Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere – a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. This achievement aligns with key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, by championing talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which includes the goal of creating inclusive spaces that encourage collaboration, a sense of belonging, and shared experiences.

Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere — a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors.

Dubai dominates the global travel stage again in 2025, pulling off what can only be described as a tourism triumph of epic proportions. With more than one hundred and sixty countries represented, Arabian Travel Market 2025 is set to smash all records, secure billions, and redefine the future of world tourism like never before. From power-packed deals to paradigm-shifting innovation, this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market 2025 is where Dubai dominates the narrative, where more than one hundred and sixty countries converge, and where history is written with every handshake.

The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has launched an exciting new marketing campaign, ‘Find Your Story’, which stars globally renowned actor, businesswoman and UNICEF Global Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, actor, model and producer Jake Bongiovi. The film showcases the exciting adventures that travellers can enjoy in the city, even during a brief stopover. Written and co-directed by Argentine Armando Bo – who won the 2015 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) – the captivating brand film highlights the diverse and vibrant experiences that Dubai has to offer on a stopover, from its stunning desert landscapes and futuristic architecture, to its world-class shopping and cultural heritage. Bo’s compatriate Felipe Gomez Aparicio also served as co-director on the film.

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards has announced that its 2025 Ceremony will take place at Terra, Expo City Dubai. Leaders in sustainable tourism will gather for the VIP reception on 29 October for the unveiling of the 2025 winners.

The hospitality sector in the GCC is experiencing a strong resurgence, with new data compiled by STR on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) revealing significant growth across the region in 2024. According to the report, aggregated Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE last year rose by 5.4% compared to 2023, fuelled primarily by an increase in occupancy rates. In 2024, occupancy rates across the GCC reached 69.5%, surpassing the levels observed prior to the pandemic, underscoring the region’s successful efforts to establish itself as a world-class tourism and investment hub.