Dubai Strengthens Passenger Rights Rules to Rebuild Traveler Trust
Dubai’s passenger rights framework means one regulator, one rulebook. The details around enforcement are still to come, though.
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 International Airport Passenger Traffic Plunged 66% in March as Iran War Closed Airspace
Dubai spent years chasing the 100 million passenger milestone — the war pushed it back a year in a single month.
UAE’s AI Push Could Reshape How Hotels and Holiday Homes Operate
The biggest win for the hospitality sector will be the elimination of manual licensing and compliance checks that quietly drain operator time and margin.
Bahrain Gives Travel a Grace Period on Fees
When Bahrain, Ajman, and Dubai introduce relief measures within weeks of each other, it points to something broader than routine policy support.
Oman’s New Tourism Rules, Explained
Oman’s new licensing framework is overdue — but a six-month compliance window will sort operators by resources, not quality.
Saudi Arabia’s Business Travel Drove the Middle East’s 2025 Growth
The Middle East was the world’s second-fastest growing tourism region in 2025 — and then February 28 happened.
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.
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.