Airport design, digital innovation and passenger experience took centre stage at the 13th Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF), held alongside the 25th Airport Show at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event brought together government representatives, aviation specialists and technology providers to examine emerging solutions for improving airport efficiency, strengthening operational resilience and preparing infrastructure for future demand.

Discussions focused on Dubai’s aviation development plans, closer cooperation across the airport ecosystem, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics and digital identity in simplifying passenger journeys.

Dubai Puts Passenger Experience at the Centre of Airport Planning

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said Dubai’s ambition to develop the world’s largest airport involves more than increasing infrastructure capacity. Improving the passenger experience remains a central consideration in its development strategy.

He stressed the need for adaptable airport designs that can accommodate emerging technologies and respond to changing industry requirements.

Al Zaffin described the Airport Show as an important meeting point for airport developers, technology companies and operational specialists to share expertise and assess new solutions.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s establishment 25 years ago, he said its original purpose was to bring airport technologies together in one location, allowing industry professionals to explore innovations without travelling to multiple countries.

He added that the initiative has delivered benefits for Dubai and the wider region. Continued support for the event remains important as rapid technological advances increase the need for infrastructure capable of incorporating new solutions over time.

Collaboration and Resilience Shape Aviation Priorities

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, identified collaboration, operational resilience and innovation as key priorities for the aviation sector.

He said passengers view their airport experience as a single, continuous journey rather than a collection of separate services. Improving capacity and service quality therefore requires stakeholders to coordinate their activities, establish common objectives and develop trust.

Cooperation becomes particularly important during operational disruptions, he noted, when effective responses depend on clear leadership, teamwork, established relationships and lessons from previous incidents.

Al Joker also highlighted the potential of intelligent systems to identify emerging challenges and help airports address them before they affect passengers. However, he stressed that technology investments should produce measurable benefits, including more reliable, efficient and straightforward journeys.

Workforce development is another essential element, he added. Employees must be equipped with the expertise and decision-making skills needed to turn technological capabilities into better passenger services.

City Terminal Trial Cuts Journey Time by Around 60%

Abdullah Al Shamsi, Senior Manager of Future of Things at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), outlined a vision for airport innovation by 2032, in which technology works largely behind the scenes to make travel simpler.

He argued that the most advanced airport may not be the one where passengers see the most technology, but the one where technology makes the journey easier without drawing attention to itself.

The approach combines AI, digital identity, biometrics and real-time data analytics to anticipate congestion, improve resource allocation and deliver personalised information and assistance. It also recognises the differing requirements of business travellers, families, transit passengers and Persons of Determination.

Al Shamsi presented findings from the ‘City Terminal’ pilot project, which aims to extend airport services to urban locations so passengers can complete key travel procedures before arriving at the airport.

The trial included check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening and passport control outside the airport. Passengers were then transported in secure vehicles directly to the airport concourse, extending the concept beyond conventional city check-in facilities.

According to Al Shamsi, the process reduced total journey time from at least 120 minutes to approximately 45 minutes, a reduction of around 60%.

He said the findings demonstrate how airport procedures could be redesigned, challenging traditional assumptions about where the passenger journey begins.

Al Maktoum International Airport Offers Opportunity for New Design

Al Shamsi said the Al Maktoum International Airport project provides an opportunity to integrate infrastructure, technology and passenger services from the beginning rather than retrofitting new systems into existing facilities.

Building flexibility into the airport’s underlying design would help it accommodate emerging technologies, evolving operating models and changing passenger expectations.

“Our ambition is not to build an airport with more technology, but an airport that becomes better because of technology,” he said.

Dubai Seeks Stronger Aviation Connectivity

Khalid Ibrahim Saif, Director of Aviation Economics and Growth at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), called for a broader approach to aviation development that moves beyond responding to operational disruptions and focuses on sustainable growth and stronger connectivity.

He said rising air travel demand requires economic growth to be matched by infrastructure investment and improvements in operational efficiency.

Saif also emphasised closer coordination between airports, airlines and regulatory authorities, supported by smart technologies and data-driven decisions.

Greater integration, he said, would help build a more resilient aviation sector capable of responding to future challenges, maintaining competitiveness and improving the passenger experience.

The forum highlighted a common priority among aviation leaders: combining adaptable infrastructure, intelligent technology and coordinated operations to accommodate growing passenger demand while making air travel more efficient, accessible and seamless.

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