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New Channel Tunnel train operator hopes to challenge Eurostar
A new train operator has been set up with hopes of launching services to Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel
Inside Travel Group creates dedicated agency sales team after record Q1 for trade business
Asia specialist to transition to single point of contact for agents, led by senior team leader Claire Brothers
Tui hopeful two Marella new-builds will generate €10 million a month from 2031
Tui Group’s UK cruise arm Marella Cruises currently operates five ships – Marella Voyager, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2
Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship 'a perfected version of other Prima vessels'
UK and Irish agents joined Norwegian Aqua’s maiden voyage from a stormy Lisbon at the weekend and learned how Norwegian Cruise Line has ’perfected’ its Prima class
Eight of the best must-book new hotels in Asia-Pacific

Raffles Sentosa Singapore

Few hotels are more synonymous with their destinations than the original Raffles in Singapore and now the Accor-owned luxury brand has added a second property in the island state. Raffles Sentosa Singapore will entice clients with 62 villas overlooking Tanjong Beach on Sentosa’s southern tip where guests can also enjoy five restaurants and an expansive spa. Open now

'It's morally wrong': hotels 'milking' Heathrow closure, says agency boss
Phil Nuttall, chief executive of Travel Village Group, slammed hotels that have looked to profit from the Heathrow power outage on Friday and increase prices by 500%
Hays Travel branch the latest to leave the high street – why are agencies moving shops?
By relocating its Bishop Auckland store, Hays Travel has followed in the footsteps of rivals such as Tui and Barrhead Travel
Abta LifeLine reveals it wrote off £78,000 in debt for travel staff last year
Abta’s charity arm, Abta LifeLine, helps travel professionals who are struggling financially to pay their debts
‘Locals don't understand why the tourists have stayed away’
New ITVX release Jeremy Pang’s Hong Kong Kitchen is a culinary showcase that hopes to lure visitors back to the destination, still lagging behind post-pandemic
Heathrow boss welcomes investigation into power outage as full operations resume
Nearly 300,000 passengers were impacted when an electrical substation in Hayes – north of Heathrow – erupted into flames last week
TTG Easter Countdown now live – win a Florida holiday for two
TTG has teamed up with Visit Florida and its partners for a second year to offer travel agents a prize every weekday in the run-up to Easter when they correctly answer a question about the Sunshine State.
How agents worked through the night to save holidays during Heathrow shutdown
Agents have been working around the clock to save their customers’ journeys after a ’significant’ power outage shut down Heathrow
Grecotel prepares for ‘milestone year’ with raft of agent events
Greece’s largest hotel group has a range of events and trade initiatives planned as it celebrates 50th anniversary
Heathrow to restart some flights following power outage
The UK’s largest airport is set to restart flights after being hit by a "significant" power outage early on Friday (21 March)
The overseas wedding full of drama – and how an agent saved the day
When Claire Oliver’s clients chose Mauritius for their perfect day, their wedding turned into one of the most involved bookings the travel consultant has ever worked on
Hays Travel awards millions in bonuses to 4,500 employees after £3 billion sales bounty
Staff at the UK’s largest independent agency will receive £100 per year of service after the agency reached £3 billion in total transaction value six weeks ahead of its year end
Responsible travel

What to wear

Abu Dhabi is a destination with almost year-round sunshine, little rainfall and near-perfect winter temperatures. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed for the winter months. 

Although the attitude towards clothing style is liberal throughout the UAE, a healthy amount of respect for local customs doesn’t go amiss, especially when shopping or sightseeing.

Itineraries

For culture

Al Ain region 

The Al Ain region is a living oasis where culture, nature and adventure are all in reach – it embodies authentic Emirati hospitality. Meaning ’the spring’, the Al Ain region welcomes visitors to wander through lush landscapes, stroll through historic forts and embark on thrilling discoveries. Discover where the UAE’s story began with a unique glimpse into UAE culture, heritage and traditions:

Marketing materials

Mike Taylor, senior product manager, Arabian Gulf, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Lusso Travel  

“Abu Dhabi has worked hard to craft a unique identity and to set itself apart from its neighbours. Once considered solely a stopover for travellers flying with Etihad Airways, it’s now fully established as a destination in its own right – the UAE is a hub for culture and architecture, with a stunning array of beaches, theme parks, world-class resorts and gorgeous golf courses.

What's On

March 2025

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power exhibition is running until 25 May. The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with Musee du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, and features loans from several notable African institutions.
Accommodation
  • There are over 171 hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi. 

     
  • Some of the most popular areas to stay in Abu Dhabi include Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha, The Corniche, Al Reed, Khalidiya, Al Maryah Island, Al Zahiyah and Al Markaziyah among other key regions. 

     
  • There are resorts that suit every type of traveller – from families, groups of friends, couples and for those solo travelling.
Flights Guide

There are a number of non-stop flight options from the UK and Ireland to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International airport, with either Etihad Airways or British Airways.

UK and Irish clients can depart Heathrow, Manchester or Dublin. 

See our helpful table below for more information. 

Best time to go

Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. There isn’t much rainfall in the emirate either. Temperatures range from a low of around 13C on a winter’s night, to a high of around 42C on a summer’s day. 

Essentials

Population: 3.7 million

Capital city: Abu Dhabi City

Currency: UAE dirham

Time difference: GMT+4 in winter, GMT+3 in summer

International dial code: +971

Languages: Although Arabic is the official language in the UAE, English is widely spoken. Most business transactions in Abu Dhabi are conducted in English.