Happy Tuesday everyone!

Arabian Travel Market kicked off yesterday and we have a lot of news from the world of travel obviously. You can find all the announcements in the other news section below.

Main stories for today: Etihad Airways remains resilient amid U.S. tariff uncertainties, with CEO Antonoaldo Neves reaffirming plans to expand the fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030. In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air’s CEO Tony Douglas said the startup is ready to snap up Boeing jets originally intended for China if trade tensions block deliveries. Meanwhile, ADNOC raised $1.5 billion through its debut sukuk sale, attracting strong investor demand as it diversifies funding strategies.

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Etihad Airways Unfazed By U.S. Tariff Turmoil, Eyes Expansion To 2030

📰 What is it about?

• Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves told Reuters that the airline remains unaffected by the market uncertainty caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's recently announced tariff policies.

• Despite fears of a global economic downturn, Etihad has maintained strong seat occupancy levels and sees potential opportunities arising from the volatility.

• The airline, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion wealth fund ADQ, continues to execute its growth plans, including adding 20 to 22 new aircraft this year.

💡 Why it matters?

• Trump's tariff moves have rattled global markets, but Gulf carriers like Etihad and Riyadh Air report stable travel demand, indicating resilience in the aviation sector.

• A stronger euro against dollar-pegged Middle Eastern currencies could drive an increase in European tourists to the region, boosting Etihad’s passenger numbers.

• Etihad’s financial flexibility — with 60% of its fleet fully paid off — positions it well to weather any future economic crises by quickly reducing operational costs if needed.

🔜 What’s next?

• Etihad plans to expand its fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030.

• The airline aims to fly to more than 125 airports globally, supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to diversify its economy and solidify its role as a global travel hub.

• Etihad will continue monitoring global economic developments while pressing ahead with its long-term expansion strategy.

ODEUM – A Cutting-Edge Content Studio for All Your Production and Social Media Management Needs

📰 What is it about?

• Odeum, the content studio built for modern media consumption, partnering with brands to deliver tailored content services while also creating original productions under the Augustus Media network.

💡 Why Choose ODEUM?

At ODEUM, we provide end-to-end media solutions to elevate your brand across multiple platforms.

• Video: Distribution, post-production, production, live streaming, series and show creation, animation, branded content, AI-powered video creation, CGI video creation.

• Social Media: Account takeovers, strategic posts, tactical competitions.

• Copywriting: Branded content hubs, sponsored articles.

• Events: Media partnerships, co-branding, guest list curation, ticket commerce.

• Audio: Podcast production, hosting, voiceovers, audio ads.

• Online Advertising: Programmatic, display, paid social, affiliate marketing.

🔜 What’s next?

• Have a project in mind? Let's make it happen!

• Book a studio or discuss your next big idea with us today.

Follow ODEUM on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

Markets

We Can Buy Boeing Jets Destined China: Riyadh Air CEO

📰 What is it about?

• Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said the Saudi airline would be ready to purchase Boeing aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines if trade tensions prevent their delivery.

• Boeing has been exploring options to reallocate jets blocked by the U.S.-China standoff, signaling a potential resale opportunity during an analyst call last week.

• Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is actively building its fleet, having already placed major orders with both Boeing and Airbus.

💡 Why it matters?

• The U.S.-China trade war is disrupting aircraft deliveries, creating openings for other airlines to quickly expand their fleets amid a tight global market for jets.

• Riyadh Air’s willingness to absorb undelivered Boeing jets shows its aggressive growth strategy as it prepares to launch later this year.

• Despite broader economic uncertainty, demand for travel to and from Riyadh remains strong, supporting the airline’s expansion plans.

🔜 What’s next?

• Riyadh Air plans to announce a new wide-body jet order this summer to further boost its capabilities.

• The airline, currently with 500 employees, aims to double its workforce to 1,000 in the next 9 to 12 months, with steady hiring to follow as new aircraft arrive.

• Riyadh Air is targeting a fourth-quarter 2025 launch as it moves closer to establishing itself as a major new player in global aviation.

ADNOC Raises $1.5 Billion In Debut Sukuk Sale Amid Strong Investor Demand

What is happening?

• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) will raise $1.5 billion from its first-ever sale of Islamic bonds, or sukuk, according to a document seen by Reuters.

• Issued through its debt market arm, ADNOC Murban, the 10-year sukuk was priced at 60 basis points over U.S. Treasuries.

• ADNOC received over $3.85 billion in investor demand for the offering, with proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes.

Why it matters:

• The strong demand highlights investors' appetite for high-quality Gulf issuances and ADNOC’s growing role in diversified capital raising.

• The sukuk offering expands ADNOC’s funding strategy, complementing its $4 billion conventional bond sale last September.

• It reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader push to attract global investors across different asset classes, including Islamic finance markets.

What’s next?

• ADNOC is expected to continue tapping debt markets for $3 billion to $5 billion annually, excluding alternative financing like sukuk, according to its Chief Investment Officer Klaus Froehlich.

• Standard Chartered acted as sole global coordinator, with several major regional and international banks serving as active bookrunners.

• ADNOC’s capital market activities are likely to remain active as it supports major expansion projects and Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification plans.

🔍In other news…

• Crown prince donates SAR1 billion for Saudi housing projects.

• Dubai Data Center Leader Plans Saudi Push After Silver Lake Deal.

• New Dubai-Sharjah intercity bus route to launch on May 2, says RTA.

• Saudi Arabia to power data platforms with AI to drive Vision 2030 goals.

• Hundreds of Arab journalists in US left in limbo after Trump administration freezes funding.

• Egyptians reject Trump's demand for free Suez Canal passage.

• DMCC announces 7% growth in Indian companies.

• Saudi PIF’s Lifera, Danish company Novo Nordisk Sign MoU to Localize Manufacturing of GLP-1 Diabetes Treatments in the Kingdom.

From Arabian Travel Market 2025:

• Emirates and flydubai  carry more than 5 million passengers on joint network last year.

• Qatar Airways has unveiled an upgraded version of its AI-powered digital cabin crew, Sama, now equipped with Arabic language capabilities.

• Dubai has launched the world’s first digital smart card dedicated to tourists of determination, packed with exclusive privileges, including free services.

• Abu Dhabi hotel sector to support 255,000 jobs this year.

• flydubai summer network grows to 11 seasonal destinations.

• Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi expansion to open to public this summer.

• Emirates expands retrofitted A380, Boeing 777 services footprint to 8 more cities.

• Luxury hospitality group Jumeirah, a member of Dubai Holding, has revealed plans to develop 3 new properties in Dubai as part of its global expansion strategy.

• The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to establish a brand-new Visitor Experience (VX) Academy, with the goal to drive excellence across the visitor journey (Press Release).

• Germany recorded over 1.2 million overnight stays by GCC visitors in 2024 (Press Release by German National Tourist Board).

• Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Huawei signed an MoU at Arabian Travel Market 2025 to boost tourism innovation, expand reach in China, and enhance tech-driven travel experiences (Press Release).

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