London, United Kingdom – Qatar Airways has once again soared above the competition, earning the coveted title of ‘Best Airline in the World’ at the Business Traveller Awards 2025. The Doha-based carrier took home a total of six accolades, underscoring its dominance in global aviation and its continued commitment to redefining the travel experience.

In addition to the top honour, Qatar Airways claimed several other major awards, including ‘Best Business Class in the World’, ‘Best Economy Class in the World’, ‘Best Airline Lounge in the World’ for its Al Mourjan Lounges at Hamad International Airport, ‘Best Frequent Flyer Programme in the World’, and ‘Best Airline Between Europe and the Middle East’.

Held at London’s Sky Garden, the annual Business Traveller Awards gathered leaders from across the travel, hospitality, and aviation industries to celebrate excellence in service, innovation, and experience. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of industry experts with decades of experience in global travel and customer experience evaluation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “We are honoured to receive these prestigious accolades that reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence. Being named World’s Best Airline, alongside recognition for our Business and Economy Class cabins, loyalty programme, and lounges, is a testament to our dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences at every touchpoint. These awards reaffirm our position as a global leader and inspire us to continue setting new benchmarks for comfort, connectivity, and service.”

Mr. Michael Keating, Chief Commercial Officer of Ink Global, which organises the awards, praised the airline’s performance: “Qatar Airways performed outstandingly well in this year’s Business Traveller Awards, winning five of the seven global airline categories and six awards in total. From its industry-leading Business Class to exceptional inflight service and innovations such as free Starlink Wi-Fi, Qatar Airways is a truly deserving winner. We were delighted to celebrate their success in London and look forward to seeing how they continue to shape the future of premium travel.”

This recognition marks another milestone in a landmark year for Qatar Airways, as it expands its network to more than 170 destinations worldwide and continues to introduce cutting-edge products and services. As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, the airline remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class hospitality and elevate the passenger experience for millions of travellers around the globe.

About Business Traveller

For nearly five decades, Business Traveller has stood as the definitive voice of the globally mobile executive. With flagship editions in the UK, Asia-Pacific, the United States, Germany, the Middle East, India, and Africa, Business Traveller delivers incisive journalism, discerning reviews and authoritative analysis across every facet of the travel experience, aviation and hospitality to technology and corporate culture.

At its core, Business Traveller exists to elevate the journey. We distil the latest airline innovations, the finest airport lounges, transformative destinations and items of essential luxury for the time-sensitive audience. Through intelligent features, insider perspectives, and global reportage, Business Traveller offers thought leadership that sits ahead of the curve - spanning curated hotels and resorts, wellness and design, and the executive lifestyle that reflects the ambition, experience, and refinement of our readers.

Wherever work meets wanderlust, Business Traveller is there connecting decision-makers, frequent flyers and luxury brands. to inform of course, but also to inspire and to facilitate the burgeoning trifecta of business, travel and lifestyle.

Beyond print and digital, Business Traveller extends its reach through broadcast - including ReachTV screens across North America, Bloomberg Television, YouTube, as well as maintaining a leading presence on all major social channels. Coupled with premium placement in first-class airline lounges and myriad leading hotel groups, Business Traveller commands an audience of influence wherever mobility meets luxury.

With its expanding global circulation and trusted editorial authority, Business Traveller offers partners and advertisers a distinctive, measurable platform at the intersection of business and travel. We connect the world’s most premium travellers with the brands that move with them.

For more information, visit businesstraveller.com.

Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management sector recorded significant growth in commercial registrations, with the total rising 29 percent year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

The Kingdom had 20,560 active registrations in the sector at the end of September, an increase of 4,595 from the 15,965 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Makkah led the country’s regions with 8,075 active commercial registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988.

The Eastern Province ranked fourth with 1,456 registrations, while Asir completed the list of the five regions with the highest number of active registrations.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a secluded island getaway that sets itself apart from conventional luxury resorts. Described as Saudi Arabia’s only private island available for exclusive buyout, the retreat accommodates one group at a time, offering privacy and a personalised stay surrounded by the Red Sea.

The 40-minute boat journey from the mainland provides a gradual escape from everyday routines. As the island comes into view, the sense of separation from the outside world becomes increasingly apparent.

The arrival experience reflects the attention to detail that defines the retreat. Before guests reach the marina, the team gathers practical information, including shoe sizes, to ensure equipment such as snorkelling gear is ready upon arrival.

Privacy and Saudi Hospitality

Thuwal Private Retreat accommodates up to 12 adults and three children across six beachfront villas. With the entire island reserved for a single group, guests can enjoy a stay tailored to their preferences.

The experience is shaped by hafawah, a Saudi tradition associated with generous and heartfelt hospitality. Rather than feeling formal or scripted, the service is characterised by personal attention and a welcoming atmosphere.

During an introduction to the island, guests learn about its history and natural environment, including the Turquoise Hole, a distinctive natural water formation.

One of the retreat’s principal gathering places is the Overwater Diwaniya, a relaxed venue above the sea. It serves as a setting for breakfast, coffee, lunch and sunset gatherings, bringing guests together throughout the day.

Dining Above the Red Sea

Dining is another highlight, with menus featuring fresh seafood, barbecue dishes, colourful salads and daily grilled specialities. The combination of relaxed service and an exclusive waterfront setting gives meals an informal yet refined character.

Watching the Maldivian chef prepare food over charcoal adds a personal element to the experience, turning meals into part of the island’s wider appeal.

Across the stay, the hospitality team maintains a consistent focus on warmth, attentiveness and generosity. The service feels natural, with staff taking pride in making guests comfortable.

A Villa Designed Around Nature

Royal Villa One offers a private setting where natural materials and expansive views connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.

Bamboo ceilings, earthy textures and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring the outdoors into the living spaces, with views of the sea visible from almost every corner.

The bedroom features a canopy bed and flowing fabric details, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Even smaller elements, including the slippers, reflect the attention given to comfort.

In the bathroom, a glass-walled shower overlooks a private garden. Toiletries and grooming essentials are carefully arranged to make the stay convenient.

Outside, a secluded garden leads to a private dining area overlooking the water, creating an intimate setting for meals and quiet moments.

Exploring the Island’s Marine Life

The Red Sea is central to the retreat’s appeal. Its changing shades of blue provide a backdrop for activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Guided snorkelling excursions take guests to coral reefs and less-explored areas around the island. Underwater cameras provided by the guides allow visitors to capture the experience without having to manage their own equipment throughout the trip.

The excursions offer a closer look at the marine environment while allowing guests to remain immersed in the experience.

Wellness and Memorable Evenings

The island’s spa provides another opportunity to unwind. A floral foot ritual and citrus aromatherapy begin the treatment, followed by a massage designed to promote relaxation.

The spa experience combines professional treatment with a calm setting, complementing the retreat’s emphasis on slowing down and enjoying the surroundings.

Evenings bring a different atmosphere. Sunsets beside the pool transform the sky into shades of gold and blue, while seabirds occasionally add to the stillness of the scene.

The programme also includes hands-on and social activities. Guests can make manakish with the chef, take part in group pizza sessions, enjoy long lunches beside the sea or watch a film during a beach cinema evening.

These experiences provide variety without taking away from the island’s defining sense of tranquillity.

An Escape That Lingers

Leaving Thuwal Private Retreat can be an emotional experience, particularly after several days of personalised service and shared activities. The farewell from the team, with staff waving as the boat departs, reinforces the personal connections built during the stay.

The retreat’s appeal lies not only in its villas, marine activities or dining, but also in the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and experience the Red Sea at a slower pace.

For travellers seeking privacy, thoughtful hospitality and a close connection with nature, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a distinctive island escape along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Source: Arab News

Waterfront walkways developed by Jazan Municipality are creating new opportunities for coastal tourism and outdoor recreation along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shoreline.

The pedestrian routes extend from the coast towards the sea, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy marine views, observe aquatic life and watch sunsets.

Among the key attractions is the 600-metre Sunset Walkway, which includes 55 seating areas, illuminated pedestrian paths, children's play zones, public facilities and retail kiosks. The commercial spaces also provide opportunities for local families involved in cottage industries to sell their products.

The walkway offers panoramic views of the Red Sea while creating a space for leisure activities and family outings.

Jazan Municipality spokesperson Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khayyat said the projects make use of the region’s coastal landscape to develop accessible public spaces and encourage greater recreational activity.

He added that the developments are expected to stimulate commercial investment in cafés and retail outlets while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the Quality of Life programme.

Source: SPA

The distinctive rock formations of Saudi Arabia’s Hima Cultural Area shape its rugged landscape, blending natural beauty with archaeological evidence of human history across the Arabian Peninsula.

The rocks display a range of natural colours, including brown, orange, gold and earthy red. These hues become particularly vivid at sunrise and shortly before sunset, enhancing the area's visual appeal.

Archaeologist and tour organiser Mohammed Al-Mustaneer said the formations are closely connected to the site's archaeological importance. Their surfaces preserve ancient inscriptions, drawings and writings that provide evidence of human activity in the region over successive historical periods.

The rock art offers insights into the lives of communities that once inhabited or travelled through the area. The inscriptions and images help document their lifestyles, migration routes, hunting and herding activities, as well as the symbols and forms of expression they left behind.

Beyond its geological features, the Hima Cultural Area serves as an important natural and archaeological landmark, reflecting Najran's rich cultural heritage. Its combination of ancient human records and striking landscapes also highlights the region's potential as a destination for cultural tourism.

Preserving the site allows its historical evidence and natural features to remain accessible to visitors while safeguarding an important part of the Arabian Peninsula's heritage for future generations.

Source: SPA

The coast of Jabal Kushkush in the Farasan Islands Governorate of Jazan Region preserves a legacy of traditional pearl diving, having once served as an important anchorage for vessels returning from expeditions at sea.

Tour guide Othman Humuq said pearl divers historically used the coastal site as a sheltered place to rest, secure their boats and open oyster shells after their journeys. Local fishermen also relied on the surrounding waters for their activities.

Located near Abu Al-Tawq village on Farasan Al-Sughra island, approximately 60 kilometres from Farasan City, the area is widely known as Kushkush Beach.

The site is distinguished by its unusual geological landscape, featuring sea caves, rock cavities, natural passageways and large umbrella-shaped rock formations. These structures rise between three and six metres, giving the coastline its distinctive appearance.

With much of its natural environment remaining undisturbed, Jabal Kushkush continues to draw tourists and visitors seeking a quiet coastal escape. Visitor numbers tend to increase during the winter season, when the site’s natural scenery becomes a particular attraction.

The area offers a glimpse of the Farasan Islands’ maritime heritage while showcasing the geological features and coastal landscapes that contribute to Jazan Region’s tourism appeal.

Source: SPA