BTN Interviews: Phil Dickinson on the Revival of UK Travel to the UAE. Phil Dickinson, Group Vice President – Sales at JA Resorts & Hotels, discusses the return of British travellers to the UAE following updated FCDO advice. He explores rising demand, renewed consumer confidence and the UAE’s enduring appeal, while highlighting the growing popularity of multi-destination stays, nature-led experiences, wellness, family travel, sports tourism and personalised hospitality.

The Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG has appointed Lorenza Maggio as the new CEO of Brussels Airlines. The decision is still subject to approval by the Board of Directors of SN Airholding. Alongside leading the Belgian airline, Lorenza Maggio will assume the role of “Executive Board Representative to the European Commission.” Her predecessor, Dorothea von Boxberg, is leaving the company at her own request with effect from 31 August 2026. The date for Lorenza Maggio’s transition from Rome to Brussels will be determined shortly.

Emirates is revealing another world first in the sky, transforming journeys for Economy Class passengers with the introduction of the U-Dream Headrest – a game-changing new seat addition that enables Economy Class customers to experience a whole new level of support and comfort inflight. Backed by a significant investment, installation is already underway across Emirates’ fleet, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to helping Economy Class customers fly better. The U-Dream is a multi-way adjustable headrest designed to provide full neck and head support during sleep or relaxation, which will be incorporated onto Emirates Economy Class seats across all Emirates A350’s and most of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. As the first airline in the world to introduce it, the U-Dream headrest is already garnering outstanding praise from Emirates customers.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service global airline, has today announced it will exercise purchase rights for an additional six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The landmark agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, drives the airline’s strategic expansion that brings Riyadh Air’s total Airbus A350-1000 confirmed fleet to 31 aircraft, significantly boosting its ultra-long-haul capacity. Riyadh Air also has 60 Airbus A321 aircraft on order, totaling 91 aircraft ordered with 19 options/purchase rights for the A350 aircraft still available to exercise, allowing greater future flexibility.

Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the airline is exercising options for 28 more 787 Dreamliner jets as part of its growth plan. The agreement to exercise most of the options from Riyadh Air’s 2023 order also includes the conversion of 20 airplanes to the larger 787-10 variant. The announcement includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the ultra-efficient widebody jets. Once the remaining 17 airplanes are finalized, Riyadh Air’s firm order count will grow to 67 787 Dreamliners.

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has unveiled “More to Love,” an all-new social-first series featuring “Take Me Home, Country Roads” that thanks international fans who travelled to and through the United States during the World Cup and invites them to return and experience more of the country. Timed to the tournament’s closing, the series pairs real moments shared by visitors with the landscapes, communities, and experiences waiting to be explored beyond the host cities.

Dubai is set to welcome “The Crunch,” an inventive new dining destination started by two expert chefs whose careers have taken them through some of the world’s most respected kitchens to create the ultimate modern yet authentic multi-cuisine concept. Founded by partners Mukhtar Kosbayev and Anastassiya Kosbayeva, the casual chic eatery will officially open doors on 31st July, alongside Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah, Dubai, converging culture and flavours from world-renowned kitchens to an everyday format. The Crunch is poised to become a place where guests can grab a cup of specialty coffee on their way to work, enjoy a warm breakfast with family, meet colleagues over a luscious lunch break, or simply immerse themselves in a delightful course worth a long drive from across the city.