Emirates posted record profits in its 2010 fiscal year.

Big three carriers keep flying high amidst unrest

Gulf carriers Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have each established themselves as serious players in the global aviation game. As the Middle East's airline industry suffers under the weight of soaring fuel prices and regional instability, how are the big three staying out in front?
Middle East: Sunday, May 29 - 2011 at 12:09

In-room technology poses risks, opportunities for hotels

Although advances in technology can offer hotel guests improved luxury and conveniences, experts say it can be very challenging for hotels to strike the right balance between augmenting the guest experience and ensuring the technology is not too complex for customers to use.
Middle East: Thursday, May 26 - 2011 at 15:09

Social media tips for hotels

Social media is a great way for hotels to establish relationships and build loyalty with customers, but it can also create problems if not used correctly. By following a few key principles, hotels can avoid pitfalls and make the most of their investment in social media.
Middle East: Monday, May 23 - 2011 at 15:40
Dubai hotels have seen an increase in occupancy rates

Huge feeder markets to boost Dubai hotel sector

The outlook for Dubai's hotel sector remains bright, especially in light of the large number of potential visitors that are located nearby in China and India, according to hotel executives who spoke at the Hotel Show in Dubai. However, they also warn that an influx of new supply will pose challenges for the hospitality sector in the emirate.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, May 19 - 2011 at 12:17
Empire Aviation Group are looking to India for expansion

Empire Aviation Group looks to India for private jet growth

With business picking up so far in 2011, Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group (EAG) says it is opening a branch in India to take advantage of growing private jet opportunities that are now available in the South Asian country.
Middle East: Thursday, May 19 - 2011 at 09:25
Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw hotel occupancy rates increase

Middle East hotels see rise in occupancy despite regional unrest

Despite an increase in room supply and unrest in the region, hotels in the Middle East recorded 1.8% growth in occupancy in March compared to the same period last year, according to joint data from Deloitte and STR Global. UAE-based hotels boosted the region's growth, while Beirut and Muscat saw declines.
Middle East: Monday, May 16 - 2011 at 11:50
Emirates reported $1.5bn profit in 2010 fiscal year

Emirates posts record profit as passenger traffic surges

A large increase in passenger numbers helped Dubai-owned Emirates Airline post a 51.9% rise in profit in 2010, but the carrier warned that high fuel prices and unrest in the region remain a challenge to its bottom line moving forward.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, May 10 - 2011 at 15:39
Hilton Hotels and Resorts opened its 16th hotel in Egypt, Hilton Zamalek Residence Cairo

Hilton plans rapid expansion across Middle East

Hilton Worldwide says it plans to expand its presence in the Middle East by nearly 80% over the next three to four years led by a push to rapidly grow its existing portfolio of hotels in Saudi Arabia.
Middle East: Thursday, May 05 - 2011 at 12:28
The Fairmont Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is set to open in 2012

Fairmont looks to expand its footprint in Middle East

Although the unrest in the Middle East has prompted Fairmont Hotels to take a wait and see attitude regarding new projects in certain parts of the region, the luxury operator is currently in discussions to develop new properties in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Middle East: Wednesday, May 04 - 2011 at 13:37
Emirates president Tim Clark noted that fuel now account for 43% of airline costs

Middle East carriers face 'tough year', but remain optimistic

Despite the obstacles posed by surging oil prices and political unrest, Middle East airlines say they remain optimistic that they can navigate their way through the challenges facing their industry.
Middle East: Wednesday, May 04 - 2011 at 12:04

Saudi considers allowing foreign airlines to operate domestic flights

For the first time Saudi Arabia may allow foreign airlines to operate domestic flights in the kingdom. What might this mean for carriers in the Gulf, and passengers in Saudi?
Saudi Arabia: Monday, May 02 - 2011 at 15:58
Ibn Battuta Gate hotel has undertaken a number of initiatives targetting Chinese travellers

Dubai hotels target Chinese travel market

With China emerging as one of the world's largest outbound travel markets, hotels in Dubai are increasingly focusing their efforts on attracting tourists from this rapidly growing economy.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, April 26 - 2011 at 16:14
Emirates has raised its fares effective April 18

Fuel surcharges curb air travel demand as ticket prices rise

An increasing number of carriers have imposed fuel charges on ticket prices in recent months to cover rising fuel costs. These higher fares are already having an impact on international air travel demand, according to a new report.
Middle East: Thursday, April 21 - 2011 at 11:14
The Marriot Marquis Hotel in Dubai will be the first outside North America

Marriott continues rapid expansion in Middle East

Marriott International has announced that it is pushing ahead with its ambitious growth plans in the Middle East and Africa despite the unrest that has spread across the region. The US-based hospitality group says it now has 43 hotels under development or construction in the region, including a massive 1,614-room property in Dubai.
Middle East: Tuesday, April 19 - 2011 at 09:55
Dubai International Airport has seen a growth in passenger traffic.

Middle East unrest curbs global air traffic

International air travel slowed in February largely due to the political unrest that has flared across the Middle East and Africa, according to the International Air Transport Association. IATA also forecasts that growth in March will be further slowed by the earthquake in Japan.
Middle East: Wednesday, March 30 - 2011 at 15:51