Expedia Group Expands Presence in the Middle East Through New Travel Partnerships - Middle East Business News and Information
SEATTLE: Expedia Group today announced a series of strategic travel partnerships aimed at expanding its footprint to additional markets in the Middle East, spanning advertising, technology and supply partnerships, alongside the launch of its travel agent program, Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), part of the company's B2B network, into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The partnerships underscore the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to its global traveler audience, increasing their visibility, and driving incremental revenue growth.
Expanding the Travel Agent Footprint in the UAE
Expedia TAAP – part of the company's B2B network, Private Label Solutions – is launching in the UAE, unlocking its intuitive booking platform for travel agents in the Middle East region to meet the rising demand in the region.
Expedia TAAP empowers travel agents to boost their earnings with access to its vast travel inventory and a seamless booking experience. Travel agents earn commission on total booking value and grow their business with user friendly tools, marketing materials, and more.
Other areas of Expedia Group's B2B network have operated in the Middle East for more than 10 years with key partnerships including Rezlive, Halalbooking and Blackrock Technologies.
Advertising the Middle East to a Global Audience
Expedia Group Media Solutions, the world's travel media network, provides travel partners, brands and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) with targeted solutions to reach, engage, and convert hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide through innovative advertising products. For partners in the Middle East, the media network offers a powerful platform to connect with travelers through compelling content wherever they plan and book their journeys. With industry-leading measurement and reporting tools, advertisers can optimize campaigns and maximize impact. New partnerships include: Experience Abu Dhabi : In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Expedia Group's in-house creative team, E Studio, built content to showcase the emirate's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions and incredible culture. Anchored in a microsite named Sunshine Pass, the year-long campaign highlights why summer in Abu Dhabi offers a world of experiences. Running across Expedia Group sites, social media channels and other digital platforms, the content targets travelers across 13 markets.
: In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Expedia Group's in-house creative team, E Studio, built content to showcase the emirate's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions and incredible culture. Anchored in a microsite named Sunshine Pass, the year-long campaign highlights why summer in Abu Dhabi offers a world of experiences. Running across Expedia Group sites, social media channels and other digital platforms, the content targets travelers across 13 markets. Visit Oman: This collaboration includes integrating local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creating a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK and Middle Eastern travelers. The April to September 2025 campaign highlights Oman's diverse and authentic travel offerings in the summer and fall.
This collaboration includes integrating local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creating a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK and Middle Eastern travelers. The April to September 2025 campaign highlights Oman's diverse and authentic travel offerings in the summer and fall. Jordan Tourism: Jordan Tourism taps into Expedia Group's rich social influencer network, partnering with influencers in the US, UK and Italy to spotlight Jordan's wonders – from Petra to Aqaba – on social media. E Studio created engaging, shoppable content through a Super Supper Club series, highlighting Jordan's culinary wonders to US and UK audiences on a dedicated microsite. Overall, demand grew by 9% and gross revenue by 17%.
Giving Partners More Control Through Travel Technology
Expedia Group also announced new technology partnerships with leading airlines and hotels, enabling its Middle Eastern partners to capture more market share and gain visibility to Expedia Group's global traveler base: Adeera : a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates program. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners.
: a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates program. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners. Emirates: Expedia Group has expanded its long-standing partnership with the airline through a full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API on Expedia Group brands. The technology enables Expedia Group to offer Emirates' NDC fares, products, and ancillary services, along with other improved features and flexibility in booking journeys, ultimately improving the traveler flight booking experience.
'We're excited to collaborate with key players in the Middle East travel industry,' said Rob Torres, Senior Vice President, Expedia Group Media Solutions. 'By combining innovative technology solutions, an expanding travel agent network, and impactful advertising partnerships, we're helping travel partners in the region extend their reach, enhance the traveler experience, and showcase their destinations to a global audience. We're proud to support our partners in driving growth and delivering meaningful results in this important region.'
Expedia Group also continues to invest in the traveler experience in the region, now offering packages (flight + hotel) on the Expedia UAE and Saudi Arabia points of sale to help travelers enjoy the best traveler experience and also save both time and money.
Expedia's proprietary flight price tracking tool is also now available on the Expedia app. Taking the guess work out of deciding when to book, the feature notifies travelers when flight prices change and uses data to help travelers decide when to book. Additionally, an Arabic-language version of the UAE and Saudi Arabia sites will soon be available to enhance the traveler booking experience.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Mid East Info
As 60% of UAE travellers rely on AI to plan trips, human connection remains vital - Middle East Business News and Information
With the global meetings and events industry projected to exceed USD 2.3 trillion by 2032, demand for intelligent tech solutions is accelerating Experts from the technology, hospitality and events industries met at ATM 2025 to explore the growing impact of digital platforms and AI in travel Companies including Sabre, Expedia TAAP and Cvent highlighted the critical role of human insight in building smarter platforms Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 2025: Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits. According to the report, AI is becoming a key tool for travellers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten have used AI for travel planning, with 21% using it before their most recent trip. As AI adoption grows, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalised recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travellers. The research also confirmed that travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact. In line with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts across the technology, hospitality and events industries to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalised service platforms, and data-led design become more prevalent. Speaking during the event, Amy Read, VP Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, said: 'It is important to recognise that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.' Read acknowledged that it is vital for the industry to recognise that technology has changed guests' expectations of hospitality providers as they now seek instant gratification and swift responses. This has led to the development of innovative solutions such as SynXis Concierge AI, which uses generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers, providing immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific queries, reducing the reliance on individual staff knowledge and ensuring consistent, high-quality service around the clock. Other examples include Miral's AI concierge, Majd Al, which is utilised at attractions such as Yas Bay Waterfront and Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The service offers tailored suggestions based on individual preferences, helping visitors maximise their experience. Fellow panellists agreed that human-centric innovation begins with understanding consumer behaviour, with organisations like Almosafer adopting a co-creation approach, developing tools based on customer pain points. Similarly, travel agent platform Expedia TAAP builds technology informed by insights from travel agents themselves, ensuring that its tools are aligned with customer needs and are usable. Meanwhile, the rise of AI in the business events (MICE) sector is delivering significant gains in efficiency and insight. With the global meetings and events industry set to reach USD 945 billion in 2025 and projected to exceed USD 2.3 trillion by 2032, the need for scalable, intelligent tools has never been greater. Data-led personalisation is now critical to driving attendee engagement and loyalty, with AI helping to automate sourcing, translate content in real time, and generate tailored event experiences. However, speakers were united in warning against over-reliance on technology at the expense of authenticity. As AI becomes central to personalising travel experiences and improving operational efficiency, it does not replace human roles but rather reshapes them, encouraging organisations to realign talent towards more meaningful, guest-focused interactions. Ultimately, as event planners and travel providers aim to create experiences that resonate, the consensus remains that human connection must stay central to every digital advancement. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market , commented: 'When it comes to travel and tourism innovations, the most effective technologies are those that amplify human interactions, improve efficiency and respond directly to customer needs. The industry has a shared commitment to responsible innovation by placing people at the centre of every technology solution.' Reflecting the travel industry's total convergence with technology and innovation, ATM Travel Tech was larger than ever at the 2025 edition, with an increase of over 26% in the number of products showcased. ATM 2026, which takes place from 4-7 May, will build further on this innovation focus, showcasing the latest technologies that are shaping the future of travel. Now in its 33 rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. About RX: RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX: RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market WTM portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Per Capita Gold Consumption Trends in the Middle East and Asia Over 15 Years: UAE and Kuwait Lead, Egypt Shows Significant Growth in 2024
Waleed Farouk A recent report on gold consumption revealed notable variations in per capita demand across several Middle Eastern and Asian countries over the past 15 years. These shifts were driven by economic factors, geopolitical developments, and changes in global gold prices. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait topped the regional rankings, while Egypt showed remarkable growth in 2024. UAE and Kuwait Lead the Middle East The United Arab Emirates consistently recorded the highest per capita gold consumption in the Middle East across most years. In 2024, the average consumption stood at 4.4 grams per person, despite a decline from its peak of 9.1 grams in 2011. This decrease can be attributed to shifts in tourism, local demand, and taxation policies. Kuwait also maintained a leading position, with an average of 3.7 grams per person in 2024. Though down from the 2014 peak of 4.3 grams, this figure remains one of the highest in the region. Saudi Arabia and Egypt: Divergent Paths In Saudi Arabia, per capita gold consumption saw a gradual decline from 3.5 grams in 2010 to just 1.4 grams in 2024, reflecting weakened consumer demand due to high prices and evolving buying behavior. Conversely, Egypt recorded a steady upward trend. From a mere 0.1 grams in 2010, consumption rose to 0.5 grams in 2023, reaching 0.7 grams per person in 2024 — the highest level Egypt has seen within the recorded period. This growth highlights a rebound in domestic demand despite ongoing inflationary pressures and economic challenges. Asia: Hong Kong Dominates, Singapore Shows Steady Demand In Asia, Hong Kong consistently led in per capita gold consumption, despite considerable fluctuations. It reached a record high of 11.9 grams in 2013, but declined to 3.9 grams in 2024. Singapore, meanwhile, maintained a relatively stable trend. In 2024, per capita consumption stood at 2.2 grams, compared to 2.5 grams in 2010, reflecting sustained consumer interest in gold as an asset. China and India: Modest Per Capita Figures Despite Market Size While China and India are among the world's largest gold markets by total volume, their per capita consumption remained relatively modest. India recorded 0.6 grams per person in 2024, a figure consistent with its long-term average. In mainland China, consumption also held steady at 0.6 grams in 2024. Conclusion: Consumption Shifts Reflect Broader Economic Trends The report indicates that per capita gold consumption trends are shaped not only by consumer preferences but also by broader macroeconomic variables such as: Fluctuations in global gold prices Local inflation and purchasing power Taxation and import duties Geopolitical and economic uncertainty While the UAE and Kuwait continue to dominate in terms of per capita gold demand, Egypt is emerging as a growing market, driven by inflationary hedging and safe-haven investment behavior read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Mid East Info
28-07-2025
- Mid East Info
Arthur D. Little Appoints Goetz Kuras as Partner in Financial Services Practice - Middle East Business News and Information
Arthur D. Little (ADL) announces the appointment of Dr. Goetz Kuras as a Partner in its Financial Services (FS) practice. Focused on the insurance , pensions, and social security sectors, Goetz brings over twenty years of, senior executive, regulatory, and consultancy experience to the firm. He will be based in ADL's Riyadh office, and will support clients in the Middle East and at a global level. Goetz joins from being a senior advisor to HE the Governor of the General Organization of Social Insurance (GOSI) in KSA, focussing on GOSI's ongoing strategic and operational transformation and supporting the Board and CEO of the newly established Insurance Authority in defining the new National Insurance Strategy. Previous roles include executive experience as CEO of insurer Medgulf and a director role on the Board of an InsurTech company. On the consultancy side, he has worked at McKinsey and at Oliver Wyman, where he was Head of Insurance CEE and later MENA. He is focused on delivering transformation, strategy and innovation for industry and government clients across the insurance, pensions and social ecosystem. Martin Rauchenwald, Managing Partner at ADL, comments, 'Driven by digitalization, AI and innovation, the Middle Eastern insurance sector is evolving rapidly to become a more fluid, open ecosystem. In parallel, institutional reforms of the pensions and social secuity system are actively discussed amongs policy makers. Through his deep experience and understanding, Goetz is perfectly positioned to help clients harness transformation and seize opportunities in this changing environment.' Goetz Kuras, Partner at ADL, adds, 'The boundaries between insurance and other sectors are disolving. What has been a value chain is becoming a value stack with new business models emerging that combine value chain components across industries, requiring new approaches from market players, new entrants and regulators alike. Working with ADL's expanding financial services practice and my colleagues in other industries, where insurance is complementary and enhancing existing value propositions, I look forward to helping grow our client base and impact in these crucial sectors that are vital for prospering societies and economies.' Goetz holds a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Cambridge (UK) , and Master's degrees from Florida State University (US) and the University of Graz (Austria).
