Emirates launches daily Helsinki-Dubai service
Emirates has launched daily flights between Helsinki and Dubai, marking its debut in Finland and the only year-round direct connectivity between Finland and the UAE. Flight EK167 arrived at Helsinki Airport, attended by government representatives, dignitaries and travel industry stakeholders. The airline’s A350 offers 298 seats across Business, Premium Economy and Economy, with spacious cabins, enhanced technology and entertainment, supporting growing leisure, corporate and trade opportunities between the two countries.
Etihad to operate daily Damascus service
Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi-Damascus service from four to seven weekly flights from November 14, 2026. Since launching in June, the route has seen strong demand from families, business travellers and connecting passengers. The daily service will offer greater flexibility and connect Damascus to Etihad’s wider network via Abu Dhabi, including destinations across the Middle East, Asia and North America.
IHCL signs 232-key Gateway hotel in Agra
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed Gateway Agra, a 232-key greenfield hotel in Uttar Pradesh, in partnership with Raj Kailash Hospitality LLP. The property will feature restaurants, a bar, gym, swimming pool, banquet halls and meeting facilities. Located in the Golden Triangle circuit, Agra continues to attract strong tourism and infrastructure investment. With this signing, IHCL will have 64 hotels in Uttar Pradesh, including 27 under development.
Oberoi unveils Sukoonvilas in Saudi Arabia
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has unveiled The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar, a luxury resort near Riyadh, set to open in Q1 2027. The property will feature 60 luxury villas, 10 branded residences, Najdi-inspired architecture, landscaped gardens and a 65-metre infinity pool. Dining will include Indian cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai. The resort will also offer the ASMI by Oberoi wellness programme, blending Saudi heritage with Indian hospitality.
#firstopinion
“The 10th edition of the SATA Awards celebrates a decade of excellence, spanning seven destinations, over 1,000 nominations, an eminent jury panel, and more than two million online votes. SATA follows a seamless, transparent process, ensuring that winners are recognised solely on merit and credibility. Over the years, the awards have earned tremendous support from tourism boards, regional travel organisations, and the travel trade fraternity. Launched a decade ago in Sri Lanka with just three destinations, SATA has evolved into a prestigious regional platform that continues to grow from strength to strength. True to our name, High Rise, we believe the sky is the limit.”
Ismail Hameed, Ismail Hameed,
Founder / President, South Asian Travel Awards, Director, Highrise Group
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