Resilience, operational stability and industry collaboration are emerging as key drivers of business aviation growth across the Middle East, with activity increasing in major markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

MedAire, a medical and security response organisation serving the aviation and maritime sectors, said operators are placing greater emphasis on comprehensive risk management, medical assistance and security planning to maintain safe and reliable operations.

The region’s advanced infrastructure, regulatory cooperation and continued investment have helped strengthen its position as a resilient business aviation market. Growing demand is also prompting operators to maintain dependable connectivity for corporate, government, medical and humanitarian missions.

“The Middle East has become one of MedAire’s most active and important regions, and the needs of aviation clients here are growing in both scale and complexity,” said Reely Rajan, Director, India, Middle East & Africa, MedAire.

Rajan said MedAire has expanded its presence beyond Dubai into Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India, bringing its expertise closer to the markets and operations it supports. He added that local knowledge, established relationships and rapid response capabilities are particularly important during medical or security incidents.

MedAire’s Dubai Assistance Centre is one of the organisation’s two 24-hour aviation security platforms, with the other located in Phoenix, Arizona. The Dubai centre provides medical, security and operational risk management support to business and general aviation operators across the region and internationally.

The importance of operational resilience was demonstrated during this year’s regional conflict, when MedAire evacuated its Dubai office while continuing to provide services to customers.

“Every day, the people in our Dubai Assistance Centre turn medical and security expertise into decisions operators can act on, often across borders and under time pressure,” said Peter Tuggey, Managing Director, Aviation Europe, MEA and APAC, MedAire.

Tuggey said the organisation moved its operations after evacuating the Dubai office during the conflict, while continuing to answer calls and manage cases for clients. He described business aviation as an important component of Middle Eastern connectivity, particularly as routes and schedules change rapidly.

Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), said demand for business aviation remains strong. He attributed the growth to economic expansion, increasing private wealth and the development of major aviation hubs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The region’s growth is also drawing international operators and brokers seeking to establish or expand their businesses in the Middle East. The trend will be reflected in international participation at the upcoming MEBAA Show, which is scheduled for December 8-10.

Operators are simultaneously strengthening partnerships to address changing safety and operational requirements.

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, a regional business aviation operator, works with MedAire to support passenger and crew wellbeing, operational safety and risk preparedness through medical assistance, security intelligence and specialist guidance.

Clemens Rothmann, Captain and Director Flight Operations at DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, said partnerships such as the company’s relationship with MedAire help provide security intelligence and global operational insights while supporting high standards of passenger and crew safety.

Empire Aviation, which provides aircraft sales, management and charter services, also works with MedAire to support aircraft owners and passengers.

Paul van der Blom, Head of Aircraft Management Services at Empire Aviation, said private aviation depends on close cooperation between specialist service providers. He highlighted the company’s long-standing partnerships, including its relationship with MedAire, as Dubai’s private aviation ecosystem continues to develop.

Across the region, companies are investing in infrastructure, technology and new capabilities to respond to changing customer requirements. Strong regulatory frameworks, specialised aviation services and established infrastructure are providing additional support as operators manage increasingly complex operating conditions.

The continued expansion of business aviation is further strengthening the Middle East’s position in the global market, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar emerging as important centres of activity.

Growing demand from private clients, corporations and other users is creating opportunities for regional and international aviation companies. The MEBAA Show is expected to provide an important forum for industry stakeholders to examine market developments, emerging opportunities and operational challenges.

The event is also expected to encourage further collaboration and partnerships as the region’s business aviation sector continues to develop.

Source: TradeArabia

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