Emirates, the world's largest international airline, has made a remarkable return to the Paris Airshow after more than 15 years, showcasing its latest aircraft, the Airbus A350, at the prestigious event held at Le Bourget, France. The airline is participating in the 55th edition of the International Paris Airshow, which runs until June 19, highlighting its commitment to innovation and advancements in air travel.

Visitors to the airshow can explore Emirates’ upgraded offerings, featuring enhanced Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, as well as a sleek and spacious Economy Class. The A350 represents a significant leap in design and technology, incorporating the airline’s next-generation cabin features that promise an elevated travel experience.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, expressed enthusiasm about the airline's presence at the airshow, stating, “We’re pleased to be at the Paris Airshow, showcasing the very best of air travel on one of the most important platforms in the aerospace exhibition calendar. Our return to France’s premier aerospace event underscores Emirates’ dedication to supporting the country's aviation sector, not only through our operational activities but also via sustained investments across the aerospace supply chain.”

Emirates operates 21 weekly flights to Paris, including three daily A380 flights, as well as daily A380 services to Nice and a daily A350 flight to Lyon. Notably, Emirates is the first and only international airline to operate an A380 to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

For over three decades, Emirates has played a pivotal role in bolstering France's aviation industry and enhancing trade and tourism. The airline's substantial investments in France have led to significant job creation within Airbus, Safran, Thales, and other sectors of the aerospace supply chain. Since its establishment in 1985, Emirates has invested over €114 billion (approximately $130 billion) to acquire 254 Airbus aircraft, including the A300, A310, A330, A340-300, A340-500, A380, and the newly introduced A350.

As a key customer for French aerospace manufacturers, Emirates sources various components from France, including Michelin tyres, Safran aircraft parts, and Thales avionics systems. In 2023, the airline announced contracts with Safran valued at over €1 billion, which includes a significant deal for the latest generation of seats for its Airbus A350 fleet, Boeing 777X-9, and existing Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Additionally, Emirates has invested over €322 million in Thales’ AVANT Up system for its A350s.

Emirates SkyCargo provides essential cargo capacity for customers in France, operating weekly flights between Dubai World Central (DWC), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Lyon Saint-Exupéry airports. The UAE stands as France’s largest export partner in the Middle East, contributing over €189 million ($215 million) annually to the French economy through various operational expenditures. This includes costs for fuel, over-flight charges, in-flight catering, aircraft landing fees, crew layovers, and advertising.

Furthermore, France serves as Emirates’ top global source for wines, with Bordeaux supplying 58% of the red wine served in the airline's First and Business Class cabins. The airline also contributes to local economies by sourcing gourmet food products and luxury goods from French suppliers, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

At the Paris Airshow, the Emirates A350 on display features three cabin classes: 32 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 generously spaced Economy Class seats. Attendees can witness the airline's enhanced 'fly better' experience, which includes spacious interiors with high ceilings and wider aisles, a next-generation Business Class layout with a 1-2-1 seat configuration, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, improved cabin lighting, faster Wi-Fi, and enhanced seat ergonomics.

The A350 is equipped with the latest noise-reducing technologies and fuel-efficient engines, making it one of the most environmentally friendly aircraft in Emirates' fleet. Its design incorporates lighter materials and aerodynamic improvements that contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning with the airline's commitment to sustainability.

By the end of this year, the Emirates A350 is set to serve 17 destinations, with the airline having welcomed seven A350 aircraft and an additional 58 units expected to join the fleet in the coming years. This expansion reflects Emirates' strategy to enhance its global network and meet the growing demand for air travel, ensuring passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort and service.

Qatar Tourism (QT) has issued a final invitation for professionals and organizations in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Qatar to apply for the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. This prestigious annual event is organized in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to honor individuals and entities that have made significant contributions to enhancing service standards, innovation, and excellence within Qatar’s vital tourism industry.

The application deadline is August 7, 2025. Interested participants whether individuals or organizations can register through the official website: www.qatartourismawards.com. The winners will be revealed at a gala ceremony in late November 2025.

The awards are structured into 37 subcategories across seven principal award groups: Service Excellence, Culinary Experiences, Iconic Attractions, Major Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leaders.

Submissions must adhere to the Qatar Tourism Awards’ specific criteria, following Qatar Tourism’s regulations and standards. Categories recognize hotels, resorts, restaurants, holiday homes, destination management companies, event venues, tour guides, content creators, and more. The program celebrates businesses and individuals creating outstanding visitor experiences—through customer service, innovative offerings, sustainability, and authentic cultural engagement.

 For instance, an “Outstanding 3-Star Hotel” must be licensed, operational for at least 15 months, and compliant with health, safety, and sustainability standards, while “Exceptional Holiday Home Experience” awards are open to licensed holiday homes operational for a year or more. Culinary categories honor both traditional Qatari dining and innovative new restaurants.

 There are also awards for adventure tourism, iconic local attractions, and digital marketing excellence. Most categories require proof of licensure, operational tenure, and compliance with local standards. Specific criteria and eligibility details for each subcategory are outlined in the official guidelines available on the awards’ site.

Applications must be submitted online using a guided form, allowing participants to showcase their achievements and impact. Progress can be saved and applications edited before final submission. For further information or clarification, applicants can contact awards organizers at [email protected].
The Qatar Tourism Awards spotlight and celebrate leaders who drive the nation’s tourism vision forward, and all qualifying professionals are encouraged to seize this final opportunity to participate.

This August, Qatar Calendar unveils a lively and diverse array of events designed to captivate families, children, and visitors of all ages, making the most of the summer season with fun, creativity, and discovery across the country.

From hands-on educational programmes and interactive workshops to thrilling camps and immersive exhibitions, the month is brimming with exciting opportunities tailored especially for children and their families.

The Qatar Toy Festival continues to delight at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center until August 4, offering themed zones filled with entertainment and interactive attractions that spark imagination. In tandem, the Doha Summer Trade and Shopping Exhibition runs at the same venue until August 4, presenting a vibrant retail experience complete with exclusive deals and seasonal shopping treats.

Mall of Qatar invites young artists to join the Kids Art Club until August 16, while Ezdan Mall Wakra brings the family-friendly “Hello Summer” initiative daily through August 22, featuring shows, games, and beloved character meet-and-greets.

Younger children can explore equestrian fun at the Al Shaqab Pony Club Summer Camp (for ages 3–6) from August 2 to 7, with the Al Shaqab International Camp 2025 following closely from August 4 to 14. Meanwhile, the Lusail Sports Arena buzzes with the Sports For All Summer Camp 2025 until August 7, where sport, fitness, and teamwork come together. Doha Club welcomes children to its Dana Club Kids Summer Camp, running from August 10 to 21.

For families seeking energetic play, InflataCity 2025 at Qatar National Convention Centre offers a world of bouncy inflatables and exciting games from August 5 to 23. Creative minds are encouraged to join workshops such as “Design Your Dream House” for kids on August 2 at M7, or the “Create Your Own Jewellery” workshop at the Fire Station’s Wood Shop from August 3 to 7.

At the Museum of Islamic Art, the theme of cultural heritage permeates the Summer Camp: “We Are What We Eat” (August 3–5), which invites children to explore food traditions through interactive learning. The National Museum of Qatar hosts its Summer Camp: “The Museum Is Ours” (August 3–7), offering storytelling and exploration that brings the museum to life for young visitors. Additionally, Msheireb Museums’ Summer Programme runs until August 28, while the Qatar National Library’s summer offerings conclude on August 27.

Calligraphy enthusiasts can dive into a variety of workshops at the Museum of Islamic Art covering Naskh (August 2–23), Diwani (August 3–6), and Kufic (August 13–27) styles, suitable for beginners to advanced learners. For those passionate about painting, Wadha Al Kuwari leads “Modern Techniques in Acrylic Painting” at the Fire Station’s Education Studio from August 10 to 14.

The MIA’s “My Plate at the Table” series (August 6–27) blends art and culinary heritage through library learning and cultural exploration, while “Rise Art: Create and Pour Your Own Art with Marwa Labib” offers a hands-on creative experience from August 17 to 21. Art lovers can also enjoy the “Printed Nostalgia” exhibition at Fire Station Gallery Four until September 1 and partake in the ongoing “Escape Room: The Scholars of the Islamic World” at the Museum of Islamic Art, an immersive educational puzzle experience running through December 31.

Souq Waqif buzzes with the 10th Edition of the Local Dates Festival until August 7, showcasing Qatar’s locally grown dates and traditional harvest customs, a true taste of the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
For weekend explorers and nature enthusiasts, the “Whale Sharks in Qatar” experience at Al Ruwais Port offers guided tours introducing visitors to one of the world’s largest seasonal whale shark aggregations, available through September 19.

August in Qatar promises a summer full of adventure, learning, and family fun, providing endless ways to connect, create, and celebrate the season together.

Qatar's emergence as a powerhouse for international gatherings continues to accelerate, with officials confirming that the Gulf nation now hosts over 80 major global events each year across fields as diverse as diplomacy, technology, sports, trade, and culture.

Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak Al Kuwari—Executive Director at the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences (PCOC)—explained that these high-profile events are strategically coordinated to align with Qatar’s National Vision, making the country a global nexus for dialogue, innovation, and cooperation.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Impact

Landmark conferences, such as the Doha Forum and Qatar Economic Forum, attracted more than 8,500 attendees from over 160 countries, with international participants making up nearly half the turnout. Meanwhile, Web Summit Qatar 2025 witnessed a record-setting surge with over 25,000 participants—including 1,520 startups and hundreds of investors—temporarily transforming Doha into a worldwide beacon for entrepreneurship and cutting-edge technology.

This relentless calendar of international events has had a transformative effect on both tourism and the broader economy. In just the first quarter of 2025, Qatar welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors, a 25% increase compared to 2023. Hotel bookings soared, with nearly 10 million room nights sold during the past year and average occupancy rates reaching 71%.

Major events such as festivals, conventions, and sporting championships have contributed to a projected QR124.2 billion boost to the national economy in 2025, supporting 350,000 jobs and setting new records for international visitor spending.

Key Events on Qatar’s 2025 Calendar

Highlighting its diverse events portfolio, Qatar’s calendar this year features:

• FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 (November 15-27)
• Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix (November 28-30)
• Doha Film Festival (November 20-28)
• FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 (December 1-18)
• Doha Forum (December 6-7)
• Major technology expos like Web Summit Qatar 2025 and MWC25 Doha
• Cultural extravaganzas such as the Qatar International Art Festival and local food festivals.

The country will also co-host the Second World Summit for Social Development with the United Nations and the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final—further proof of its expanding influence on the global stage.

A Hub for All: Accessibility and Visitor Growth

Qatar’s development as a top global event host is matched by unprecedented accessibility: 51% of international visitors arrive by air, 34% by land, and 15% by sea, reflecting a deliberate strategy to enhance connectivity. The hospitality sector’s growth is further buoyed by the country’s reputation for safety—Doha was recently ranked the world’s second safest city—and the positive legacy of high-profile events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

With initiatives targeting diverse source markets and continuous infrastructure investment, Qatar’s events industry is forecast to expand by over 11% annually, reaching nearly $4.65 billion by 2032. Industry analysts and officials alike agree—the nation’s transformation from a “small desert nation” to a “trusted international partner and connectivity hub” is well under way.

Qatar’s remarkable model positions it as a leading destination not only for large-scale global events but also for collaborative exchange and economic vitality in the years to come.

Morocco is embarking on a transformative $4.2 billion investment to modernize its main airports over the next five years, aiming to accommodate a surge in international visitors as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain. The ambitious plan, officially announced by the Moroccan government in agreement with the national airports authority ONDA, seeks to more than double the country’s airport capacity from 38 million passengers currently to 80 million by 2030.

Central to this overhaul is Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s busiest aviation hub. Here, a major expansion will include the construction of a new terminal and an additional runway, projected to cost around $2.5 billion and increase capacity by 20 million passengers annually. Other key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are also slated for upgrades and expansion, spreading the benefits of this infrastructure push across the country.

Funding for the project will allocate 25 billion dirhams ($2.7 billion) toward airport expansions and 13 billion dirhams ($1.5 billion) toward maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition. This comprehensive effort not only prepares Morocco for the logistical demands of hosting a global sports spectacle but also supports the nation’s fast-growing tourism sector, which experienced a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024 a 20% increase from the previous year. Morocco targets attracting 26 million tourists by the World Cup year 2030, further solidifying tourism as a pillar of its economic growth strategy.

The surge in tourism is part of a broader regional trend, with North African destinations like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia gaining popularity among British travellers, in part due to high-quality yet affordable hotel options that rival those in traditional European hotspots. UK flight routes and accommodation searches to these countries have seen significant increases, indicating a growing market that Morocco’s upgraded airport infrastructure is primed to serve.

As the countdown to the 2030 World Cup continues, Morocco’s airport revamp underscores its determination to leverage the event as a catalyst for broader economic development, positioning the nation as a regional aviation hub and a premier international tourist destination.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC), chaired a high-level meeting to approve the executive plans and airshow programs for the upcoming Sand & Fun exhibition. The meeting was attended by Ahmed Al-Fahaid, the club’s general supervisor, alongside senior officials involved in the event’s preparation.

Prince Sultan described the Sand & Fun exhibition as a national platform that integrates aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global hub for general aviation. This aligns closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in advancing tourism, education, and local content development.

This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Aviation Club, which was established in December 2000 by a Council of Ministers resolution and has since played a pivotal role in promoting aviation culture and activities throughout the Kingdom. The club operates from its base at Al-Thumamah Airport, located within the King Khalid Royal Reserve north of Riyadh, and is the official Saudi representative to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

The Sand & Fun exhibition will run from November 25 to 29, 2025, at Al-Thumamah Airport. It will feature live day and night airshows, dedicated youth and children’s zones, innovation pavilions, and investor platforms designed to foster collaboration between local and international aviation stakeholders. Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships across education, training, entertainment, and technology sectors to maximize the event’s impact.

The Saudi Aviation Club has been instrumental in developing general aviation and air sports in Saudi Arabia, overcoming numerous challenges since its inception. It transitioned under the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in 2013, further integrating into the Kingdom’s civil aviation framework. SAC’s efforts include organizing educational initiatives, supporting aviation talent, and hosting international events such as the upcoming 118th FAI General Conference in Riyadh from November 19 to 21, 2024, underscoring its growing global stature.

Prince Sultan highlighted that the exhibition not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s organizational capabilities but also opens new avenues for future generations to engage with and advance the aviation sector.
The Saudi Aviation Club continues to lead the Kingdom’s general aviation sector, promoting aeronautical sciences and encouraging the practice of aviation hobbies and sports, thereby contributing significantly to the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.