Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Wrestling Federation to become the Federation’s Official Airline and Strategic Partner, strengthening its commitment to supporting sport, athletes and communities across the Emirates.

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, signs a new partnership agreement at Arabian Travel Market with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives. Etihad Guest members will soon be able to redeem Etihad Guest Miles for flights across Maldivian’s network, giving them a new way to reach the Maldives’ outer islands and regional destinations beyond Malé. The partnership will extend the value of Etihad Guest Miles for travellers heading to the Maldives, whether continuing on from Abu Dhabi or connecting onward once in-country.

For Oktoberfest 2026, the crews of the traditional flights will be dressed in a new look for the Octoberfest season. The collection was designed by Lower Bavarian traditional fashion manufacturer Spieth & Wensky and combines Bavarian tradition with elements of Lufthansa’s design for the first time: the crane from the brand logo, for instance, adorns the buttons of the ladies’ and men’s knitwear. The characteristic “Wing Pattern” — a special Lufthansa design — has been rewoven into the skirt and waistcoat.

Emirates is once again celebrating Oktoberfest this year with a seasonal culinary offering on flights between Dubai and Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, as well as in the Emirates Lounges at the four German airports. From now until the 4 October, customers across all cabin classes can enjoy a selection of Bavarian-inspired dishes. The seasonal offering is complemented by snacks in the A380 Onboard Lounge, an Oktoberfest movie snack in First Class as well as special food and beverage options in the Emirates Lounges in Germany. Oktoberfest specialties across all cabin classes

British Airways is expanding its network with the addition of two new destinations in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Launching in May 2027, these two new routes will offer customers easy access to explore this fascinating East African country, home to bucket list travel experiences including the Great Migration, Africa’s highest mountain, pristine beaches and world-class diving.

Scenic Group has announced a strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), marking its expansion onto the Brahmaputra River and a commitment to have two ultra-luxury Scenic river ships operating in India by 2029–30. The long-term agreement marks a significant next step in Scenic Group’s expansion within the India market and will bring together ABN’s more than two decades of experience, operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges. This will align closely with Scenic’s global expertise in all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising, international operations and unique immersive experiences, that connect guests with the unique destinations they visit.

Located within 160 acres of private polo fields and surrounded by lush greenery, Meliá Desert Palm offers a serene retreat just twenty minutes from Downtown Dubai. Combining boutique luxury with a tranquil countryside setting, the resort provides a welcome escape from the city, where expansive grounds, wellness experiences and relaxed dining come together to encourage guests to slow down and reconnect. From 23 September, Meliá Desert Palm introduces a new Daycation experience, inviting guests to indulge in a restorative wellness and dining journey for AED 549 per person. Designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, the experience begins at SAMĀNA Spa with a one-hour Restorative Relaxing Massage. Using gentle flowing techniques and natural oils, the treatment is crafted to ease tension, calm the mind and restore a sense of balance and wellbeing.