Portugal’s government has chosen Lufthansa as the preferred buyer for a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal, valuing the deal at €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) and opting for the German airline over rival Air France-KLM.

The decision marks a major step in the long-running effort to find a strategic partner for TAP, one of Europe’s remaining national carriers outside a major airline group. The process has faced repeated delays but now moves forward amid wider consolidation across the European aviation sector.

Industry analysts expect consolidation to gain momentum as rising jet fuel costs linked to the war in Iran place additional financial pressure on airlines, encouraging smaller carriers to seek support from larger, better-capitalised groups.

Lufthansa, which already owns Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways and SWISS, among other carriers, secured the selection after both bidders submitted improved final offers in late September.

Aviation analyst John Strickland said the acquisition would give Lufthansa another hub and extend its reach into southwestern Europe and other markets where the group has had a more limited presence.

Lisbon Hub and Global Connections

TAP’s appeal lies largely in its valuable landing slots and its network connecting Lisbon with Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and the United States. These routes support Portugal’s diaspora links, tourism industry and international investment relationships.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro told reporters that Lufthansa’s offer was 16% higher than the bid submitted by Air France-KLM.

Before the announcement, TAP Chief Executive Luis Rodrigues said at the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon that joining a larger airline group would enable the Portuguese carrier to access a wider range of resources at better value.

The government said its decision considered both the financial offers and the bidders’ industrial plans, including their strategies for TAP’s growth and long-term sustainability.

Portugal also wants its chosen partner to strengthen connectivity across the country, extending operations beyond Lisbon to Porto, Faro, the Azores and Madeira.

Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz said Lufthansa Group had committed to increasing TAP’s fleet by a further 117 aircraft by 2035, followed by another 130 aircraft after 2035, when Lisbon’s new airport is expected to become operational.

As of June 2026, TAP operated 101 aircraft serving 93 destinations worldwide. Its network included 52 destinations in Europe, 16 in South and Central America, 14 in Africa and 11 in North America.

The airline carried a record 8.2 million passengers in the first half of 2026, an increase of 4.2% year on year. Operating revenue rose 4.3% over the same period.

Financial Challenges Remain

Lufthansa’s own financial performance could complicate efforts to turn around TAP, analysts warned. Integrating an airline requires significant upfront investment, and the expected returns are not always assured.

Strickland said Lufthansa continued to face financial difficulties, with its core Deutsche Lufthansa Airlines business still losing money. He argued that the group needed to address its own operational and financial challenges.

Lufthansa has pledged to achieve an operating profit margin of 8% to 10% between 2028 and 2030. Its strategy includes simplifying and centralising operations to restore investor confidence.

The integration of Italy’s ITA Airways also remains a work in progress, Strickland said. Investors and analysts have previously raised concerns about the complexity of Lufthansa’s geographically dispersed network and the challenges of managing multiple airlines within one group.

Source: Gulf Times

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