fares has been reduced to $25 (€22). No-show fees remain unchanged.

The lower fees give passengers another option if changing their travel date is no longer suitable. Travellers who are uncertain about their plans can therefore book with more flexibility than before. Emirates advises passengers to check the conditions of their individual fare before making changes or requesting a refund.

The new flexibility also extends beyond Dubai. Tickets booked since 2 April 2026 include one complimentary date change across the Emirates network, including itineraries that connect through Dubai. Passengers can also hold a fare for 24 hours without paying a fee while they finalise their travel plans.

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The measures come against a backdrop of uncertainty for Dubai’s tourism sector, with regional instability and disruptions to air travel affecting travel plans in recent months. Travel Tomorrow previously reported on a Dubai initiative offering residents rewards worth more than €700 for inviting friends and relatives from abroad. Emirates’ new policy gives travellers another option when booking a trip by making it easier to adjust their plans if circumstances change.

Emirates is also offering support when passengers face operational disruptions. Where necessary, affected travellers can receive accommodation and be rebooked at no additional cost if their onward connection is disrupted or an Emirates service is unavailable. The measures also cover situations involving airspace closures.

The airline is additionally promoting its Comprehensive Travel Cover in 27 countries. The insurance includes cancellation and baggage protection, as well as worldwide medical and emergency evacuation cover. It also provides specific protection related to conflict, including up to $25,000 in medical expenses and trip extensions of up to 30 days.

Emirates Skywards members can also receive temporary benefits until 31 August. Members need 20% fewer Tier Miles to reach Silver, Gold or Platinum status and receive a 20% Tier Miles bonus on Emirates and flydubai flights. The airline is also increasing the value of its Cash+Miles option, with 2,000 Miles redeemable for $30 (€26), twice the usual value.

L’article Emirates introduces free date-change policy for flights to Dubai  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The arrival of the UAE’s first casino resort represents a major shift in the country’s approach to commercial gaming. For decades, gambling has been prohibited in the UAE, but authorities started creating a framework for regulated gaming in recent years. In 2023, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established to oversee the sector and ensure that future gaming activities would follow strict rules. In October 2024, Wynn Resorts received the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator licence, allowing the company to develop the country’s first licensed gaming facility.

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A post shared by Wynn Al Marjan Island (@wynnalmarjanisland)

Ras Al Khaimah was selected as the location for the ambitious project, offering a different setting from the busy urban environment of Dubai. The emirate has been investing heavily in tourism and luxury accommodation, while promoting its beaches, mountains and outdoor experiences. Located around 80 kilometres north of Dubai International Airport, Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to attract international visitors looking for a combination of relaxation and entertainment. The resort could help position Ras Al Khaimah as one of the Gulf region’s emerging luxury tourism destinations.

Construction of the resort is currently entering its final stages, although the project has faced some delays. Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings previously announced a “modest delay” due to logistical and shipping challenges linked to regional conflicts and wider supply chain disruptions. The company estimated that these issues increased the cost of the project by around $600 million (€520 million). Despite these challenges, work on the resort is progressing, with the 70-storey tower reaching its highest structural point and interior works continuing across the property.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is designed as an integrated resort, meaning that visitors will find much more than a casino on the site. The development will include more than 1,500 rooms, suites and residences, offering different levels of accommodation. The resort will feature 22 restaurants, bars and lounges, bringing together international concepts and new dining experiences created specifically for Ras Al Khaimah. Among the announced venues are Delilah, a well-known entertainment dining concept from Las Vegas, and a new steakhouse by French chef Alain Ducasse.

Entertainment will also play an important role in attracting visitors to the resort. Wynn Al Marjan Island will include a theatre with around 900 seats, immersive experiences and live performances. The resort will also feature a 15,000-square-metre luxury retail promenade with international brands. These facilities reflect a broader trend in global tourism, where travellers increasingly look for destinations that combine accommodation, entertainment, shopping and unique experiences in one location.

The resort will also focus on leisure and relaxation, with facilities designed for both short stays and longer holidays. Guests will have access to a 420-metre private white sand beach, 12 swimming pools, a luxury spa and a beach club. A marina will allow the resort to welcome superyachts from around the world, while events facilities will provide space for conferences, celebrations and other large gatherings. The combination of these amenities is aimed at attracting different types of travellers, from luxury holidaymakers to business visitors.

The opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island comes as the UAE continues to expand its tourism offer beyond traditional attractions. Dubai has built a global reputation around shopping, architecture and luxury experiences, while Ras Al Khaimah is developing its own identity based on nature, beaches and high-end resorts. The new project adds another element to the emirate’s tourism strategy by introducing a large-scale entertainment destination. Future transport improvements, including a new bridge connection and plans for possible flying taxi services between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, could further improve accessibility for international visitors.

L’article UAE’s first casino resort to open in Ras Al Khaimah in September 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new “A Dubai Invite” programme, launched by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allows UAE residents and citizens to invite friends and relatives living abroad to visit the city between 20 July and 31 October 2026. In return, residents can unlock benefits worth more than AED 3,000 (€716), with access to over 20 perks, including hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets and lifestyle offers.

“The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai,” said the Dubai Media Office, announcing the initiative in a post on X.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai. The programme runs until 31 October 2026, delivering tangible benefits to the community of nearly 200 nationalities. pic.twitter.com/2V85yoQ1Fw

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 22, 2026

According to the official Visit Dubai website, residents who successfully nominate eligible visitors can access exclusive offers from hotels, restaurants and attractions across the city. These include discounts of up to 45% at selected hotels, including Meliá Desert Palm, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Waterpark, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The package also offers complimentary attraction tickets to destinations such as Aquaventure and IMG Worlds of Adventure, as well as two-for-one dining deals at restaurants including ULA, Asia Asia and The 305, allowing residents and their guests to explore and enjoy Dubai together at reduced prices.

To qualify, nominated visitors must be non-UAE residents travelling on a valid tourist visa or be eligible for a visa on arrival. Residents must also be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Emirates ID. Visitors need to arrive before 31 October, while the rewards can be redeemed until the end of the year. Each resident can receive up to three reward packages under the scheme.

The campaign aims to encourage residents from nearly 200 nationalities living in Dubai to promote the destination to friends and relatives abroad. On its website, Visit Dubai says: “You’re their best reason to visit.”

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Публикация от Visit Dubai (@visit.dubai)

The programme also comes during Dubai’s traditionally low tourism season, when temperatures frequently approach 50°C, making summer one of the quietest periods for international visitors.

Dubai welcomed around 19.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the Middle East’s leading tourism destinations. However, the tourism industry has faced challenges in recent months following regional instability linked to the conflict involving Iran. The unrest disrupted air travel, affected visitor confidence and prompted the Dubai government to introduce a series of economic support measures for businesses, including relief for hotels, restaurants and aviation operators.

The campaign has already attracted strong interest, with 10,000 applications submitted within the first 48 hours of its launch. Due to the overwhelming response, authorities are reviewing the cap on the number of reward packages available under the programme.

The initiative comes as Dubai’s tourism sector introduces further measures to reassure travellers amid regional uncertainty. Alongside the resident referral programme, airlines and tourism businesses have also introduced new incentives and offers aimed at restoring travel demand and supporting the sector’s recovery. As part of these efforts, Emirates has launched an industry-first travel insurance initiative covering conflict-related disruptions, including certain risks linked to geopolitical events, offering passengers greater reassurance when travelling during periods of uncertainty.

L’article Dubai launches €700 discount scheme for tourists invited by UAE residents est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.